So today i found out a radiator for a 16 malibu is $500!!!??? Ive never even heard of a radiator going out at that mileage. Anyone have any suggestions??? Also just found out you have to take the front bumper off to get radiator out?? This is getting too crazy for one day.

 

Welcome from Florida. Is that $500 including installation? Is this at the dealer? It can be done for much less. You don't say which engine you have, but Rockauto has ACDelco radiators for around $116. If you can install it yourself, you can save quite a bit of money.

 

yep. I'd shop around.
as for the replacement procedure; its a 5.6 hour job and may require an ac machine if the condenser must come out.

 

My 93 suburban went through radiators about every 60-70k miles - until I started using distilled water to mix with the anitfreeze vs from the hose. Current rad is well over 100k now

 

yep, all the white corrosion in the rad tank/tubes is from hard water reducing the effectiveness of the corrosion inhibitors. have seen quite a few leaks at the rad tanks also.