Car financing: blue 2021 Chevrolet Malibu RS in Java

Thinking of buying the 2021 Chevrolet Malibu RS?

We rent cars and sell one only now and then. There is no 2021 Chevrolet Malibu RS for sale by us right now. CarmaCars does not finance cars. Renting is not a loan, so there is no credit check to rent. This page puts the 2021 Chevrolet Malibu RS in plain words for buyers: what it uses, what to check, and how to try one first.

Before you sign for the Malibu

NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for this model; ask the seller for proof each one was fixed. A private seller in Ontario must give you a Used Vehicle Information Package. Ask for the service records and check open recalls by the VIN. NHTSA has 90 owner complaints on file, mostly about unknown or other, electrical system and power train.

What the figures tell you

The powertrain here is the 1.5L 4-cylinder turbo with front-wheel drive and an automatic (CVT). It runs on regular gas. With front-wheel drive, the weight of the engine sits over the driven wheels, which helps in winter.

Rated at 7.3 L/100 km combined, it needs around 22 litres for a 300 km round trip. At our price setting, driving 100 km costs about $11.32, and a 300 km weekend about $33.96. At US fuel prices, the EPA estimates US$2,100 a year for 15,000 miles.

Living with the Malibu

A car body like this keeps the weight low, so it feels settled on the highway. Luggage space is rated at 368 litres: about two large suitcases and a few soft bags.

A good match for

It suits a stretch between cars, by the week or the month. It suits a work trip where a reliable car matters more than anything else.

A longer test drive

Rent first, buy later: a week with the Malibu answers the big questions. If it is in our fleet, rent it; if not, a similar car gives you a feel for the class. Load it with your things and park it where you park; then decide.

What it costs to run

A 1,000 km month costs roughly $113.20 at our price setting. The EPA estimates US$2,100 a year in fuel for 15,000 miles at US prices. At our price setting, 100 km costs about $11.32 in fuel.

Which one to look for

Write down the VIN of any car you consider; it unlocks the recall and service history. If two trims share a powertrain, the difference is equipment, which you can check in person. Look at a few listings of the same year and trim to get a feel for fair prices.

Renting for Java

CarmaCars is based in Toronto, about 1,072 km from Java, and does not deliver there. We rent from Toronto only. If your trip to Java starts in the Toronto area, rent the car here.

Ready when you are

Questions about trying a car first? Ask in your request.