Used 2018 Chevrolet Malibu for Sale nearDes Moines, IA

Compare 2018 Chevrolet Malibu Trims

The 2018 Chevrolet Malibu offers a range of trims that balance affordability and features, with excellent fuel efficiency across the lineup.

• Starting at $11,063
• Best MPG/MPGe: 27 city / 36 hwy
• Most Popular: LT FWD

Trim Overview

Prices updated weekly from CarGurus listings.

Quick Compare Table

Listing prices sourced from CarGurus — updated weekly. OEM specs from manufacturer data.

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Trim Deep Dives

LS Fleet FWD — "Who It's For"

The LS Fleet FWD is the pick for shoppers who want essential features at a budget-friendly price without paying for extras.

• Avg. market price: $11,601 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 27 city / 36 hwy
• Inventory: 999 listings
• View LS Fleet FWD listings

LS FWD — "Who It's For"

The LS FWD is the pick for shoppers who want a well-rounded sedan with a wide selection without stepping up to pricier trims.

• Avg. market price: $11,063 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 27 city / 36 hwy
• Inventory: 1,407 listings — widest selection in the lineup
• View LS FWD listings

LT FWD — "Who It's For"

The LT FWD is the pick for shoppers who want a blend of comfort and technology without going fully loaded.

• Avg. market price: $11,844 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 27 city / 36 hwy
• Inventory: 2,594 listings — widest selection in the lineup
• View LT FWD listings

Premier FWD — "Who It's For"

The Premier FWD is the pick for shoppers who want luxury features and performance without compromising on style.

• Avg. market price: $15,817 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 22 city / 32 hwy
• Inventory: 267 listings
• View Premier FWD listings

Trim Recommendations

Most Popular — LT FWD

With 2,594 active listings, the LT FWD is the clear volume leader in the lineup.

Browse LT FWD listings

Best Budget Option — LS FWD

At $11,063 avg market price — below the lineup median of $11,722 — it's the most accessible entry point.

Browse LS FWD listings

Best for Fuel Economy — LS Fleet FWD

The LS Fleet FWD offers the best fuel efficiency in the lineup with 27/36 MPG/MPGe.

Browse LS Fleet FWD listings

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from October 1, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.

How much does the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu cost?

Prices have softened 4.84% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 1,765 listings available, which gives you a solid amount of inventory to compare.

Is the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu a good car?

Yes — the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu earns a 5/5 user rating, which points to strong owner satisfaction. Owners consistently praise its comfort, efficiency, and easy-to-live-with cabin, and many also like the smooth ride and available tech features. It also fits well if you want a roomy midsize sedan with a practical family-car focus and a more refined feel than earlier Malibus. With 28.0% of listings marked as good or great deals, you have a decent chance of finding a competitive offer.

Is the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu reliable?

Owners rate it 5/5, a strong signal of long-term satisfaction.

User feedback also points to a dependable, trouble-free ownership experience, with owners highlighting comfort, efficiency, and a car they feel good about living with over time. The model year’s reputation as the best reliability record among front-wheel-drive Malibus adds to that impression. For used buyers, the main long-term risk is less about the car’s overall appeal and more about making sure a specific example has been maintained well.

What should I look for when buying a used 2018 Chevrolet Malibu?

At 53.7% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.

You should start with a vehicle history report so you can separate clean examples from cars with prior damage. Then prioritize a pre-purchase inspection, especially if the listing price looks unusually attractive. Focus on overall condition, maintenance records, and how the car drives, since those details matter more when a sizable portion of the market has accident history.

Is now a good time to buy a used 2018 Chevrolet Malibu?

This looks like a moderate, selective buyer’s market, so you can shop patiently and still find value.

• Deal availability: 28.0% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 1,765 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 4.84% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 53.7% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $11,642, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

What is the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu's resale value?

The current average of $11,820 sits slightly below last year's $12,421.

That softer pricing suggests the Malibu is in a buyer-friendly phase, which can make it easier for you to purchase now but may also limit short-term appreciation if you plan to sell soon. For a future seller, the good news is that a lower entry price can help keep ownership costs manageable. The challenge is that resale value will depend heavily on condition, mileage, and how well the car has been maintained.

Vehicles with strong owner satisfaction ratings, like this model year's 5/5, tend to retain buyer demand, which supports resale value over time.

Should I buy a 2018 Chevrolet Malibu or consider a different year?

If you're weighing the 2018 against nearby model years, here's how to think about it:

Choose the 2018 if:

• 28.0% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 53.7% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 4.84% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 5/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.

Consider the 2017 if:

• At $10,744, the 2017 costs less than the current year's $11,820 average.
• It offers a well-rounded redesign with comfort, features, and good gas mileage.

The bottom line: If you want the stronger current-market balance of price, owner satisfaction, and inventory, the 2018 is the better primary choice. If your main goal is to spend less upfront, the 2017 is the better secondary path and may be worth a closer look.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from October 6, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.