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1997 Chevrolet Malibu
Invoice: $14,155 - $16,643
Miles Per Gallon
City: 20 MPG
Highway: 29 MPG
Body Style: Sedan
Engines: 2.4L I-4 150 HP, 3.1L V-6 155 HP
It was simple. Chevrolet didn't have a model to compete with the Ford Contour, Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, Nissan Altima and Dodge Stratus. That's a big, lucrative market and a player the size of Chevrolet has to be in the game. Creating a model that could make the lineup was not an easy assignment. These are formidable competitors with good records. Chevrolet would have to hit the proverbial home run if it was to stay in this component of the midsize game. Going, going, gone. The Malibu easily clears the center field fence. The Malibu comes in two competitively priced models. The base Malibu comes with a 150 horsepower, 2.2-liter four-cylinder engine. The LS uses a 3.1-liter V6 rated at 155 horsepower. The V6 is an option for the base car. A comparably equipped four-cylinder Accord will be in the low $19,000 range, a V-6 Stratus around $20,000, a V-6 Contour also around $20,000, so the Malibu is priced right. When speaking about target audience, Chevrolet talks of people in their mid-30s and 40s looking for quality, safety, reliability, durability, and practicality. That's a something-for-everybody philosophy that a little time behind the wheel reveals the Malibu does indeed offer.
Purchasing an older vehicle, such as the 1997 Chevrolet Malibu, makes good financial sense. You're able to avoid the steep depreciation rates that occur with brand new vehicles. This essentially gives you the advantage of getting a 1997 Chevrolet Malibu for less money than when it was new. If the 1997 Chevrolet Malibu was properly maintained, you also have a good chance of steering clear of problems that would have developed when the car was new.
The amount you pay for an older car depends on various factors. One important element is where you buy the vehicle. You're likely to get a better deal if you buy it from a private party, as opposed to a dealer. On the other hand, a reputable dealer will normally have some kind of limited warranty, so you can drive away knowing that if the car breaks down right away, you'll be covered. Another factor that may affect price on a 1997 Chevrolet Malibu is whether it's "certified" by the manufacturer. A certified vehicle will cost more because warranty service is provided that normally doesn't come with a used car.
Another dynamic that will play into the purchase price is the resale value. A used vehicle with a high resale value will obviously cost you more. It is expected that the 1997 Chevrolet Malibu will have a good-fair resale value. This assumes that the 1997 Chevrolet Malibu is in good condition and has a reasonable number of miles.
Find a used 1997 Chevrolet Malibu for sale at CarsDirect.
