Looking for a new car...

[Atty]

I'm in the market for a new car, currently looking at the 2010 Malibu LT2 w/ 4cyl (33/26MPG) but I'm not sure about it's performance. I searched online and found primarily good reviews on it but I'd like some honest non-bias user opinions (if that's possible?!) and hopefully you'll all be able to help out!

Anyways, I'm looking at a 20,000 price tag with my company discount (before tax, tag, and title, etc) but that's just a ball park from previous vehicle purchases through GM.

If anyone has any suggestions for another mid size car, preferably a bit more sporty(?), please let me know.

BTW: Only things I'm looking for as far as comfort goes is the premium sound system (at least, that's what I have on the Malibu), sunroof, and keyless entry/remote start/etc. Would prefer GM or Ford because I get a big discount on either through my company.

 

[Fenixgoon]

what reviews have you checked out? also, edmunds does have a consumer feedback section (though admittedly, the responses can be hit or miss in terms of helpfulness)

and of course, go test drive one to find out how engine pickup really is. after all, if you buy the car, you're going to live with it for a while, so make sure it meets your needs/expectations

 

[JulesMaximus]

No matter how good it is or how good a deal you get on it you'll take a huge hit in depreciation the moment you sign on the dotted line.

 

[MikeMike]

Originally posted by: JulesMaximus
No matter how good it is or how good a deal you get on it you'll take a huge hit in depreciation the moment you sign on the dotted line.

go back to bragging about your motorcycle...

 

[desy]

either the fusion or mailibu are good cars
I belive the fusion gives a more spirited drive tho and the malibu a softer ride

 

[Bignate603]

Originally posted by: JulesMaximus
No matter how good it is or how good a deal you get on it you'll take a huge hit in depreciation the moment you sign on the dotted line.

If he's planning on keeping the car for most of its life it doesn't really matter.

 

[MikeMike]

Originally posted by: Bignate603

Originally posted by: JulesMaximus
No matter how good it is or how good a deal you get on it you'll take a huge hit in depreciation the moment you sign on the dotted line.

If he's planning on keeping the car for most of its life it doesn't really matter.

there is a grand total of about $2k in depreciation difference between the Fusion and Malibu according to edmunds

 

[adlep]

I would go with a 2008 Fusion which can be had cheap - for around $15000 for a V6 with low miles and maybe "certified used". There is no need to buy a new car. Also, I am not sure about the reliability of the Malibu. Fusion is based on a proven Mazda 6 and it is also a very safe vehicle.

 

[Atty]

I'm planning on keeping it the next 5-8 years at least, maybe longer.

 

[TraumaRN]

Well the new 2010 Fusion is nice...I can attest to that. Of course you probably won't get what I have(Fusion Hybrid), given your price range, but the 2010 Fusion is a wise choice, so would the Malibu, I do agree that the Fusion is more of a spirited drivers car and don't forget about Ford Sync that can be paired with the 12 speaker Sony sound system, I have it in mine, hook my ipod up and jam away. I'm sure Chevy has something similar but I would say test drive both cars, see what you like.

EDIT: A 2010 Fusion SE I4 with Ford Sync, 12 speaker sound, and moonroof is about $23,500 or so pre tax and discounts, if you want leather tack on another $1000 or so.

 

[brblx]

the malibu is arguably one of the best cars GM has put out recently.

that said, i'm still not impressed. at 6'3 and about 230, i am better accommodated by many (most) compacts. i don't like my knees resting against things or having to lean my fat ass over to get to the seat controls (why can i reach straight down my side to grab the seat controls in a yaris but not in a malibu? gimme a break). seats are also not comfortable.

that said, it doesn't seem to handle terribly and like most newer cars, it has enough power to do anything non-stupid that you would want to do. i'm downright surprised by the power levels in most new cars, i'm used to driving beaters that need 'skillful' driving to muster up the power for passing, quick on-ramps, or anything else that needs snappy acceleration. the 4 cyl malibu has plenty of power for those things. the malibu is a stark comparison to the impala, which i wholly detest. sketchy brakes, an oddly mapped gas pedal, and terribly steering make for complete driver dissatisfaction in that car, but i find the malibu to be completely different.

i wouldn't even consider the malibu next to the fusion, though. i find it more attractive and comfortable inside, and it rides and drives at least as well.

