New Car Time : Aura vs Malibu vs MKZ(Any Dealers in the North Looking for a SALE?)

2847 Views 21 Replies 14 Participants Last post by Corr69, Apr 16, 2008

Corr69

Discussion Starter · Apr 14, 2008 (Edited)

EDIT: Are there any dealers on here in the northern states around Ontario looking for a sale?

Okay, so my mom is looking to purchase a new midsize sedan. However, coming to a decision will be hard, especially with ridiculous Canadian pricing.

She is looking for: midsize sedan, FWD, V6 >35K.

The Aura XR 3.6L when loaded up comes to a price near 40,000 with tax. The Malibu is the same. So, we're probably looking at an XR-V6 with cloth interior and no major toys. The finance rates on the Aura are 0%, while the Malibu is at 3.3% (60 months)

However, we have a family member who works at Ford, so I've been looking at the MKZ. Even with no major options, it still comes with leather, heated/ventilated seats, etc. And it also tips the scales at 40,000 + tax.

So here are my questions: How much off would a Ford employee get off of a midsize sedan (that already has a delivery allowance of 3,500).

Can you get a Malibu with the 3.6L and cloth interior?

Is it possible to finance a car from the states?

What would you buy?

1 - 20 of 22 Posts

hrcslam

· #2 · Apr 14, 2008

Re: New Car Time : Aura vs Malibu vs MKZ(employee pricing)

I'd go with the Malibu only because the MKZ looks ugly to me. I like the styling of the Malibu best followed by the Aura in a close second then the MKZ in a distant third. But, if the price is right I'd go with the MKZ.

Hitman1970

· #3 · Apr 14, 2008

Re: New Car Time : Aura vs Malibu vs MKZ(employee pricing)

MKZ if it is in your ball park. What is the warranty difference between the brands in Canada? Here in the US it is 4 year 48000 miles (Lincoln) vs 3 yr 36000 miles (Chevy/Saturn).

masterleeland

· #4 · Apr 14, 2008

Re: New Car Time : Aura vs Malibu vs MKZ(employee pricing)

it is possible to finance a vehicle from the states, but you will need to finance through your bank or some other financial institute. FYI, only the malibu LS, and the hybrid are 3.3% the LT, and LTZ models are 1.5%(for 60 months). the other negative about going to the states to get your new car, is that you will not have roadside assistance, and your warranty will be void for the first 6 months or 12 thousand KM.

masterleeland

· #5 · Apr 14, 2008

Re: New Car Time : Aura vs Malibu vs MKZ(employee pricing)

Hitman1970 said:
MKZ if it is in your ball park. What is the warranty difference between the brands in Canada? Here in the US it is 4 year 48000 miles (Lincoln) vs 3 yr 36000 miles (Chevy/Saturn).

In Canada we have a 5/year 160 000 km powertrain, as well as the 3/60 K base warranty

69Firebird400

· #6 · Apr 14, 2008

Re: New Car Time : Aura vs Malibu vs MKZ(employee pricing)

I was going to say Malibu, but the MKZ is a heck of a car. I spent a week reviewing one and didn't find the driving position terribly comfortable (the door sills are very high, which I'm not used to). It also got sort of lousy fuel economy in mixed (and sometimes "brisk" driving - about 17+ mpg; my tester was a loaded AWD model).

My MKZ review: http://www.autosavant.net/2008/04/2008-lincoln-mkz-awd-review.html
Our Malibu review: http://www.autosavant.net/2007/11/2008-chevrolet-malibu-review.html
Our Aura review: http://www.autosavant.net/2006/11/review-2007-saturn-aura.html

hrcslam

· #7 · Apr 14, 2008

Re: New Car Time : Aura vs Malibu vs MKZ(employee pricing)

masterleeland said:
it is possible to finance a vehicle from the states, but you will need to finance through your bank or some other financial institute. FYI, only the malibu LS, and the hybrid are 3.3% the LT, and LTZ models are 1.5%(for 60 months). the other negative about going to the states to get your new car, is that you will not have roadside assistance, and your warranty will be void for the first 6 months or 12 thousand KM.

Hey, welcome to GMI. It's nice here, sunny and bright everyday online.

masterleeland

· #8 · Apr 14, 2008

Re: New Car Time : Aura vs Malibu vs MKZ(employee pricing)

hrcslam said:
Hey, welcome to GMI. It's nice here, sunny and bright everyday online.

Thanks, long time reader-first time writer

Ach

· #9 · Apr 14, 2008 (Edited)

Re: New Car Time : Aura vs Malibu vs MKZ(employee pricing)

69Firebird400 said:
I was going to say Malibu, but the MKZ is a heck of a car. I spent a week reviewing one and didn't find the driving position terribly comfortable (the door sills are very high, which I'm not used to). It also got sort of lousy fuel economy in mixed (and sometimes "brisk" driving - about 17+ mpg; my tester was a loaded AWD model).

My MKZ review: http://www.autosavant.net/2008/04/2008-lincoln-mkz-awd-review.html
Our Malibu review: http://www.autosavant.net/2007/11/2008-chevrolet-malibu-review.html
Our Aura review: http://www.autosavant.net/2006/11/review-2007-saturn-aura.html

Your MKZ review was spot on. My FWD MKZ averages 22 mpg in 90% highway driving (mostly around 70 mph), so fuel economy is a concern. And, like you, I feel that the car is awfully sluggish from a dead stop (I was unaware of the torque management issue). But I have had no problems in 27K miles.

I also considered the Aura XR, which IMO is a little tighter than the MKZ in the steering and handling department and feels like it has somewhat better throttle response. But it can't match the luxury ambience of the MKZ. Really, it comes down to personal preference and pricing, I don't think you can go wrong with any of them.

