Need a trouble free car. Should I buy a Cruze? Seems like there's lots of issues??

[ConsideringACruze]

Hello,

My last 2 cars have been Toyota Corollas. not fancy, BUT, each one has gone a quarter of a million miles with ZERO problems & NEVER had to go back to the car dealer for repairs. just normal maintenance over the years.

My job gives me extremely little free time. Having a car that breaks down, especially a brand new on after plunking down a considerable amount of money, and having to miss work to sit in a car dealer for repairs is not an option for me. I can't do it.

I really like the looks of the Chevy Cruze. BUT, you folks seem to have a ton of problems with it. A brand new car stinking of engine coolant? coolant on the windshield? etc, etc, etc. I don't have that now with my 12 year old corolla. I'm not going to put up with that with a new car.

Question for you folks: Just how reliable has your Cruze been? How long have you had it & how many times have you had to bring it back to the car dealer for repairs? Lastely, would you buy it again?

Thanks VERY MUCH in advance for any help/advice you can offer!

[sciphi]

Welcome! Keep in mind, folks post onto a forum like this one when they have a problem. They don't often post when they have zero issues. The squeaky wheel gets the grease, you know?

I'm at 43k miles on my Eco manual transmission, and it's been back to the dealer 2-3 times for minor things such as a rattle from the rear suspension and a failed trunk switch. Both issues were handled quickly, and haven't come back. Those happened early in the car's life. I got a shuttle where I needed to go, so I wasn't waiting at the dealer.

Aside from that, it's been a great car. I'd buy another in half a heartbeat, even knowing what I know now.

[obermd]

I had an apparent coolant leak that turned out to be nothing more than air in the coolant lines. That was the only non-scheduled service I have had. All other services have been done as part of oil changes. I'm at 20K miles on my ECO MT. Your dealership will really make/break your ownership experience.

[titan2782]

Need a trouble free car

Wait, they have those?!

[spacedout]

You really like your 12 year old corolla? If so you might as well buy another one, Toyota has not changed anything in all those years. The cars engine or transmission & MPG rating have all remained the same since the mid 1990's. Me I would have a problem buying a new car that's exactly the same as a 2-15 year old used one.

Chevy on the other hand has made huge changes with this car & some have experienced these growing pains. I would buy the cruze again because its still the best value for a small car & probably one of the safest.

[mcg75]

Wow, 250,000k with just maintenance.

15 years fixing cars, I've never run into a Corolla or any other car that could do that.

Unless struts, sway bar links, wheel bearings or belt tensioners are considered maintenance.

[20131pz69]

got less than 1000 miles on my 2013, have had no trouble with it so far. I would make the purchase again. The car drives well and has great features for the price, the combination of economy/ power and safety are unmatched in this class as well. Am sure there will be some issues with my cruze as well eventually- in today's world, there is no such thing as a trouble- free car .

fyi- my friend bought a new corolla a few months back- the auto transmission is from the 80s, it's horrible! I had a 95 & think that was better ...

good luck with your hunt

[obermd]

Wait, they have those?!

They used to. My Pontiac Transport was trouble free until about 150K miles. Once my Pontiac Montana AWD (1st year model) got the ABS wheel sensor power and HVAC tubing fixed it was trouble free until 170K miles.

[Hoon]

The only issue i have with my car is the coolant smell....which is good considering i beat on it quite a bit, have drag raced it, tow regularly a bit over its capacity, have dyno'd it a couple times, etc.

Brakes look new after 14K miles even with the towing. Tire wear is a little faster than i thought but that's my fault not the car's. So far it looks like it's going to be a reliable car for years to come unless i get crazy with the tuning, but again, not the car's fault.

If the coolant smell (which seems better lately) is the only issue i have over the life of the car i'll be very happy.

[jblackburn]

Buy another Corolla. It sucks as a car, especially by 2013 standards, but they make good appliances.