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pls see my post #2505 - I've felt your pain.
Take it to the dealership and have them reprogram the radio. I had that problem for the first 9 months, and they *finally* fixed it after swapping out *4* radios. Once they reprogram it, it will solve the CD issue and some of the annoyance.
I remember reading here (I’ve been power reading this from the beginning for the last couple weeks, it's been a while since I posted) that the radio personalization memory will stick with the fob that last *locked* the car. Since my husband and I have been playing musical cars the past couple of weeks, I've noticed it more - especially since we would up listening to the same 4 songs on a CD 3 times in one day since we were both in and out of the car.
Posted and emailed.
SnowCat
Drive like a screaming maniac with my hair on fire.
'04 Malibu Maxx 'Crow'
'69 Cutlass S Holiday Coupe 'Goldfinger'
Hubby- ’00 BMW 528i – ‘Sasha’
I had the same problem as mentioned in post#2505
I tried everything. The only thing that fixes it is the software upgrade.
SnowCat
Drive like a screaming maniac with my hair on fire.
'04 Malibu Maxx 'Crow'
'69 Cutlass S Holiday Coupe 'Goldfinger'
Hubby- ’00 BMW 528i – ‘Sasha’
Maxx for the groceries..and the Solstice for cruising!!
Even the Audi A3, vaunted as already being test proven in Europe before ever setting foot on USA shores, is having window regulator and radiator problems.
Just my 2 cents.
If you really like the Maxx but don't want to risk it with another new one, you might consider a certified used Maxx as that one will have a history record and you can see what you are getting.
I’ve never had a problem with the steering column. I’ve never had the roof rattles (sunroof or roof light). I’ve never had the tranny howl. I have had the radio issue.
I have a 12 mile round trip for work, use the remote starter for heat and AC all the time, and I get about 20 MPG. I’ve made a number of road trips. I’m approximately 1 hr NE of NYC. I’ve gone from here to Annapolis, MD a number of times solo, just me and a suitcase, cruise on ~77 MPH and got about 32 mpg. Went here to an hour past Chicago, fully loaded with 4 large adults, 1 little white dog, and cargo *packed* to the gills in March (had barely a porthole out the back hatch). Drove through on interstate 80 in Pennsylvania with the weather being *horrid* - as in blizzard for a half hour, then weak sun for a half hour then blizzard for half hour for 5 hours. Car was a little float-y in the mountains in the blizzard with wind, but nothing drastic that Mom couldn’t compensate for. Got about 28 MPG. There was so much salt on my car when I got to my brother’s that I had to use a window squeegee to scrap off the ice pack of the front bumper that did not melt in the morning sun, and when I opened the hatch, the entire inside metal to the rubber seal was *white*. Vacationed up in New Hampshire for a week in Laconia during bike week, 4 adults, a ton of luggage and Dave whining he didn’t have an Xbox to play on the ride home.
I really like this car. As I have said before, when my mother was car shopping in the 2002 model year, I had driven every single sedan on the market up to $45k. When one of my co-workers went out and traded her 2000 Malibu sedan for a 2004 Maxx, I was sold. I walked down and bought Crow 2 days later. She’s a solid girl, with lots of place to put stuff and the flexibility to carry *lots* of stuff. I’ve been sent to Agway to get 4 bales of hay – each with their own sheet to not get hay everywhere. My husband has remarked that he likes the power steering assist at low speeds
Did I get hosed on my loan or pay too much? Possibly. Probably. But I do feel that I am getting full value for my money with this vehicle and would definitely recommend this car to anyone.
Anyone know if I can get the TSB 04-08-67-009 fix done? It’s the air shield for the sunroof, but I do not know if I have enough space between the sunroof and the XM antenna.
SnowCat
Drive like a screaming maniac with my hair on fire.
'04 Malibu Maxx 'Crow'
'69 Cutlass S Holiday Coupe 'Goldfinger'
Hubby- ’00 BMW 528i – ‘Sasha’
I agree with your husband about the power assist on these cars at lower speeds. But I think it could use a bit more assist at higher speeds. Here in the NC mountains there are quite a few twisty roads and the 'bu feels a bit strange. It handles fine, but the steering feels a bit heavy. Probably a result of GM trying to please all the magazine reviewers that think every car has to feel like there's NO assist (otherwise referred to as road-feel, feedback, etc.). I personally have found that a bit more assist actually helps a lot in the tighter turns (keeps it smoother, imo).
