Looking for a Cruze

1098 Views 10 Replies 6 Participants Last post by Merc6, Jul 29, 2017

destrukto

Discussion Starter · Jul 17, 2017

I've been contemplating trading in my current vehicle for awhile (2002 Trailblazer) and being born and raised on GM I decided to start looking for a Cruze, I got to drive one a couple years ago on a work trip as a rental, it was a fun little car and filling up the tank at the end of the week was pretty easy on the wallet (I like cheap fun)

The local dealership is having a sale on the 2017s (LS manual) and I can get one for the same price as a newer certified used (I'm also eligible for the GM supplier discount), I also found a decent certified used eco manual for about $10k.. I know they redesigned the 2017 engines and I'm wondering if there are any known issues with these new engines (I haven't found much info yet on whether they're good to go or not) or if I'd be better off with an older model.. I'll head down to the dealer and see what I can find out tomorrow..

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jblackburn

· #2 · Jul 17, 2017

Very little has gone wrong with the Gen 2's thus far. A handful have had issues with piston failures at low mileage that are good once replaced (wasn't uncommon for the old 1.4 either), and there have been some oil leaks from the oil pan gaskets that just need tightening. I'd think the 2017's have the updated pistons installed from factory - a later build date might be a better shot at that (look on the door sticker).

I'd recommend you take one of each for a drive and see what you like. Keep in mind the LS doesn't have cruise control, but it may be able to be added by the dealership as part of the deal (wouldn't hurt to ask).

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Blasirl

· #3 · Jul 17, 2017

Welcome Aboard!:welcome:

Rent an LS if you can find one and see what you would miss first. I recommend at least a 2LT myself if you do not want to add stuff later.

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destrukto

Discussion Starter · #4 · Jul 20, 2017

An update on the Cruze situation - After going to several dealers (one of them turned into one of the worst dealer experiences I've ever had) I've narrowed the choices down to about 3 cars locally, a 17 LS which is pretty spartan even by my standards (The LTZ trailblazer has made me soft I guess), a 15 1LT certified, and a 12 eco with a manual over at carmax (somebody put steel wheels on it though).. I will miss the trailblazer, but I'm looking forward to getting a Cruze (at the very least I won't be getting the same fuel economy as a school bus)

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anthonysmith93

· #5 · Jul 21, 2017

Newer Cruze is definitely nicer, but I wouldn't get one unless it was top trim w/ RS package....the looks just aren't there otherwise. The 12 Eco has better options than the 15 LT but 12 was one of those bad years for the Cruze (more recurrent engine problems, etc)....I'd go with the 15 LT out of those choices....honestly though you can probably find a 14 LTZ around the same price, they go for NOTHING now with the new gen released, and LTZ is obviously the best

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jblackburn

· #6 · Jul 21, 2017

Think I'd go for the 15 LT personally. Hopefully it's got MyLink and a good service history.

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destrukto

Discussion Starter · #7 · Jul 28, 2017

I got a really good deal on the 15 LT and picked it up on Tuesday, I've put around 150 or so miles on it already.. This is a fun little car and the gas mileage is fantastic, it does have mylink and around 13k on the odometer

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chevrasaki

· #8 · Jul 28, 2017

Welcome to the forum!

Congrats on the purchase, since the '15 was the only one you didn't mention manual on, I'm guessing it's the auto?

Here's some nerdy stuff about fuel to consider. You can skip reading it if you want.
The 1.4 turbo in the Cruze does benefit from feeding it 91+ octane. The computer has fuel maps and timing tables for premium and regular. When you run 87, especially in the summer when it's hot, the knock sensors will detect pinging, it'll retard the timing and you'll get less power and fuel mileage. If you like to get up to speed in a timely manor, you'll want to run premium fuel from a top tier gas station. You get better fuel mileage so the extra cost is negated by my calculations. If you don't mind having less response from the engine or in the winter when the air is cold and dense you can run 87 no problem.

Enjoy!

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destrukto

Discussion Starter · #9 · Jul 29, 2017

I filled it up with 93 from the local marathon after reading up on this forum, made a considerable difference in performance, so far I'm impressed with the handling and fuel economy.. I never thought a 4 cylinder engine would be this much fun

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anthonysmith93

· #10 · Jul 29, 2017

It gets a ton more fun with mods too, tuning and suspension mods.

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Merc6

· #11 · Jul 29, 2017

Welcome! A tune really wakes the car up. You totally feel like you could *take on a Coyote Mustang but you actually can't take one on. It's that drastic of a change, you feel like you really could.

*No one is suggesting a street race, keep it on the track :wink:

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