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2008-2009 Chevrolet Malibu

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Messages Page 148 of 151

#1471 of 1510 2010 CHEVROLET MALIBU UP-DATE by djm2

Jun 08, 2011 (5:10 am)

Good Morning All:
 
     It has been five (5) days since my "selling / servicing dealer" installed the up-dated software package to eliminate the "surging problem" at highway speeds and city street operation while going up a hill. ------- I am happy to announce that my vehicle is operating in an OUTSTANDING fashion! The engine is VERY powerful, responsive, and the miles per gallon are as advertised. ----- (My Malibu now has 13,600+ miles. ---- Yes, I drive a lot!)
 
     A friend of mine, who owned a 2009 version of my vehicle, bought himself out if his lease five months earlier, because he no longer could drive the vehicle safely on the road because of the "surging problem." ----(His problem showed up at 10,000 miles, while mine showed up at 12,500 miles.) ---- When I informed him that there was an updated software package designed specifically for this issue, he was shocked! --- Even though he always had the selling dealer perform all the required preventive maintenance on the vehicle, no one ever told him about the new software package. -----WHY?
 
     Here are some important questions that need to be addressed both from the manufacturer's point of view, and from the consumer's point of view:
 
1.) Does the manufacturer have an obligation to notify every owner of a specific vehicle if an up-dated / technical service bulletin is being offered to cure a negative operational characteristics?
 
2.) Does the consumer have the right to expect the manufacturer to operate in a professional manner by disclosing information related to negative operational characteristics?
 
     A search on the net will disclose that this "surging issue" has existed with these vehicles since 2009, so as such, General Motors had been aware that this problem existed, and the proof of this awareness is the fact that GM designed and offered an "up-dated software package" to correct the problem. ---- (Why would they up-date the software package if a problem did not exist?)
 
QUESTION:
     Why does the consumer, after paying their hard earned money for the vehicle, have to search, and research the "net" for a solution to the operational problem, ---- when a solution does exist, and the manufacturer has not shared that information with the owners?
 
     My other vehicle is a 2007 V6 XLE Toyota Camry. (If you remember, this is the vehicle that was accused of having the unintended acceleration problem.) At the present time, I have 65,000+ miles on this vehicle, and I have NEVER once experienced "unintended acceleration" and / or any other malfunction. ----- Both the selling / servicing dealer and the Toyota Corporation have kept me informed through written communication as to all "up-dates" associated with this vehicle. --- Toyota and the dealer have acted in a professional / responsible / concerned manner.
 
     My LTZ Malibu dealer is OUTSTANDING in terms of service! ---- They go out of their way to find the problem, and to make things right! For that, I am thankful!
 
     Now that my Malibu is operating properly, I can easily achieve 30 mpg on the highway, and on secondary roads I achieve 27 mpg. My complaint is that GM knew about this problem / performance issue, --- based on the 2009 production run of this vehicle line, yet they did nothing about offering this update to their customer base. ---- WHY?
 
     Comparing the two vehicle manufacturers, GM & Toyota, I will leave it to you, the reader, to determine which one is more responsive to the needs of the customer? ----- Will I purchase another GM vehicle? ----- Maybe! ---- At the present time, my 4 cylinder Malibu LTZ operates a good as a 4 cylinder Honda Accord or a 4 cylinder Toyota XLE Camry. ---- I guess time will tell! -------- In 2012 I will be looking to replace the Toyota Camry. To date, I have NOT had any problems with the Camry. The dealer is OUTSTANDING. ----- (Also my Chevrolet dealer is OUTSTANDING.) ---- I will be looking at a Camry, Avalon, Impala, and Malibu. ----- (I like the look of the upper end of the Hyundai line of vehicles, but the dealers in North Jersey are not quality business operations. I will not purchase from them!)
 
      Best regards to everyone. ------------------------ Dwayne

#1472 of 1510 15,000 mile service by djm2

Jun 29, 2011 (6:28 pm)

Hi All:
 
      Today I had my LTZ Malibu at the selling dealer for its 15,000 mile service. ----- This service includes a cleaning of the throttle body, oil and filter change, air filter replacement, and a tire rotation. ----- After the service I took a two hour trip on the highway. I filled up with fuel prior to entering the highway, and according to the "on-board computer" I was getting 32mpg at 60mph. This is a BIG IMPROVEMENT since I experienced the "surging issue" a few weeks ago. I am very happy with the vehicle and my dealer. They have an OUTSTANDING service department. I appreciate everything that they do for me. --------- I would love to see General Motors build a two door version of the LTZ Malibu with a 2.4 Turbo four cylinder engine, dual exhaust (with a small rumble sound like a Ford Mustang), and a six speed manual transmission and a heavy duty hydraulic clutch. ------- This vehicle would look great in a deep cherry exterior with black leather interior.
 
         Best Regards. -------------- Dwayne

#1473 of 1510 Re: 15,000 mile service [djm2] by pao

Jun 30, 2011 (6:36 am)

Replying to: djm2 (Jun 29, 2011 6:28 pm)
you basically have it with the Buick Regal CXL turbo, thus you probably will not see it in the Malibu....the Regal has a 2.0L ECOTEC Turbo, pushing 220 HP with 6spd auto trans with sport mode and tap up and down capability or 6 spd manual..price is $34k fully loaded....around $29K basic turbo per GM website....