Bravada

· #10 · Apr 14, 2008

Re: New Car Time : Aura vs Malibu vs MKZ(employee pricing)

Never driven any of them, so based on what I know of them (and could've seen), Aura. I'd also check about the Mazda6, if you want a Ford product. Can you option out a Milan to match the MKZ and avoid the KitchenAid interior?

nsap

· #11 · Apr 14, 2008

Re: New Car Time : Aura vs Malibu vs MKZ(employee pricing)

The best price you can get on the MKZ will be the X-Plan price. Ford doesn't allow family pricing to people that don't work directly at Ford, they can only give out the X-Plan (which is Ford's supplier price). You basically pay just under invoice with X-Plan.

Corr69

Discussion Starter · #12 · Apr 14, 2008 (Edited)

Re: New Car Time : Aura vs Malibu vs MKZ(employee pricing)

nsap said:
The best price you can get on the MKZ will be the X-Plan price. Ford doesn't allow family pricing to people that don't work directly at Ford, they can only give out the X-Plan (which is Ford's supplier price). You basically pay just under invoice with X-Plan.

Are you sure this applies to Ford canada? He said he could get a discount.

Whats the invoice price? The MSRP?

nsap

· #13 · Apr 14, 2008

Re: New Car Time : Aura vs Malibu vs MKZ(employee pricing)

Corr69 said:
Are you sure this applies to Ford canada? He said he could get a discount.

Whats the invoice price? The MRSP?

Ford did have the policy that only the employees got employee price, BUT they can hand out the X-Plan to anyone they want.

Invoice is well under MSRP. It's a good price, but you can sometimes do better haggling.

I could be totally wrong, but I am fairly sure that is how it is in the US.

likearock00

· #14 · Apr 14, 2008

Re: New Car Time : Aura vs Malibu vs MKZ(employee pricing)

I'd go with the Malibu. I really like the looks of it over the MKZ. Not a fan of where Ford has taken Lincoln's styling lately.

Good luck and get us some pics of whatever she decides!

member12

· #15 · Apr 14, 2008 (Edited)

Re: New Car Time : Aura vs Malibu vs MKZ(employee pricing)

I like the Aura, and I don't think I'd consider one without the leather. Have you considered the 2.4L Malibu LTZ with the 6 speed auto? Better mileage and you still get decent power....

The MKZ isn't bad, but if you are getting Ford allowances then I'd go with the Ford Taurus and save a boatload of money on a very under-rated car (thought the styling is bland). It's as safe as a vault as well as roomy, and can be had fully loaded for a lower price than the MKZ and you get a lot more car.

The Fusion or Milan would also save you a bundle too if you want to get an MKZ. They are the same car.

Hitman1970 said:
MKZ if it is in your ball park. What is the warranty difference between the brands in Canada? Here in the US it is 4 year 48000 miles (Lincoln) vs 3 yr 36000 miles (Chevy/Saturn).

I think Chevy and Saturn both have longer powertrain warranties, though.

Corr69

Discussion Starter · #16 · Apr 14, 2008 (Edited)

Re: New Car Time : Aura vs Malibu vs MKZ(employee pricing)

Okay, so here is the price of the Lincoln MKZ I built :

Total MSRP$41,844
Delivery Allowance$3,500*Total MSRP less
Delivery Allowance$38,34

and the 2LT Malibu V6- can this model be had? I heard its hard to come by.
008 Chevrolet Malibu

2LT 4 Door Sedan FWD

1SB Package
MSRP*: $25,995

Options: $4,250

Accessories: $0

Destination: $1,250

Total $31,495
and the Aura

MSRP*: $31,270

Options: $475

Accessories: $0

Destination: $1,250

Total $32,995

Both the Aura and Malibu are pretty basic other than powerseats.

See less See more

FenwickHockey65

· #17 · Apr 14, 2008

Re: New Car Time : Aura vs Malibu vs MKZ(employee pricing)

Malibu is supposed to be a tad better than the Aura in the noise department from what I hear...

Canyonaro

· #18 · Apr 14, 2008

Re: New Car Time : Aura vs Malibu vs MKZ(employee pricing)

Anyway you choose, your mom should be happy. I don't care much at all for the looks of the interior and some exterior parts of the MKZ, but it does seem like a capable car. Being an Epsilon owner, I never regretted our choice. Loved Saturn since owning one some time ago and the Aura is nice. I do think I would lean for a Mali between the 3 though.

Extreme4x4

· #19 · Apr 15, 2008

Re: New Car Time : Aura vs Malibu vs MKZ(employee pricing)

Let her drive the 3 cars, and pick the one she likes. I will warn you though........... if she is looking at a bare bones Aura and Malibu, and then steps into a bare bones MKZ (which is extremely well loaded), it will be hard to get her to look at the basic cars again.

Question, if she can afford the higher priced car, like the MKZ........... why not a more loaded Aura or Malibu???

Corr69

Discussion Starter · #20 · Apr 15, 2008

Re: New Car Time : Aura vs Malibu vs MKZ(employee pricing)

Extreme4x4 said:
Let her drive the 3 cars, and pick the one she likes. I will warn you though........... if she is looking at a bare bones Aura and Malibu, and then steps into a bare bones MKZ (which is extremely well loaded), it will be hard to get her to look at the basic cars again.

Question, if she can afford the higher priced car, like the MKZ........... why not a more loaded Aura or Malibu???

If we get the Lincoln, it'll have a substantial discount because of the X-Plan that our friend has offered us.

It won't be a bare bones Aura/Malibu, still an XR/LT/LTZ, just not loaded.
If Canadians weren't being RIPPED OFF so bad when they buy a LOADED CAR it wouldn't be a problem

Damn Corporate greed!

1 - 20 of 22 Posts

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