OPPO, recommend 1st gen Chevy Cruze to peeps looking for a car.

"EL_ULY" (uly) 04/20/2017 at 14:15 • Filed to: chevy cruze

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Reasons after the jumpy jump.

Craigslist has ones in good shape and low miles for about $6-7k.

Solid little basic engine and available in Manuel of course.

Best in regular white AND with a rear badge delete/ front bow tie in white

Interior is all there and normal. Might find one with info-center screen.

Interior I’m sure it’s quiet and !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! .

!!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! (multiple Touring Car Championships right?)

One with low miles, good brakes, fresh service, and with a nice set of wheels and tires.... dudes, this would make a very good DD for someone.

(not lowered per DD purposes obvs.)

jasmits > EL_ULY 04/20/2017 at 14:18

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Ah yes, our good friend Manuel Transmission

Bman76 (hates WS6 hoods, is on his phone and has 4 burners now) > EL_ULY 04/20/2017 at 14:18

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I like them, but I know Jersey Ben has strong feelings after owning one.

EL_ULY > jasmits 04/20/2017 at 14:20

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Pues abuelita soy tu nieto!

RallyWrench > EL_ULY 04/20/2017 at 14:21

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These are actually pretty damn good little cars, a friend has a manual “RS” model.

EL_ULY > Bman76 (hates WS6 hoods, is on his phone and has 4 burners now) 04/20/2017 at 14:21

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LOLz, we are talking normal motorists. Ben is next lever rad sauce, yo!

EL_ULY > RallyWrench 04/20/2017 at 14:22

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nice! I’d get one in a rare form of 80's Euro treason :] 

Your boy, BJR > EL_ULY 04/20/2017 at 14:24

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The Cruze is not a good car. The interior is TERRIBLE quality and noisy as hell. It might as well not have a back seat, it doesn’t have enough power (138hp in the upgraded turbo motor just isn’t enough for American roads) they’ll have really weird untraceable gremlins (my center stack controls just straight up wouldn’t work sometimes until I reset the car, sometimes it wouldn’t start for no particular reason.) paint is so thin it scratches if you look at it funny. Mileage is worse than my 300. It’s complete garbage in the snow. It’s just not a fun time owning one.

RallyWrench > Bman76 (hates WS6 hoods, is on his phone and has 4 burners now) 04/20/2017 at 14:25

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He hated that car before he got it.

RallyWrench > EL_ULY 04/20/2017 at 14:27

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Need something that doesn’t always need work, right?

EL_ULY > Your boy, BJR 04/20/2017 at 14:27

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LOLz, i’d get one, no doubt about it :] All those things make it funner and are necessary for a non car person to get their feet wet in owning a car. That is the point of this, normal humans :]

I think they look rad and couldn’t possible be worse than owning the fun garbage i’ve owned.

Bman76 (hates WS6 hoods, is on his phone and has 4 burners now) > EL_ULY 04/20/2017 at 14:28

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Haha, I know. He’s just the only owner I know, lol.

I’d always suggest a Volt instead, but they’re a bit more money.

EL_ULY > RallyWrench 04/20/2017 at 14:29

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I mean, they look decent for an eco car. Especially with a good set of wheels and tires and a debadge in white. The motor seems cake a/f. Roomy, nice normal interior. Point A to point B in a very inexpensive manor compared to....well, you know lol :] Me gusta this thing.

EL_ULY > Bman76 (hates WS6 hoods, is on his phone and has 4 burners now) 04/20/2017 at 14:31

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I really enjoy seeing Volts driving around.

Mercedes Streeter > EL_ULY 04/20/2017 at 14:31

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I love the lighting aftermarket for the Cruze. I once saw one with a pair taillights similar to these and oh my did it make a huge difference:

Your boy, BJR > EL_ULY 04/20/2017 at 14:33

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I thought that too, like “hey, it’s a new car. Can’t be too bad”. It’s serioisly bad. And not in a fun way, in a “oh ok now I get what people have against American cars” way. I’ve owned some garbage, but this one is just bad. Like, I can’t imagine how bad older ones are if my new one with less than 25k miles on it is this bad. And it’s $26k new? Fuuuuuuuuck that. Take your money elsewhere. I’ve never had a car give me as much buyers remorse as the Cruze, and that includes the rust bucket 2002.

