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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

#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

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

Aug 15, 2011 (4:21 am)

Replying to: djm2 (Aug 12, 2011 5:54 am)
while I dont disagree with anything you say.....I beleive one has to look at the big picture...and determine what the actual failure rate of the chain in the 3.6 engine is....while we hear about those who have the issue on the "net," do we really know the total number of failure against the total number produced? Like most public forums you only hear about the problems and not the compliments in most cases. Most will tell you that a certain number of failures is probably statistically acceptable.....is it 1 in a 100 or 1 in a 1000 or 1 in 10,000.....I dont know that answer...do you?
 
you say major components trouble free for a reasonable amount of time...again what is considered reasonable...3-36, 4-50, 5-100 reflecting the standard bumper to bumper on most GM cars 3-36 with the 5-100 for the drive train, and 4-50 for the Cadillac with the 5-100 for the drive train....
 
on the cadillac side on this forum..there is a major discussion ongoing about total engine failure due to loss of oil on the 04-06 CTS...where there is no indication of oil leaks....it simply seems to be burning in the engine apparently or trapped elsewhere causing the engine to seize....again..GM not taking responsibility....as most of these have 80+k miles on them..and no covered under the 5-100 which started with the 07 model year. I admit there seems to be problem here, but just how big is it is the question I would pose.....

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

Aug 15, 2011 (5:45 am)

Replying to: pao (Aug 15, 2011 4:21 am)
Good Morning pao:
 
        You make some very interesting points.
 
         With regards to the longevity of the timing chain, I would compare that to the longevity of a timing belt. ---- Most timing belts are replaced around 90,000 miles or six years which ever comes first! ---- I would expect that a timing chain would last a least 90,000 miles easily! ----- But the chains are failing as early as 4,000 miles in some cases. One person posted on another site that his vehicle has TWO timing chains assemblies replaced within 24,000 miles. ----- There is more to this issue that needs to be researched!
 
         There is also an oil usage issue on the Chevrolet line of vehicles. ---- As you know from my previous postings, I own two vehicles, (a 2007 V6 XLE Camry and a 2010 LTZ Malibu.) ---- Toyota, in the past has suffered from a "sludge issue" in their engines. While Toyota recommends changing engine oil every 5,000, I have chosen to change my oil every 2,500 miles. My dealer recommends the use of an oil additive (BG-MOA) at every oil and filter change. I have used this product since the vehicle was new. My Camry now has almost 68,000 miles, and the oil on the dip stick is as clean as the day that I picked up the vehicle when new. ----- I never use oil between oil and filter changes which occurs every 2,500 miles. ----- Some manufacturers see using one quart of oil every 1,000 miles as being acceptable. I DO NOT AGREE! (If that is acceptable, I would be using two and one half quarts of oil in 2,500 miles! ----- Is that acceptable??????)
 
        What I find VERY interesting is the SILENCE on the part of the GM representatives on this issue! ------- I will be purchasing a vehicle next year, and I am presently doing my research. ---- As a consumer, I want comfort, quality, performance and dependability. ---- Since I always purchase an extended warranty on a vehicle, I have no problem having all my service work performed by the selling dealer, but I DO NOT want to purchase a vehicle that has a "built in problem" that is not being addressed in a professional manner. This means servicing the units already in the field, and correcting the problem in the production for new units. ----- Replacing a timing chain assembly is a "BIG ISSUE" on new vehicles. It might require the removal of the engine. ----- This does not play out well in the eyes of the customer, even though the mechanical problem has been corrected, because the customer has paid a large amount of money for the product! ----- If this issue is an isolated case, that is one thing, but if this issue is an epidemic in the GM family of vehicles this is a totally different issue!
 
        Best regards. ------ Thanks for the posting. ---------- Dwayne

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

Aug 15, 2011 (11:19 am)

Replying to: djm2 (Aug 15, 2011 5:45 am)
again...you have seen my opinion about a GM rep responding on an internet forum.....dont think you will ever see it happen....

Messages Page 2 of 11

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