Dec 8, 2023
A grey 2021 Chevy Malibu is shown from the side.

Are you in the market for a new method of transportation? Perhaps you’ve been thinking that you want to do what so many drivers across the United States want to do and save money. This is something we see every day at Parkway Chevrolet. As a used Chevy dealer, we work with drivers who are looking to cut down on both fuel costs and up-front outlay. Such a vehicle does exist, and we’re proud to be able to sell it to you. Getting behind the wheel of a used Chevy Malibu is one of the best decisions you can make if you are looking for an economical, cost-effective car and, above all else, having a sustainable and excellent quality vehicle. Join us today as we examine the different ways in which a used Malibu can benefit you.

From Daring to Domesticated–All for the Benefit of the Masses

The Chevy Malibu has a fascinating story regarding its evolution over the years. Starting its lineage in the 1960s as the Chevelle Malibu and Malibu SS, the original vehicle rose to prominence during the golden age of the muscle car, along with the Chevy Nova and Camaro. Eventually, the Malibu would go through a process of domestication, with more of an emphasis on being consumer-friendly until it was discontinued in 1983. However, you can’t keep a good thing down for too long, and the Malibu was resurrected in 1997 as a four-door sedan, satisfying the needs of average consumers in need of a practical method of transportation. On average, the Malibu is priced lower than some of its major competitors, such as the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry, and there are quite a few ways of cutting costs by owning one.

A red 2019 Chevy Malibu RS is shown from the rear at an angle after leaving a used Chevy dealer.

Appreciating the Art of Depreciation

The biggest advantage of purchasing any used vehicle is paying a lower up-front cost than for something manufactured for the present model year. This is partly thanks to a process that’s known as depreciation. Every vehicle, regardless of its make or model, goes through this process, and it begins from the very moment that a vehicle is driven off of the lot at any dealership. As soon as you take ownership of a car, it’s no longer “New”; it’s now a “Used” car, and it has a lower sales value than it had ten minutes previously. While it happens to every vehicle, it’s non-linear and varies, depending on its make and model. When it comes to the Chevy Malibu, taking advantage of this process can be quite cost-effective. Two years after it was purchased, a Malibu retains slightly over 85% of its original starting MSRP. This drops to 72% after a period of five years and at last drops below 50% after eight years after its production date. By browsing through our inventory at Parkway Chevrolet, you can walk away with a vehicle that’s relatively inexpensive but still retains its quality. As long as a vehicle is properly maintained, it can last on the road for several more years.

Lower Repair Costs

There are a multitude of factors to consider when examining the repair costs of any vehicle. The rate at which maintenance and repairs are needed is different depending on how often you drive your vehicle and what your driving habits are. While this isn’t something set in stone by any means, the average repair costs of a used Chevy Malibu are relatively inexpensive. On average, the annual repair costs of a Chevy Malibu will remain well below the threshold of $1,000 for the first eight years. In this same amount of time, the probability of a major repair or overhaul being needed is relatively low; it sits below 15%. Some consider this to be much more efficient than other offerings in its class.

As to the routine maintenance that a used Malibu requires, it depends on how much wear and tear is placed on the vehicle. The most common recurring maintenance is having the oil changed and the tires rotated. On average, this should be done every 7,500 miles. Your air filter should be replaced every 20,000 miles, and this is generally the second-most frequent repair. Other, more complex items that need attention, such as transmission service and spark plug replacement, only need to be done every 100,000 miles. Going farther by paying less is always advantageous, and having routine maintenance performed regularly is an excellent way to accomplish this.

Paying Less at the Pump

Another factor that is directly related to the Malibu’s low cost of ownership is its fuel efficiency. The price of fuel is non-linear and unpredictable, but fortunately, the fuel costs related to a Chevy Malibu are easily manageable. Depending on what year your used Chevy Malibu was produced, there are a variety of fluctuating costs. For example, if you’re fortunate to find a 2019 Chevy Malibu Hybrid, you’ll have a city-driving MPG of 49 and a highway rating of 43 MPG, for a combined average of 46 MPG. Depending on where you live, you can expect to pay $1,150 a year in fuel costs, which is certainly less than average. In recent years, the Malibu’s most common powertrain consists of a 1.5L four-cylinder engine paired with either a CVT or six-speed automatic transmission. The recurring number in many of these vehicles is a combined average of 30 MPG (27 MPG in the city and 36 MPG on the highway.) The type of gasoline, how often you drive, and where you live will all be determining factors in your mileage. However, the Malibu is a fuel-efficient offering that allows you to go much further while paying less at the pump.

Lower Insurance Premiums

One of the reasons so many people are looking to purchase used vehicles is because, on average, they cost much less to insure than newer models. Once again, insurance is something that will vary, depending on a few determining factors. Items such as your age, driving record, and which provider you select will all affect how much your monthly premium will be. According to an industry study, the average insurance cost for a Chevy Malibu is somewhere in the neighborhood of $1,662 per year. This is less than many other vehicles in its class, and shopping around for the right provider can assist you in paying even less.

A white 2016 Chevy Malibu is shown from the front at an angle.

A Used Malibu is the Ideal Solution at Parkway Chevrolet

Being a driver in the modern day and age comes with a great deal of responsibility, not to mention incurred costs. Finding an affordable solution for both of these is something on the collective minds of many. Luckily, a Chevy Malibu can provide a possible solution for this need. When it comes to providing the very best, the experts here at Parkway Chevrolet are here to do just that. Not only do we have a wide selection of vehicles to choose from—including the Chevy Malibu—but we also have a staff who understand the concerns and needs of the modern driver. They are here to listen to you and help you find a vehicle that is a good fit for you. Whether it’s a Malibu or just some routine service, we have the means to provide you with everything you need for the road ahead.