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Comments
We all know the price will have to be competitive.
Regardless of MSRP, it will sell for whatever the market will bear, so MSRP doesn't really matter. Street price is all that matters.
Yeah - but it's always fun!
My '04 Malibu LT V-6 has 33,000 trouble free miles on it now. Still rock solid and delivering great MPG. I'll be looking into a well-equipped '08 LT 4-cylinder this fall and I'm hoping for a difference of $11-12K.
By the way, as a former owner of two Accords and a Civic, I'm one of GM's conquest sales!
Just bought a Kia Optima for my wife-- paid $16.1 for it.
The Maxx has more stuff on it-- better driver information center, durable but cheap OHV engine that will (hopefully) be very low in maintenance cost (OLM indicates 7000 mile oil changes), power seat, power pedals.
The Kia feels smaller but Edmunds shows most internal measurements to be greater than a Saturn Aura (smaller but taller external size--bigger than the current 'Bu sedan but not Maxx internally).
The Kia has leather, 50 series Michelins and because of the better rubber and non-electric steering does handle quite a bit better. The interior, including instrumentation lighting, is a lot higher end although I'm not as critical as some of the current generation 'Bu, I think it's plain but rather pleasant and the ugly seat fabric looks durable and cleans well.
I like both of these cars and I'll really miss the full size hatch of the Maxx-- hopefully I ride them both into the ground because we all know both will depreciate-- not good cars to trade after three years.
The new Malibu looks very nice. I'd pay 17 or 18 (maybe)for it. There's plenty of good mid-sized (perception, not EPA) cars out there that can be had for a price and the Sonata and Optima are two of them.
I have no real brand loyalty. That caused me to buy a Chevy and Kia rather than a Toyota (good choice, apparently, given the new Camry's troubles). This means that a Malibu MIGHT be in the future but it'll have to hit a real price point.
There's two basic kinds of Chevy buyers:
1. America only loyalists-- the genuine Chevrolet crowd.
2. People like me who look to value and will go Korean if the price gets too high.
Having said that, I agree that the new one looks better. I'd pay somewhere about a thou over my Kia and a thou under a corresponding Saturn. That puts it in a rather narrow band at somewhere in the seventeens or low eighteens. Out the door, not sticker price.
Has anyone seen the car at NAIAS? With the Maxx's wheel base and that kind of overhang, this thing looks Impala sized. Of course if that turns Aussie RWD it will go up as well.
I still would miss my Maxx...
the timing belt alone is almost $500..the first major service on my Maxx isnt until 100K......I like my KIA as well, but you have to maintain and document every scheduled maintenance procedure to mainting the 5/60 and 10/100 warranty in place.....
for a V6 Malibu...I look in the 23-25K range....when I ready in 08..it will definitely get a look....or the Cadillac CTS
Love everything about it as far as maintenance. I'm wondering, however, whether maintenance will be higher with the OHC engine compared to the work horse 3.5.
I've read some interesting comments on the bobistheoil guy board from a GM engineer about the sophistication of GM's oil life monitor (they threw him out for dissing Amsoil so his knowledge was short lived), I really do believe that 7000 oil changes with dino are perfectly safe with the 3.5-- it's that easy on oil. What's the schedule with the ohc's?
Other than that, I think your point is well taken. Lots of people complain about GM dealers but I've found them to be the best. Probably for good reason, they're more humble than most of the Japanese brands.
For the record, Edmunds is apparently wrong on the timing belt on the 2.4 engine. Apparently it has a chain, at least that's the discussion on the Optima Board.
I have heard complaints about Hyundai/Kia and maintenance. Some of the complaints about my Elantra were that it was the only car whose rear bulbs I could never figure out how to change (120 bucks in labor to get 3 bulbs replaced), front lamps although covered under warranty were expensive H1/H7 bulbs like a Lexus. Tires were very expensive Michelin Energies-- crappy but expensive tires that went after 35000 miles-- sure looked a lot more high end than the mediocre Bridgestones on my Maxx but the Maxx's tires have worn a lot better.
I think the tires on my Optima are 50 series Z rated Michelins. Lot of expensive rubber for a 4 cylinder car. Hope the hell I don't rip one of those up. Also hope that I don't have to buy Z rated replacements. They insisted on H rated replacements for my Elantra even though the car had a lot less power than the Maxx.
In full disclosure the Optima's base rubber is similar to the Maxx's.
Car manufacturers: pay $5 a piece for high end rubber. Michelins sure look better to an unsuspecting customer on the lot. One tire blows--- $150 for a replacement tire. Twenty percent of customers are too naive to shop tires and simply replace with the same tire. End result-- big profits in tires even if they give them away to the manufacturer.
For some reason (maybe 6 air bags), my Optima's insurance was cheaper than even the Maxx. Big surprise because I paid a lot for my 01 Elantra. Maybe the Koreans are getting away from their habit of selling the car cheap and gigging on replacement parts.
