The 2010 Chevrolet Malibu vs. the 2010 Nissan Altima

It is never easy trying to decide between two very similar vehicles when trying to find a new car in Winnipeg. The important thing is to look past the overall appearance and concentrate on the details. Looking at the Chevrolet Malibu and comparing it to the Nissan Altima is a perfect example. Both cars bear a striking resemblance to one another on the outside. Both are four door sedans that are just the right size for the average family. But it is what you cannot see that really counts.

The first difference that you cannot see is the warranty. Having a strong warranty is essential when spending such a large amount of money on a vehicle. The Chevrolet Malibu comes with a standard 60-month or 160,000km powertrain warranty. The Nissan Altima comes with a standard 60-month or 100,000km powertrain warranty. Not a huge difference, but tell that to your wallet when you have a major breakdown around 130,000km. Another important difference involves a safety feature. The Malibu comes off the lot with twelve months of OnStar service. If you break down or get into an accident, OnStar will automatically contact emergency services or roadside assistance. You cannot get that on the Altima.

Both the Chevrolet Malibu and the Nissan Altima are front wheel drive. But the Malibu is a four speed automatic and the Altima is a six speed manual. Depending on your personal preference, this is an important feature to know before you decide which car you want to buy. The Malibu also has a few standard features like carpeted floor mats and metal-look dashboard and door inserts. The Altima only has those features as optional, which means you will have to pay extra for them.

The ultimate choice is up to you, the consumer. You have to know what you want from a car before you ever get to the Winnipeg dealership of your choice. But if you walk in to a dealership with no clue as to the hidden features of the vehicles you like, then you might drive out in a car that has a twin with better features. Pay attention to the fine print and the important things, such as the warranty. You could end up saving yourself a lot of money down the road.