[Manny_NotTheStig]

Hi everyone,

I've been lurking on this site for a few weeks now. I'm in the middle of switching to a new job that would require about 90 mile drive one way, so i was looking for something better than my current car on gas. I currently driving a 2008 Dodge Charger SXT AWD that can barely get 19/20 mpg on the highway. Of all the cars I've been looking at, the cruze is definitely the one I want. IMO, it has the best styling in its class. So I'm looking to a pick up a used 2013 LT2 within the next week.

I plan on keeping this car for a long time, so I was wondering if there any things I should be considering doing to the car once I get it. One thing I've read from lurking is to get an oil catch can. Anything else? Once I get it, I'm planning on getting an Injen CAI and the Trifecta tune for it. If there's one gripe I have about the cruze, is that I think it's a little underpowered. Since I'll be coming from a V6 that I also had some mods done on, I'll definitely be getting the tune to appease my right foot.

Another question I have is, has anyone ever done a conversion of their side marker lamps to turn signals, or made it work as both? I've searched but maybe my search wasn't extensive enough.

Manny

 

[obermd]

Manny,

With your commute take a look at the ECO MT (manual) or CTD (diesel). At 90 miles each way you'll be glad you went for the highest highway MPG versions available.

Welcome to CruzeTalk.

 

[cody6989]

Hi everyone,

I've been lurking on this site for a few weeks now. I'm in the middle of switching to a new job that would require about 90 mile drive one way, so i was looking for something better than my current car on gas. I currently driving a 2008 Dodge Charger SXT AWD that can barely get 19/20 mpg on the highway. Of all the cars I've been looking at, the cruze is definitely the one I want. IMO, it has the best styling in its class. So I'm looking to a pick up a used 2013 LT2 within the next week.

I plan on keeping this car for a long time, so I was wondering if there any things I should be considering doing to the car once I get it. One thing I've read from lurking is to get an oil catch can. Anything else? Once I get it, I'm planning on getting an Injen CAI and the Trifecta tune for it. If there's one gripe I have about the cruze, is that I think it's a little underpowered. Since I'll be coming from a V6 that I also had some mods done on, I'll definitely be getting the tune to appease my right foot.

Another question I have is, has anyone ever done a conversion of their side marker lamps to turn signals, or made it work as both? I've searched but maybe my search wasn't extensive enough.

Manny

My buddy and I go to greenbay every year to watch packers play. We live in louisville about 500 miles away. I made it there on one tank of gas believe it or not. I have a 2012 eco manual running 93

 

[Manny_NotTheStig]

Thanks for the replies. I was looking at the Eco, but I found a good deal by a private seller on this LT2, that's why I'm biting on it. It has 12K miles and I was able to bargain it down to $11300. From what I've seen on autotrader and cars.com, it seems like a good deal. Besides I don't know if there's any performance difference between the LT and the Eco, but I'm all for more performance. Which ever one I get will still be getting way better gas mileage than what I'm currently driving.

 

[obermd]

The ECO MT is, by a very slim margin, the quickest gas Cruze trim. Note I didn't say fast as the car isn't designed for shove you into the seat acceleration. It is fast, however with either Road & Track or Car & Driver (I don't remember which) clocking a 2011 ECO MT in around 140 MPH. Where this trim shines is on the open road. I've driven mine from Denver to New Hampshire and back twice, both times running at the posted speed limits to +5 and using less than 100 gallons of gas for the 4100 mile round trip. The EPA tests at 60 MPH and the ECO MT gets the 42 MPG at 77 MPH. My 2012 ECO MT pulls down 50 MPG at 60 MPH.

Regardless of which 1.4T engine trim (LT, Eco, LTZ) you get, you want to run at least 89 octane and preferably 91/93 octane. The 1.4T engine is designed for 91 octane.

 

[cody6989]

Thanks for the replies. I was looking at the Eco, but I found a good deal by a private seller on this LT2, that's why I'm biting on it. It has 12K miles and I was able to bargain it down to $11300. From what I've seen on autotrader and cars.com, it seems like a good deal. Besides I don't know if there's any performance difference between the LT and the Eco, but I'm all for more performance. Which ever one I get will still be getting way better gas mileage than what I'm currently driving.

