If you have thought about buying a used Chevy Malibu, then you have come to the right place. This popular sedan is reliable, practical, and versatile. You can find a bare-bones commuter model, a sportier model, or even a more luxurious version of the used Chevy Malibu on the pre-owned market. Finally, the Malibu is still being produced for the foreseeable future, ensuring there will be a plentiful supply of spare parts to keep your Malibu running. So, why is the Chevy Malibu a good car? Here are 8 reasons!
#1 – It’s Practical
Although many modern drivers like crossovers these days, the Chevy Malibu is a practical, mid-size sedan that works well for people from all walks of life. Singles can enjoy it just as much as couples or even small families. With available seating for up to five people, combined with plenty of legroom, you can’t go wrong with a used Chevy Malibu.
While it may not have a hatch, the sizable trunk in the Malibu offers 15.7 cubic feet of cargo room. You can easily store backpacks, groceries, shopping bags, luggage, or sports gear. There is plenty of space back there, and if you need more, you can even fold down the rear seats. When you have a Malibu, running out of space is not a common problem.
#2 – It’s Reliable
When it comes to reliability, a used Chevy Malibu will not disappoint. The Malibu is a long-running model that boasts excellent reliability ratings. With the proper maintenance, a used Chevy Malibu will serve you well. Wherever you go, you won’t have to worry about this comfortable ride breaking down. It doesn’t matter which model year you choose either because this sedan has consistently scored high in reliability ratings.
#3 – It’s Affordable
Often, people will assume that the sticker price of a vehicle determines its affordability. However, this is simply untrue. The initial price of a used Chevy Malibu certainly plays into the affordability factor, but it doesn’t account for the whole story. The cost of fuel and repairs must also be considered to determine just how affordable a vehicle is.
Luckily, the used Chevy Malibu scores well for all three points. You can easily find examples for under $10,000 on the pre-owned market. Meanwhile, the average cost of annual repairs for a used Chevy Malibu is quite low because of its reliability and parts availability. Finally, the cost of fuel isn’t too bad, either. Most recent Chevy Malibus are powered by a 1.5-liter 4-cylinder engine that gets about 32 MPG combined, which makes it a lot more affordable than an SUV or a truck.
#4 – It’s Safe
We love used Chevy Malibu models from 2013 to 2018. Why? Because these models have all earned perfect 5-star overall crash test ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). They have also consistently been named Top Safety Picks by the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS). Not many vehicles can say that! Maintaining these ratings for the better part of a decade is something to be impressed with.
These high ratings have been earned due to the incredible safety features that used Chevy Malibu models have. With a total of 10 airbags placed strategically throughout the cabin, all passengers will be cushioned as best as possible in the event of an accident. Traction and stability control allow you to take on rough roads and sharp corners smoothly, and the rearview camera helps prevent parking lot fender benders.
If you happen to come across a used chevy Malibu with the Driver Confidence Package or the Driver Confidence Package II, grab it! These packages add advanced safety systems that will help protect you on the roads. Generally, LT, Hybrid, and Premier models include the Driver Confidence Package. This suite of safety features comes with blindspot monitoring and lane-change alert to prevent side-swiping accidents. It also includes rear park assist and rear cross-traffic alert to keep you from hitting obstacles or other vehicles while you are backing into or out of a parking spot.
Used Chevy Malibu Premier models that aren’t too old will come with the Driver Confidence Package II as well. This adds even more advanced safety features, including forward collision alert, low-speed automatic emergency braking, and front pedestrian braking. Also added to this suite are the following high-tech features: lane-keeping assist, automatic high beams, and a following distance indicator.
#5 – It’s Luxurious
Now it’s time to cover the fun stuff! While you can easily find an economy-level used Chevy Malibu, you can also find more luxurious ones. The top trims will allow you to drive in absolute comfort, or you can split the difference and find a mid-level trim with a good blend of features at an affordable price.
The top-of-the-line Premier trim level typically can be found with heated and ventilated front seats for comfort all year long. Since it also comes with leather upholstery, you won’t have to worry about sitting on extremely hot seats in the summer or freezing seats in the winter. Furthermore, it also comes with a leather-wrapped steering wheel for an added touch of elegance. Newer used models may even come with a wireless charging pad, which reduced the amount of clutter inside the vehicle. Stand-alone options include remote engine start technology and a sunroof. So, you might even find a used model with those features too!
#6 – It’s Sporty
If you prefer a more athletic vehicle, then a used Malibu offers that as well. The 2016 and later models are available with a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine producing an exciting 250 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, while the 2013-2015 models have an even more powerful version of the same engine putting out 259 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. While these relatively small four-cylinders may not have the mystique of a V6, they provide remarkable performance and will have no problem keeping up with older sports cars as you pull away from the light.
#7 – It’s Eco-Friendly
If you are a conservationist or simply want to save even more money on fuel, then you might want to look for a used Chevy Malibu Hybrid. These hit the market in 2016, so they might be a little more expensive than other used models. Equipped with a 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine and an electric motor fed by a 1.5 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, this powertrain pumps out 182 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque. With an incredible fuel economy rating of 47 MPG city and 46 MPG highway, you can enjoy driving without worrying too much about gas.
#8 – It’s Entertaining
Our last point about why the Chevy Malibu is a good car comes down to entertainment. Features will vary depending on the model year, but many used Chevy Malibu sedans offer some great entertainment features. Bluetooth connectivity is standard for hands-free calling, text messaging, and music streaming. Advanced smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is also common. Finally, the 4G LTE Wifi hotspot found on many models is what seals the deal for us. You can use your favorite apps and update your social media without having to use your phone’s data plan.
