[Oneota]

Originally posted by daimoni:
Yes, it is my opinion.

Well, good. Since the title of the thread is looking for opinions.

Getting a lot of good insight here. Plenty to think about (fortunately, I've got plenty of time to do the thinkin').

[daimoni]

.

[CaseCom]

Originally posted by Oneota:
If I find one, I'll do that. Just so I'm clear, this is the car that's no longer produced, right? What was the last year they were made?

Last year for the Contour was 2000, after which it and the Escort were replaced by the Focus. The SVT Contour was made from 1998 to 2000.

[Shaddim]

Originally posted by daimoni:
Yes, it is my opinion. And I have too much self respect to be seen in any of the cars mentioned in this thread.

Well, except for the Volvo 240. Now that, sir, is a REAL CAR.

Not be seen in an Audi A4 or BMW 3 series? Wow, that's idiotic.

[Kilbey]

Originally posted by CaseCom:
**SNIP**

Kilbey: You kinda lost me when you started bashing Ca$h for using "comparo." That's just standard car-magazine lingo. What's the big deal?

It was on this level.

It was childish and i shouldn't have done it. I probably discredited myself as you pointed out. My only defense is we have a 2.5 week old newborn at home and under serious sleep deprivation

[Kilbey]

Originally posted by wifedoer68:
All I ask is that you at least TEST drive an SVT Contour. If you still want a malibu, then there is no hope for you.

- Rob

I agree on the first point. find a Contour SVT and test drive it. See what you think.

I'd be surprised if you didn't stay on the Malibu track though. If you lose the respect of Rob you really haven't lost much.

I also had a quick thought on this. what about a Pontiac/Toyota Matrix/Vibe? The All Wheel Drive model comes in cheaper than a modestly equipped Malibu and has a little more style.

From pontiac's web site:

Pontiac vibe AWD
Base MSRP: $20,465
Standard Features

All-wheel drive
4-speed automatic transmission
4-wheel antilock brakes
4-wheel independent suspension

EPA Mileage Estimates
26 / 31 (City/Highway mpg)

Standard Equipment on all Vibe models:
Air conditioning with air filtration system
Chrome accented gauges
Center console with two cup holders, double bin storage and cell-phone holder with dedicated/hidden power source
AM/FM stereo with CD player, programmable equalizer, Radio Data System (RDS)** and 4 speakers
Household-style, two-prong outlet
One-step 60/40 fold-flat rear-passenger seats
Fold-flat front-passenger seat
Rear cargo track system with adjustable tie-down anchors
Stain-resistant cargo area
Roof rack with adjustable cross bars
Rear hatch with liftgate/liftglass design
Rear-window defogger
Driver and right front-passenger frontal air bags
Daytime running lamps
Fog lamps; integrated into front fascia

[wifedoer68]

Originally posted by Oneota:
If I find one, I'll do that. Just so I'm clear, this is the car that's no longer produced, right? What was the last year they were made?

No, they quit selling the mondeo/contour over here in 2000. They're still made elsewhere in the world, but here in the states a smaller sedan with good construction and price just won't sell, people would instead spend the extra 5 grand to buy a god damn SUV that doesn't accelerate, handle or brake. Whatever. Point is, they're good cars, they're reliable, and they're REWARDING to drive. The duratec v6 in them is marvelous, the intake is extrude honed, and they (in my opinion) NAILED how you should 'hear and feel the engine'; that is, YOU DON'T HEAR IT AT ALL, unless you floor it. Once you floor it, it just purrs. The shifter is a shnickity shnick oh so tight shifer, it is also incredible. True, the interior isn't exactly on the VW level, but the car is now available for at or under 10,000, so don't complain. You're getting a car that handles like a BMW, accelerates better than a BMW, is cheaper to own, is cheaper to fix, and has better seats for UNDER 10 grand. Also, a heads up: Ford revised the suspension on the SVTs in MID 1998, so if you are looking for one, the BEST ones are mid 98-2000.

TO FIND a contour SVT, simply go to www.contour.org, and post in the forums. Everyone there is very helpful, and can surely find one in your area for sale. Even if it ISNT exactly in your area, wouldn't it be a small (1-3 hour drive) to look at a car that you'd actually ENJOY being in, as opposed to just 'being in'?? I think so. I drove 4 hours away to get my current car. I don't regret it at all.

