By Josh RosenbergGiven today's high-priced used car market, many consumers are looking for "older" vehicles for a better budget fit. The 2013 Chevy Malibu has proven to be a generally reliable used car choice and one that hasn't had significant "red flag" mechanical issues. But like all used vehicles, it does have some fairly common issues that are more specific to the model.
It's also gotten more difficult to find models with reasonable mileage, although they are still out there with careful and patient shopping. Regardless, it's very important for prospective buyers to get vehicle history reports and mechanical inspections before making a final decision.
But first, and very importantly, before getting into all the model information ...
Know How To Get The Lowest Used Car Price:
Get Dealers To Compete For your Business: When you are searching vehicles to possibly purchase, the following is the absolute best way to get the lowest price, and it is extremely easy and stress-free.
Just go to a national car listing site, (I happen to prefer CarsDirect.com for their massive dealer participation and ease of use, although others will get the job done as well) and find several listed vehicles that you may be interested in.
Then write something like the following in the "Check Availability" box or "Contact Dealer" box or whatever the site you are using uses.
"Hello, I've contacted several dealers about cars I am interested in and am looking for the best value. I am also a serious buyer planning to make a decision soon. Please send me your best out-the-door price. Thank you.
After receiving the offers, follow up by explaining that based on the price, you're leaning in another direction but still really like their car and would certainly consider another offer. When dealers drop out, you'll know you're at the best price.
Using the internet to get dealers to compete for your business is extremely important. More details on this and how to intereact with the dealers can be found here at Best Used Car Buying Techniques.
2013 Malibu Price
Of course, prices of this Malibu in the used market will vary based on vehicle condition, mileage, trim level, location, and additional features or options. But here are some ranges for good condition, average mileage models:
Malibu LS: $7,000 to $10,000
Malibu LT: $7,500 to $11,000.
Malibu LT Eco: $8,000 to $12,000
Malibu LT Eco: $8,500 to $13,000
Please keep in mind that prices can also vary based on modifications or upgrades as well as market conditions effecting supply and demand.
Malibu Overview
The Malibu actually got a total redesign for the 2013 model year, including significant improvements in overall refinement, available features and fuel economy, putting it up there with segment leaders.
The cabin was made more attractive and upscale, while featuring a host of standard features, plenty of soft-touch surfaces and high quality materials. Also, a navigation system was made available for the first time, so be on the lookout for those models.
Also new was the standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 197 horsepower which, combined with direct injection and variable valve timing, boosts both the power and fuel economy over its predecessor.
Also made available was an optional turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder that pumps out a very healthy 259 horses.
In terms of its positives and negatives, the Malibu's overall positives can be summarized to include its composed and comfortable drive, upscale cabin, advanced high-tech features for the time and very good Eco model gas mileage performance.
On the downside, its overall negatives would include its typical used car mechanical history, below average rear legroom, somewhat sluggish Eco model performance and odd Eco model trunk shape.
2013 Malibu Pros
Composed and Comfortable Drive:
This Malibu has abundant noise insulation and offers a quiet cabin which will be especially appreciated on long highway trips. It's handling is also confident without sacrificing a smooth and overall well-composed driving experience.
And gas mileage performance for the standard 2.5-liter engine is a solid 22 mpg city and 34 mpg on the highway.
Upscale Cabin:
The cabin is attractive and solidly constructed with higher grade materials and soft-touch surfaces. Overall, it's actually close to entry-level luxury quality.
Standard on all but the base LS model is a touchscreen display with Chevy's MyLink system which integrates your smartphone for hands-free calling, audio connectivity and internet music streaming.
The seating is also comfortable and supportive, while even the lower trims have generous noise insulation materials which adds to the vehicle's near luxury interior experience as well.
Advanced High Tech Features:
The Chevrolet MyLink system and the optionally available navigation system makes for a technology level not consistently offered in this segment at the time.