Anyway, I've had a few more problems with my sedan than you've had with your Maxx, but thanks to a good local dealership service department most of my issues have been dealt with promptly. And I agree 100%- I LOVE these cars. (Wish I could get the styling from the '06es though. :P )
cheers!
go back to msg 3777 and I have a link posted..you can see the shield installed with the XM and Onstar Antenna....
cheers!
SnowCat
Drive like a screaming maniac with my hair on fire.
'04 Malibu Maxx 'Crow'
'69 Cutlass S Holiday Coupe 'Goldfinger'
Hubby- ’00 BMW 528i – ‘Sasha’
I have run my Maxx through a brushless (not touchless) car wash 6-7 times and the antenna has been fine. Do check it periodically to make sure it does not come lose though. My Siverado had the same antenna and never broke or bent. It did work lose once. I wouldn't sweat it much though.
If you have a touchless automatic car wash, you might give it a try. We have one west of us that works amazingly well. Although I remember putting my 1972 GS Skylark through one of the original ones back in 1985. It was the carwash's grand opening and they were giving free carwashes all day. My brother and I pulled in and went through. We laughed so hard after going through because it didn't seem to remove anything in the way of dirt or bird droppings... We rolled down the window and rolled away thinking it was so hilarious... we were probably not in our right minds at that moment come to think of it... maybe it was not that funny... it was 1985 after all... no open container laws...
It now has just over 13,000 miles on the odometer, which includes 4 round trips of about 1,000 mi. between western NY state and Danbury, CT plus an 800 mile trip to Columbus, OH.
MPG average has been just over 26! Stop-and-go driving in the winter (with much use of the remote start) drags it down to around 22 MPG, and the Ohio trip, with AC on at a steady 65 mph yielded 34 MPG.
The only repair issues:
1) Loose emission hose causing Check Engine light to remain lit
2) Fuel gauge reading only 3/4 full even when topped; fuel tank replacement solved problem
3) Defective electrical connection to right front turn signal lamp
Also, the cruise control still disengages erratically but I've sort of learned to live with it. The dealer (who seems to have a really well-run, competent service department) can't duplicate the problem.
Overall, my Maxx is a pleasure to drive. Quiet, powerful, comfortable, spacious.
I have the XM, and cellphone option with the wind-ventshade installed thru warranty on the top and it fits fine and does make it less noisy you will see, just loose anout 3 to 4" of bright sky when its nice out because of the tinted shade they put on ... and it looks removable:
D~ with an 05 maxx LT
I picked up my new 2005 Maxx LS on Aug 22, 2005. It runs great but I do have two issues/concerns.
1. When viewing the car from behind the rear right side seems lower than the real left.
2. Roof rattles when driving on a rough or bumpy road.
Has anyone else noticed the same?
Thx u,
Makk
The domelight is held to the center roof strut by a magnet that is loosely mounted within the domelight. The magnet lets the light rattle around it.
If you or friendly service tech removes the light, you / they can glue magnet properly to light body, remount, and enjoy a quieter car.
Also, headrest mounts in the seats can rattle as well..loose plastic against metal.
tallmug
I hope that they extend the employee pricing to 05 and 06 models for Sept. Of course the way things work and with the rebates, the best time to buy an 06 probably won't be until at least the middle of winter.
I'm curious how much better the SS steering is. I test drove a 2005 LT a few weeks ago and loved the roominess and acceleration but couldn't figure out what was happening with the steering.
Although sad about trading in my Suburban, happy about the gas mileage. Noticed the recall info on the sunroof noise, making my way to the dealership to pick up my extra key on order, so I will definately ask about this one. It has been over 10 years since we have had a car, we were SUV drivers in the past. I am happy to report that my 6'4" husband fits and approves! I am looking forward to many miles of cruising around in my little green maxx.
I live in the city and would need to parallel park a lot. The car is pretty long. Does the enhanced steering help or hurt when parallel parking?
I have had my 2004 LS for 14 months--and I'm very happy with it. I also regularly drive a 6'4" man, a friend and her wheelchair, and a tall teen-ager--all very comfortably. My mileage has improved even in my usual city driving--good thing since gas prices are so high. Happy and safe driving!
If I was gonna spend the extra money, I might as well get the Charger SXT over the Maxx SS. It's got fold down rear seats, 10 more horses and the same fuel economy. It also looks bad [non-permissible content removed]. I thought it was too macho for my wife but she digs it. AND it comes in more colors than just black, silver and blue!
