2006 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx Ss. Only 59k Miles! Versatile Sport Wagon. Excellent! on 2040-cars

2006 Chevrolet Malibu MAXX SS – SUV versatility in a mid-sized sport sedan!

I bought this car a little over 3 years ago as a backup for my wife and me, and for my then-teenage daughter to drive (straight-A student, very conservative and careful). It had around 35,000 miles then, and has only 59,330 now!  The car is essentially perfect. It’s had all of its oil changes, and recent services include a new in-tank electric fuel pump/sending unit assembly (a $1,000 repair that won’t have to be done again for years, if ever), tires, A/C service, and battery (only a month old). Not to mention full professional detail. This is a Texas car, with no rust and no accidents. There is one slight ding in a rear roof pillar. Both the engine coolant and brake fluid have been flushed and replaced within the last 2 years.

The Malibu MAXX is a unique crossover-hatchback SUV alternative based on an already-capable mid-sized sedan. It shares its platform with the nimble, Swedish Saab 9-3. The Malibu MAXX offers a roomy interior with dual fixed rear skylights to give the cabin an airy feel. This car has the optional power sunroof offering even more of an open feel. There's plenty of head-, shoulder- and legroom in all directions. In order to accommodate a variety of drivers, this car is equipped with a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, and the optional power-adjustable pedals. The driver’s seat is 6-way power, and the rear seats are split 60/40, with each section offering 7 inches of fore/aft travel as well as a recline feature. Yes, the REAR seats adjust and recline, as well as fold down! 4 basketball players will actually fit in this car! Passengers are protected by front-impact airbags along with driver and passenger head curtain airbags. Of course there are 4-wheel antilock disc brakes (60% pad life on the fronts; 40% on the rears), and standard traction control. This MAXX also has the optional remote-start feature that allows owners to get a head start on heating or cooling down the cabin. Of course, that means it also has multi-function remote key fobs, and a factory alarm/security system.

The hatch area offers 22.8 cubic feet of capacity, and you can fold down the rear seats and the front-passenger seat to open up more room for bulky items. An adjustable, reversible (carpeted one side; hard plastic on the other)  parcel shelf allows for two-tier loading in the cargo area, and it can also function as a supported, pull-out picnic or work table. Can anyone say “tailgate party!”? Various hooks and nets help keep grocery bags from spilling their contents.

Other options on this car include an in-dash 6-disc CD changer, Sirius/XM® satellite radio, separate rear audio controls, and OnStar® telematics.

One of the really significant items is the SS package.  Not just a bunch of SS badging, this rare option meant that the car was tuned by GM’s Performance Division. It includes a robust 3.9 liter V6 with 240 horsepower and torque down low; large chrome exhaust tips; fog lights in the front lower fascia; firm-feeling traditional hydraulic power steering (instead of the vague, overboosted electric power steering found in all lesser Malibus); specially tuned struts and springs; 18-inch alloy wheels; aluminum alloy rear control arms; leather-and-cloth sport seats with extra bolstering; and a manual shift mode on the quick-shifting 4-speed automatic. It adds up to a really fun to drive package!

My daughter took the Tire Rack/BMW Car Club of America Street Survival Teen Driving School in this car (which I highly recommend for all new drivers). While the Camrys, Tauruses, etc. wallowed through the emergency maneuvers, the MAXX cornered flat and with precision. And this was before the new tires. Adding to the fun of driving is the tire selection. No off-the-shelf discount specials, this car wears nearly new BF Goodrich G-Force Sport Comp 2 ultra high performance tires, in the optional, slightly oversize 235/50ZR18. These tires were $175.99 each new, and share the same compound used in Michelin Pilot Super Sports (original equipment on the Ferrari 599 GTO)!

While the Malibu MAXX won’t substitute for seven- and eight-passenger SUVs, there are plenty of people who really don't need more than five-passenger capacity, but could use a little extra flexibility to keep up with a growing family, along with hauling cargo. If that describes you, then the Malibu MAXX is a crossover wagon worth considering. My daughter is an amateur photographer, and used the adjustable table as a portable workbench on photo shoots. Raise the hatch, extend and secure the table! Of course, the table is removable if you need a bigger space for bulky items.

One of these cars with slightly more miles, but winter use in Michigan, sold on eBay in August for $8,600. Mine is worth more than that northern car, so while I am not disclosing the reserve, it won’t be at $8,600.

My daughter now lives in New York with no need for a car, and I don’t need the MAXX except as a backup, so it makes no sense to store. Someone else needs to drive and enjoy! Car is subject to advertisement locally and elsewhere. Auction may end at anytime.  Please do not bid if you do not intend to purchase.

Good bidding!