I have been driving a new Malibu MAXX LS for a week. So far I really like
the car. If anyone would like more detailed impressions, just ask.

Carl

"Carlshead" <carlshead (AT) yahoo (DOT) com> wrote

Why don't you just post your impressions here for all to read?

Test drove one today. Only problem I saw was the catch for the back window
shades are pathetic. Hopefully they will add some reinforcement once they
figure it out.


"Carlshead" <carlshead (AT) yahoo (DOT) com> wrote

I'm impressed if you noticed the lousy shade catches on a test drive. The
shade catches suck. They're usually OK when the windows are closed, but
when I open a window, the airflow seems to push the shades and the catches
release. And when the car is closed up and gets really hot inside, the roof
plastic becomes more flexible, and the catches suck even more. I've been
thinking of attaching a paper clip or something in case I have a rear
passenger who wants the shades to stay closed.

Overall, I'm thrilled with my Maxx. Mileage is a bit better than expected,
about 23 mpg overall, 33 highway. XM Radio display needs more characters,
and the amp could be a bit more powerful, but it's OK. I wish there was a
way to move the rear seats forward without leaving a gap that allows a
peeping tom to see into the cargo area. (I need to move one seat forward in
order to fit my golf clubs.) Wish there was a compass. Cruise control is
very precise, nice. Wish front passenger seat had power controls, wish
seatback was powered (only driver's seat bottom is powered).

Gary

"Art" <begunaNOSPAMPLEASE (AT) mindspring (DOT) com> wrote

I wish that my Maxx issues were as simple as yours. I bought a 2004 Maxx
LT in January and have had nothing but trouble with it.

For 30 days it sat in the shop (the entire month of February) waiting
for computer replacement parts.

Then on May 3rd it went into the dealer's shop again for another
computer replacement. It seems there is something wrong with the wiring
that can not be fixed.

I've owned the car for less than 120 days, and it has spent about 60 of
those in the shop.

Two weeks ago GM told me that it could not be fixed and they would buy
it back from me. That has not happened yet - nor have they given me a
date as to when it will happen.

The dealership did give me a loaner car, that has a tire with an air
leak. I put air in the tire every thrid day. I am not impressed with GM.

Words cannot express how upset I am with GM over this situation. GM has
offered to find me a new Maxx, but I am not sure that I want another one.

Unfortunatly I don't think they will give me my money back unless I buy
their replacement car. It really sucks.

Thanks for listening to me rant.

WhiteFox
Gary Go wrote:

You may want to check with your States Attorney Consumer Affairs Office on how
Lemmon Laws apply in your state.

"whitefox" <whitefox (AT) prodigy (DOT) net> wrote

James C. Reeves wrote:
Thanks for the advice - I'll let you know how I make out.

Fx

Instructions for arbitration and lemon laws are in one of the manuals which
came with your car.
If it were me, I would tell them to drop off a new car TOMORROW otherwise
you want your money back. They can let you use the new car as a loaner till
the paperwork goes thru.


"whitefox" <whitefox (AT) prodigy (DOT) net> wrote

Art,

I tried that - you want to know what they told me?

Basically they said that they would replace the vehicle, but it will
take three weeks for the paper work to go through. This three weeks is
in addition to the 25 days the car has been in the shop during the month
of May, and on top of the 30 days the car spent in the shop over
February and March.

All told I have owned this vehicle for 119 days, 55 of them spent in the
dealer's repair shop.

During the time that I was driving the car I put 4600 miles on the Maxx
- and it was the best 4600 miles I have driven. To date I have put well
over 6000 miles on rental and loaner cars. I am disgusted.

Thanks for the information on Arbitration, but the manual is in the
glove box. I have been in touch with my state's Attorney Generals
office, and have checked into the local lemon law. Seeing as GM is
buying back the car, there is nothing the state can do about the
situation, as GM is following the letter of the law.

If I am willing to drag this out through the court systems (a process
that could take months or even years) I would most likely win a
settlement for all the money I put out and some more aggravation and
interest. But I would have to make all the loan payments during that
time, as well as insurance and taxes.

So, here I sit in a rental car, waiting for paperwork to go through,
while paying for a car that is sitting in the GM repair shop. Not only
am I making the monthly loan payment, but because of state law I have to
pay the insurance and use taxes on that car too.

I feel very cheated by GM, and do not feel they are acting in good faith
or that customer service is a top priority in this case.

I am at my wits end, and don't know what to do about the situation. It
seems that my only recourse is to wait out the three weeks GM says it
will take to get my money back.

The kicker is that they have a replacement car on the lot, but can't
give it to me until the paperwork goes through. I don't think that I
want a replacement car at this point.

WhiteFox


Art wrote:

I would think that they would let you use the replacement car that they have on
their lot (turn it into a "demo" car) as a good faith gesture until the
paperwork goes through..then sign it over to you. Maybe they're worried that
it's a dog too and you'll find that out before the paperwork gets done?!