Shift24 > EL_ULY 04/20/2017 at 14:33

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Agreed damn good cars with one of the best infotainment centers and interiors in its class. They look great for the class too (ass. My roommates family has 5 first gens varying from Eco to LS to LTZ to RS. One other this they can be had with a diesel too, if you can find them.

The only thing i will say is that they are SLOW. Both gas motors dont make much power. To put it into perspective my 1992 Accord with non Vtec makes more power (140hp) than all but one variation (1.6T 181hp) which i dont think was offered in the US. The diesel is torquey as most are and gets really good mpg but again very hard to find.

EL_ULY > Mercedes Streeter 04/20/2017 at 14:35

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whoa! those tail lights are badass!!!!! A clean OEM Cruze with those would be muuuuuch better looking :]

EL_ULY > Shift24 04/20/2017 at 14:36

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I hear the same for that infotainment unit. The bit being slow doesn’t bother me or a normal type human looking for a car I think.

RallyWrench > EL_ULY 04/20/2017 at 14:36

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Yep. Even the stock RS wheels look pretty good

Interior isn’t bad either

EL_ULY > Your boy, BJR 04/20/2017 at 14:41

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A big NO to new ones or anything new in my book. Cars 2005 and up flip off in my book lol :]

Lol it’s funny how some motorists pick at things and some don’t. Even at the enthusiast level. I hear ya and believe everything you say. None of it though I know would bother me and doesn’t discourage the WANT for one if presented.

I guess i’m at the point where a not so perfect interior and no power is soooo awesome :] Oh how time changes thing

EL_ULY > RallyWrench 04/20/2017 at 14:44

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Dopeness! Rad little DD option

Vicente Esteve > Mercedes Streeter 04/20/2017 at 14:44

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Dat 7 Series.

404 - User No Longer Available > EL_ULY 04/20/2017 at 14:45

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The turbo’s plagued with issues though.

facw > EL_ULY 04/20/2017 at 14:46

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Take the badges off an I hear Real People™ will think its an Audi, Lexus, or BMW! 

Mercedes Streeter > Your boy, BJR 04/20/2017 at 14:49

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In defense of the Cruze, it is a global car sold all over the world targeted towards families who don’t have a whole lot of income (starting price is $16k on the American market) but wants a safe sedan to carry their kids in. It’s not really meant for us enthusiasts, much in the same way a Mitsubishi Mirage isn’t. :)

But GM’s doing something right despite the quality issues, they’re selling a hilarious amount of them.

Also, I’m jealous of 138 bhp lol. My daily driver only has NA 70 bhp and takes 12 seconds to reach 60 mph. That’s more than fast enough for Chicago’s psychopathic drivers. xD

Mercedes Streeter > Vicente Esteve 04/20/2017 at 14:50

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Trying to think of a BangleButt joke but I’m coming up flat.

EL_ULY > 404 - User No Longer Available 04/20/2017 at 14:52

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The turbo’s plagued with issues   weekend project to help one learn about auto mechanics though.

FTFY :]

Shift24 > EL_ULY 04/20/2017 at 14:52

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Which i agree the average person wont care. But my roommate who is a car guy, is running into the issue where he wants more power but there arent very many options for him to go. Flashing the ECU has helped but the next mod with out going over the top is to lower it.

Mercedes Streeter > EL_ULY 04/20/2017 at 14:53

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I know! :D A Cruze would probably be the only car I’d be happy to de-badge. I had a coworker who drove a dark green one. It had tinted windows, no badges (except for the RS badges), slightly lowered, gunmetal wheels, and some sort of custom stitching going on inside. I couldn’t complain, it looked absolutely beautiful.

