Aura XR compared to Malibu LTZ

[viffer]

Last November as the Malibu was just reaching area dealers, I too decided to compare them with the Aura. After all, same platform must yield same driving experience right? Absolutly! I couldn't find any discernible difference between the LTZ and the XR except when it came to treatment inside the dealerships (Saturn won here BIG time!). Also, Malibu's were being scooped up as soon as they hit the dealer tarmac while Aura's were multiplying each time I scanned dealer inventory. Why? Lack of positive press I guess like they received after the NACOTY last January, where as the Malibu has owned the press for the last two months. Anyway, I chose the Aura (that's it in my avitar) because of the cash incentive of $2250 versus $0 to maybe $500 on the Malibu. Normally, up front cash can lower future residual value, but since I'm keeping my Saturn until it is paid off, that doesn't concern me. I'm enjoying this Aura XR immensely now while smirking at all the "I ordered my 'Bu but the dealer can't tell me when it will be built" posts. They are both excellent GM products, which ever one you decide on will be a smart choice, but I went with the immediate deal and have no regrets.

[CobaltSScrazy]

Originally Posted by DuSpinnst

Malibu for now. When the next Aura/Insignia/Vectra comes out then that. Hopefully that Aura will have a stick shift...

if it comes in a 2 door with a stick, that very well could be my second car after the Turbo Cobalt SS...

CobaltSScrazy

[DuSpinnst]

Originally Posted by CobaltSScrazy

if it comes in a 2 door with a stick, that very well could be my second car after the Turbo Cobalt SS...

CobaltSScrazy

The door count doesn't matter for me, I just need the stick.

The Corvette is for fun, the sedan would be for regular stuff.

[Ttple]

It's funny how GM uses the Malibu as the car you knew GM could build or the car that will save GM when in reality they've already sold the same car for a year with a Saturn badge.

[knightfan26917]

Originally Posted by member12

I personally like the exterior styling of the Aura better than the Malibu.

*nods*

Same here. I can't quite put my finger on it, but I've never really warmed up to the malibu's front end. I do like the Aura's front, though....

*shrugs*

I'd go with the Saturn Aura instead of the Che@#$let malibu....but, that's just me.....



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[Bravada]

Aura looks much better + the dealer experience is reportedly better (important for both purchase and service).

Also you might be able to get the Aura you want faster with all the hype for the Malibu. I would also suppose resales might be better (there are bound to be more Malibus made, and Malibu will most probably bear much more of the fleet burden).

[EldoFan]

Originally Posted by Bravada

Aura looks much better + the dealer experience is reportedly better (important for both purchase and service).

Also you might be able to get the Aura you want faster with all the hype for the Malibu. I would also suppose resales might be better (there are bound to be more Malibus made, and Malibu will most probably bear much more of the fleet burden).

Agreed

[Steven8310]

Thanks for all the replies - they've been very helpful.

I've never even been in a Saturn dealership. Can anyone give me a quick rundown on what makes the Saturn experience better?

Also, do you think that the trade in value offered for my '04 Maxx will be any different between the Chevy dealership and the Saturn dealership?

I usually use my GM Supplier discount when purchasing new, but do you think the Saturn folks will offer a better price than that?

Thanks again!

Steven

[BusyBody]

Originally Posted by Steven8310

Thanks for all the replies - they've been very helpful.

I've never even been in a Saturn dealership. Can anyone give me a quick rundown on what makes the Saturn experience better?

Also, do you think that the trade in value offered for my '04 Maxx will be any different between the Chevy dealership and the Saturn dealership?

I usually use my GM Supplier discount when purchasing new, but do you think the Saturn folks will offer a better price than that?

Thanks again!

Steven

Saturn has a no haggle approach, the price is the price. The only point of haggle is your trade in, which makes things simple and less frustrating.

When I bought my first car, it 4 a SL-2, and they let me wash my car whenever I wanted free of charge. They still know me by my first name at the dealership in Whitby even though it has been 10 years since I purchased my car from them. They also had family days with free b-ball tickets etc.
Coaster n-3rd would be able to give you a more detailed description, but that was my experience.

[member12]

As far as long term durability: it's a wash. They run the same mechanicals.

Since you are getting a higher end model with more bells and whistles that can possibly go wrong, then the Aura may have an edge. It's been out for a year already, so model-specific bugs would have been worked out for the 08 model year. I can't imagine any of those being serious though. The trade value for the Maxx might be a little better at the Chevy dealer, but again I don't see it being that much of a difference. The Saturn dealers are supposed to be pretty nice.

Either way, it comes down to your drive preferences and color/option choices. The Chevy might be your favorite, but chances are the Saturn dealership will either have the car you want or can get one faster than the Chevy dealer.

I just saw a commercial for a $2200 rebate for V6 powered Auras. I think a Chevy dealer could probably match that.

[ctsmo]

i sat in the aura and was very dissapointed, the plastics were very cheap. i would go for the malibu.

another thing i hate about my local saturn dealerships is that they put tint, environmental package (supposedly you dont have to wax for 5 years), and other dealer junk which ends up costing about another extra $1,500.

[ctaylorzl1]

at the mall on saturday they had both a new Malibu LTZ and a Saturn Aura XR. This was my first time in either vehicle, and although the new Malibu is heads and tails better than the previous gen Bu, I much prefered the Aura. The new Malibu was very nice, but I think I expected more from it beause of all the hype, but it was a very nice car, especially for one under $30k. But just something about it was unappealing to me, I much perfered the Aura. That being said I have never done anymore than sit in them for a few minutes, so a drive may change that???? But first impressions I would take the Saturn!

[Bravada]

i sat in the aura and was very dissapointed, the plastics were very cheap. i would go for the malibu.

Is there any actual difference in this department?

[cdp326]

Originally Posted by Bravada

Is there any actual difference in this department?

Yes, there actually is.
Have you sat in both of them to know?

[coaster.n3rd]

Originally Posted by cdp326

Yes, there actually is.
Have you sat in both of them to know?

I have and sell one of them.

The primary interior materials are exactly the same. Upper dash is a soft touch rubbery like material. Door panels and door arm rests are made of the same soft touch material. The plastics that run out of the occupants usual range of touch are again, exactly the same. GM did not source different materials for the Malibu over the Aura. Even the wood is the same plastic laminate.

No difference.