Chevy Cruze diesel vs VW TDI?

30081 Views 78 Replies 24 Participants Last post by sailurman, Jul 21, 2017

CALL911

Discussion Starter · Dec 28, 2016 (Edited)

So, this is my first post in any forum, as I am new to this site. Have done some research before I posted, but I do have some questions.

First, I'll start with why I am here; I currently have a 2001 VW Golf TDi. Has been my daily driver for about 5 years now. I have a 126 mile commute to work. All highway. 1/3 of it is at 55 MPH and the other 2/3 is at 60 MPH. I bought my turbo diesel for the longevity and fuel economy. I do like my little VW as it has got me 50 MPG on average with 300,000 miles on the odometer. My best tank was 58 MPG, and am currently seeing about 45 MPG in the winter here in Indiana. I have really wanted a newer, more powerful, more fuel efficient Golf TDI as mine is not comfortable, is really slow and boring with its 90 HP compared to the newer much more zippier VW TDI's. I was actually all set on getting a 2016 Golf TDi when the scandal happened. As a result, VW is not producing any 2016 Golf TDI's. In fact they are no longer selling any new TDI's to the US ever again, and Chevy is stepping up to the plate and looking to take up the lost sales to people like me.

Now, I am a GM fan. Have been my whole life. But Chevy has not always made awesome cars. Some have been problematic, or not held up well over time. I am hoping to find that the Cruze diesel is one of the cars they made well to hold up.

So, on to my questions; has anyone had common problems with the diesel Cruzes?

I know the details are still vague on the Gen II Cruze, but any idea of what MPG difference there will be between the Gen I vs Gen II?

Do you expect the Cruze to last 400,00-500,000 miles like the VW TDi's do?

What MPG difference does the manual see vs the auto? I prefer driving the manual, especially if the transmission has less problems than the auto, but really want the best possible fuel economy here.

Basically I am looking for input on if I should consider getting a new or used Cruze or stick with getting another VW TDI.

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Cruz15

· #2 · Dec 28, 2016

I would definitely wait for the 2017 Manual model to hit the roads, with all the sensors they have like any new diesel would have that is the weak point.
I can get 50 mpg without much problem right now with my auto 2015. Longevity I would hope so 500,000 if well cared for would be possible.
The difference its been said that the 2017 will have a higher rating than the 2015 did and with a harder test.
If I'm incorrect please correct me Thank You.

CALL911

Discussion Starter · #3 · Dec 28, 2016 (Edited)

You make some excellent points. Rated EPA MPG is always historically lower than actual mileage people are getting who try for it. The 2017 Cruise diesel has been rumored to get a posted MPG of 50, which could end up being much more than the Gen I Cruise CTD.

My current financial status demands me waiting a bit longer anyways, so the full details will be out long before I make a purchase, but want to get as much info as I can before then.

One bad thing about VW is that all its parts are really Audi parts and are really expensive (I spent $350 on a remanufactured window motor once). Chevy parts, should be much cheaper to replace. I just hope it doesn't have items that are known to be bad and are in constant need of repair.

VtTD

· #4 · Dec 28, 2016

I'm pretty sure most people have had at least one emissions related problem. I've had a few within the warranty. Chevy is starting to extend warranties on some emissions components, but not on all the common problem spots yet. Bottom line is if you end up with a used 2014-2015, expect the occasional emissions issue. It's a fun car to drive, and it actually sounds like a diesel (which I consider a plus) so if you can deal with an occasional emissions frustration, and you have a reputable Chevy dealer nearby for service, I'd consider the car. No manual in 2014-2015 though. I think nowadays you get better mpgs with an automatic most of the time anyways. Also I've heard very few transmission issues on this forum and have heard it should be a pretty reliable transmission. It is a somewhat jerky transmission at times though. Probably partially just because of the nature of the diesel engine, but also it seems to go through periods of being more aggressive with the shift where you can really feel it going into some gears. It always seems to work itself out within a week though, probably as the transmission "learns".

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CALL911

Discussion Starter · #5 · Dec 28, 2016

How frequent and how expensive are we talking for the emissions issues? And what are they exactly? With how many miles I drive in a year, I likely won't be able to count on a warranty for very long and don't want to be raped by the stealership. I would rather know what all is involved and maintain the car myself if possible. (I will be performing a 12+ hour heater core replacement in my TDi tomorrow morning I am not looking forward to).

I don't mind the auto trans if it is best for the mileage. I just enjoy driving a stick.

How well does the Cruze drive, ride, and handle? I have heard not good (but that was not from a Cruise owner).

MRO1791

· #6 · Dec 28, 2016

I had a 2012 VW Jetta that I traded for my new 2015 Cruze Diesel. I now have a second Cruze Diesel I bought used. It's a great car, while I would prefer a manual, it's auto is a solid and proven design that has been used on many cars from Toyota to Volvo, and even Ford. It's a solid design. I did like the DSG also, but it's expensive and or difficult fluid service is not something to dismiss. VW did more than just cheat emmisions with the 2009 and up TDI, they went with a far cheaper and very weak designed High Pressure fuel pump. Not a problem on Cruze. Obviously I like the car enough to have 2 of them. There have been minor warranty repairs on the first, never left us stranded or towed, always scheduled and taken care of. The second has a near clear record other than a door lock issue and an idiot putting gas in the tank. GM did a good job on Cruze Diesel in my experience and opinion.

