So I was supposed to get a '08 Malibu LTZ with the 2.4L to review yesterday....only....when the guy dropping it off was about 5 miles from my house, a hose blew. Coolant hose I think judging from the smoke and sweet smell the guy mentioned.

How the hell does that happen on ANY car with only 6400 miles on it??

It's a test fleet car, those things aren't broken in like a car would be if it was your personal vehicle. Reviewers like to beat the snot out of a car the minute it rolls off the assembly line.

By far am I saying that's an excuse, but it could play a major part in parts failing. Those things get wrecked and beat up on in no time.

Oh I know press cars are often not driven in...let's say a conservative/regular manner. But yea, still not really an excuse. Any modern car ought to be able to handle it.

last car built on a friday?

*edit*

I guess I'm curious if the hose failed (part failure), or if it came off (bad installation)?

Edited September 3, 200816 yr by PurdueGuy

I guess I'm curious if the hose failed (part failure), or if it came off (bad installation)?

Same here.

Though I would probably tend to guess it would've failed before 6400 miles if it had been installed incorrectly.

*shrug*

The term "beaten like a rented mule" comes to mind.

C/D has a short take road test of an 09 Malibu 2.4 6 speed auto. 0-60 in 8.6 i think, 0.7 better than the 4 speed. not much else to say other than it makes it more fun, more frugal, and something else.

just repeat what they said and call it good.