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I don't get that. If you are idling, then you are getting 0 MPG. Best in the Malibu is about 37 MPH, with the cruise on. I found that at 37, the car will stay in 3rd gear, unless you put the cruise control on and then it upshifts into 4th. I think once or twice I was able to get it to go 36MPH in 4th, but the slightest incline caused a downshift. For some reason I'm not able to get it to go into 4th until around 40MPH with my foot.
So they say...but I've seen a lot more Maxxes on the road lately so maybe GM will reconsider.
I have a 2005 Maxx LS build in August, 2004, last 6 digits of VIN number is 139417, what is the exact build date? Thanks.
Since I got mine in December(mine was the first one in our office parking lot ), now in our office parking lot, there are 3 Maxx and not a single Malibu sedan (there are a couple old Malibu classic cars) in our parking lot.
Did you got the wireless headphones with your rear seat audio system?
For 2004 the Maxx used an older rear seat audio system which only works with wired headphones.
For whatever reason GM only provides headphones with vehicles having wireless capability.
I asked about the wireless headphones because I remember when the 2005 vehicles first started coming out that a few of the Maxx owners here didn't get the headphone package for some reason
July 2, 2004 is date
On the brochure it says the SS has "sport tap-up/tap-down shifting". The LT and LTZ have "electronic range selector". They seem the same to me in operation- the only difference is is the "L" (low) on the LT/LTZ's shifter is an "M" (manual) on the SS shifter. The LT with which I could compare it was an '05 model. The all-black interior looks nice, more to my liking.
What you're giving up with an SS over an LTZ...heated seats. No Ultralux seat inserts. No heated outside mirrors. No auto dim rear view mirror with compass. No universal remote. And, as a result of the thicker seat bolsters, the front passenger seat cannot fold flat.
Wheels on LTZ are aluminum, but they are "clad" with a plastic (I believe) cover. The LT's are steel, but clad with plastic. In both cases they are nicely done. New for '06 is the 17 inch wheel on the LTZ (with 50 series tires). SS's have 50 series tires also, but on 18 inch wheels.
So, I really like the SS. I like bells and whistles, but I can live without them to make room for that great SS motor. The only thing that gives me pause is the mileage rating on the SS- 18 city 26 highway (compared with 20/30 for the 3.5 liter powered Maxxes). I figured that if I drive 15,000 miles per year, maybe the SS would cost me around $200 more annually (at current gas prices). Don't know the differences in insurance costs. They're selling the 2005 Maxx LT for about $21,300 (no onstar or DVD but loaded otherwise). My wife likes it better than the SS. Of course she would. She likes the '05's nose better, the grey interior better, the price and the mileage...but I may be keeping the car for 8-10 years...with that in mind, it doesn't seem like such a premium to pay (for the SS). Now, the LTZ loaded is actually a good bit more than the SS, so that makes the decision a little harder too (06 LTZ is in the running as well). A bit confusing, I know. Decisions, decisions...
I suspect (or is that "hope") that the 3.9 liter may well do a bit better, real world, with respect to the m.p.g. On the Impala forum a 3.9 liter owner was averaging 27.6 for his first 1200 miles of use, 25% city 75% highway...anyone else hear any reports?
1) With increased power torque-steer is worse - car kind of had a mind/steering of it's own under high power.
2) Steering effort is too heavy compared to my 2004.
3) Tip-in seemed worse - too much acceleration on initial
application of throttle.
4) Eighteen inch wheels with 50 series tires is rediculous for winter driving, ride quality, and American rough roads. The LTZ isn't much better requiring 17" wheels and 50 series tires.
4) Don't care for the all black interior - too cave like
5) For ordering Maxxes other than SS - ordering process has become complicated. For my 2004, I had one option which covered everything I wanted. Power pedals, for example, is a stand-a-lone option on the LT.
6) After all the troubles with my '04 I don't wish to be a "beta tester" on the new engine.
A positive compared to my 2004 LS: much better looking with the new front fascia.
Conclusion: other than appearance I see little reason to trade for an SS.
The SS motor sounds like an improvement, but the black interior gives me real pause (S California is not kind to black interiors or drivers in them).
Maxxliberty, I've had a Golf with 50 series tires for many years as a daily driver, 4-season car, with no problems with rim protection, etc. I did run some 45 series tires for a while though, and you'd be right there- pot holes did result in flat-spotted rims. Nevertheless, some winter snow tires on dedicated rims wouldn't be a bad idea for most any car used over a northeast winter.
One final note- I've noticed that anyone wishing to get a two-tone titanium interior in a Maxx LTZ will have to choose from what's already out there- Chevy's website doesn't allow you to build them that way anymore. But you can find them on dealer lots if you do a vehicle search. Not sure what's behind it, and maybe they'll start again at some point (possible supply problem?).
I have parked my :lemon: because it isnt reliable.. I have since purchased a Toyota Corolla and have been very very very happy with it. The thing that impresses me the most is the gas mileage. I am getting about 400 miles to the tank, and it only costs me a 20 to fill it up. In comparism, The Maxx gets about 300 mpg, but it costs me 40 to fill.
I still love my Maxx, but I will never buy another GM product ever again.. This car has been to the shop more times than any other car I have ever owned, combined. Its a shame that GM can't back the product that they sell, once you have a real problem... :mad:
Until I win and they come and haul away their pos :lemon: , my shiny black Maxx with black tint and 18 inch chrome wheels will be sitting pretty, in front of my house..
