Hey All,
I am looking into buying a used 2005 Malibu with about 71,XXX miles for around $7000 (side note: I live in CA). I have been trying to research this car before I make a final decision. Does anyone have any suggestions or any info about issues with this car? Anything can help! Thanks.

 

Probably the biggest issue is the steering rack. If the front end clunks or there's a tapping sound when you turn the steering wheel that would be it. The original part has a design flaw in it, they've been replacing those under warranty with an 'improved' design. I am not entirely sure if the new one is a 100% solution though, maybe only partial or temporary one.
If you have to pay for the replacement it's not great, it can be fairly expensive.

Check out Edmunds forums, there was some info on that issue and on that generation in general.