* Maintenance: Regular maintenance, including oil changes, tire rotations, and addressing issues promptly, significantly extends a car's life. Neglecting maintenance will lead to problems much sooner.
* Driving habits: Aggressive driving, frequent short trips, and towing heavy loads put extra strain on the engine and other components, reducing lifespan.
* Climate: Harsh weather conditions (extreme heat or cold) can accelerate wear and tear.
* Accident history: Even minor accidents can cause hidden damage that eventually surfaces.
* Quality of repairs: Poorly executed repairs can lead to premature failure of components.
While some Chevy Malibus might experience significant issues before reaching 100,000 miles due to the factors above, others with diligent maintenance could easily surpass 200,000 miles or even more before becoming unreliable or needing extensive repairs. The car wouldn't necessarily be "worthless" at that point, but its repair costs might outweigh its value.
Instead of focusing on a specific mileage, it's more helpful to focus on regular maintenance and addressing any problems as they arise to maximize the lifespan and value of your Chevy Malibu.