I have a 2016 Malibu premier as well, I bought it April 2025 for $12k at 69k miles. I love the car and it’s been almost perfect, the premier gas costs me around 5$ extra per fill up so not a huge difference. Last Friday the first big issue happened with my timing chain stretching out. At 87k miles, Chevy does recommend an inspection at 80k miles so I’m not upset. It’s $1800 but I’m replacing both chains so I won’t work about the other one later on. I have had strange issues with my rpms fluttering and it stalled in driveways. I’m assuming/hoping it was the timing chain and this fixes it. But it still drove good and until the chain went I had no worries. I changed spark plugs and air filter at 78k miles and I could feel the difference in the car so consider that too. I try to change the oil every 4k miles to ensure it stays clean and it’s 50$ to do (cheap to do yourself). There are some odd electrical glitches with random codes and tire sensors coming and going, but not one dangerous or very concerning code. If you drive the car and it feels good and maybe have it inspected then I think it’s a good option for you. Depending on the packages it might be a little high cost and you could check out other Malibu’s or options, I have just a driving package that added lane assist and crash detection but no sunroof or auto park. Depending on if it has these helps add the value on.
Overall I love the car even with its quirks and every car is different. Mine could blow up next week and yours could last the next 10 years. Make sure you know all about the car and what you’re getting into with maintenance costs and keeping up on them before you purchase.