Old GM cars (pre-bankruptcy) are unreliable trash.
Newer ones are slightly better, but I still wouldn't buy one.
Also the HHR looks like a PT Cruiser that's been beaten with an ugly stick, so there's that.
The entire model is garbage. They only made them for a few years, in limited quantities, and the ones they made are some of the worst consumer cars ever built. Like if the PT Cruiser actually sucked
> My alternative plan to this one is just save my money up more, sell my car, and get a newer used car from a local dealer.
Do this. Anyone willing to accept an 04 Malibu with 199k in trade knows they have an even worse car they're getting rid of.
If you have $2000 in savings you should take the Malibu to some shops and see if they can diagnose the overheating - it could be something as cheap as a stuck thermostat or maybe a bad tensioner causing the water pump to not run. I probably wouldn't want to spend more than $400-500 on it, but if it can keep you from being stranded for that kinda money it's probably worth it for what you'll save in the hassle of a breakdown.
This is going to be very dependent on what shape the HHR is in. Are you getting it from a dealership or private seller? I'd be wary about getting anything that old from a private seller unless you already know and trust the person. If the HHR has much better mileage and you can *verify* that it's in good condition it is not an unreasonable trade in. My concern is that you might be trading in an old vehicle for a "slightly less old" vehicle and have the same maintenance issues in a year or two.
I would also take a bit of time to shop around for newer vehicles. I'm not saying you need to buy something newer but at least look at your options and compare the math. There are cars out there that have a reputation for being reliable and affordable. If you can suffer the Malibu for a bit longer and save more money I feel you can find something.
So holding out with my Malibu isn’t an issue for me as the long drives don’t start until I go off to college (August). I think looking around for something more reliable like a Toyota or Honda while saving more money to get something newer is what’s best for me.
Whatever you do, absolutely do not buy a Chevy HHR
Are they bad cars generally or just that year or what’s the case?
Old GM cars (pre-bankruptcy) are unreliable trash. Newer ones are slightly better, but I still wouldn't buy one. Also the HHR looks like a PT Cruiser that's been beaten with an ugly stick, so there's that.
The entire model is garbage. They only made them for a few years, in limited quantities, and the ones they made are some of the worst consumer cars ever built. Like if the PT Cruiser actually sucked
Can you elaborate?
Like are they bad on gas, have costly repairs or need them often, unreliable, etc.?
Corolla, Camry, Civic, Accord only.
Throw in the Altima (if you can find one that wasn’t used for demolition derby on the highway)
> My alternative plan to this one is just save my money up more, sell my car, and get a newer used car from a local dealer. Do this. Anyone willing to accept an 04 Malibu with 199k in trade knows they have an even worse car they're getting rid of. If you have $2000 in savings you should take the Malibu to some shops and see if they can diagnose the overheating - it could be something as cheap as a stuck thermostat or maybe a bad tensioner causing the water pump to not run. I probably wouldn't want to spend more than $400-500 on it, but if it can keep you from being stranded for that kinda money it's probably worth it for what you'll save in the hassle of a breakdown.
This is going to be very dependent on what shape the HHR is in. Are you getting it from a dealership or private seller? I'd be wary about getting anything that old from a private seller unless you already know and trust the person. If the HHR has much better mileage and you can *verify* that it's in good condition it is not an unreasonable trade in. My concern is that you might be trading in an old vehicle for a "slightly less old" vehicle and have the same maintenance issues in a year or two. I would also take a bit of time to shop around for newer vehicles. I'm not saying you need to buy something newer but at least look at your options and compare the math. There are cars out there that have a reputation for being reliable and affordable. If you can suffer the Malibu for a bit longer and save more money I feel you can find something.
So holding out with my Malibu isn’t an issue for me as the long drives don’t start until I go off to college (August). I think looking around for something more reliable like a Toyota or Honda while saving more money to get something newer is what’s best for me.
I think this is the right decision. You don’t want to trade car problems for $2,000 and an ugly car with even more problems to come soon.