I am well aware that the current Malibu is much cheaper than the Accord or Camry. However, in spite of the price advantage the current Malibu has not sold well and can not be considered a success for GM. My concern is that when GM introduces the new Malibu they will close the price gap between the Malibu and the Accord and this will hamper their efforts to sell more cars.
Lastly, I disagree with you and do not believe that the current Malibu is head and shoulders above the current Sonata. When the 2008 comes out that may be a different story.
The new one looks to be about the same. That's why I valued it at a thou. better than an Optima-- roughly seventeen thou (of course I got leather with a 16K Optima). The savings would be in the Malibu's maintenance costs.
I still like my Maxx, however. GIMME A BIG HATCH, I DON'T NEED NO STINKIN' SUV!
Anything over 200000 vechiles produced in one year is a successful product,this why GM had to updated the model. Yes the price will go up when you factor in the more expensive 3.6 DOHC engine along with the six speed tranny.
I agree - I rarely drive at higher elevations or fully loaded. The 164HP four will be fine for most of my driving. I suppose the occasional two-lane highway pass will require more planning, but I don't have a problem with that.
Sounds as if the LT 4-cylinder will stick with the 4-speed auto and 17 inch rims. I'm curious about the LTZ's 6-speed auto but it looks like 18 inch rims w/low profile tires will be standard on the LTZ and I want to avoid those for now (ride quality/replacement cost issues).
Any suggestions?
Even if they are standard, that would mean that by the time you need to replace the tires, they will have become common enough that the extra cost for replacement tires shouldn't be a major issue.
It's more likely that the 4 cylinder and V6 models will not have the exact same tires and rims.
1. The 'bu's cousin, the Aura, had a rather cramped back seat low on headroom. The 'bu seems to offer more of the same.
2. The 'bu's dash looks nicer than the Auras'. Thank goodness Chevy is using brushed metal instead of cheap chrome.
3. The suspension durability is unknown. Current '04 and up 'Bu's and all related models have clunks, rattles, and issues with electric power steering.
4. Manueverability is unknown. The Maxx already has trouble U-turning and manuevering in close quarters. Will the new 'Bu be any better (given it's based on the maxx chassis)?
Finally, will sales of the '07 'Bu flatline due to all the perceived improvements in the '08 model?
I take exception to point 3. My '04 LT V-6 has had no suspension related issues at all. Rock solid with zero squeaks and zero rattles after 33,000 miles.
I also have had no problems with the electric power steering. You don't get the road feel like a traditional hydraulic set-up, but you do get a slight mileage increase.
My 'Bu has been a better car than the '92 or '98 Accords I owned. GM is on the way back!
I do think that lots of GM cars tend to be troublesome in their first year.
-Loren
Saturn is running an Aura wagon prototype around the test grounds in Michigan and Arizona and word is they are 50/50 on adding this bodystyle for 2008 as it's an easy add given the Opel version has a wagon. If they do add a wagon, this would bode well for a Malibu wagon in 2009. Pontiac has a sportwagon in the plans for the 2009 G6 refresh as well. So keep your hopes up Maxx fans.
If the '08 'bu production interior comes through well fitted and tight, it should give Camry and others a run for their money. Even the '04 'Bu interior's a huge step above earlier GM efforts.
I was saying the NEW Malibu is much better than the Sonata. The current model is competitive with the Sonata but lacks some key features like stability control.
A I already said, its unrealistic to expect no price increase with this car. If you expect to save $4k over an Accord than you will probably be disappointed and perhaps you should stick with Hyundai. You cant ask GM to make better cars, but then expect pricing to remain dirt cheap. Better cars cost more money. Isnt' this why the Camry, Accord and Altima are so expensive?
Impala, if made correctly must be in Avalon territory price wise. Needless to say current Impala is old school and nobody is going to pay price.
Average price per vehicle for GM's would be Alot less than Honda and Acura's average price ? GM's will last longer than the Rust(Cancer) car's from honda.
I personally want to see GM kicking both Toyota and Honda butts. But reality is a lot different on the ground: They are now losing to Koreans also. Their own Korean made car Chevy Aveo is now losing out to the better Honda Fit.
Hope that the new Malibu will slow down the downward slide for them. On paper this vehicle is competitive. It looks better than the old one when you see it in person (I saw it in Cobo Hall in Detroit yesterday). But it does not break any ground like the Chrysler 300 did. So overall, (personally) I am disappointed at GM Design for not having the best looking mid size sedan out there for Model Year 2008. If the new concept Accord coupe shown there has any indication for the look of the 08 Accord sedan, GM should be working on the exterior restyle of this new Malibu soon.
jt
Just wanted to pint that cool factoid out. :shades:
Rocky
The 08 Mailbu really needs an attractive interior to make it competitive.
Chevy put in a more reliable engine and better looking front end on the 06 Monte Carlo then took a step backwards by jerking out the earlier Monte's very comfortable seats.