EL_ULY > facw 04/20/2017 at 14:54

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I’m almost positive if you show “Not actors” the last picture on this post, some might actually say that. by some I mean 2 out of 1,000,000

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > EL_ULY 04/20/2017 at 14:54

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Nice looking Mazda 3 clone.

EL_ULY > Mercedes Streeter 04/20/2017 at 14:55

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Oh wow i bet that did look pretty dang awesome for what is technically an eco car. Kiddos to your rad friend :]

Snuze: Needs another Swede > 404 - User No Longer Available 04/20/2017 at 15:06

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It was only the MY 11-13 cars, and some of the issues are covered under TSBs/Recalls. I have a ‘12 and had to have the turbo replaced (busted waste gate), PCV replaced (it’s built into the valve cover gasket for some stupid reason and it’s considered a “lifetime” part. It was not) and a water pump (bad seal). I managed to get all this done under my warranty, about 1,000 miles before it ran out.

That said, it’s a wonderful little car and powertrain combo once you get those issues sorted, and if you get a later 13 car or 14+ you’re golden.

EL_ULY > Shift24 04/20/2017 at 15:07

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ah yes the classic form vs function as far as choosing the next mod. Odd there isn’t many options for power since it’s a really good race car across the pond.

EL_ULY > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever 04/20/2017 at 15:07

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it is isn’t it :] Mazda 3 is so rad also

404 - User No Longer Available > Vicente Esteve 04/20/2017 at 15:09

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Available as LCI:

http://h5.m.taobao.com/moshtml-cn/detail/545578521637.html?spm=a21ct.8237742.nowitems.47

As well as E-Class:

http://h5.m.taobao.com/moshtml-cn/detail/547379654474.html?spm=a21ct.8237742.nowitems.33

Snuze: Needs another Swede > Your boy, BJR 04/20/2017 at 15:12

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I have a 2012 that I bought brand new and have none of the complaints or issues you’ve attested to minus the paint. I will absolutely agree that the paint is very thin and scratches way too easily.

Aside from that the interior quality is on par with everything else I test drove when I went to buy it (Civic, Corolla, Elantra), and it’s not particularly noisy either. 138 HP is plenty of power, right on par with any of its competitors, and has a much broader torque band. It’s also fine in the snow. I go everywhere on all-seasons in it, including taking it out 2 years ago in the worst storm DC had in about 10 years and got to where I needed to go just fine.

As for getting worse gas mileage than your 300, though, I am absolutely calling bullshit on that. When I dog the hell out of the car Ive never returned less than 32 mpg average on a tank, including when I had mine tuned to 180HP. I normally average 36 in DC stop-and-go traffic with some highway driving on weekends. And I even drove from College Park, MD to Detroit, MI on one tank of gas, averaging over 42mpg with 4 adults in the car and a trunk full of luggage.

The only problems I’ve had with my car were the faulty waste gate in the turbo, faulty water pump seal, and bad PCV valve, all of which are 2011-early 2013 issues and all were covered under my factory warranty.

79 horsepower monster > EL_ULY 04/20/2017 at 15:24

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The first generation is much better looking than the second. Sure, it is a much more plain look, but it is more cohesive, and I find it much more attractive

Snuze: Needs another Swede > EL_ULY 04/20/2017 at 15:35

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As the resident Snuze expert, I whole heartedly agree with everything posted. I’ve read (and replied... flame suit on) to a few of the more extreme comments below. They are fantastic little cars and I’m going to be pretty sad when the time comes to move on from mine.

There are 3 major problems to look out for with these cars, though I think all 3 were fixed by late MY 2013 and definitely ‘14+. The issues are broken turbo wastegate, bad PCV valve, and leaky water pump seal. All 3 happened to mine about 1,000 miles before the 5yr/100k mile powertrain warranty expired so I got them all taken care of by the dealer. The PCV is an easy and realtively cheap fix, it’s supposedly a “lifetime” part and it’s built into the valve cover gasket, weirdly. The turbo is located on the front of the motor and easy to get to, so I don’t think it would be too difficult to replace, minus fighting rusted bolts. The problem is that the waste gate is an internal unit so you basically have to replace the entire turbo assembly and it’s not particularly cheap. I honestly have no idea whatsoever is involved in the water pump repair but I doubt it’s hard to figure out. I’ve also heard some people complain about fuel injectors going out but I’ve never had an issue with it, I think it’s less common than the other 3 issues above.