#1474 of 1510 Re: 15,000 mile service [pao] by djm2

Jun 30, 2011 (6:05 pm)

Replying to: pao (Jun 30, 2011 6:36 am)
Hi Pao:
 
      When I purchased the 2010 four cylinder LTZ Malibu, I also looked at the Buick Regal. ------ The seating in the Regal is NOT as comfortable as the Malibu LTZ. ------ The Regal is basically a "foreign vehicle," as it is manufactured in the Opel plant in Germany. -------- The Regal appears to be a smaller vehicle as compared to the LTZ Malibu. --------- I think a better comparison to the Malibu would be the four cylinder Buick Lacrosse. If Chevrolet would manufacture a two door version of the Malibu, I think it would be a "home run" for GM>
 
      Best regards. ----------------- Dwayne

#1475 of 1510 Re: 2009 Chevy Malibu [djm2] by dispencer2

Jul 19, 2011 (7:32 pm)

Replying to: djm2 (Jun 02, 2011 2:56 am)
Why did you buy a Malibu in the first place if your Toyota was satisfactory? Most Toyota owners I know are totally dedicated to the brand and the last thing they would buy would be a Chevy. I bought my 2011 LT1 as a cheap temporary (for 4 years) car until I can get a program Cadillac XTS which won't be even out till the spring of 2012.
 
So far I much prefer driving my Cobalt coupe. It shifts more predictably, handles better and frankly feels like a heavier car which it isn't. It also has gotten over 40mpg on the road. Bottom line it is just more fun to drive. I'll keep it forever. I cannot understand why all the car magazines pan the Cobalt. I rented a Cruze and I wouldn't have one. Wierd shifting, roaring engine, lack of passing power, and an overcomplicated console. You need an electronics degree to figure out how the radio works and God help you if you try and mess with it while driving. At least the Malibu has simple controls. This is why I didn't wait until the new model came out.
 
Nothing really wrong with my Malibu except rock hard backs of the back seats and no rear armrest. Feels and drives like a typical rental car. I guess I should have ordered a base Lacrosse or a base Avalon -even a used Avalon - as my 'road" car but it is too late now.

#1476 of 1510 Re: 2009 Chevy Malibu [dispencer2] by djm2

Jul 19, 2011 (9:21 pm)

Replying to: dispencer2 (Jul 19, 2011 7:32 pm)
Hi dispenser2:
 
      I still own the 2007 XLE Toyota Camry. ----------- I purchased the LTZ Malibu because I thought it was a "cool vehicle!" ---- I liked the looks of the car. ----- I recently read that the 2012 Chevrolet Impala is going to have a 3.6 V6 with a six speed automatic transmission. ----- (This could be very interesting!) ---- I am presently looking for a replacement for my 2007 XLE Camry. ----- It now has 65,000 miles! When it gets near 100,000 miles I will trade it. ----- It will take me about one year to do the necessary research and test drive the vehicles on my short list. ----- Now that my Chevrolet Dealer has fixed the "surging problem" on the Malibu, the vehicle is very enjoyable to drive. ---- I purchased the Malibu as a second vehicle, since I am in sales, and I need two dependable vehicles. ----- My vehicles are my office. ---- I am not loyal to any manufacturer! ------ I will probably look at the following vehicles; ---- Toyota Camry, Toyota Avalon, Chevrolet Impala, Chevrolet Malibu, and Honda Accord . --- My Toyota has been 100% trouble free! ---- I have two GREAT servicing dealers!
 
          Best regards. ---------- Dwayne

#1477 of 1510 Re: 2009 Chevy Malibu [djm2] by dispencer2

Jul 25, 2011 (7:18 am)

Replying to: djm2 (Jul 19, 2011 9:21 pm)
I'd look seriously at the Avalon if you are contemplating a high end model in Chevrolet. I owned a 2006 Impala and it was an ok car but the bottom of the seats were too short. My thighs were killing me the last two hours of an 8 hour trip to Denver in 2007. I sold the car shortly thereafter.
 
The Avalon feels like my 2003 Deville -substantial, rides nicely and has an interior that rivals Lexus. It also gets good gas mileage. If the new Cadillac XTS turns out to be not what I want I'm getting an Avalon for sure.
 
Actually what I should do is buy a 1966 Impala. The new cars are too low, windows are too narrow, back seat headroom is bad on many models and although they are safe and get good gas mileage it would be nice to get into a 1950 Pontiac or my '56 Ford Victoria with a big front seat, plenty of headroom, and a door that is designed so that you can put your elbow on the windowsill. The Malibu is ok but I look at cars like the Hyundai Sonota and wonder how old you have to be to sit in the back seat and not hit your head on the ceiling.

#1478 of 1510 Re: 2009 Chevy Malibu [dispencer2] by djm2

Jul 25, 2011 (10:02 am)

Replying to: dispencer2 (Jul 25, 2011 7:18 am)
Hi Dispencer2:
 
       If I was to purchase my dream car, it would be one of the following; ---- 1957 two door HT Chevrolet Impala, ----- 1955 Ford two door HT Fairlane, or a 1956 Olds two door 98. --------- These were GREAT vehicles.
 
