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Chevrolet Malibu Engine Problems

110 messages,  Last post on Aug 25, 2012 at 5:03 PM

You are in the Chevrolet Malibu Forum.

What is this discussion about? Chevrolet Malibu, Engine

Messages Page 10 of 11

#90 of 110 4 cyl GM engines by motorcity6

Feb 06, 2011 (11:14 am)

The Asian guys have long been superior in the production of hi-reving 4 bangers..They use forged internal parts such as cranks and rods..The Big3 have used castings for the cranks and rods limiting the performance..The Asians started out with motorcycles and applied the same knowledge to the car engine..Having been involved in the hot-forging market from 1984 thru 2002 one learns that the Big3 only used the good stuff with hi-performance engines and the cast junk with the high-volume production..
 
I am considering buying a new V-6 Malibu w/3.6, sunroof, cloth interior, and any suspension upgrades available, and would enjoy any comments as to troubles or negative input with the latest addition of the Malibu series..
 
Currently own a 2006 V-6 Pontiac GT w/3.8 S/C engine and a 2010 Mustang GT w/track Pkg, and would like to spin the Pontiac off, no problems with it, bought it cheap w/4300 miles some 42 months ago, now showing 53k..Live in Fla, retired and enjoy the open road..hi-end cruise..
 
The top end of the V-6 Malibu can be increased easily by tweaking the electronics, and upgrading to H-rated tires..however I am running T-rated on Pontiac, using Michelin Harmony that have excellent tread life and no problem with the high end..H-rated tire was std from factory on the Pontiac..
 
The neatest little 4-banger from GM was the 260hp, turbo-charged with a great suspension setup in the Chevy Cobalt SS..which was phased out in 2010..I think it was also put in the HHR..Owned 53 cars over my 77 yrs..

#91 of 110 2002 malibu moneypit by jodi7

Feb 11, 2011 (2:55 pm)

my malibu's latest problem is overheating and running out of coolant, this car is a moneypit I bought it a year ago used and since that time have replaced a fuel pump, battery, crankshaft sensor, tires and several other things that i can't remember off hand, the car also has an intermittant starting problem which while it usually willstart after an hour or so is incredibly annoying and inconveniant and no its not the ignition switch although I'll probably be replacing that at some point. I usually prefer American make cars-I'll never buy another chevy this car has soured me on them for good.

#92 of 110 Re: 2002 malibu moneypit [jodi7] by pao

Feb 14, 2011 (6:57 am)

Replying to: jodi7 (Feb 11, 2011 2:55 pm)
you fail to mention how many miles are on this 9 year old car....the parts you mention all seem to be normal wear and tear for a car this age....did you get the maintenance history of the car..since you purchased it used?

#93 of 110 Re: 2002 malibu moneypit [pao] by jodi7

Feb 14, 2011 (8:06 am)

Replying to: pao (Feb 14, 2011 6:57 am)
All except the battery and tires were an effort to repair the intermittant starting problem, I've also replaced the oil pump switch to no avail. Chevy Malibu's of this year are notorious for having multiple issues, and even though this car currently has 150K, head gaskets should not be blowing, again this is a problem that chevy's seem to inherently have. I've driven many a Ford, a chevy Beretta, and dodge trucks well over the 200K mark and other than routine replacements, tires, alternators, starters, exhausts, never had as many problems with a car. Google Chevy malibu and you will see hundreds of complaints of issues particularly with the early 2000's model.

#94 of 110 Re: 2002 malibu moneypit [jodi7] by gonogo

Feb 14, 2011 (8:59 am)

Replying to: jodi7 (Feb 14, 2011 8:06 am)
Should have googled before you bought.

#95 of 110 Re: 2002 malibu moneypit [gonogo] by kirstie_h HOST

Feb 14, 2011 (9:03 am)

Replying to: gonogo (Feb 14, 2011 8:59 am)
That's pretty unhelpful.
 
Additionally, if this member purchased the vehicle new, there'd not have been any info on long-term reliability and problems, unless he/she has a time machine allowing him/her to zip straight to 2011.

#96 of 110 Re: 2002 malibu moneypit [kirstie_h] by pao

Feb 15, 2011 (6:12 am)

Replying to: kirstie_h (Feb 14, 2011 9:03 am)
Kirstie....post #91 states the poster bought the car used about a year ago...so he in fact purchased a 8 year old car with Im betting over 100k on it when purchased...

#97 of 110 Re: 2002 malibu moneypit [pao] by jodi7

Feb 16, 2011 (11:51 am)

Replying to: pao (Feb 15, 2011 6:12 am)
The car had 43,126 miles on it when I purchased it.

#98 of 110 Re: 2002 malibu moneypit [gonogo] by jodi7

Feb 16, 2011 (11:55 am)

Replying to: gonogo (Feb 14, 2011 8:59 am)
If hindsight were 20/20 I would have googled Deloreans, Confederate money, and Jack-a-lope breeding partnerships before investing in them but alas its not. Still doesn't change the fact that Chevy Malibu's are about as good an investment.

#99 of 110 Re: 2002 malibu moneypit [jodi7] by pao

Feb 17, 2011 (5:50 am)

Replying to: jodi7 (Feb 16, 2011 11:51 am)
wow..that is less that 5k a year...hardly driven as a matter of fact...and wondering how the maintenance was handled...regular oil changes etc....I've always wondered if a car isnt driven enough over its life span..does that also contribute to long term maintenance issues.....
 
regardless, hope you can get the issues corrected....

Messages Page 10 of 11

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