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CALL911

Discussion Starter · #7 · Dec 28, 2016 (Edited)

The newer EA255 engines the 2015+ TDi's had were amazing, both for power and economy. The years that you had did have the high pressure fuel pump issue, but it was really the only flaw and was easily fixed by a filter mod made available for under $100. As for the scandal, I could really care less about what they were pulling honestly. That would not alter my decision in what car to get. VW has been making diesels for far longer and has more experience than GM. Thats not to say that GM can't make good diesels though either.

It is good to hear that another fellow VW owner is happy with the Cruze though.

Anyone know what specific emmission issues the Cruise has?

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pacolino

· #8 · Dec 28, 2016

CALL911 said:
The newer EA255 engines the 2015+ TDi's had were amazing, both for power and economy. The years that you had did have the high pressure fuel pump issue, but it was really the only flaw and was easily fixed by a filter mod made available for under $100. As for the scandal, I could really care less about what they were pulling honestly. That would not alter my decision in what car to get. VW has been making diesels for far longer and has more experience than GM. Thats not to say that GM can't make good diesels though either.

It is good to hear that another fellow VW owner is happy with the Cruze though.

Anyone know what specific emmission issues the Cruise has?

I just want to mention here that CTD engine is actually from Opel Astra, GM own Opel which builts diesel engines for a pretty long time, so it's not new on the market.

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diesel

· #9 · Dec 28, 2016

Welcome to the forum! I've got 193K miles on my 2014 and still love it. I think it will go for many more miles.

Here are common issues:

http://www.cruzetalk.com/forum/64-g...mmon-issues-fixes-2014-2015-cruze-diesel.html

Here's a detailed account of my first 150K miles:

http://www.cruzetalk.com/forum/64-g...sion/151073-150k-miles-2014-cruze-diesel.html

oldestof11

· #10 · Dec 28, 2016

Compared to your MK4, the Cruze is a step up. Power, refinement, handling, interior space. We can for a rear facing car seat behind the passenger seat and not have the seat all the way forward. The seats move very far back if you have long legs like my father.

I've squeaked 52mpg out on a tank. I used to drive 68 miles one way. That ends this Friday. The whole way the cruise is set to 62mph. I slow down for 3 towns before getting into a Chicago suburb. I average 48-50mpg in summer.

Now with my new job being 1/2 mile away and having a company truck, ill.be deleting emissions from mine and doing some power upgrades. Might as well right?

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JRB'sOilburningCruze

· #11 · Dec 28, 2016

GM is fiddling with the programming on the NOX2 sensors. They just replaced the upstream NOX2 sensor under a recall. My car, and this is a sample size of 1, has had all of the NOX2 sensors replaced twice. The replacement of the downstream NOX2 sensor was probably not needed. The O2 sensors were replaced. The 2014 & 2015's were a relatively low production run. I really feel GM used these as real world test beds to iron things out for further diesel products in 2017 (2nd Gen Cruze & Equinox). Overall I've been happy with my Cruze, a few too many trips to the dealer, but they have been on GM's dime. Another thing to be prepared for, the 2.0 has a timing belt, not sure of the 2017's. Last time I was at the dealer, just for giggles I asked the service writer the current cost to replace timing belt. He quoted $1,280.00. I won't be paying the $1,280.00.... Will do it myself.

The 6 speed automatic has been good, it seems it has gotten smoother with some miles on it, but it may be I've just gotten use to it.

I have a 75 mile round trip commute, it gets about 40 in stop and go traffic. Best I've ever gotten over a 50 mile stretch was 58MPG.

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justin13703

· #12 · Dec 28, 2016

By far the most common issue with these cars is the emissions system. Other than that, they are pretty solid. But the emissions system can rob you of a lot of your enjoyment of the car.

CALL911

Discussion Starter · #13 · Dec 28, 2016

Well that's the real key is the difference in maintenance. The VW maintenance is somewhat in frequent but costly. Sounds about the same other than the costly part for the Cruze.

CALL911

Discussion Starter · #14 · Dec 28, 2016

So I think I need to take the next step and see a CTD in person. I spoke with a sales rep from the local dealer on the phone. That was a waste of time. He knew less than I did on the CTD.

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Chris Tobin

· #15 · Dec 28, 2016

I am VERY happy with my decision to get rid of my MK5 TDI Jetta and get into our 2015 Cruze Diesel! It is a little smaller than the MK 5, especially in the trunk, but it is a very nice car and we have been problem free (except for a rattle and a AC system leak; both fixed under warranty) for about 13,000 miles since we purchased it used as a CPO car with 4,100 miles on it.