 

[JulesMaximus]

Originally posted by: MIKEMIKE

Originally posted by: JulesMaximus
No matter how good it is or how good a deal you get on it you'll take a huge hit in depreciation the moment you sign on the dotted line.

go back to bragging about your motorcycle...

Excuse me? Did I state something that ISN'T fact in my post?

Don't shit all over me because American cars suck and have horrible resale value...that sure as fuck isn't my fault.

 

[Atty]

Looking at the Fusion online on Ford's website right now. I've got to say, I've never really been a fan of Ford but all the extras and just the general look of the Fusion is enough to make me want to buy it right now and tell the Malibu to go to hell.

 

[halik]

Originally posted by: iAtticus
I'm in the market for a new car, currently looking at the 2010 Malibu LT2 w/ 4cyl (33/26MPG) but I'm not sure about it's performance. I searched online and found primarily good reviews on it but I'd like some honest non-bias user opinions (if that's possible?!) and hopefully you'll all be able to help out!

Anyways, I'm looking at a 20,000 price tag with my company discount (before tax, tag, and title, etc) but that's just a ball park from previous vehicle purchases through GM.

If anyone has any suggestions for another mid size car, preferably a bit more sporty(?), please let me know.

BTW: Only things I'm looking for as far as comfort goes is the premium sound system (at least, that's what I have on the Malibu), sunroof, and keyless entry/remote start/etc. Would prefer GM or Ford because I get a big discount on either through my company.

If you're gonna get a fleet car, get it used. Have someone else pay for the depreciation.

 

[Atty]

Ugh, now that I'm thinking used I'm looking at everything under the sun. From Camaro's (new, but bite me, their sexy, even a V6) to M3 BMW's. Why can't car buying be EASY?!

 

[brblx]

you need to put out some baseline criteria. what's the max you're willing to spend? how many miles/how old would you go if used? do you need a warranty?

M3's gonna be a hell of a lot more expensive to own than a fusion. frankly i just can't recommend many european cars when you factor in the cost of maintenance and repair. if you can't afford a new BMW, you probably can't afford to fix a used BMW. you could get totally lucky and maybe nothing will ever break, but eff banking on that.

 

[evident]

Originally posted by: JulesMaximus

Originally posted by: MIKEMIKE

Originally posted by: JulesMaximus
No matter how good it is or how good a deal you get on it you'll take a huge hit in depreciation the moment you sign on the dotted line.

go back to bragging about your motorcycle...

Excuse me? Did I state something that ISN'T fact in my post?

BTW-There is no shortage of posts about your motorcycle on these forums. And don't shit all over me because American cars suck and have horrible resale value...that sure as fuck isn't my fault.

he's just mad because you hate america, osama.:roll:

 

[MikeMike]

Originally posted by: evident

Originally posted by: JulesMaximus

Originally posted by: MIKEMIKE

Originally posted by: JulesMaximus
No matter how good it is or how good a deal you get on it you'll take a huge hit in depreciation the moment you sign on the dotted line.

go back to bragging about your motorcycle...

Excuse me? Did I state something that ISN'T fact in my post?

BTW-There is no shortage of posts about your motorcycle on these forums. And don't shit all over me because American cars suck and have horrible resale value...that sure as fuck isn't my fault.

he's just mad because you hate america, osama.:roll:

I have a motorcycle? awesome, who do i contact about it?

 

[boomerang]

Regarding the Malibu, I would suggest driving the 4 and also the 6 to get your own impression. I'm sure the dealer would be happy to oblige you.

I think there are folks out there that would be happy with the 4 regardless of the performance for various reasons. You should drive them both and decide what's best for you.

 

[CurseTheSky]

Originally posted by: iAtticus
Looking at the Fusion online on Ford's website right now. I've got to say, I've never really been a fan of Ford but all the extras and just the general look of the Fusion is enough to make me want to buy it right now and tell the Malibu to go to hell.

I haven't driven one of the latest Malibus, but I've been extremely pleased with my Fusion. I think the general consensus is that you can't go wrong with either car. Why not run down to a dealer and try out both?

