new Malibu

Has anyone perchased a new Malibu recently. How is the 2005 Malibu LT? I'm not crazy about the appearance of the Malibu Maxx personally. Also, what are some of the differences from the 2004 to 2005? If I could some money on the 2004 would I be loosing much. I saw a 2004 Malibu LT and a 2005 Malibu LT, and I'm trying to decide if its worth it to just get a new car for a few thousand more.

The only significant changes to the '05s are the addition of side chest airbags to the side airbag package (which only had curtains for '04), seat heaters on LS models (cloth seats) (LT had in '04 only), and a rear wiper and spoiler on Maxx models (optional on LS, std. on LT).

Get at least the curtain bags for sure. Crash results are good with, lousy without.

The '04s and '05s have depreciated horribly (just like the last generation), so save some money and get the '04. Just be sure you get a sedan manufacture date of 3/04 or later (driver's door label). Earlier vehicles could be subject to the electric power steering failure. If it's a Maxx, make sure it's 5/04 or later. My 4/04 example needed a new fuel tank due to a supplier glitch; this was fixed sometime in May '04.

The only problems with '05s is a "left-pull" in the steering on some cars that a tire rotation can cure.

My car was a year old this week, and I'm very pleased.

Personally, I don't trust any leather seats in Chevys any more; even the LT has leather side bolsters. The leather in my last 2 cracked badly even with meticulous care, so I went for a loaded LS this time around.