- Ca$h

[Oneota]

Originally posted by KarlG:
Here's a review on the Malibu that's quite positive.

Thanks for that; wouldn't have found it otherwise (though I guess Detroit would be the paper to check for American auto reviews ).

[CaseCom]

Originally posted by Kilbey:
It was on this level.

It was childish and i shouldn't have done it. I probably discredited myself as you pointed out. My only defense is we have a 2.5 week old newborn at home and under serious sleep deprivation

No problem ... congrats on the new child. I'm not sure the Lounge is where I'd be if I wanted to get away from crying babies though

[scaught]

Originally posted by Oneota:
Plenty to think about (fortunately, I've got plenty of time to do the thinkin').

dude. are you posting from prison or something?

[wifedoer68]

Originally posted by Kilbey:
I agree on the first point. find a Contour SVT and test drive it. See what you think.

I'd be surprised if you didn't stay on the Malibu track though. If you lose the respect of Rob you really haven't lost much.

I'd be surpised if you still wanted a boring mundane Malibu with no 'soul' whatsoever. The only thing that buying a brand new Malibu will get you that a used contour can't, is two things:

1. The new car smell (which is cool)
2. RAPID AND SEVERE depreciation.

GM cars lose their values like bricks. Since the Contour is already 2-4 years old, its already lost the biggest chunk of its price, and is now in the 'extremely good deal category'.

- Ca$h

PS: Kilbey works for GM. Kilbey only drives GM. Kilbey is PRO GM. I am unbiased. I like fords, dodges, mitsus, subarus, audis, bmws, toyotas, and even a few hyundai's. Unlike Kilbey, I realize that each marque produces GOOD cars, and each marque produces bad cars. Since I'm not partial to one brand over another, and since he will only recommend GM, who do you think you should be listening to? Even if the malibu sucked, he'd still recommend it to you because he's in love with GM. I am a true automobile enthusiast, he's nothing but a fanboy. Don't listen to him.

[daimoni]

.

[wifedoer68]

Originally posted by Kilbey:
My only defense is we have a 2.5 week old newborn at home and under serious sleep deprivation

Funny, you never mentioned your cousin was pregnant.



- Ca$h

[wifedoer68]

Originally posted by daimoni:
The Audi A4s are for sissy girly boys. Seriously.

M3s are slightly better.

Excuse me Daimoni, I believe you're confused. The M3 is the M-car version of the 3 series BMW, which has over 300hp, and can hang with the corvette. The cars that were previously discussed were the audi A4, and the bmw 3-SERIES, not the M3. The M3 is more along the lines of the S4, audi's performance version of the A4. Now you know!

- Ca$h

[CaseCom]

Originally posted by wifedoer68:
I am unbiased.

We're all biased, one way or another. (Except for Fox News, of course.)

[Timo]

Originally posted by CaseCom:
No problem ... congrats on the new child. I'm not sure the Lounge is where I'd be if I wanted to get away from crying babies though

heh

[Kilbey]

Originally posted by wifedoer68:
I'd be surpised if you still wanted a boring mundane Malibu with no 'soul' whatsoever. The only thing that buying a brand new Malibu will get you that a used contour can't, is two things:

1. The new car smell (which is cool)
2. RAPID AND SEVERE depreciation.

GM cars lose their values like bricks. Since the Contour is already 2-4 years old, its already lost the biggest chunk of its price, and is now in the 'extremely good deal category'.

- Ca$h

PS: Kilbey works for GM. Kilbey only drives GM. Kilbey is PRO GM. I am unbiased. I like fords, dodges, mitsus, subarus, audis, bmws, toyotas, and even a few hyundai's. Unlike Kilbey, I realize that each marque produces GOOD cars, and each marque produces bad cars. Since I'm not partial to one brand over another, and since he will only recommend GM, who do you think you should be listening to? Even if the malibu sucked, he'd still recommend it to you because he's in love with GM. I am a true automobile enthusiast, he's nothing but a fanboy. Don't listen to him.

You're not partial to one brand or the other?!?! Really?!?! What are your feeling about GM. Any Partial feelings towards them?

