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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 6 of 11

#47 of 98 2013 2.5 or 2.0 Turbo Malibu by djm2

Mar 12, 2012 (5:20 pm)

Hi All:
      I have narrowed my new vehicle choices down to either a 2012 XLE Camry (4 or V6) or the 2013 Malibu 2.5 or 2.0 Turbo. ------ The 2.5 and the 2.0 Malibu will be available during the Summer and Fall of 2012. ----- The present 2013 Malibu is a type of Hybrid, and it DOES NOT come with a spare tire. I contacted Chevrolet, and I inquired if the 2.5 and the 2.0 Malibu will have a spare tire. They informed me that at this point in time, they had no specifications for these vehicles. If the 2.5 and the 2.0 Malibu does not offer a spare tire, and if there is no designated space for a space saver spare in the vehicle, this fact will be a "deal breaker" for me! My vehicle is used for business, and I cannot be on the road without a spare tire. My time is money. I do not want to call a 1-800 number and wait on the side of the road for service. I want to be able to drive to the next town with a tire store, and get the problem corrected in a timely / professional manner! ---- There is a very strong possibility that I will be trading my 2007 XLE V6 Camry for a 2012 XLE Camry because I can have a spare tire! ---- If there is a GM representative on this board I would be very interested in hearing from you on this subject! --------- Best regards to all! ------------------ Dwayne

#48 of 98 Any Other Test Drives? by rmanke

Mar 12, 2012 (6:28 pm)

I took a '13 Malibu for a reasonably long test drive recently and found it to be a mixed bag. I liked the new exterior proportions and the new interior is top notch for its class. There was a good ride/handling balance and the steering, although totally numb, tracked straight and true. On the other side, there was a lot of wind noise around the A pillar and outside rear view mirror. I also found a lot of racket coming through the suspension on rough roads and there wasn't much in the way of power. The eAssist didn't do much assisting. Since I'm not in a hurry, I'll wait to see the new Fusion/Altima/Accord and perhaps by then the 2.5/2.0 Turbo will be out and GM will find a way to eliminate the wind noise.

#49 of 98 Re: 2013 2.5 or 2.0 Turbo Malibu [djm2] by 12jjd

Mar 13, 2012 (12:34 pm)

Replying to: djm2 (Mar 12, 2012 5:20 pm)
Dwayne, like the Cruze, the Eco is equipped for maximum fuel efficiency with aerodynamic improvements, lightweight alloy wheels, low-rolling-resistance tires, a smaller fuel tank and a few minor feature deletions like the spare tire to further reduce weight. I'm sure the LT models will have a spare tire just like their competition.

#50 of 98 Re: 2013 2.5 or 2.0 Turbo Malibu [12jjd] by djm2

Mar 13, 2012 (5:11 pm)

Replying to: 12jjd (Mar 13, 2012 12:34 pm)
Hi 12jjd:
 
      I would hope that you are correct, -- as I am interested in the new Malibu! ------- Best regards! --------- Dwayne

#51 of 98 Malibu vs Verano by djm2

Mar 14, 2012 (4:20 am)

Hi 12jjd:
 
      I also looked at the Buick Verano as a possible vehicle to replace my 2007 Camry. ---- I was expecting an up-scale Chevrolet Malibu, or at least a vehicle on the level, (in terms of quality), as the Buick Regal. ----- I was VERY disappointed. When I entered the Buick Dealership I asked to look at the top of the line Buick Verano with all the opinions including leather interior. Here is what I discovered.
 
1.) The quality of the leather was cheap! My 2010 LTZ Chevrolet Malibu had a better interior.
 
2.) The was no power seat on the passenger side of the vehicle, and there was NO option for this seat. ---- My LTZ Malibu has power seats on both sides. I contacted Buick about this issue, and I was told that as the Verano progresses more options will be added to the line. I told the Customer Service Representative that I guess Buick does not want to sell the current production run of the Verano. HELLO, HELLO, HELLO ----- This is a Buick, and the "top of the line Verano," and you DO NOT THINK that a power seat on the passenger side is important???????? What are you "thinking?" ---- Is there any "thinking" going on in Buick?
 