Originally posted by: iAtticus
Ugh, now that I'm thinking used I'm looking at everything under the sun. From Camaro's (new, but bite me, their sexy, even a V6) to M3 BMW's. Why can't car buying be EASY?!

You need to decide what you want to use your car for. If you're looking for a general commuter car without the boring feel, keep looking at Fusions, Malibus, and similar. If you're looking for a performance car, THEN start looking into Camaros and M3s. Those two categories really shouldn't be mixed - one is going to be economical (both fuel economy and maintenance) and the other is not. Are you prepared to spend more on fuel, brakes, tires, etc.?

 

[JulesMaximus]

Originally posted by: MIKEMIKE

Originally posted by: evident

Originally posted by: JulesMaximus

Originally posted by: MIKEMIKE

Originally posted by: JulesMaximus
No matter how good it is or how good a deal you get on it you'll take a huge hit in depreciation the moment you sign on the dotted line.

go back to bragging about your motorcycle...

Excuse me? Did I state something that ISN'T fact in my post?

BTW-There is no shortage of posts about your motorcycle on these forums. And don't shit all over me because American cars suck and have horrible resale value...that sure as fuck isn't my fault.

he's just mad because you hate america, osama.:roll:

I have a motorcycle? awesome, who do i contact about it?

Oops. My bad, I mistook you for someone else. :beer:

 

[Ktulu]

Originally posted by: JulesMaximus

Originally posted by: MIKEMIKE

Originally posted by: JulesMaximus
No matter how good it is or how good a deal you get on it you'll take a huge hit in depreciation the moment you sign on the dotted line.

go back to bragging about your motorcycle...

Excuse me? Did I state something that ISN'T fact in my post?

Don't shit all over me because American cars suck and have horrible resale value...that sure as fuck isn't my fault.

It's not your fault that in the past American cars were sub par but i would say people like you are to blame for perpetuating the myth that American cars still suck. As far as resale value goes not all American cars have horrible resale value. Unfortunately it's going to take a while to fix the damage that decades of fleet sales and bad workmanship has caused.

 

[brblx]

Originally posted by: Ktulu

It's not your fault that in the past American cars were sub par but i would say people like you are to blame for perpetuating the myth that American cars still suck. As far as resale value goes not all American cars have horrible resale value. Unfortunately it's going to take a while to fix the damage that decades of fleet sales and bad workmanship has caused.

personally i think people need to quit perpetuating the myth that american cars have stopped sucking.

in many respects GM has either not improved or gotten worse. even disregarding stupid engineering decisions- things like jamming the fusebox in a half inch from the serpentine built, mounting the ECM to a flimsy battery cover, whatever. shit like that makes me want to smack their engineers. but my biggest problem is that they still feel like they're contracting for the government- they're using the 'lowest bidder' policy and then some. everything that can be cheaped out on, is. seats worse than the cheapest econo cars, sheetmetal with razorblade edges, et al. and they don't even try to hide it. what's that, a faux leather-wrapped wheel? no, it's a big hunk of hard plastic that they didn't even bother to try and make seem appealing to look at or comfortable in your hands.


and i still wouldn't piss on a chrysler if it was on fire. no reason to even get into that one, there's just simply nothing appealing coming from that company.

 

[AllGoodNamesAreTaken]

I had a 2010 Malibu 4cyl as a rental for a week. Build quality seemed fine but that engine is not powerful enough IMHO. The A-pillars are quite thick as well.

 

[BUTCH1]

Originally posted by: JulesMaximus

Originally posted by: MIKEMIKE

Originally posted by: JulesMaximus
No matter how good it is or how good a deal you get on it you'll take a huge hit in depreciation the moment you sign on the dotted line.

go back to bragging about your motorcycle...

Excuse me? Did I state something that ISN'T fact in my post?

Don't shit all over me because American cars suck and have horrible resale value...that sure as fuck isn't my fault.

A few points, you take a huge hit in ANY new car purchase, including Honda + Toyota. Domestics are worse in this regard yes, but it's not like you can drive an Accord for 6 months and only lose $500 if you dumped it. Keep in mind that a domestic with all the toys are generally cheaper than Imports so your getting more up front, if the reliability holds up it's about a wash IMO..