Beyond that, mine has been very reliable and fun to drive. Put a good set of tires on it and it’s a surprisingly nimble little car. At 101k miles I’m probably over due for new shocks, so I may get LTZ shocks and springs, which lower the car slightly and provide a little more damping. Also, weirdly, I’m still on my original brake pads.

One thing is that the little turbo engine really prefers higher quality fuel. GM says it will run on 87 octane, and it will, but it has to pull a lot of timing to get it to run like that. Using 89 or better makes the car run significantly better and nets better gas mileage.

Lastly, get it tuned. It locks you to using only 91+ octane but it runs way better, picks up yet a few more MPG, and bumps you up to about 180HP and 200 ft-lbs, a very healthy power increase.

RT > EL_ULY 04/20/2017 at 15:36

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I wouldn’t recommend it because the Golf, Mazda3 and Focus do the same things much better. All you get is a cheap car with a worse interior and driving experience than rivals.

EL_ULY > 79 horsepower monster 04/20/2017 at 15:40

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couldn’t have said it better :]

EL_ULY > RT 04/20/2017 at 15:45

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lol calm down Stig :] This again was for the random normal human just looking for a car.

As for myself, I think i’m at the point in my auto enthusiasm where i’m an anti-enthusiast lol :] Cars (high end/exotic) are too deep as my career than something like a Cruze is very attractive.

“interior plastics and road feel... ROAD FEEL!!!!!!!!! ”

LOLz ain’t care. Looks good, basic a/f. Me gusta :]

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > EL_ULY 04/20/2017 at 15:57

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I mean, there’s nothing wrong with it. It’s a perfectly good appliance. But why would I specifically recommend this over a Corolla or a Civic or an Accent or a Forte or a Focus or a Dart...ok, not the Dart, but you get the idea.

EL_ULY > sm70- why not Duesenberg? 04/20/2017 at 15:58

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EVERY single car is an appliance indeed :]

None is better than the other.

I just like it per reasons above. Some cars may be better, I just like this.

EL_ULY > Snuze: Needs another Swede 04/20/2017 at 16:04

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Awesome info buddy, much appreciated. All seems perfectly simple compared to what I deal with every day (S65 AMG’s radio INOP when bonnet is closed).

I know if in the market, this is what i’ll get and indeed will follow these tips

Long Live the Longdoor > EL_ULY 04/20/2017 at 16:11

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Owned a 2011 and sold it after 3 years. Had a LT with the 1.4T and the automatic.

The Good:

Decent aftermarket support: I had an intake and a tune.

Handled decent with some new tires

The Bad:

The seats we uncomfortable for me (6', 195lbs)

The stock transmission shifts like garbage (the tune helped some). There weren’t any manual turbos in 2011 and I didn’t know how to drive stick back then.

Steering feel is very light (good for traversing a parking lot, not so much of spirited driving).

Rear seat room wasn’t the best, though comparable to something like a Mazda3

The Ugly:

I had some minor radio quibbles

My water pump blew up but was fixed under warranty (prior to the tune)

Shift24 > EL_ULY 04/20/2017 at 16:18

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Yep, he wishes there were more. A bunch of people were wanting an SS version like they did with the cobalt but as we know it never happened.

RT > EL_ULY 04/20/2017 at 16:27

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Yeah, I get the idea of a simple dependable workhorse alright.

But I can’t find any advantage it has over the competition at the same price. I mentioned the Golf, Focus and Mazda3 not because they’re ‘sporty’, but because they are more economical, spacious, well made etc. Normal cars rock, I’d just rather have a better one.