      The American manufacturers constantly "shoot themselves in the foot!"
 
      I also looked at the New V6 Impala. This vehicle has a 3.6 V6 engine. This is not a NEW engine to the GM line. It has been used in other GM vehicles. I did a little research on this engine, and it seems that is suffers from "EARLY TIMING CHAIN FAILURE!" When I contacted GM about this issue, I was told that not all 3.6 V6 engines suffer from this problem. QUESTION: ---- How do I know as a consumer "IF" I have the vehicle that does not have the problem?????? ----
 
      As a consumer, what do you purchase?
 
      Best regards. --------- Dwayne

#52 of 98 Re: Malibu vs Verano [djm2] by onefunkar

Mar 15, 2012 (2:59 pm)

Replying to: djm2 (Mar 14, 2012 4:20 am)
at saturn the e assist was called greenline. the greenline (e assist) came without spare but others had the spare.

#53 of 98 Re: Malibu vs Verano [djm2] by 12jjd

Mar 18, 2012 (1:25 pm)

Replying to: djm2 (Mar 14, 2012 4:20 am)
Dwayne, The Buick Verano is built on the Cruze chassis and is the luxury model to the Cruze, so you shouldn't be comparing it to the Malibu.
 
The Impala is just an old technology full sized work horse that GM has kept, because it sells.
 
Sounds like you should just wait for the 2013 Malibu when it comes out with the new 2.0 or 2.5 L motors this fall.

#54 of 98 Re: Malibu vs Verano [12jjd] by djm2

Mar 21, 2012 (2:08 pm)

Replying to: 12jjd (Mar 18, 2012 1:25 pm)
Hi 12jjd:
 
        You made my point! ----- "IF" the Verano is an "up-scale version of the Cruze" it should have all the power accessories! ---- After all, it is a "Buick" not a Chevrolet!
 
        The last four days, I have had the opportunity to drive a 2012 Hyundai Sonata while my 2007 Camry was being serviced and detailed. ---- (I am getting ready to trade this vehicle!) ----- The Hyundai was a rented vehicle. --- I was very surprised as to the quality and performance of the Sonata. The four cylinder engine was very powerful, and the automatic transmission was very smooth. --- Compared to my 2010 four cylinder LTZ Malibu, the Sonata was a race car! It drives like my old 2003 four cylinder Honda Accord! ------ I would love to consider purchasing a "top of the line Sonata," but the dealers in my area of New Jersey leave a lot to be desired in terms of customer relations and service. They are the "bottom feeders" of the automotive sales business!
 
      Best regards. ----------- Dwayne

#55 of 98 Chevy's reputation abroad? by steve_ HOST

Apr 13, 2012 (10:33 am)

A reporter wonders about Chevy's reputation abroad. If you did not grow up in the US, email predmunds.com by 4pm Eastern today, April 13, 2012, to share your thoughts on Chevy's reputation back home.

#56 of 98 Re: 2013 2.5 or 2.0 Turbo Malibu [12jjd] by dispencer2

May 14, 2012 (12:33 pm)

Replying to: 12jjd (Mar 13, 2012 12:34 pm)
Considering that a spare tire is an option on the new 2013 Cadillac XTS and it was an option on my 2009 Cobalt I assume that it will be an option on the 2013 Malibu. My 2011 Malibu had the spare tire as part of an option package. If a spare tire is a big deal to you visit your junkyard. There are plenty of them there. None of the spares in new Malibus are full size anyway.
 Dwayne -you keep comparing the Malibu to a Camry. The Camry is more dependable, has a less attractive interior but unlike any GM car will give you 200,000 miles or more without problems. Your refrigerator, freezer, and desk lamp will also be trouble free for years. Toyotas are appliances with wheels. They appeal to millions of people a year and all in all are a better choice than a Malibu.

Messages Page 6 of 11

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