Ask the Car People.SM


2013 Chevy Malibu

98 messages,  Last post on Apr 18, 2013 at 6:29 PM

You are in the Chevrolet Malibu Forum.

What is this discussion about? Chevrolet Malibu, Future Vehicle, Sedan

Messages Page 2 of 11

#2 of 98 Re: 2013 Chevy Malibu [bwia] by djm2

Jul 27, 2011 (6:03 am)

Replying to: bwia (Jul 26, 2011 7:01 pm)
Good Morning bwia:
 
       I will be looking at that vehicle to replace my 2007 V6 XLE Toyota Camry. --- I presently also own a 2010 Chevrolet 4 cyl. Malibu LTZ and I like the vehicle.
 
      It is my understanding that the 2013 Malibu is being built on the Buick Lacrosse platform, and it will be getting the Buick four cylinder engine, so basically you have a Buick with a Chevrolet name plate!
 
      I would also like to look at the new Impala with the six speed automatic transmission, but the 3.6 V6 engine has had early timing chain problems in the past, ----- and I DO NOT know "IF" the problem has been resolved in the NEW production run of the engine for the Impala????????
 
      I enjoy driving the 2010 Malibu. It drives like my old four cylinder 2003 Honda Accord. --------- (I would be driving a Honda today, "IF" the Honda Corporation had the ability to design seats THAT ARE COMFORTABLE!
 
      When all is said and done, I will probably end up with another Toyota product, (a Camry or an Avalon), because of a lack of product quality and customer relations with the American products, ---------- but I will look at the Chevrolet line. ---- My Toyota has been trouble free since it was delivered, and when the corporation when through the "unintended acceleration issue," both Toyota and the selling dealer kept me informed in a professional manner throughout the entire process. ------- When my 2010 Malibu suffered from the "surging issue at 12,000 miles," I had to research this problem on my own, even though GM knew about this problem since 2009. ----- (Customer relations is EVERYTHING when dealing with an expensive product! ----- I guess some companies DO NOT understand this most basic concept.) ---- The American nameplate companies do not seem to have a "respect" for the customer. --- Ford has it's "blown out spark plug issue" that it ignores, ---- Chrysler has it's "sludge issue" with the 2.7 engine that it blames on the customer, ---- and GM has oil and timing chain issues!) ---- When I purchase an expensive product I want a quality product, and I will accept nothing less. ----- On the other side of the issue, I must say that I have an outstanding servicing Chevrolet & Toyota Dealer. The Chevrolet dealer diagnosed the "surging problem" and repaired the vehicle in a timely manner, BUT GM knew about this issue since the 2009 production run! ---- QUESTION: ---- Why didn't GM correct the software problem for the 2010 production run?????????
 
      Best regards. -------------------- Dwayne

#3 of 98 Re: 2013 Chevy Malibu [bwia] by smegley

Jul 30, 2011 (6:09 pm)

Replying to: bwia (Jul 26, 2011 7:01 pm)
Motor Trend has a 3 minute first look video of the 2013 Malibu on youtube. Looks pretty decent, actually, but if you want a V6 you are out of luck. I think this looks far better than the new Camry will (un-camo'd photos hit the web today) but I have to admit I trust a Toyota 4-cylinder over a GM 4-cylinder, although not by much.

#4 of 98 Re: 2013 Chevy Malibu [smegley] by djm2

Jul 30, 2011 (5:00 pm)

Replying to: smegley (Jul 30, 2011 6:09 pm)
Hi smegley:
      The 2013 Malibu looks very good. I would like to take it on a test drive. ---- Best regards. ----------- Dwayne

#5 of 98 Re: 2013 Chevy Malibu [djm2] by dispencer2

Aug 08, 2011 (10:18 pm)

Replying to: djm2 (Jul 27, 2011 6:03 am)
I recall that Toyota had a BIG problem with engine sludge which of course they blamed on the customer. Finally a class action suit forced Toyota to fess up. Toyota in general makes relatively trouble free cars but dealer maintenance is very expensive if you follow the guidelines. I think of Toyota Camrys as appliances. They have had bland styling for years. The Avalon is the only Toyota I would consider and if Cadillac doesn't come through with an XTS that compares to my old Deville rather than a "sport sedan" with a "performance" ride I'll get an Avalon in three or four years. Right now I'm looking at a 2014 XTS in 2015.
 
I'd like to find someone who could tell me the difference between my 2011 Malibu and a base model LaCrosse. I keep kicking myself for not getting the LaCrosse as my Cadillac replacement this year but perhaps I did the right thing. There would have to be a tremendous difference in the ride of the LaCrosse along with the overall feel of the car - heavier, more substantial etc. I wonder if there is?
 
