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Chevrolet Malibu

4972 messages,  Last post on Feb 09, 2013 at 10:37 AM

You are in the Chevrolet Malibu Forum.

What is this discussion about? Chevrolet Malibu, Sedan

Messages Page 123 of 498

#1212 of 4972 Malibu - The reason a GM Product will never again come home with me by dukeorange

Oct 13, 2002 (9:56 am)

For those of you who are considering a Malibu let me explain.
 
Our current car is a 1999 model. We were dumb enough to get it after GM took our 1997 back under the Washington State Lemon Law. We thought lightning would not strike us twice so to speak.
 
The 1997 car had repeated brake problems (warpage, brake booster failure among other things). In addition speakers broke as did electric mirror motors. It was in the shop more that my wife drove it the first six months we owned it.
 
The 1999 has 41K on it. The battery went dead after a month. Then things quieted down for about six months. Then the brake warp issue came up. We are still dealing with that today. The A/C control unit failed at 37K. GM replaced that saving us $400. But in the process they found a gasket under the troddle body that was failing. If not replaced we would have failed the engine due to hydro-lock. That cost $900. We need to have that inspected by a GM tech. tearly to assure it's ok. Now at 42K interior trim items are falling off. Is this car made by Yugo?
 
This car is my wifes car used to drive kids to school etc. It's never stranded her or refused to start. But it's built really cheap. I've never had these problems with a Toyota, Honda, or Ford product. I grew up with Chevy's. Dad had a 1966 PU and Mom drove a 1970 Impalla. Those vehicles were solid. But based on my experience with the Malibu my wife wants a Toyota next time. And She'll get one.

#1213 of 4972 dtownfb by dindak

Oct 13, 2002 (11:08 am)

0% only costs a manufacturer a couple of grand on average, not much more than the incentives that were in place before 9/11. Fact is, the 0% has kept American (and Canadian) car sales rolling in a big way. Given the volumes, it has really not hurt car makers like GM that much and in fact has helped GM build market share. There was a very good article in Business Week a number of weeks ago that went through the ups and downs. In the end, the big loosers are people who have used cars to sell and paid higher prices/rates before 9/11.

#1214 of 4972 malibu Lemon ? by wilfj1

Oct 13, 2002 (11:40 pm)

Reply to Dukeorange... sorry to hear of your problems. Did GM stand behind the warranty on the 1999? The problems listed would seem to be under warranty. I purchased 02 and really counting on the warranty for the major repairs.
 My sons 99 Honda civic just had the main module go out$ 800 plus to replace. They claim gas tank was over filled recently and damaged the module... they are taking it up with Honda HQ for a ruling.

#1215 of 4972 How about some trivia by bcmalibu99ls

Oct 14, 2002 (6:57 am)

It puzzles me. Say, the brakes. They are bad on pretty much all the Bu's. Or, say, the transmission. I am yet to hear a single complaint on that. But other things, such as intake gasket, or electric mirrors, or the battery, only bother a relatively small number of owners. And I wonder why that is the case? How come it doesn't happen to everyone? All Bu's are made by the same people, what could possibly be the difference between a car which is virtually maintenance-free, and a vehicle which only goal in life is to make its owner a beggar. Anyone ventures to offer his thoughts?

#1216 of 4972 BCMalibu99 by usaf52

Oct 14, 2002 (3:55 pm)

Why do some people complain about things? Why do some folks complain about everything and others just roll with the punches. Remember, only a very small percentage of any car owners actually post on any of these forums, and mostly it is someone who has a complaint. So, there may not be too much different in the cars, only the people who drive them.

#1217 of 4972 Hmmm by bcmalibu99ls

Oct 14, 2002 (6:01 pm)

You've got a point, usaf52, but it's understandable when people get frustrated after having to spend hundreds of dollars on their relatively new vehicles, would you not say?

#1218 of 4972 trivia by tamu2002

Oct 15, 2002 (7:22 am)

It's totally understandable how frustrated one can be owning a lemon. I really feel bad for you dukeorange and wish you better luck with your future Toyota. But the truth is every car maker makes lemons and exceptionally reliable cars at the same time. The extreme good and bad fall in the two opposite ends of the statistical distribution curve. You'll be very lucky or unlucky getting either one of the two extremes and will more than likely statistically get an average car, which is what it comes down to. I think we all agree the average domestic reliability is much better now, and personally I believe the risk is worth the $6000 or so saved.
 
Plus its not like importants are all that problem-free. One's mentality plays a very important and subconcious role here. Its like if you have a positive opinion of somebody you tend to look at whatever he does in a positive way and find excuses for yourself to continue your belief in him, even when he's not living up to your admiration. The same holds true when you don't think too highly of someone. That person will have an awfully hard time changing your opinion about him because you subconciously look at whatever he does in a negative way and tolerates no imperfection.

#1219 of 4972 bcmalibu99ls- by jesse11113

Oct 16, 2002 (11:45 pm)

I've never test driven an Accord, but I had a Camry for a month before returning it. It's not better, just different. The upholstery was nicer in the Camry, but I didn't buy the LS. The suspension is a lot softer than the Malibu. I would imagine someone would think that's better if a cushy ride is your thing. But you lose road feel, and the Camry was nerve racking to drive at high speeds. You need a death grip on the steering wheel The sound system is defin. better in the Malibu. The Camry would also need a $250 tune up every 12000 miles, or they wouldn't honor the warrenty.

#1220 of 4972 Jesse... by bcmalibu99ls

Oct 17, 2002 (3:54 pm)

I have pretty much the same complaint about Impala. It has such horribly overboosted steering, that you simply cannot feel the road. Add to it a pillow-soft gas pedal, and your leg gets tired really fast. Whose bright idea was it?
 
As for Camry requiring you to pay $250 (plus tax?) every 12K miles, it's outrageous. That's another 750 + tax before the warranty is up! Talk about a ripoff, hehehe

#1221 of 4972 Malibu problems by pandboy

Oct 19, 2002 (6:42 pm)

I currently own 99LS which had problems many had stated such as famous brake warpage, dead battery and unfixable tire overwear on side, etc. Luckily, most problems were covered under warranty. Just out of the warranty, I was making the car checkup at 30K, the dealer found the coolant is leaking in air intake manifold. This is a $400 out of my pocket. I am wondering if any one have the similar problem, should I dump it as my gut feeling tells me there will be more problem down the road. Any comments are appreciated.

Messages Page 123 of 498

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