Buying Chevy Malibu or Ford Fusion

dietz4ibanez

Slowly going the way of the Buffalo
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Personally I can't figure out why anybody would limit themselves to these two mediocre cars when there are so many more out there that offer up better build quality and resale value when it comes time to sell... plus a much better driving experience while you own them.

You do realize that on average you pay a lot more for better quality and just to have a higher resale value. You also pay a lot more for repairs and maintenance especially if you follow Honda's Routine Maintenance schedule... In the end can both cars last just as long as the other. YES. A Chevy Malibu or Ford Fusion will last just as long as Honda or any other make. If you change the oil like you should in the end you will pay less either way you look at it.

Did you Jim buy the best vehicle for you and your wife? Yes you did. Because in the end you know that you might keep that vehicle for 2-3 years. You expect it to hold some value for resale later..

Just within my family alone we have 4-5 vehicles that are mediocre compared to others but have average of 180k miles on them. We have replaced tires, brakes, and bushings(2 to be exact :lol:) here and there not forgetting oil changes switch out filters ect. And that's it.


I don't see why the average person would want to spend $2000-4000 more for a vehicle just so that its worth what KBB says its worth a couple years down the road. Also considering that for the average person that Foreign cars will have problems just like any other car and cost you a lot more. There is no such thing as a inferior motor company. People just buy what they like.

Brian Brian Brian.

Our Honda actually ended up costing about a thousand LESS than the Malibu we looked at once we made our deal (Chevy's red tag sale price VS our deal at Honda). Both stickered for around $26,500 and I bought the Honda for $20,500. In three years time, it will be worth about $4,000 MORE than the Malibu on the used car market. Remember I do this stuff for a living.... I don't remember what the Fusion was selling for because we did not like it. It felt cheap and we don't like cheap. Scheduled maintenance is no different on the Honda than it is for any other vehicle. Making a case against a car simply because you do not like the manufacturer is pointless.

If people want to settle for less resale value in a car that is their business. I prefer to buy the best I can get for the money. The Malibu and Fusion are both best bought used so that the buyer doesn't get fleeced by the bad resale value (the worst part is in the first 18 months). I never said they were not dependable cars.

You got a good deal. The average person would not get that good of a deal though.

With my GM discounts and Rick Hendrick hookups I can buy a LTZ Malibu for 17-18k... :thumbs:


I would change that timing about belt religiously. Honda might recommend it pre 100k.

I have been luck with a couple Hondas. Bought them with around 100k and the timing belt needed replaces. The owners consensus was they didn't want to pay the money and find out that the engine turned making impossible to time.

Bought those cars replaced the belts and made $2000 profit on the deal. :thumbs:
 

dietz4ibanez

Slowly going the way of the Buffalo
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I went to look at the Malibu last night. Test drove it, what a great car, the drive and braking and handling was absolutely great. It sure doesn't feel like a 41k mile vehicle. Then again my truck doesn't feel like a 106k miled truck so its possible. The history looks pretty clean and clear, no leasing, no renting. Body looks fine, barely a scratch that I would tell from looking it over real well. Very comfortable interior. I might get it if we settle for an agreeable price.

Pics from my Blackberry.

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I am so jealous! Congrats Darren.
 

Mixedbreed

And that was the first time i got crabs...
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well Obama is my "president".. he will get me a new caddy for 5-6 K














i can name drop too... :jester:
 

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