I think your concerns about the automatic stem for the horrendous MK4 automatics that were junk and expensive to repair/replace (our son has a 2002 Jetta TDI that we will be doing a 6-speed swap in soon) and failed often. The 6-speed auto in the Cruze diesel seems to be a good unit, with few reported problems. Our Mk5 had the 5-speed manual with a performance clutch and especially in traffic I am very happy with the Auto in the Cruze! In my experience it does what I want/expect when I want it to so I am very happy with it! Also with modern lock-up converters auto's generally get as good or in some cases better mileage than manual transmission cars...

Hope this helps!

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VtTD

· #16 · Dec 28, 2016

CALL911 said:
The newer EA255 engines the 2015+ TDi's had were amazing, both for power and economy. The years that you had did have the high pressure fuel pump issue, but it was really the only flaw and was easily fixed by a filter mod made available for under $100. As for the scandal, I could really care less about what they were pulling honestly. That would not alter my decision in what car to get. VW has been making diesels for far longer and has more experience than GM. Thats not to say that GM can't make good diesels though either.

It is good to hear that another fellow VW owner is happy with the Cruze though.

Anyone know what specific emmission issues the Cruise has?

My emissions issue:

1) DEF tank replacement due to heater element failure. I believe this would have been $800 or so if it was not covered by the warranty. Note GM has special coverage extending the warranty to 120k on the DEF tank. My dealer was able to get a new tank and replace within 3 days. Some people here have reported extended wait times for this part. This would have put the care into limp mode if I kept driving with the issue.
2) CEL with countdown to limp mode. Not sure what the error was but the dealer updated the software and that seemed to keep the error away.
3) DPF Pressure Sensor somehow became unplugged, so simple fix.

Many people have had a sensor or two go it seems. I've been lucky there. Did the NOx recall, but the sensor was not causing a CEL at that point. Key to sensors, I think most have found, is to either drive on the interstate a lot, and/or drive it somewhat hard around town to keep them clean. If you put on lots of miles, you're probably driving on the highway a lot and have a better shot of being ok with sensors. I do think I have heard a lot of the emissions sensors are rather expensive (ie 100-200 a piece).

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IndyDiesel

· #17 · Dec 28, 2016 (Edited)

s o

OP, welcome to the forum. I briefly owned a VW Beetle TDI with 200k miles with a 5 speed, it was a good little car and like your car by todays standards no emissions stuff. I have a 15 Cruze CTD with 21k miles have had it a year, bought it virtually new with 3700 miles. I have had my local chevy dealer do all the service, had recall done yesterday, knock on wood, have had zero problems in 12 month of ownership. I love the car and its performance, this engine setup vs what you have is just better so long as emissions issues don't bite you, any modern diesel will have a DPF and emissions stuff of which can be an issue. Some on the forum have deleted the emissions stuff and then have had no emissions problems after that, they can chime in if you like. I have a lot of power vs the older vw engine. It feels more like a v6. I drive mine hard at least couple times a week after warmed up.

I live near Indy, if you are ever down in Noblesville area, drop me a note or email on here, you are welcome to drive my CTD and make your own observations. Be happy to go out with you and let you drive it.

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obermd

· #18 · Dec 28, 2016

CALL911 said:
So I think I need to take the next step and see a CTD in person. I spoke with a sales rep from the local dealer on the phone. That was a waste of time. He knew less than I did on the CTD.

Private Message our Chevy Customer Care account and see if they can locate a CTD near you.

MRO1791

· #19 · Dec 28, 2016 (Edited)

CALL911 said:
The newer EA255 engines the 2015+ TDi's had were amazing, both for power and economy. The years that you had did have the high pressure fuel pump issue, but it was really the only flaw and was easily fixed by a filter mod made available for under $100. As for the scandal, I could really care less about what they were pulling honestly. That would not alter my decision in what car to get. VW has been making diesels for far longer and has more experience than GM. Thats not to say that GM can't make good diesels though either.

It is good to hear that another fellow VW owner is happy with the Cruze though.

Anyone know what specific emmission issues the Cruise has?

Full disclosure, I'm a Mechanical Engineer. While no doubt the newer VW HPFP was less failure prone, likely due to lower fuel pressure, different injectors.. and some metal improvement with the cam roller.. but it's still a cam roller Bosch 4.1 pump, which was only used because it is literally $600 cheaper per car.. they cheated emmisions to save $300 per car. That $100 fix is a band aid to make the failure contained.. the only proper fix is the CP3 conversion, that's about $1200. As for GM, they used a Fiat/GM engine designed on a proven VM Motori Italian design. They also have had many Diesel models overseas in cars, and many trucks in the US. The emmisions make it expensive in the US, but cheating by VW kept out competitors who were not cheating. While I agree the standards are a bit ridiculous, I don't think there is any excuse for what VW did, and I took the settlement money with no regrets.

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GMMillwright

· #20 · Dec 31, 2016

If our hectic schedules ever line up, you're welcome to take mine for a spin. I still recommend a low mile 2015 as the better value.

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