       I look for the following when making a vehicle purchase:
 
1.) I want a "quality product" for my hard earned money.
 
2.) I want a manufacturer who is willing to stand behind their product as long as I have the vehicle serviced properly by the dealer.
 
3.) I want a manufacturer who is willing to stand behind their product under the terms and conditions of the factory extended warranty, if I have the vehicle serviced properly by the dealer.
 
4.) While I make it a point to change my engine oil and filter at the dealer every 2500 miles, I do not like vehicle manufacturers, who advocate extended oil and filter changes, and then blame the vehicle owner when their engines develop sludge.
 
5.) There is an American name plate that has major problems with spark plugs blowing out of the aluminum heads, because of a manufacturing defect in the threads of the aluminum heads. ------ (The fix for this is to install threaded steel sleeves to accept spark plugs.) ---- This manufacturer gets out of extended warranty obligations by stating that the extended warranty does not cover spark plugs. ----- This is simply a rip off of the customer!) ---- I would not consider purchasing a vehicle from this manufacturer, ---- (and I happen to like some of their vehicles!)
 
6.) I want comfortable seats.
 
7.) I want a professional dealership experience.
 
8.) I want quality original equipment tires on the vehicle. (My Malibu had poor quality tires from the factory and I had to purchase Michelin tires to correct the problem.) ----- Did GM care NO!
 
9.) I do not want to deal with a high pressure purchasing experience.
 
10.) I want access to the customer service people when a problem arises.
 
11.) I want respect both from the manufacturer and the dealer. ------ ( I would love to purchase a high end Hyundai vehicle, but the dealers in my part of the country leave a lot to be desired.) ------ Prior to purchasing the Malibu, I stopped at a Acura dealer to look at some of their vehicles. ---- While asking questions about one of their more costly vehicles, the sales manager stated; ----- "isn't that a little expensive for your pockets!" ----- (When I shop for a vehicle I shop in jeans.) ------ Even if I wanted an Acura, I would not purchase a vehicle from this dealer. ----- (Note the person making this statement was the "Sales Manager!")
 
        Dealers and Manufacturers a digging their own grave everyday by the way they are handling customers. ----- Their lack of concern and sensitivity is costing them sales everyday. ----- Sometimes I wonder if they truly care!
 
        Best regards. --------- Dwayne

#1479 of 1510 Re: 2009 Chevy Malibu [djm2] by djm2

Jul 26, 2011 (4:49 am)

Replying to: djm2 (Jul 25, 2011 10:02 am)
Hi All:
 
     I am starting to seriously look for a replacement vehicle for my 2007 Toyota Camry V6 XLE. ------- (This process will take me about a year because I take the time to investigate both the vehicle, the manufacturer and the dealer.)
 
     I have been reading about both the new Chevrolet Impala, and the new Chevrolet Malibu. (The Malibu is going to be built on the Buick Lacrosse platform with the Buick four cylinder engine, and the Chevrolet Impala is going to get a 3.6 V6 and a six speed automatic transmission.)
 
     After reading about the new Impala, I started to do a search on the 3.6 V6 engine because I though that I had read about some issues associated with this engine. ----- It seems that there is a problem with the Timing Chain stretching at low mileage. In some cases, this has occurred at 10,000 miles. With this information in mind, I contacted GM and spoke to a customer representative about the timing chain issue. I was told that "IF" I had a specific VIN NUMBER of a vehicle they could tell me "IF" the engine had the new and improved timing chain and which engine plant produced the engine. This tells me two things. ----1.) The problem is real. ---- and ---- 2.) GM is still producing the V6 engine with the old timing chains at some of it's engine facilities. --------- QUESTIONS: ----- What is wrong with this picture? ------ Should I purchase a new Impala and experience this failure, and then have my engine repaired at the dealer at a very low mileage and still be happy with my new vehicle?
 
       This problem has existed for some time. ------ QUESTION: ---- Has GM forgot how to manufacturer and design timing chains? ------ They are producing a NEW Impala and they are shooting themselves in the leg with this engine! ----- Does this make good business sense?
 
       Best regards. ---------- Dwayne

#1480 of 1510 Re: 2009 Chevy Malibu [djm2] by dispencer2

Jul 27, 2011 (10:15 am)

Replying to: djm2 (Jul 26, 2011 4:49 am)
You will note that the LaCrosse weighs about 800 pounds more than the Malibu. One of my problems with the Malibu is that it feels light and not substantial. I sold an 03 Deville and most of my road cars in the past were Buick LeSabres. I had rented a Malibu on some extended trips and liked it but I should have bought a base LaCrosse or even last year's Buick as a program car. I would lose as fortune if I traded it with 1,000 miles so I'll hang onto it until I can get a program Cadillac XTS which I'm sure will feel like a heavy car even though it is the size of the LaCrosse. I wish that I could read some reviews of the XTS. They should start building it this winter.

Messages Page 148 of 151

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