2013–2024
Is a used Chevrolet Malibu a good deal?
By Hari Vinayak · Updated 2026-06-12
Quick answer
A used Chevrolet Malibu is a genuine value play — it depreciates hard, so you get a lot of car per dollar — but pick the engine carefully: the 2016+ 1.5L turbo has documented oil consumption and turbo failures, while the 2.5L and the 2.0T are sturdier. Many Malibus were rental or fleet cars; that's not automatically bad, but verify maintenance actually happened and check for the stop/start system behaving properly.
Chevrolet Malibu years to avoid (and best years to buy)Known issues to check first
- 2016+ 1.5T: oil consumption and turbo failures — check oil level, listen for turbo whine, look for blue smoke on startup
- 2013–2015 2.5L: stop/start system glitches and some starter complaints — watch the restart behavior at lights
- 2016+: occasional transmission shudder on 6-speed cars — feel for vibration at light throttle
- Rental/fleet history is common — verify with the history report and match wear to miles
How much mileage is okay?
150,000–200,000 miles is reachable with care. Fleet cars often have consistent oil changes — ask for the auction or fleet maintenance printout if it was one.
Common questions
Which used Malibu years should I avoid?
Approach 2016–2018 1.5T cars with the most caution unless oil records are solid. The 2.0T and the 2013–2015 2.5L are the more durable picks.
Is a former rental Malibu a bad buy?
Not necessarily — rentals get regular oil changes but rough handling. Price should reflect it: a former rental should cost noticeably less than a one-owner car.
Why is this Malibu so much cheaper than an Accord or Camry?
Depreciation and badge perception, not necessarily condition. That's the opportunity — but it also means resale will stay soft when you sell.
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