Oppopinions? 2018 Chevy Cruze hatch

"Highlander-Datsuns are Forever" (jamesbowland)
03/06/2019 at 11:32 • Filed to: None

Currently at $17,000 has 19 miles. I’ve had one as a rental and really liked it. I’d probably drive it for 4 years then give it to one of my children. I also only drive about 5,000-7,000 miles a year so the car would see very little use.

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DISCUSSION (25)

CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever
03/06/2019 at 11:45

I see PRNDL. Honestly, I would (and did) buy something from the Koreans over that.

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever
03/06/2019 at 11:47

Auto would be good for the kiddo’s and the wife. In a non performance car I really don’t give a shit if it’s auto or manual. The auto in the Cruze works pretty good. Interestingly they have a 2105 Sonata limited for $16,500 and it’s a bigger car with almost 180 HP. I would give the sonata a hard look too.

E90M3 > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever
03/06/2019 at 11:47

I’ve liked the Chevy’s I’ve had as rental cars, but I’m not sure I liked them enough to buy one.

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > E90M3
03/06/2019 at 11:48

Agreed. This car has an equal probability of being great and absolute shit.

CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever
03/06/2019 at 11:49

I was just giving you a hard time on the auto. Like you said, it really is better to buy an auto for “normal cars”.

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever
03/06/2019 at 11:51

My question: Is the cruze less soul crushing than a Forte?

CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever
03/06/2019 at 11:52

You know what. With A/C and maybe android auto, the Forte would be perfect for what I need it for. A cheap transport solution for an adjuster in an large urban city.

E90M3 > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever
03/06/2019 at 11:53

What engine does it have in it?

I’ve been spoiled by my BMWs, so I find most of these cars too under-powered .

412GTI > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever
03/06/2019 at 11:53

I too have driven (sedan) versions as rentals and they’re acceptable cars. Ride is fine and they handle ok. The interior was much better on first gen Cruze’s, however.

17k still seems a little steep for me as these things depreciate like rocks. Personally, I agree with CoFT and would probably buy something Korean first. The Chevy might be slightly more comfortable, but I’ve got more faith in something from Hyundai/Kia or the Japanese brands.

Ash78, voting early and often > E90M3
03/06/2019 at 12:06

So you never had a 318 ti, then? :P

Snuze: Needs another Swede > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever
03/06/2019 at 12:08

You’re in luck, Oppos resident Cruze guy is in the house today!

I think for $17k for what’s essentially a new car, that’s probably a pretty good deal. I also love that blue, and love the hatchback. I’ve been itching for a new car for a few months now and had actually looked at trading mine in for a nearly identical car to the one you’re looking at back in November.

My car has been really solid with one exception... t he engine . I know what you’re thinking, but hear me out on this, it get’s better . My car is a manual and the trans has been great, still on the original clutch. Interior has held up well. Body has suffered normal wear and tear but it’s still holding up fine, no rust. Heck, I just put it’s first set of brake pads on it at 120k miles. I really like the little car overall , and love the fuel economy. But the 2011-2012 cars in particular have a myriad of engine issues and I’ve had just about all of them - bad turbo, bad cam soleniods, bad water pump seals , and the cursed PCV system (twice), etc . In fact I need to do an intake manifold on mine the next time I have a saturday with decent weather. It’s part of that PCV system.

HOWEVER... when they face-lifted the cars (2015 or 2016) they switched from the Family 0 engine to GM’s new global SGE (Small Gasoline Engine). It’s a completely new design, and even though it’s still a 1.4L turbo, it shares virtually nothing with the previous engine. So my suggestion is check out Cruzetalk.com, the internet’s premier (and possibly only) Cruze forum, and see what issues the second gen cars have.

The only other thing I can say, which I’m running into as I’m starting to look for a replacement car, is that they don’t hold their value. I mean no car really does, but I think it’s a bit worse for domestic compacts vs. something like a Civic or Corolla. But if you’re not going to drive it much and then give it to one of your kids in a few years, it might be perfect for that.

BrianGriffin thinks “reliable” is just a state of mind > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever
03/06/2019 at 12:13

I too have had one as a rental and found it...acceptable. For that price, I’d say you’d be happier in a 16+ Golf SE.

E90M3 > Ash78, voting early and often
03/06/2019 at 12:14

Nope!

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > E90M3
03/06/2019 at 12:17

1.4L Turbo, I think it’s 150 HP.

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > BrianGriffin thinks “reliable” is just a state of mind
03/06/2019 at 12:21

https://www.kalispellvolkswagen.com/new-Kalispell-2018-Volkswagen-Golf-TSI+S+4+Door-3VWG17AU8JM253469

Like this? 180 HP/200ft-lbs torque in a 1.8L turbo? I would much prefer that over the cruze.

benn454 > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever
03/06/2019 at 12:22

Check the drain plug and see if it's the 10 mm. If it is prepare to replace them every few oil changes from orangutans not understanding what "14 nM" means and rounding the heads off.

DAWRX - The Herb Strikes Back > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever
03/06/2019 at 12:31

We test drove one of these in the summer. Well equipped, but drove a bit weird, and not quite as spacious as the competitors. The auto stop/start was annoying, but can probably be disabled.

Probably better as a rental than as a car to own. Resale values are meh.

BrianGriffin thinks “reliable” is just a state of mind > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever
03/06/2019 at 12:48

That’s a good price, and the 1.8 feels much faster than 180hp on the butt dyno. I loved mine. The 18+ Golfs (called the Mark 7.5 body style) are a little cheapened vs. the 16 & 17, just little things like insulation and head unit appearance. If you’re not stuck on new, I’d really suggest a lightly used 17.

MM54 > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever
03/06/2019 at 13:02

I have driven one of these as a rental (and many of the sedans). They’re not bad, but they’re not particularly good either. It will understeer significantly on off-camber decreasing radius turns... especially in the rain. That was somewhere an hour-ish east of Baltimore.

Shift24 > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever
03/06/2019 at 13:06

Go drive a first gen of these and then rent one of these. Then give me a built point list on why you will not buy one of these. Also no matter which one you get they are painfully slow. Nether motor (1.4T or 1.8) makes more power than my Accord did back in 1992.

And Chevy did a 180 with these. They Bean countered it to death.

I would look else where like a Golf or Civic if you are looking Hatch.

Remember below is a 2011

Kinja'd!!!

This is 2018

Kinja'd!!!

boxrocket > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever
03/06/2019 at 13:08

I work next to a Chevy dealership. There’s a multitude of reasons why they’re going out of production, and have the apt nickname “Crude”.

Get a Mazda3 instead. With the new model out, I’m.starting to see some good discounts on the current one.

boxrocket > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever
03/06/2019 at 13:10

GM’s 1.4T (regardless of version) have appetites for turbos, intake hoses, and have a myriad of other issues. Doesn’t matter if it’s in the sonic, encore, trax, or cruze.

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > boxrocket
03/06/2019 at 13:10

I currently have a Mazda3 and intend on keeping it. The newer Mazda3 is high on my list of possibilities. I think now I’d probably go with a VW Golf or Mazda3.

Old Red Wagon > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever
03/06/2019 at 13:56

Have you looked into a Fit? Depending on trim level you would be at the same price. Will be the more reliable car if you plan on keeping it long term and whether you keep it or not you’ll get more for it down the road when it comes time to sell.

pip bip - choose Corrour > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever
03/07/2019 at 04:59

already out of production.

that should be a warning