As for the 2013 Malibu it has been downsized wheelbase-wise but 3" wider.
I understand that there are "small" reductions in headroom and legroom. This is a total turnoff. The 2011 is barely big enough and I'm 5'10". My seat is all the way down. If it was up far enough for me to comfortably rest my arm on the window sill I'd be touching the ceiling. If cars continue to get more streamlined, lower, and harder to get in and out of I'll buy a mint 1966 Impala and keep it for the rest of my life. To hell with the gas mileage. It rode beautifully, was heavy, and had a big seat , plenty of headroom, and was easy to get in and out of. I may also get a 2011 DTS in 4 years. The '66 Chevy would be cheaper to operate though. I also liked my '78 Impala. It rode better than any Chevy now. There are probably some around and in Hemmings.

#6 of 98 Re: 2013 Chevy Malibu [dispencer2] by djm2

Aug 09, 2011 (3:44 pm)

Replying to: dispencer2 (Aug 08, 2011 10:18 pm)
Hi dispencer2:
 
        I am seriously staring to look for a replacement for my 2007 XLE V6 Toyota. I will probably make a purchase next Summer. ------- I want to see the new Impala and the new Malibu. If I pick the Malibu it will have a 4 cylinder engine. If I go with the Impala, it will have a 3.6 V6 engine. This is where the problem comes into the mix. The 3.6 V6 engine has "timing chain issue" at very early mileage, and GM seems to be dragging their feet on this issue. -----(Check the "net" and you will see what I am referring to with regards to this issue.) ----- I will also look at the Camry and the Avalon. The base Avalon is very close in price to the Camry XLE, but it is a longer vehicle. ----- Another vehicle of interest would be the Honda 4 cylinder Accord EX-L "IF" the seats are comfortable! --- Historically, the back of the Honda seats are very narrow, and they prevent my back from getting proper support. I really like the Honda line of vehicles. but I need comfortable seats. ---- Another vehicle of interest is the Hyundai Genesis. This is a rear wheel drive vehicle, and it is in the price range of the Avalon. My problem with the Genesis is that the Hyundai dealers in my area of northern New Jersey leave a lot to be desired. There is one possible dealer that I may visit! ----- I will compare the new Chevrolet Malibu to the Buick Lacrosse. ----- I like the impala but I am very concerned with the "timing chain issue" of the GM 3.6 V6! ----- This issue has been going on for some time, and I wonder why GM has not taken "aggressive action" to solve this problem. --- As you can see, I take a long time to make a purchase. (It is buyers market! ---- I want the manufacturers to impress me with their products, their service and their follow up with regards to warranty claims! ----- Dealer SERVICE is very important to me because my vehicles are my office! ---- My vehicles need to be 100% at all times, and if something fails, I need it repaired ASAP in a timely / professional manner!) -----------Best regards. ---------- Dwayne

#7 of 98 Re: 2013 Chevy Malibu [dispencer2] by bwia

Aug 10, 2011 (10:53 am)

Replying to: dispencer2 (Aug 08, 2011 10:18 pm)
I'd like to find someone who could tell me the difference between my 2011 Malibu and a base model LaCrosse.
 
I have a 2008 Malibu LS and a 2011 LaCrosse CXS. We removed the cloth seats and installed Katzkin leather in the Malibu that transformed it into a luxury car. The Malibu worked great until the warranty expired. Suddenly we began hearing a glurking sound which resulted from a Power Steering failure. As you may remember this was part of a Chevy recall so the steering mechanism was replaced, thank goodness under warranty. Now it is doing the same thing again and it is in the shop right now. I hope it is covered under warranty since this an ongoing problem.
 
As to the handling between the LaCrosse CXS and the Malibu there is no comparison as I have the touring package with Hiper Strut and 19” low profile tires on the CXS. But for some reason I like the ride on the Malibu better as it soaks up the bumps better and it is less prone to road noise as the CXS.
However, the LaCrosse CX comes with 17” wheels and therefore is much more quiet on the road than the CXS. Perhaps the more comparable model to the Malibu is perhaps the Buick Regal but I have not driven it so I cannot offer an opinion. (Check the 2010 -2011 Buick LaCrosse thread, In Post#1741 e_net_rider has written a good comparison there)
 
If your budget is flexible perhaps you should consider a CXL with leather. You get quite a few more goodies than the base car. One more point, regardless of the model purchased I would highly recommend the Blind Side Alert and Back-up camera. Visibility in the LaCrosse is not good and without these two options driving becomes a challenge.

