[PanJet]

Also, on the TDI engine, the EGR system tends to coke up the intake manifold and start killing performance...

I haven't looked into how the Cruze EGR system is set up but when you guys start getting to this 50k mile level on the car you probably should start looking into whether there is any data on the other versions of this engine out there to see if this is going to be a problem needing monitoring. That's one of the few things I know of that can kill a diesel other than running it out of oil/coolant or total neglect of maintenance.

The Cruze's use of SCR (the system that uses DEF) theoretically should make this less of an issue. Both EGR and SCR work to accomplish the same task of reducing NOx emissions. VW tried to get around having to use DEF by relying more on the EGR and subsequently encountered the problems of more intake clogging and worse DPF performance since the engine has to run richer and use EGR more which creates more soot.

By using SCR, the Cruze should rely a lot less on the EGR putting less strain on the intake system and the DPF. Only time will tell.



Diesel, many congrats on your experience so far; excellent write-up. Here's to the next 50,000 miles.

 

[PanJet]

Talk about stupid, when VW designed the New Beetle they didn't even include a temp gauge. Just an idiot light to tell you if the engine was cold or hot. If you try to find an AEG code 4 cylinder 2.0 replacement engine, good luck. The New Beetles killed them off.

Subaru did the same thing on the recent Outback I had as a loaner, took out the temp gauge in favor of a vacuum/MPG gauge.

No kidding. When I had my Impala, I was able to see my thermostat failing via the temp gauge long before it ever reached any red lines. Going up a mountain pass at 90+ degrees F OAT, the water temp climbed higher than it ever had by at least 20 degrees. Going down the other side, it nearly bottomed out on the gauge. Popped in a new thermostat and it was solid as a rock again. No idiot light was going to tell me that.

Subaru took the temp gauge out on the 4th Gen Outback from 2010-2012, but IIRC when they did the mid-cycle refresh they put it back in starting with the 2013 model. They must have had a lot of complaints.

 

[PanJet]

Yes, I think every Cruze ever made has it.

Drove a 2011 2LT for 50,000 miles with no notchy steering at all. So far nothing on my diesel either at 7,500 miles, but I won't be surprised if it comes.