Front control arms replaced at 100,000
to get rid of noise when I went over a bump. I heard part was re-engineered.
Replaced brakes often between 80,000-114,000 and rotors, also. New calipers at 114,000 fixed the problem.
First set of tires lasted between 50,000-60,000 miles. Second set lasted 80,000 plus with different tire brand.
Water pump replaced at 137,000 miles.
ABS light has been on for last 30,000 miles, but haven't had any braking problems and will live with sensor problem.
Shouldn't have bought that stupid 5 year paint warranty for $299 which was worthless.
To me a low maintenance car. Replaced serpentine belt once. Battery replaced at 126,000 miles. Plugs and wires at 80,000 miles and currently have 70,000 miles on second set. 70,000 on Gates Serpentine belt and no cracks; 79,000 on first belt replaced by mechanic.
Original suspension. No exhaust system problems. Still get 29 Mpg going 70 MPH on Interstate. No oil leaks:)
Had brother's employers mechanic do most of maintenance work after hours such as replacing belt, hoses, and control arms as serpentine belt costed only $26 (still going strong).
Am deciding to trade it in for 2002 Malibu (2000 rebate + 1300 extra discount + trade-in for my 1998 Malibu)
No need to get the LS unless you like wasting money or a leather interior.
I wish they would have improved the gas mileage from 29 to 32 on the new Malibu. I could have saved 10% on gas money.
You are either very lucky or you work for GM! Congrats on owning one of these money-pits without an expensive repair before 50K miles!
Id like to congradulate you on surviving with that car for as long as you did, I just financed a 99 malibu this WEEK!!!AHHHHHH, I prey to GOD mine doesn't have nearly as many problems as everyone else =/, and mine also has 87k miles on it, no problems so far how ever.
Good luck with your malibu.
I am the original owner of the car. I sold it to my sister
at 166,000 miles in November 2002 after buying a 2003 Impala. She has driven another 14,000 miles. She has only
had to replace 2 Oxygen sensors. I replaced the original
alternator at 155,000 miles and at same time replaced the
2nd serpentine belt. You have to add radiator fluid from
time to time even though hoses have been replaced. Radiator
gets some black gunk which I was told was from using General Motor's
Dex Cool. Original suspension has 180,000 miles and is fine.
I hate how the car chewed up brakes and rotors after 80,000
miles though I did have one pair last ~39,000 miles after
replacing the calipers. I, also, wished the car had better
gas mileage. My Impala has 32 on the highway with a bigger engine.
Again the original owner of the 1998 Malibu who sold it to my sister. It now has ~210,000 miles. My brother-in-law
fixed the radiator leak after it clogged 100%. He took
off an odd-shaped S pipe and after a couple of hours cleared the pipe of gunk. It has not had a problem since.
If I would have been told this by a mechanic at 160,000 miles I would have kept it another year or so.
My sister had well over 120,000 miles on her spark plugs
(second set).
I like my 2003 Impala better.
Owning a 2002 Malibu may be the biggest mistake in my life!
Serpentine Belt went south today - Heat gauge went to red zone and power steering became inoperative as I struggled to get the junker off the road.
Last year, heater core developed a pin hole leak - Replaced it $600.
Air Bag light remains on.
Heater resistor had 4 out 6 dead spots, replaced that.
New brake disk pads at 30K
A/C vent changes state by itself, fresh air no matter how hot it is outside.
Pulled horn fuse because it was honking during right hand turns.
Cruise control is useless dead weight.
Paint job peeling.
New tires at 30K.
Replaced fogged up plastic head lights.
More problems with the car, but I think you heard enough.
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