Actually, I really like Volvo, Saab, Jaguar, BMW, Jeeps, and even the Neon. I buy GM because I get about a 28% discount on them. I do NOT like most Ford or Chrysler's. I used to work competitive tear down at GM engineering, and would evaluate the other car manufacturers products. I know enough to never by a Ford and most Chrysler cars. Japanese cars bore me to tears. However, if you'll look above you'll see I recommended a Toyota.

Fanboy? Labels, labels, labels. You like to label people. Why is that? You have called me homophobic, inbred, and now fanboy. You have issues buddy.

I am not ashamed of my connections to GM. Work for GM, both Grandfathers worked and retired from GM, my dad is retired from GM, two of my Uncles work for GM, and most of my community is employed by GM or by a GM-related company.

But I have owned lots of non-GM cars. I have owned 4 Fords, an AMC Eagle, a Jeep, and a VW. I have driven almost every single make and model of car out there when I worked for GM engineering.

[Kilbey]

Originally posted by wifedoer68:
Funny, you never mentioned your cousin was pregnant.



- Ca$h

She isn't/wasn't. Now your sister on the other hand.

[daimoni]

.

[Sherwin]

OP: Ignore everyone here. They're all being gay. What you really want is a Porsche 996 Targa. They even have a pop-up rear window for you to put your IT stuff through.
You'll thank me for it, trust me.

[wifedoer68]

Originally posted by Kilbey:
You're not partial to one brand or the other?!?! Really?!?! What are your feeling about GM. Any Partial feelings towards them?

Yep. I believe their current industrial designers have never taken a design class. I think GM vehicles are cheap, fairly reliable, and fairly robust. The only cars in the current GM lineup that I would consider is the supercharged grand prix, the cavalier Z24, the vette, and that's pretty much it. The rest of their cars are horribly horribly ugly; they just make me angry looking at them, that their designs are really THAT BAD, and that they actually made it through the preproduction phase without anybody saying "THATS FREAKING NASTY LOOKING"! It's a true modern day example of the emperor's new clothes.

- Rob

[Kilbey]

Originally posted by wifedoer68:
Yep. I believe their current industrial designers have never taken a design class. I think GM vehicles are cheap, fairly reliable, and fairly robust. The only cars in the current GM lineup that I would consider is the supercharged grand prix, the cavalier Z24, the vette, and that's pretty much it. The rest of their cars are horribly horribly ugly; they just make me angry looking at them, that their designs are really THAT BAD, and that they actually made it through the preproduction phase without anybody saying "THATS FREAKING NASTY LOOKING"! It's a true modern day example of the emperor's new clothes.

- Rob

That's too bad. But you at least did admit you are partial when it comes to cars. Just like everyone else.

Just remember, that is your opinion. A lot of people don't like the looks of your Italian design house based Japanese car. And that is their opinion.

[PowerMatt]

For your needs (and for the needs of most of America), you won't be at all disappointed by the Malibu. The exterior is not gaudy, but still has character. The interior is a vast improvement over the standard GM fare. The first thing I noticed was a non-GM-looking stereo deck. For anyone who has driven a GM car from the last 20 years, you know what I'm talking about. The controls and gagues are laid out nicely and ergonomics are well thought out. Interior fit and finish is on par with Honda and Toyota, but not close to BMW, Saab, MB, etc. (but I have only seen one of these new Malibus). You get tons of interior room. (Actually, it puts my Accord to shame.) The 3.5l V6 is one of the smoothest engines that GM has produced. I believe, and Kilby could confirm, that this 3.5l was the same engine to grace the Olds Intrigue during its existence.

So if you want a realiable car with good, subtle exterior styling, a large interior, and a good price, the Malibu is a good place to start. Other cars to consider might be the Saturn L-series, Accord, Camry (price premiums with these two). If my two Hondas weren't in perfectly good condidtion (even with 200K miles) I would probably drop by my local Chevy dealer and put one of the new Malibus through its paces.

In reality, don't take my word for it, or Rob's or anyone else on this board. Go test drive one and go test drive all the other cars that you might be considering.

[wifedoer68]

Originally posted by PowerMatt:
the Malibu ,Saturn L-series, Accord, Camry

- $

PS: Life is short.

[Kilbey]

WOW!

I was just wandering Philip Greenspun's web site http://www.photo.net where you got the sheep picture. That is uncanny.

It is an excellent site. I love his photographic style.