It seems the question should be what are the advantages of a 50 series tire over say a 70 series - my preferred tire. A 50 series is worse in the snow and wet. It is harder riding, tends to be less fuel efficient and probably less wear efficient. So for 98% of motorists exactly what is the advantage of a 50 series tire? There is only one advantage that I'm aware of and that is allowing for more space for larger brakes. If huge wheel sizes are needed for brake applications then it makes sense but I doubt that is the case.
If nothing else I would like a CHOICE of wheel sizes when buying a Maxx. I try to stay away from fads so I'm not interested in the current "fashion tire" fade but would prefer the optimum tire/wheel size for my usage (P215/R70-15).
As car performance has risen over the years with ever more powerful engines, the need to be able to slow a car down from increasingly higher speeds becomes a design priority. I'd guess the most common way to increase braking capacity is a larger brake rotor and calipers with multiple pots etc., necessitating a larger diameter wheel to accomodate them. I will say though that the brakes on the Maxx SS, which receive no upgrade over base models, look a bit tiny inside those 18 inch rims. A disadvantage of the large rims can be increased unsprung weight, which can have the effect of giving a poorer ride, ride characteristics of the tire aside.
BTW, I just put down money on an '06 Maxx LTZ, which as you've noted, come with 17 inch/50 series tires. I'll let you know how they hold up over the winter, and what kind of performance advantage (if any) I am able to discern. Might be a tough call, as my time in a Maxx with 60 series tires is limited.
Sorry for the bad experience in service as well..Im convinced the service departments these days are fully trained or care about customer service...mine has been great in dealing with minor issues..and got it right the first time....as for another GM product..well....our brand new 06 Pontiac Solstice was built last week..and should have it by thanksgiving....so.....
what is your major problem with the car????....electronic..or other...
1. Radio - replaced 10 times with one on order
2. Steering column - replaced 4 times
3. Headlamps- shake and shimmy when driving
4. Car running- car stalls out periodically, and won't start at times. Sometimes the car will release a cloud of white smoke
5. Leak- There is a water leak in the rear of the car that has yet to be fixed after 4 times and a month at the dealership.
Those are all that I can think of right now. But I have a very very sick 2004 Maxx :sick:
Its a shame that I have to sue GM to make them do the right thing
Because my car is so unreliable, I had to purchase another car... (Toyota Corolla), but I think I already mentioned that
I could agree with this statement but that takes us back to my 98% remark - to 98% of motorists, this improvement in response is of no importance and all the downsides of the lower series tires remain.
Neon lighting has been somewhat of a fad, maybe neon lights rotating with 22" wheels and 30 series tires will catch on!
I went with the Maxx LTZ over the SS for mileage reasons, but also for a suspension on the SS that, from what I understand is a bit lowered over that of a Maxx LS/LTZ. Don't want to give up any suspension travel up this way in the north east. Both the SS and LTZ have 50 series tires, so that really didn't figure in.
I looked at Tire Rack, and they have a package for Malibu's (all models) including some decent looking aluminum wheels and Bridgestone Blizaks for $665. Might pop for 'em. I know at least one poster has complained about how his Maxx handled snow, but others have chimed in saying they've had no problems in the snow. Nevertheless, I think a set of 'snows' might not be a bad idea. Farmers' Almanac is calling for a somewhat colder winter with somewhat greater snowfall than average (if you put any stock in those farmers).
Those of you who've driven your Maxx's in the snow- how well does the traction control work in those conditions?
Thanks,
Ron
GM offers their Master Guard Plan, but I've not yet sat down with the dealer to go over what they offer and at what price. My understanding is that for an extended warranty of terms comparable with what my c.u. is offering it would be considerably more expensive, and wouldn't have the buy-back option at the end. Both would be transferable.
Any opinions out there?
BTW, as a GM card holder, I've accrued in excess of 3500 points, though my card is under the newer plan (e.g. 1000 points toward a Malibu purchase). Nevertheless, I contacted the redemption center and they in the end agreed to allow me to apply a full 3500 points towards a Malibu, if I were to consummate a deal before the end of 2005. So with the new "Red Tag" price (no-dicker, effective Monday, November 14th through Jan.3, 2006), plus the factory rebate, plus points, my $26,730 Maxx LTZ should come in at around $20,600 plus or minus. I'm very pleased with the deal.
Mine is identical to GM's, with one notable exception. I get a loaner for any work .2 hr+. This has come in very handy.
Big downside is if company goes bust, I have no extended warranty. Sometimes you get the bear...
Thanks to everyone for all the input.
Also-there is no such thing as a 'bumper to bumper extended warranty' The only 'bumper to bumper warranty' is the 3/36 warranty GM provides with the purchase of a new car. Service contracts are not warranties, and none of them (not even GMPP) covers the whole vehicle.
Again, read the contract. Know and understand what is covered, what is not covered, how claims are handled, what parts are used (OEM, aftermarket, salvaged). Service contracts only pay for a loaner car if a certain number of 'billed labor hours' are required for repair. They do not include time spent waiting for diagnosis, parts, or other delays.
Yes, we have had service contract companies agree to pay, then no check ever shows up. Last month I had one take several phone calls over the course of over a week to get paid (they do credit card payments over the phone, they said it would be next-day).
Most of the time when I'm calling a claim in, it's like a negotiation. I feel like I'm haggling at a flea market sometimes. They'll pay for the intake reseal, but only 2 quarts of coolant. They don't pay for the (necessary) oil change and filter that goes with it.
Service contract companies do cap labor rates. So if you're somewhere where the rate is $100 per hour, chances are, you'll get hit with the difference between how much the contract agrees to and how much the shop charges. At $48.00 per hour, we haven't hit anyone's ceiling, but I do know it happens at other shops.
$2k seems a bit steep for GMPP Major Guard.