im thinking of getting a 2000 chevrolet malibu as my first car. is it a good...

[why not?]

...choice? any input? ? i dont know much about cars. any suggestions would be greatly appreciated ) im 18 btw.

 

[Greenbird 1]

The 2000 Malibu is rated poor by Consumer Reports Buying Guide. It is considered a used model year to avoid. This model year has above average fuel system problems,braking problems and electrical problems. Avoid Model years 1997 thru 2001. After 2001 they get better.

 

[drevrandfan]

I like the malibu but the new ones are so much sweeter.

I would have to recommend the cobalt though it is a great little car it has a peppy little engine in it and gets great gas mileage. I have an 05 cobalt and it is pretty much my favorite car that i have ever driven, handles pretty good, has decent acceleration, a lot of people say that it is kinda small but it is the perfect size to me, and as i said it gets great gas mileage. with an automatic transmission i range between 27 and 32 MPG, depending on how im driving.

for the money i think that the cobalt is the best car Chevy has out. You can pick up a new one for like 16,000 and a used one can be really cheep. i have seen some in decent shape for like 7 or 8 thousand

 

[sodaboy_2239]

How long do you plan on keeping the car? If it is for a few years, I would not buy it. I would go with a honda or toyota. They are the cheapest and most reliable car companies. You can mind almost any honda or toyota for the same price as your chevy would be, sure they will have higher mileage but if you find one that's been taken care of, it will easily go over 200,000 miles. good luck

 

[heythere]

consider yourself lucky that you asked us first before you bought it.

that is a piece of crap. I wouldn't even buy a new american car. Take any new 2009 chevy and it is about as reliable as any american car in the early 90's.

I'd rather have a 1990 nissan sentra then a 2009 chevy malibu.

 

[parkmistyred]

Well I find the replies you have received rather amusing.. How ever the truth be known You have already received one answer. Yes 1997 to 2001 had some problems. Internal coolant leaks that could result in severe engine damage. Ignition switch problem also. However beginning with the 2002 model they will run mile for mile with any of the imports and you will repair any problems you may encounter for many less dollars out of your pocket. I may add I owned a 2001 Malibu. Put 320,000 on it. other than regular maintenance it cost me an ignition switch. Second owner still driving it with no problems.