[Kilbey]

Here's a good Malibu review.

http://auto.consumerguide.com/auto/n...x.cfm/id/37454

It scored slightly above average overall.

[scottiB]

Originally posted by Oneota:
Thanks for that; wouldn't have found it otherwise (though I guess Detroit would be the paper to check for American auto reviews ).

Here's one from the Detroit News that's not as glowing.

I don't care for the Detroit Free Press's reviewer--a little too pro-Big 3. I agree with Timo; wait for the 5-door--the MAXX version (God, GM's marketing is genius).

Or purchase an Accord. Why not buy to what all else is compared?

[Kilbey]

Originally posted by scottiB:
Here's one from the Detroit News that's not as glowing.

I don't care for the Detroit Free Press's reviewer--a little too pro-Big 3. I agree with Timo; wait for the 5-door--the MAXX version (God, GM's marketing is genius).

Or purchase an Accord. Why not buy to what all else is compared?

In the article he talks about Detroit classified ads and he alludes to the 2003 Malibu being a better value.

This is not a fair comparo (sic, see, i learnt a new werd) as the 2003 and 2004 are vastly different cars.

Not everyone wants an Accord. They are more expensive to repair when they break. Common maintenance parts are more expensive also. Most foreign cars are costlier in the long term.

EDITED: Duh

[passmaster16]

Originally posted by Kilbey:


Not everyone wants an Accord. They are more expensive to repair when they break. Common maintenance parts are more expensive also. Most foreign cars are costlier in the long term.

EDITED: Duh

Sorry but I have to disagree. I don't see Honda or Toyota costing that much more to repair than domestics. Besides, the point is that the import isn't supposed to break as much to begin with. I don't know how you figure it would cost more to own a foreign car...maybe a bmw or mercedes but these japanese cars are manufactured in the US. It's not like the parts are impossible to find. Personally, I can care less what people drive. I drive Hondas because they are reliable, not because they are flashy. So what, they might be conservative and boring. Do I care? No, because I know when I turn the key, it's going to start. I don't have bias. My dad has a grand cherokee and an s10. He has an accord as well. Out of all of them, the accord has had the least problems. I've owned 4 hondas and every single one of them has run well over 150k miles. My 93 has 160k on it right now. Until I see that from the domestics, I'll be sticking to hondas...'nuf said. Sporty looking cars are great if they aren't in the shop all the time. I would check out the malibu. If you like it, go for it. I'd hardly worry if you didn't get ca$h's approval.

[cjrivera]

Originally posted by wifedoer68:



- $

PS: Life is short.

Be honest Ca$h....

you stole these from Microsoft's WindowsXP's ad agency.

Shame. Shame.

[Oneota]

Originally posted by scaught:
dude. are you posting from prison or something?

No, I'm just not going to be able to afford to buy the car until next spring or summer. I'm waitin' for the '04s to depreciate a bit.

[wifedoer68]

Originally posted by Oneota:
No, I'm just not going to be able to afford to buy the car until next spring or summer. I'm waitin' for the '04s to depreciate a bit.

In the meantime, please find and test drive an SVT. Heck, give me your zip code and I'll find one in your area.

- Rob

[PowerMatt]

Originally posted by wifedoer68:
In the meantime, please find and test drive an SVT. Heck, give me your zip code and I'll find one in your area.

- Rob

Rob-
I admire your zealotry againt the General. Admire, but disagree.

[Shaddim]

Originally posted by daimoni:
The Audi A4s are for sissy girly boys. Seriously.

M3s are slightly better.

?!?!?

I own an `01 M3, and it's hardly a "sissy girly boy car", IMO. True, it's slightly modified (chipped, SS exhaust, cold air intake) but it absolutely hauls ass. Shop tested 376 hp@8000RPM, 291lb-ft torque@4800RPM, and rides as smooth as glass without losing any feel of the road. I'm sure there's LOTS of "sissy" cars out there that can turn 0-60MPH in 4.6 sec. It's like having a Z06 with room for 4 adults and superior comfort... and still get 25-27MPG on road trips. The only other car I'd want is a Vanquish.

[scottiB]

Originally posted by Kilbey:
In the article he talks about Detroit classified ads and he alludes to the 2003 Malibu being a better value.

