Are maintenance records available, and when were the timing belt or chain and the transmission fluid last serviced?

At 138,938 miles, the big-ticket services are either done or due. Records tell you which.

Has the underbody been checked for rust, and are there any open safety recalls?

Older cars in salt-belt states can hide frame and brake-line corrosion. Open recalls are fixed free at a franchised dealer, but you need the VIN to check.

What is the out-the-door price in writing, including the doc fee, taxes, title and any add-ons?

The advertised price is rarely what you pay. An itemized out-the-door quote exposes doc fees and pre-installed add-ons before you negotiate.

What reconditioning was done before listing, and is there a recent inspection or Carfax report?

Dealers inspect and repair trade-ins to different standards. Ask what was replaced, what was left alone and whether the state inspection is current.

1 / 15

Details

Mileage	138,938 mi
Exterior	Red
Interior	Black
Body	Sedan
Transmission	Automatic
Drivetrain	FWD
Fuel	Gasoline
VIN	1G1ZF5E78CF238391
Stock #	W25797

2012 Chevrolet Malibu LT

$10,299

Car for sale at Hi Lo Auto Sales, Frederick, MD · 138,938 mi · Red · FWD

About $186/mo estimate · 72 mo at 8.99% APR, $0 down, before tax and fees. Not an offer of credit.

Call Text Book test drive

FMYCAR take

Price position: priced $8,700 below the median of 9 similar Chevrolet Malibu listings on FMYCAR (median $18,999).
Mileage: 138,938 miles — fewer than 1 of 9 similar cars (median 67,584 mi).
Days listed: added today. As a general rule, the longer a car sits, the more room a dealer has to negotiate.

What to ask the dealer about this 2012 Chevrolet Malibu

Are maintenance records available, and when were the timing belt or chain and the transmission fluid last serviced?
Has the underbody been checked for rust, and are there any open safety recalls?
What is the out-the-door price in writing, including the doc fee, taxes, title and any add-ons?
What reconditioning was done before listing, and is there a recent inspection or Carfax report?

Read: How dealers really price your trade · Out-the-door price explained · Dealer add-ons to decline

FMYCAR is independent and advice-only. No dealer pays us.

Before you sign

Got a worksheet from the dealer? FMYCAR validates every line before you sign.

Get my deal reviewed — $249

Free 7-day concierge — a neutral advisor while you shop, no charge.

Hi Lo Auto Sales

Frederick, MD

515-555-0102

See all Hi Lo Auto Sales inventory · Dealer website

Similar cars

Same model, body style or price range, from dealers on FMYCAR.

2014 Chevrolet Malibu

LT · 153,067 mi

$7,898

Hi Lo Auto Sales · Frederick, MD

2019 Chevrolet Malibu

LT · 95,572 mi

$14,179

Capital City Motor Company · Des Moines, IA

2022 Chevrolet Malibu

4dr Sdn Premier · 126,087 mi

$16,988

Best Price Auto Sales · Methuen, MA

2024 Chevrolet Malibu

LT · 67,584 mi

$17,999

Pat Clemons Inc. · Boone, IA

More from Hi Lo Auto Sales

2017 Chevrolet Cruze

LS · 77,409 mi

$12,798

Hi Lo Auto Sales · Frederick, MD

2012 Hyundai Elantra

GLS · 88,664 mi

$10,299

Hi Lo Auto Sales · Frederick, MD

2012 INFINITI G25

X · 145,711 mi

$9,798

Hi Lo Auto Sales · Frederick, MD

2012 Kia Optima

LX · 100,062 mi

$9,098

Hi Lo Auto Sales · Frederick, MD

See all 197 cars at Hi Lo Auto Sales

Before you buy a used car

Pre-purchase inspection — have an independent mechanic check it before you sign
Out-the-door price — the total with taxes, title and fees — ask for it in writing
Vehicle history report — what Carfax and AutoCheck show, and what they miss
Branded titles — salvage, rebuilt and flood titles and how to spot them

Free 7-day concierge — a neutral FMYCAR advisor answers your questions about this car, no charge.

Keep browsing

Sedans under $15,000 (67)Sedans under $15,000 in Frederick, MD (28)Cars under $15,000 in Frederick, MD (66)Used sedans (143)Chevrolet sedans (12)Chevrolet under $15,000 (17)Under $15,000 (201)All used Chevrolet Used Chevrolet Malibu Sedans in Frederick, MD (33)Cars in Frederick, MD All cars at Hi Lo Auto Sales

Call Text Test drive