That’s just my two cents though, if you like the Cruze, power to you. :)

EL_ULY > Shift24 04/20/2017 at 16:35

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missed opportunity

EL_ULY > RT 04/20/2017 at 16:36

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I understand and agree. I guess to me it’s not “which is the best in the segment” all the time :]

Snuze: Needs another Swede > Mercedes Streeter 04/20/2017 at 16:37

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Not meant for enthusiasts... psh... It’s got a chassis that’s won multiple WTCC titles! And with the turbo motor and a 6 speed, throw a tune on it and you’ll surprise some much more powerful cars at stoplights... for about 50 feet. But with a light amount of modding (aforementioned tune, removing the intake silencer, and decent tires) it’s a fun little car to drive.

Seriously though, I love mine. It’s had the usual early generation Cruze problems, but I was able to get them all fixed under warranty and aside from all that it’s been a great car!

Mercedes Streeter > Snuze: Needs another Swede 04/20/2017 at 16:43

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Oh my, you basically know as much about the Cruze as I know about a 451 smart. :D I love experts of unexpected cars!

Snuze: Needs another Swede > Mercedes Streeter 04/20/2017 at 16:46

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Thanks!

t0ast > EL_ULY 04/20/2017 at 17:03

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I had a a 2014 Cruze in 2LT trim as a rental last year and logged a few hundred miles in it. I couldn’t find anything to love about it, but I couldn’t find much to complain about either.

The interior had its fair share of minor disappointments in trim fitment and switchgear quality, but the leather seats were comfortable, space was adequate, and it was reasonably quiet (FWIW, coming from the owner of a very noisy Miata and aging Outback). There wasn’t much to write home about performance-wise, but apart from some occasional automatic transmission slowness, I couldn’t really find anything to fault it on behind the wheel. It had *just* enough power and feedback to avoid being too slow, numb, or boring. If I recall, I saw around 30-35 MPG while it mindlessly soaked up the commute and interstate trekking miles.

I could see it making for a pretty solid low-cost commuter box, just not for me.

Mercedes Streeter > Snuze: Needs another Swede 04/20/2017 at 17:11

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I don’t disagree! It’s built upon an awesome platform. But at least in stock form, they aren’t really aren’t pandering to car people ( though, you’d know more than me, GM isn’t exactly in my wheelhouse ). But, much like my 2012 smart, I bet those mods you mentioned turned it into a rather cool car to drive. I’m totally jealous of that aftermarket as well.

For me, that was a stiff motor mount, the widest tyres I could fit without rubbing, ditching the intake silencer, and opening up the exhaust. I’d probably beat you at a light for the first...10 feet or so? But it’s totally slow car fast no matter what any dissenter says!

I think I want to turn it into an offroader now, but I’m not sure...

Also, I hate you (not seriously), I wish I had a legit manual! I had the chance when I got the 2016 last year, but I was wooed by limited edition goodness. :p

Heck, my engine’s caught on fire once so I can’t hate you for loving the admittedly-good looking Cruze. Carry on!

Your boy, BJR > Snuze: Needs another Swede 04/20/2017 at 18:08

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I got 24.5 in my Cruze. 25.3 in my 300.

EL_ULY > Long Live the Longdoor 04/20/2017 at 18:16

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I suppose avg. humans wouldn’t a couple of the Bad section things. Note take, keep water pumps in stock :]

EL_ULY > t0ast 04/20/2017 at 18:20

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Indeed to the trained eye of the enthusiasts I can see half of those being an issue.

I am at point where i wouldn’t mind those tiny issues that enthusiast me from 10 years ago would have been bothered with. No car is possible to “feeling boring” imho. 30MPG is freaking heaven right now lol :] I would indeed consider the commuter box*

*not derogatory, every vehicle on Earth is a commuter box/ appliance to me genuinely  

Gone > EL_ULY 04/20/2017 at 22:06

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We bought a CPO ‘13 LTZ w/46k. Has almost 60k on it now. The turbo was replaced previously under warranty and we had the water pump and PCV replaced via CPO last year. All common stuff that has been discussed. Wife is getting 30.5mpg in mixed driving. She really likes it and wants to get another when we replace it.