This is not a fair comparo (sic, see, i learnt a new werd) as the 2003 and 2004 are vastly different cars.

Not everyone wants an Accord. They are more expensive to repair when they break. Common maintenance parts are more expensive also. Most foreign cars are costlier in the long term.

EDITED: Duh

The reviewer's point was price: the 2004 Malibu being tested was $26k while loaded 2003s can be found for $14k. The new model is much better, but is it $12k better?

Of course, not all people want an Accord, but a lot of people purchase Accords and Camrys. If these cars were so expensive for maintenance, they wouldn't sell in such high volumes.

[wifedoer68]

Originally posted by scottiB:
The reviewer's point was price: the 2004 Malibu being tested was $26k while loaded 2003s can be found for $14k. The new model is much better, but is it $12k better?

Of course, not all people want an Accord, but a lot of people purchase Accords and Camrys. If these cars were so expensive for maintenance, they wouldn't sell in such high volumes.

Yeah, think about that. For the price of an 04, you could get an 03 AND a contour SVT.

- Rob

[xi_hyperon]

Originally posted by wifedoer68:
Yeah, think about that. For the price of an 04, you could get an 03 AND a contour SVT.

- Rob

...and if you're lucky, they won't ever be at the mechanic for repairs at the same time!

[wifedoer68]

I've heard nothing negative about the reliability of the Contour SVT. As for the regular plain jane contour, I have no idea since I would never own one.

- Rob

[maxintosh]

If you're going for a point A to point B car, you can't really beat an Accord, though it's probably up for a redesign pretty soon. The new Camry is just FUGLY, though.

[maxintosh]

Hope they improved the safety ratings on the new Malibu:

http://www.iihs.org/vehicle_ratings/ce/html/99025.htm

The worst car in its class is the Pontiac Grand Am/Olds Alero (surprise!):

http://www.iihs.org/vehicle_ratings/ce/html/99026.htm

GM pretty much has a reserved dead-last spot in safety ratings. Just look at the Venture (a family car!); the thing completely collapsed in the test:

http://www.iihs.org/vehicle_ratings/ce/html/96026.htm

[nredman]

2004 Honda Civic

[Shaddim]

Originally posted by nredman:


2004 Honda Civic

Sorry, but it looks like a `96 Nissan Sentra...

[Zimphire]

Only buy a Civic if you don't plan on having any passengers in the car with you.

[passmaster16]

Originally posted by Zimphire:
Only buy a Civic if you don't plan on having any passengers in the car with you.

funny, i was going to say the same about a neon

[Kilbey]

Originally posted by maxintosh:
Hope they improved the safety ratings on the new Malibu:

http://www.iihs.org/vehicle_ratings/ce/html/99025.htm

The worst car in its class is the Pontiac Grand Am/Olds Alero (surprise!):

http://www.iihs.org/vehicle_ratings/ce/html/99026.htm

GM pretty much has a reserved dead-last spot in safety ratings. Just look at the Venture (a family car!); the thing completely collapsed in the test:

http://www.iihs.org/vehicle_ratings/ce/html/96026.htm

Wow, both my Venture and my Jimmy scored near or at the bottom of the safety lists.

Looks like the Malibu is much safer than the Contour. Malibu received an "acceptable" and the Contour received a "poor" rating. Check it out.

Malibu:
http://www.iihs.org/vehicle_ratings/...nexp.htm#99025

Contour:
http://www.iihs.org/vehicle_ratings/...lier.htm#95010

Looks like the foreign cars don't fair well either!!! (Since we are being selective about the lists we post)

http://www.iihs.org/vehicle_ratings/...mary_lglux.htm
http://www.iihs.org/vehicle_ratings/...uv_overall.htm

[maxintosh]

Originally posted by Kilbey:

Looks like the foreign cars don't fair well either!!! (Since we are being selective about the lists we post)

http://www.iihs.org/vehicle_ratings/...mary_lglux.htm
http://www.iihs.org/vehicle_ratings/...uv_overall.htm

??? On the first link, the worst car got rated "Acceptable" and the top 4 safest are all foreign cars.

On the second link, the only car that scored "Good" and WASN'T foreign was the Saturn Vue. The only car to score WORSE than Acceptable was a Ford. The Vue was the only "Good" car to score "Poor" in side collissions.

What's the point?