Car Buying Tips:
Buy Any NEW Car At The Lowest Possible Price
How To Get The Best Price For Your Trade-In
How To Buy A Used Car At The Best Price
How To Get The Lowest Rate Car Loan
Spot Wholesale Opportunities Right On Dealer Lots
Eco Model Gas Mileage:
The Malibu Eco model is a "mild-hybrid", as opposed to a "full-hybrid", because it never runs on electricity alone. It's equipped with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine and a small electric motor. These motors are coupled with a 6-speed automatic transmission to produce 182 horsepower and 172 lb-ft of torque.
The electric motor adds only a small hand to acceleration, but powers the accessories. In addition, its most important contribution is to help fuel economy with its enabling of the automatic stop/start system that turns off the engine when you come to a stop (at a traffic light, for example).
This combination of motors means the Eco is quicker than most traditional hybrids, but also doesn't get their kind gas mileage. In performance tests, the Malibu Eco was timed from a standstill to 60 mph in 8.2 seconds, a better than average time for even the typical gas-powered four-cylinder family sedan.
At the same time, its EPA-estimated gas mileage is also a better than average 25 mpg city and 37 mpg highway.
2013 Malibu Cons
Mechanical Problems:
While there are no model-wide red flags with this Malibu and it has proven generally reliable with regular maintanence, more common used car issues reported by owners have included rough shifting or delayed transmission engagement, electrical problems with the infotainment system, power windows, or various sensors, and cooling system problems, including leaks or overheating.
Some owners have also reported engine-related problems, including issues with the engine control module (ECM) or oil leaks, and replacing engine valves as well as wheel bearings.
These issues can not be considered unusual during the lifetime of an automobile but all used buyers should be aware of and check for them before purchase.
Below Average Rear Legroom:
The wheelbase was decreased, resulting in slightly less rear legroom than most other midsize family sedans. That said, this is not a glaring deficiency because the overall dimensions were actually increased, providing additional hip and shoulder room. However, it's possible that tall drivers could take away enough space to make it uncomfortable for rear passengers.
Somewhat Sluggish Eco Model:
While the Eco's semi-hybrid system is barely noticeable and runs smoothly and efficiently, most of its power is supplied by the 2.4-liter with little help from the electric motor, which can sound on the loud side and also feel sluggish in some situations, despite its respectable acceleration for the class.
This is due to a transmission which has been specially tuned to increase fuel efficiency so that it wants to get into its higher gears quickly as well as downshift slowly.
Odd Eco Model Trunk Shape:
While the other Malibus have a trunk with a generous cargo capacity of 16.3 cubic feet, the Eco's also accommodates the car's compact lithium-ion battery and comes in at 14.3 cubic feet. And while even this is an adequate number, the battery gives the trunk an usual shape for storing some items.
Overall
With its long feature list, improved cabin quality and comfortable drive, an average mileage (or preferably lower) 2013 Malibu can offer a viable used sedan choice in today's high-priced market. That said, a vehicle history report and a pre-purchase inspection are especially important for an older used vehicle.
Other contenders worthy of consideration would include the Ford Fusion, the Honda Accord, the Kia Optima, the Hyundai Sonata, the Mazda 6 and the Volkswagen Passat.
Things To Do When Considering An "Older" Vehicle
Locate Lower Mileage Vehicles: They are certainly out there to be found with careful and patient shopping. Be willing to drive a distance if you have to.
Vehicle History and Maintenance: Ask for the vehicle history report (CarFax or AutoCheck) as well as documented maintenance and repair records. If not provided by the Dealer or private seller, it's usually best to move on.
Pre-Purchase Inspection: Have the vehicle independently inspected before making a final decision. This usually will cost in the $150-$200 range but is well worth it given the potentially thousands in savings over the long term.
Also, Always Know The Value Of Your Trade-In
Whether you are trading or selling on your own, it's just a good idea ... even whether you are in the market or not at the moment. You can then use this important information for a number of purposes ... to negotiate with a dealer, or to know how to price your car in the retail market, or simply to know the value of one of your assets, which is always a good idea.
Getting trade-in values online tend to vary a lot from site to site. But I've found the one at Edmunds Trade-In Quotes is particularly comprehensive and accurate.
It's free and just takes a couple of minutes. I think what helps its accuracy is the inputs will include either your plate# or VIN# followed by many simple, but specific, yes/no questions. It really focuses in on the detail of the specific vehicle.