If you’re looking for one of the best midsize cars on the market, look no further than the Chevy Malibu. If the newest model isn’t in the cards, the used market is ripe for the picking. Usually, you’d only want to backtrack a few years, so you still get the new features. There is a certain point where the cars are a bit too old, though. Is the 2015 model year too old to search for when buying a used Chevy Malibu?

Is the 2015 Chevy Malibu a good used car?

While it may be coming up on eight years of age, the 2015 Chevy Malibu is still a good used car. Autotrader released a list of their top ten used midsize cars under $10,000, and the 2015 Malibu is first on the list. First, stepping into the Malibu, you’ll notice a more opulent feel than most in its class. Great safety features and technology are sprinkled throughout as well.

Packaging a powerful yet fuel-efficient engine, the Malibu wins you over with its performance. With the option of a 2.5-liter engine making 197 horsepower or a turbocharged 2.0-liter, the Malibu will sling you down the freeway in comfort. While you are road-tripping with the family, you can have peace of mind knowing the 2015 Malibu has one of the highest safety ratings in its class. The 2015 Chevy Malibu scored a five out of five safety rating from J.D. Power.

How long will a 2015 Chevy Malibu last?

Some will say the life expectancy of the 2015 Chevy Malibu is 100,000-150,000 miles. It isn’t going to come apart at 151,000 miles, but it will certainly require more attention than others at that mileage. With the Malibu being a popular vehicle, there are bound to be some that have issues. According to CarComplaints.com, the most common issue is that the engine consumes oil. Another common issue is that the auto start/stop no longer works properly.

Although the car has its problem areas, you can do a few things to make it last a lifetime. One of the easiest bits of insurance for your vehicle is regular oil changes. Chevy recommends every 3000-5000 miles for the 2015 Malibu.

What features does the 2015 Chevy Malibu have?

Aside from the engines mentioned earlier, the Chevy Malibu comes standard with some attractive features. On the outside, 16-inch alloy wheels are the baseline, with optional wheel choices up to 19-inch premium wheels. Optional features include heated side mirrors, dual-zone automatic climate control, a power sunroof, heated leather seats, and a MyLink entertainment system.

As for safety equipment, the 2015 Chevy Malibu is well-equipped as standard. A 10-airbag system keeps you safe in the event of an accident, along with OnStar capability. Optional safety features include a blind spot monitoring system with rear cross-traffic alerts, a backup camera, a forward collision warning, and a lane departure warning. All of these features contribute to the Malibus five out of five safety ratings.

Should you buy a 2015 Chevy Malibu?

Overall, the Malibu is at the top of most used midsize car lists for a reason. It has great safety features, a powerful but efficient engine, and a comfortable interior. With most of them ranging from $8000 for higher mileage to $12000 for more pristine low mileage examples, you get a lot of car for very little money in comparison. If you’re in the market for a used car for around or under $10,000, the 2015 Malibu is a great choice.