Eco is more light weight and no spare tire

 

[jblackburn]

LT has more closely spaced gears, but the extra bulk in the 2LT probably evens out the playing field.

FWIW, my LT can pull on an Eco til I have to go for 3rd, and haven't tried beyond that. The Eco can hit 60 in 2nd gear; LT is in 3rd.

It's very far from a "quick" car in any trim, but I'd say it's pretty spunky in most driving because of the torque on tap.

 

[obermd]

Eco is more light weight and no spare tire

Fixable - see the link in my sig. The CTD's DEF tank fills the spare tire well.

 

[cody6989]

Fixable - see the link in my sig. The CTD's DEF tank fills the spare tire well.

Where do I buy the cover I hate the hole in my trunk

 

[Mo Cruze]

Thanks for the replies. I was looking at the Eco, but I found a good deal by a private seller on this LT2, that's why I'm biting on it. It has 12K miles and I was able to bargain it down to $11300. From what I've seen on autotrader and cars.com, it seems like a good deal. Besides I don't know if there's any performance difference between the LT and the Eco, but I'm all for more performance. Which ever one I get will still be getting way better gas mileage than what I'm currently driving.

thats a really good deal.

 

[NickD]

Driving 90 miles in Michigan on snow covered roads? Ha, I would think about moving. Wife's co-worker is 55 miles away, know the roads, a poorly maintained state road and country roads. Many times she will spend the night here, or use up her PTO when she can't make it.

We settled on the 2LT wanted manual with a spare tire, electrically heated seats, and leather. In the summer can average 46 mpg if I can hold it to 63 mph. Winter don't ask, never know what kind of gas I am buying in Wisconsin. Tank before was only 27 mpg. Last tank was 32 mpg. Only use ethanol free 91 octane. The best we have around here.

 

[Classy56]

The new left over diesels are less than 20k. That's the deal if you're looking for LOTS of highway pick up. These thing really shine pulling from 60-70 to 90-100mph.
You also mentioned getting something that'll last as you'll be putting down 25k a year on the clock. Again that's diesel hands down.
Although if you compare it to the good deal on the used one, it's harder to justify the extra 8k. If that deal falls apart, hunt for a dealer leftover.


******UPDATE*******

A fellow member is selling a big TD somewhere in Michigan, might be a match.

 

[Manny_NotTheStig]

Thanks for all the replies guys.

thats a really good deal.

I know, right? It seems like a really good deal and the guy has been patient with me while i try to drum up the cash.

Driving 90 miles in Michigan on snow covered roads? Ha, I would think about moving. Wife's co-worker is 55 miles away, know the roads, a poorly maintained state road and country roads. Many times she will spend the night here, or use up her PTO when she can't make it.

We settled on the 2LT wanted manual with a spare tire, electrically heated seats, and leather. In the summer can average 46 mpg if I can hold it to 63 mph. Winter don't ask, never know what kind of gas I am buying in Wisconsin. Tank before was only 27 mpg. Last tank was 32 mpg. Only use ethanol free 91 octane. The best we have around here.

Moving is totally out of the question. I don't mind the drive. It's not the first time I've driven long distances for work. I'll just have to take extra care of the car.

The new left over diesels are less than 20k. That's the deal if you're looking for LOTS of highway pick up. These thing really shine pulling from 60-70 to 90-100mph.
You also mentioned getting something that'll last as you'll be putting down 25k a year on the clock. Again that's diesel hands down.
Although if you compare it to the good deal on the used one, it's harder to justify the extra 8k. If that deal falls apart, hunt for a dealer leftover.


******UPDATE*******

A fellow member is selling a big TD somewhere in Michigan, might be a match.

Definitely not looking to spend that much, but I'm interested in the diesels also. Although, I don't know how diesel prices compare to gasoline.

Eco is more light weight and no spare tire

Not sure I like the idea of no spare tire. Besides the styling of the Eco doesn't quite strike my fancy as the LT does. I don't like those rims