#8 of 98 Re: 2013 Chevy Malibu [djm2] by djm2

Aug 11, 2011 (4:24 am)

Replying to: djm2 (Aug 09, 2011 3:44 pm)
Since I have a real interest in the NEW Chevrolet Malibu and the Impala, I have been doing extensive research on the 3.6 engine issue on the "net". ---- Some people think that the "timing chain problem" has been corrected after the 2008 production run, while others think that it still exists in the current production. ---- Some individuals think the "timing chain issue" is associated with end play in the camshaft causing additional stress of the timing chain. ----- Some people think it is a combination of a poor quality chain, end play in the camshaft and extended oil and filter changes, and the quality of the motor oil. ---- Since there are General Motors Customer Service people on this site, it would be VERY helpful if they would share some information on this subject. ---- If the timing chain fails when the vehicle is under a "GM extended warranty," (and the oil and filter changes have been performed at or earlier than required), will the warranty cover the total repair, or will GM dump the responsibility on the owner claiming poor vehicle maintenance by the owner? ------ Best regards. ------ Dwyane

#9 of 98 Re: 2013 Chevy Malibu [djm2] by djm2

Aug 11, 2011 (6:50 pm)

Replying to: djm2 (Aug 11, 2011 4:24 am)
TO THE GM REPRESENTATIVE ON THIS SITE: ---------To say the least, ----- I am a little disappointed about the lack of a professional response to my previous posting with regards to the 3.6 V6 GM engine. ----- I would think that the GM representative on this site would be eager to share some basic information with a customer who wants to trade in a Toyota Camry for the NEW Chevrolet Impala! --- The lack of response makes me believe that this "timing chain issue" is real! ---- Please say that this is NOT TRUE! ----- Best regards! ---------- Dwayne

#10 of 98 Re: 2013 Chevy Malibu [djm2] by pao

Aug 12, 2011 (4:37 am)

Replying to: djm2 (Aug 11, 2011 6:50 pm)
I doubt the GM rep is no more than a customer service rep that routes issues between stations...I wouldnt think the ones that sit on these boards would offer much of any insight on your questions/concerns due to liability reasons....If you are waiting to get GM tech guidance or TSB notice here.....dont think you will ever see it.
 
Now I must say..if there is a malibu specific board somewhere, there may be a tech rep lurking on it.....I was a member of the solstice forum, a totally separate forum from this....and we actually had a dealer owner, a service manager, a GM tech rep and engineer, as well as a line operator from the plant that visited the board and provided, "unname source" information so to speak...sometimes in public and sometimes in PM......dont think you will see that kind of participation on edmunds...

#11 of 98 Re: 2013 Chevy Malibu [pao] by djm2

Aug 12, 2011 (5:54 am)

Replying to: pao (Aug 12, 2011 4:37 am)
Hi Pao:
 
      You make an excellent point! ----- Silence sometimes is a GREAT communicator! ---- This is how the situation breaks down. ---- I can purchase a NEW Toyota Camry or an Avalon with a 3.5 proven engine, ---- or I can purchase a New Impala with a 3.6 V6 the six speed trans, ---- or a Buick with the 3.6 V6 engine that has the potential of a timing chain issue at VERY low mileage. ----- I do not care what the name plate is on the side of the vehicle, ------ manufacturers need to take responsibility for producing major components that are trouble free for a reasonable amount of time. ------ I cannot believe that after YEARS of producing vehicles, both in the United States and the world, we still have problems with timing chains, clutches, transmissions and cooling system components. -------- "IF" there is an "on-going" problem with the timing chain in the 3.6 V6 GM engine, ---- why has GM allowed it to exist for such a long time? ---- What is the point of this lack of action? ---- The Impala is going to be a very desirable vehicle with the six speed transmission, but with the 3.6 V6 engine and a "timing chain issue" doesn't this put a "damper" on new vehicle sales? ----- If GM is reading this posting, the buying public wants QUALITY for their hard earned dollars. ---- We are willing to maintain our vehicles at the dealer to keep our warranties up-to date, but we will not accept early failure of a major component as a normal occurrence. Timing chains should last at least 100,000 miles or the life of the engine. ------- If "end-play" in the camshaft assembly is causing additions stress on the timing chain, now we have a major engine problem, and that translates into "engine rebuilding." -------- Should customers have to experience this in a new vehicle? ------ I DO NOT THINK SO! ------ Just some thoughts to consider.
 
       Best regards. --------------- Dwayne

Messages Page 2 of 11

To POST a message, please Sign In.

Advertisement

Browse by Category

Browse by Vehicle
   View All Vehicles

Browse by Board
Browse by Topic
View All Topics

Edmunds Community

Advertisement