And the gas mileage rocks: 26.7 in a mix of long trips & stop and go.
If someone else were picking up the tab for gas the Hemi Charger would sure tempt me.
The more I think about it and the more I look at my bank account, the LT looks like it's enough for me. BUT I won't be buying until I get my X-Mas bonus some time in March of 2006. I'll have plenty of time to change my mind... again and again. By that time there'll probably be plenty of reviews too.
Now for the fun part !! You mention having to spend time in a city where parking & traffic is a problem. If so and with all respect, what are you going to do with 240 HP, out race the competition to the next available parking space ? I can picture it now. The Maxx SS and Charger at opposite ends of the block. Brief Case and Coffee cup neatly in place, - Without warning - Tires screeching, Rubber burning they race head-on towards the only available parking spot. - (Ouch) .
Seriously, I've had the same problem. You have to decide what vehicle you NEED and balance that against what vehicle you WANT. If need and want happen to match, game over, you've won. Try your best but chances are they won't match. In my case, when our 2nd child was born, I had to make that exact decision. I was driving a Mustang Mach I and to this day I remember the feeling when I traded it. For - Are you ready for this - A station wagon !!!!!!!!!!!! You have no idea what it's like to go from, Young and Happy to plain Boring and Old in just one day Have fun choosing.
This made me laugh. I had that same feeling (sort of) when I traded my Thunderbird for my Maxx, which was my first four door and my first hatchback. Goodbye, style -- hello practicality.
But you know what? I love practicality. No more humongous, heavy doors slamming on my leg as I try to get in or out with the car parked on an incline. No more apologizing to rear seat passengers for the cramped, hard-to-reach accomodations. No more high insurance bills just because the 'Bird was treated like a "sports car" (not!).
There are two sides to every story.
Once again, the Maxx is a much better car. The versatility is simply unmatched, and even the extra wide opening doors, which are all too often taken for granted by the people on this chat page, are a delight to open, close, and enter through. OK, who's the next competitor?
VW's are generally much higher on insurance......just another side to the story.
MadMaxx
Some context:
I've been living in Hoboken NJ (just outside NYC) for 10 years with no car. That's right, from 25-35 years old with no car. I sold my Volvo 740 Turbo wagon when I moved here. I get everywhere I need to go either on foot, bike, bus or subway, supplemented by the occasional rental car.
My wife and I just had our second child in 1 1/2 years and we're going stir crazy! The car will probably only be used on weekends and it'll be for LOOONG road trips to get out of the city. Mountains, beach, Grandma's house etc. And to strap my bike on for some dirt trails.
But from what everyone is saying it sounds like the Maxx LT is more than adequate for what I'd need. Then I can use the money I save to pay for my kid's nanny, day care, school, clothes, college...
I think you'll be very satisfied with the Maxx, I know I am. Keep in mind that you can purchase an LS with everything but leather and 17 inch tires for around $1,500 to $2,000 less than the LT. Leather is a little easier to keep clean with small children so it might be worth the extra $$$. Since you have small children, my one piece of advice would be to consider getting the DVD player. It's a little pricey but, trust me, it will save your sanity on long trips. By the way, with kids, long trips are anything over 30 minutes -
The DVD is about the only option we didn't get on ours. Our kids are grown and out of the house so it didn't seem worthwhile to purchase an option we would never use.
My only complaint has been the sharp angle of headrests, but I found the solution here. I immediately ran to the garage to switch the front and back headrests, and the results are perfect! Thanks so much.
Except that Chevy didn't use leather on the entire seat, only the outside edges. The inner part of the seat is UltraLux suede. I guess that is probably easier to clean as well (my dealer should know they keep getting gunk on it :mad: ) but you don't get the full benefits of leather.
Something else to check for is to compare the cloth and leather seats. I found the leather ones more comfortable.
I was checking the Malibu site and saw that the LTZ now has 17" rims. That sound like a worthy upgrade. Too bad the SS doesn't have a 5 speed. Maybe in 2007? Still waiting for the local Chevy dealer to get the 2006s in stock.
Anybody have OnStar? Can you get an insurance discount if you have it?
I have the leather interior also and love it I have so far had no trouble keeping it clean. I do believe that the ultralux is ultrasuede. I did have the perma-plate done by the dealer inside and out when I bought it and that helps too.