Malibu's price point crucial, Sacramento Hyundai dealer selling base Azera (which is still loaded) for 20K, desperate Ford dealers cutting Ford Five Hundred base to $16.5K.
The 300 may have broken ground in terms of styling, but its design was ripe for being a fad and that has proven to be true. I dont think the Malibu will be a fad , it has the kinds of looks that will stay fresh for 3 years or more unlike the 300. The 300s sales have been down quite a bit from its heydey a few years back when the look was "fresh".
The Accord coupe was an improvement over currrent HOnda designs (what isn't?) but it was hardly the showstopper you made it out to be. It was nothing more than a mix between the 3 series and tC coupe. I found it to be rather boxy and derivative. If that is the best Honda can do than I think the Malibu is in good shape. I also dont expect the Accord to be available with a 6 speed auto since the $50k RL doesnt have one.
GM design did have the best looking '08 at the show, the CTS.
"They are now losing to Koreans also. "
What are you basing this on? GMs midsize sedans have more features, performance and style than the Sonata or Optima. The Koreans give you a lot for the money, but thats where their advantage ends.
One last point about GM. Check out the new Austrailian Caprice/Statesmen sedan, it puts our Impala to shame and makes it look like junk. Perhaps the new Malibu will be a welcome change for GM; I truly hope so because I would like to purchase American again. GM make the Malibu a real quality and upscale knockout!! Pleae offer it with a nice looking shifter and a full power seat.
I was impressed with with the Impala sales number from year to year until I read the fleet sales number. I will get the numbers for Impala and Malibu fleet sales when I have a chance to look it up again at the local library.
From the information, you can draw your own conclusion on the health of each car makers.
If you are interested in GM car sales number alone, you can also go to gm.com and look under investor info section. Just forget about the spin info and go for the hard numbers.
I was not impressed with the 08 Malibu exterior design. However, 08 CTS is extremely good. I have no doubt that it will do well.
jt
I think it's safe to say that the majority of people are impressed with the Malibu's redesign and you are the exception.
One real advantage to the 'Bu is it has a partial (and useful) power seat. Go up in either car and full power is standard. Most cars at the base end have a big lever on the side of the seat (ala Kia), or two dials to twist (more adjustments but tougher). Putting a partial power seat on a base car is a plus over the competition IMHO.
I'm sure the LTZ will have full power seating.
Anyway, what's a Matador, use to be the question. Now it is the Verona!
What a rare find; and not bad looking.
-Loren
jt
------------------------------------------------------------ Also, remember, that the Accord (and Camry) cover TWO price ranges ($17-23K and 23-30K),whereas the Malibu Max's(no pun) at around $24 and then the Impala takes over. When you look at Chevrolet's sales of both models, they sell far more than Toyota or Honda.
As far as comparisons to the Accord -- The old Malibu to Accord :confuse: no way.
-Loren
I have several cars on my futures list and two of them are the '08 Malibu(if a manual transmission is offered, if not it's axed from my list)and the 2007 Kia Optima base model like csandste's, except I would go with the stick. I know that with new college grad discounts and loyalty rebates, etc., whatever other discount I could find, including just offering less than sticker, I could pop my fanny into a '07 5-speed Kia Optima base model(BTW, the Optima offers a lot of feature content on it's base model)in Ruby Red shiny paint for around $14,500 to $15,000 plus T&L. For the amount of midsize car I would get that deal is pert-near unbeatable. Oh, the HyunKia Long-Haul Warranty? It works and Kia will stand behind it. Just don't look to burn them, they'll want documentation of maintenance records, etc. I know I'll get a good rig with a Kia. I've bought two new ones in a row and the Optima is getting great marks for safety and quality.
Who of you think that a nearby Chevy dealer would offer an '08 'Bu(if 5-speed manual tranny is built)for anywhere near $14 or $15,000 grand? Tell ya what, this is the first new Chevy I've liked since I've mildly looked at Aveo's. The Malibu I'm considering taking a second look and maybe even taking a fun test drive in one.
I think Chevy's done a great job on the front of the 2008 Malibu and the rear is OK, but not ugly by any means and no deal killer. In fact, it brings up visions of Mitsu Diamante's from the early 2000's from back there. That's not a negatory, really. Just different. Different is not bad, not by any stretch.
I've got two main questions about the '08 'Bu I need answered. How much will the 4 cyl cost and will Chev offer a 5-speed stick shift with it. Some of you's may already know the answer to at least one of these burning questions.
I'm guessing $17,995 for a base model '08 Malibu with automatic transmission. If Chev offered a 5-speed manual transmission base model for $16,999 I'd perk up my ears a tad. :shades: This new 'Bu is a looker!
2021 Kia Soul LX 6-speed stick
Enjoy your 'Bu's if you get 'em, that eliminates me from the competition.
2021 Kia Soul LX 6-speed stick