02 Oldmobile Intrigue vs 04 Malibu

My daughter currently has a 97 Malibu and we're looking to get her a newer car for college graduation. She's debating between another 04 Malibu or a 2002 Oldmobile Intrigue. The dealer is offering them for the same price, and both have under 60,000 miles on them and are local trades. I'm not familiar with the Intrigue, but I know a lot of people have problems with the Malibu, we have been lucky and were able to repair the manifold on the 97 - and no other problems so far - but it's getting close to 110,000 miles on it and when she relocates after college, dad won't be available to keep catch problems before they become major. What's everyone else's opinion on these two cars. And does it matter is the 4 cyl better/worse than the 6 cyl? Is one better on gas mileage - my daughter has it in her head that the Oldmobile will get bad gas mileage. Any help would be great.

Depending on the chassis, she might be right when It comes to fuel economy. My 04 Malibu gets 550-690 in the city and excess of 800km on the highway if I keep a light foot on it. If im right, I believe the olds has a 3.8L in it which will consume more gas. I find the Olds has more creature comforts, and more luxury. The malibu is more economy minded.

The epsilon malibus have steering issues, and some problems with the electric power steering.. Most are covered under warranty and are fixed. This was due to the general outsourcing his parts. Another issue is the intermediate steering shaft, which is a GM wide issue.

Malibus of the epsilon chassis and 4 cylender 2.2L ecotec have a lot of maintenance advantages. One is the minimalistic steering system which is maintenance free. Another is the sealed-for life transmission which I have seen do well over 200,000kms with rental abuse with no problems. And it has dexcool coolant which survives for 240,000kms/5 years. Other good things are the oil life management system which I personally use. It seems to work just fine. I just did my oil change today, the last one was in december, (nearly 15,000kms ago)

(Puts flame suit on)

Get over it people. Its not the dex-cool. Its just a poor design for a gasket.

So all in all If I had to pick in between the two, I would go for the malibu if it was the epsilon chassis, if it was the older chassis, I would go with the olds.