If I was getting for me I would struggle between the diesel, ECO, and what I’d really want - a ‘13+ LT2 w/RS package in a manual. The RS package upgrades you to rear discs and the rear Watts from the LTZ, but lets you have the stick.

pip bip - choose Corrour > EL_ULY 04/21/2017 at 06:51

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as a Holden part department employee.

Autos will shit the bed, not if just a matter of when. go manual

1.8 engine oil coolers regularly fail

1.4 Turbo the water housing at the back of cylinder head are an issue

2011 on Diesel engines notorious for pissing oil out, requiring engine out reseal job (2-days)

front wheels speed sensors are common.

mirror housings end up going white in colour

interior door handles chrome peels off a bit

EL_ULY > pip bip - choose Corrour 04/21/2017 at 08:29

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hmm, not bad at all then. Easy stuff :]

pip bip - choose Corrour > EL_ULY 04/21/2017 at 08:33

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forgot , thermostats are bad for shitting the bed too.

also 1.4 turbos have an issue with turbo feed pipe sludging up and cooking the turbos

have done a couple of 1.8 cylinder heads.

had one manual hatch (local build) that had 2 manual trans in less than 10,000km

EL_ULY > pip bip - choose Corrour 04/21/2017 at 09:03

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dang, someone didn’t know how to drive stick on that ride lol

pip bip - choose Corrour > EL_ULY 04/21/2017 at 09:11

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she did, just happened to have 2 crappy build manual trans

Holden ended up giving her another car.

EL_ULY > pip bip - choose Corrour 04/21/2017 at 09:36

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and that’s the thing, did EVERY single one of those cars had that happen to them? Most? Some? There are plenty of odd ball tales like that from every make. Heck, a few on the cars that I personally own. Though, i’m positive those sort of things are not guaranteed to occur

pip bip - choose Corrour > EL_ULY 04/21/2017 at 09:42

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true, i hear what you’re saying.

whilst some cars have been alright, some have been complete disasters.

just trying to give you some pointers as to what to look for.

EL_ULY > pip bip - choose Corrour 04/21/2017 at 09:53

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much appreciated good sir :] I’ve really been trying to find out some sort of formula,or percentage for this. Heck, even when I worked for Toyota/Lexus, some 3 month-ish old cars would be completely riddled with ALL known issues where an equal amount would be mega functional with the same equipt parts. Strange...

Snuze: Needs another Swede > Your boy, BJR 04/21/2017 at 10:42

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How?!? Do you live in LA and just sit in traffic for hours on end or something?

I’m not trying to be a dick, I’m just genuinely curious because I’ve never dropped below about 32, and continue to average 36.

Snuze: Needs another Swede > Mercedes Streeter 04/21/2017 at 10:50

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You’re absolutely right, it’s a very unassuming car. I wouldn’t quite call it a sleeper, but it’s definitely a really solid car and has some potential if you know how to wake it up. 

I grew up in a very GM household, so it’s kind of my thing. I try not to be a brand discriminator, though, and I’ve owned a Dodge, Subaru, and a bunch of Honda motorcycles over the years as well. Smart might be one of the things that I know the least about, although I’ve always thought they were interesting little cars. They were pretty popular down in Norfolk when I was in the Navy because A) traffic is awful, you never go more than about 10 mph so you need not worry about getting blasted out on the highway (which seems to be people’s biggest fear with them) and B) parking on base was extremely limited and you can fit 2 in a space, so people would pair up and park 2 to a spot.

I’ve actually always wanted to drive one, just to see what they’re like. I’m curious about the flappy paddle box, as well. I thought it was really neat because at the time they debuted, it was the only legit semi-automated gearbox you could get in a car that was under like $100k. I seem to recall reading it wasn’t that great, though, at least in the early cars. Is it better in your newer Smart?

