By Grant - usenet poster
How does the V6 Malibu compare to the V6 Saturn L series?
Which car has the better design? Which car would be easier to live
with through the years? Which car holds up better on the rust belt?
Which car is more comfortable and which one is the better performer?
Which gets better gas mileage? Last but not least which one of the
two is the most reliable?
Solution #1
posted on May 14, 2008
Grant - usenet poster
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The Malibu V6 is a pretty old push rod design, but probably isn't design
stressed. This size engine only producing 170hp is pretty low, so my
opinion is the Malibu V6 should be good for 150k miles or more. My 98
has 60k and has no problems (i use Mobil 1 since the first oil change at
3k miles). I think the Malibu V6, though, is lacking quality control.
Seems the design has issues with intake manifold gaskets. Mine were
replaced at 38k due to leaking anti-freeze. Others I've asked with this
engine have seen similar findings. I think Chevy is moving away from
the push rod engine on some of their models, not sure about the 3.1L.
The best mpg I've seen on my car is 32, the worst 21. Mostly mixed
driving.
The Saturn V6 is the same design that SAAB uses (I think). I don't have
experience with that engine, but I do with the car company. I had a
Saturn SL2 in the early 90's. Put over 120k miles on the car. Only
problem I saw was the battery, it had to be replaced every two years!
Perhaps the heat of the engine was killing the battery? Used Mobil 1 on
this car from the first oil change. Never used a drop! Good car
company (better design than Chevy - my opinion, but still GM). I think
Saturn is over-priced (hey I'm cheap, that's why I purchased the Malibu)
stressed. This size engine only producing 170hp is pretty low, so my
opinion is the Malibu V6 should be good for 150k miles or more. My 98
has 60k and has no problems (i use Mobil 1 since the first oil change at
3k miles). I think the Malibu V6, though, is lacking quality control.
Seems the design has issues with intake manifold gaskets. Mine were
replaced at 38k due to leaking anti-freeze. Others I've asked with this
engine have seen similar findings. I think Chevy is moving away from
the push rod engine on some of their models, not sure about the 3.1L.
The best mpg I've seen on my car is 32, the worst 21. Mostly mixed
driving.
The Saturn V6 is the same design that SAAB uses (I think). I don't have
experience with that engine, but I do with the car company. I had a
Saturn SL2 in the early 90's. Put over 120k miles on the car. Only
problem I saw was the battery, it had to be replaced every two years!
Perhaps the heat of the engine was killing the battery? Used Mobil 1 on
this car from the first oil change. Never used a drop! Good car
company (better design than Chevy - my opinion, but still GM). I think
Saturn is over-priced (hey I'm cheap, that's why I purchased the Malibu)
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This Problem Also Relates To:
1997 Saturn SL
2005 Saturn L-Series
2007 Saturn ION-2 Quad Coupe
1993 Saturn SL1
1997 Saturn SC
2003 Saturn ION
1992 Saturn SL2
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