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Chevrolet Malibu

4908 messages,  Last post on Aug 14, 2009 at 12:47 PM

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What is this discussion about? Chevrolet Malibu, Sedan


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#4839 of 4908
Any tips buying used 2004-06 Malibu? by automan12
Apr 10, 2007 (11:16 am)
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I'm looking for a car for my sister-in-law, she like 2004-2006 Malibu. I'm sure you guys know better, which engine ito go with, 4-cyl Ecotec or V6? Why? Does this generation V6 have problem with coolant/intake leaks? The tranny doesn't have a dipstick, I couldn't check the fluid, is it reliable? Electrical steering - I have some doubts how the electrical steering will work down the road, any info on this? We live in rust belt, do you think it's worth to rustproof this car ? The 4-cylinder model we test-drove has a bit weird vibration/wobbling at hard acceleration, is it something to worry about?
#4840 of 4908
Re: Any tips buying used 2004-06 Malibu? [automan12] by csandste
Apr 10, 2007 (5:26 pm)
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Replying to: automan12 (Apr 10, 2007 11:16 am)

I have a 3.5 liter Maxx. The six will get almost as good mpg as the four. I like it a lot, very low maintenance with 6+K oil change intervals. Four speed transmissions also durable.
 
Electric steering assures good mileage, but may be a weak link. I just spent $800 to replace column. Grease and electricity don't mix.
 
I haven't seen a car rustproofed lately, around here all of the aftermarket shops seem to have gone out of business. Don't most cars of the last fifteen years have good rust prevention?
#4841 of 4908
Re: Any tips buying used 2004-06 Malibu? [automan12] by shadow5599
Apr 10, 2007 (7:37 pm)
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Replying to: automan12 (Apr 10, 2007 11:16 am)

I like my 05 and havent had a problem at all. I like the electric steering and not sure about any problems but hydraulic steering has always had its problems as well. I never tried a 4 cyl, I wanted the extra power the 6 has and have enjoyed it alot. It gets almost the same mileage anyway. It's too soon to tell if this engine will have gasket problems but I know they've been trying to improve on that, just as many other manufacturers have. As for rust, the bodies on these cars are made with galvanized steel so rust shouldnt be a big problem.
 
I'd certainly have that vibration checked out before buying, it doesnt sound normal. My car is smooth on acceleration and at high speeds.
 
If you're concerned about safety, seek out a Malibu with the full airbag option which includes the standard front bags as well as the side curtain bags along with the front seat mounted torso bags. With that option the Malibu ranks in the top 5 for crash ratings. That was one of the top reasons for buying mine.
#4842 of 4908
Re: Any tips buying used 2004-06 Malibu? [shadow5599] by csandste
Apr 11, 2007 (7:04 pm)
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Replying to: shadow5599 (Apr 10, 2007 7:37 pm)

There's a lot of knocking the electric steering by C&D and other magazines. Other than the $800 bill for replacing it, I really have no objections. It's vaguer than hydraulic steering and tends to wander a bit depending on the pitch of the road but it's pleasant for low speed maneuvers and works pretty well at high speed. The gas savings by not having hydraulic are considerable.
#4843 of 4908
Re: Any tips buying used 2004-06 Malibu? [csandste] by automan12
Apr 16, 2007 (2:22 pm)
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Replying to: csandste (Apr 11, 2007 7:04 pm)

Thanks!
I test drove the V6 Malibu Maxx and it feels a lot better than 4-cylinder. I guess we will look for an extended warranty to take care of electrical steering or other possible problems should they arise. On few Malibu I noticed there is no engine undercover and the engine is kind of dirty, is that undercover available or there is no such thing on Malibus?
#4844 of 4908
(self)oil & filter change 2005 malibu classic by marionbrenda
Apr 19, 2007 (12:28 pm)
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I have always changed my own. I can't find the drain plug or oil filter on this recently purchased car.
#4845 of 4908
Re: (self)oil & filter change 2005 malibu classic [marionbrenda] by e2helper
Apr 20, 2007 (1:40 pm)
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Replying to: marionbrenda (Apr 19, 2007 12:28 pm)

Keep looking. Since you have 4 cylinder you should find it on back of engine located on vertical surface on side by accessory drive (passenger side). Pretty much completely across from location of the oil filter which is on front of engine on driver side.
 
Oil filter has a cap on it that has to be removed and filter is below it - that is why you don't see filter.
#4846 of 4908
ticking noise by left front tire by staciet
Apr 22, 2007 (5:13 pm)
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Hello. I have a 2005 Chevy Malibu, approx 19K miles. I hear this ticking noice (kind of like a chirping noice) constantly near the left front tire while driving. It usually happens when I'm going > 40 mph. I've taken in to the dealership SEVERAL times and they don't hear it! Anyone else having this problem or know what it could be? It's driving me crazy!!!! Thanks!
#4847 of 4908
Re: (self)oil & filter change 2005 malibu classic [e2helper] by marionbrenda
Apr 22, 2007 (9:05 pm)
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Replying to: e2helper (Apr 20, 2007 1:40 pm)

Thanks for the info! What mpg are you getting with your 4cyl?
#4848 of 4908
Re: ticking noise by left front tire [staciet] by yury
Apr 23, 2007 (6:52 am)
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Replying to: staciet (Apr 22, 2007 5:13 pm)

got a pebble stuck in the tread somewhere maybe ?

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