Your boy, BJR > Snuze: Needs another Swede 04/21/2017 at 10:54

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I absolutely don’t.

I live in NJ and sit in traffic.

I’m also calling major bullshit on averaging 36. The best I’ve ever seen any (non eco) Cruze do is like 27, which was when my commute was short and on a highway with no traffic.

Snuze: Needs another Swede > Your boy, BJR 04/21/2017 at 11:04

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I stopped calculating fuel economy manually because I was getting within a fraction of a gallon of what the computer in the car says. It currently says 36.1 for one trip, and 36.2 for the other. I’d be more than happy to run it again, though. I’ll start next time I fill up (probably sometime this weekend) and manually calculate MPG for an entire tank.

Your boy, BJR > Snuze: Needs another Swede 04/21/2017 at 11:24

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No take a pic of your trip computer, and don’t just reset it before you get on the highway

Mercedes Streeter > Snuze: Needs another Swede 04/21/2017 at 11:55

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Awesome! I grew up in a general “American car” family. My parents would basically buy anything so long as it had a badge from an American on it. So we’ve had basically everything from Gen 1 Voyager vans to my mum today trying to get a 2017 Expedition to replace an Envoy and another Expedition.

I’ve departed from that with my love for quirky foreign cars. I so so so want to import or buy a kei car one day. That said, I love what GM has been doing lately. One of my faves in that lineup right is the Impala. See also: This shade of green!

Now, as for the smarties! The transmissions in the 451s (2007-2015) have an automated single clutch gearbox.

It shifts like how the average person would shift in a traditional 3 pedal manual, so it takes about a second to swap the gears. In my experience, folks coming from a traditional automatic or a CVT tend to hate the transmission because of how weird it is to be in a manual that shifts itself. People used to driving manuals tend to be more okay with it since it feels about the same.

As for myself, I despise the Automatic Mode. It’s programmed to get the best fuel economy possible, so it shifts gears as early as it can, every single time. Then it tries to hold onto the gear when you want the power to pass or climb a hill. It’s maddening!

Thus, I drive my 451 100% of the time in Manual Mode. Manual Mode gives you full control over shifting (sans clutch pedal, of course) with a safety zone to prevent you from stalling/over-revving the engine for too long. Manual Mode makes the car completely different. I shift when I want to, how I want to! And, it’s fun, especially with wide tyres! They come from the factory with pizza cutters to induce understeer in hard cornering. That’s easily rectified. Mine oversteers now. xD

The new ones are so much better. You get a choice of a traditional three pedal manual or a standard fare DCT. The DCT is basically no different than any other car with a DCT. It’s fast and buttery smooth. It perfectly compliments the turbo back there as well. People still seem to hate the transmission though because it’s not as smooth as a CVT or a traditional automatic...which is silly because few (if any) DCTs shift as flawlessly as a CVT.

t0ast > EL_ULY 04/21/2017 at 15:29

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Definitely understandable. I’m far from ready to give up the fun car slot in my garage, but will probably be taking a similar step towards pragmatism when it comes time to change up its practical counterpart. My Outback XT is entertaining in its own ‘Big Floppy WRX-Powered Wagon feat. Manuel’ sort of way, but outside of the ~5% of times its AWD, power, or spaciousness actually matter, the running costs, NVH / general comfort, and fuel economy (19-23 MPG) tend to eclipse things. It’ll still be economically viable to own for a while (barring any unpleasant surprises), but I do still like to entertain ideas like these on occasion since its eventual replacement will likely be prioritizing a lot more comfort and efficiency.

EL_ULY > t0ast 04/21/2017 at 15:31

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Outback XT.... best of ALL automotive worlds!!!!!

ktek01 > Your boy, BJR 04/22/2017 at 15:31

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The negative battery cable had a bad crimp, caused the center stack issues your having. GM extended the warranty to 10/120, replaced mine myself for $35 and 10 minutes labor. Only issue I’ve had with my 2014.