Can you elaborate on that "California recall"? Is this something that involves only automatic transmission cars or manual one too? To my knowledge , these cars are 50 states compliant, so there is nothing different about cars sold in California that would require a California specific recall.
Potential Diesel buyer advice?
Hi everyone!
I've been seriously looking at the Cruze diesel for some time to replace my trusty (but sadly rusting out) Escape. I've had my eye on it for some time but am finally getting serious and was hoping for some advise. I figure what better advise than in this thread?!
So I have some requirements with my car search:
1) Excellent fuel economy; I do a lot of driving; long commute to work and multiple locations etc so something efficient is a big help to my budget. Even with spending more on diesel the economy is impressive
2) space; my needs are modest but I do often have to lug some supplies around for work (IT) so a hatch would be ideal. A truck/SUV is overkill and I'm actually looking to buck the trend and downsize to a car. I do have to have enough space for a car seat for my son (who is 2.5) but other than that I rarely need to carry passengers especially not in the back so rear space isn't too critical. That said I am about 6'1 or 6'2 so I do need to fit reasonably comfortably.
3) at least a little bit fun to drive. I'd like to get the 6 speed assuming its an easy manual to live with. I'm a bit rusty driving a stick (learned on a TDI jetta years ago) A real high performance car probably wouldn't be as easy for me to live with my daily commute. Also hoping for something comfortable that doesn't feel really cheap inside. I really liked the look of the fancy seats available; for a car I spend so much time in in should be nice despite my modest budget. I've locked at sportier cars (ie fiesta ST, but honestly those seem a little small and maybe not the easiest to live with day in/out not to mention MPGS not quite where I want) I'm 33 years old so I haven't totally given up yet but I may be too old for some other cars lol
The combination of these things keeps leading me back to the Cruze. I was quite disappointed to see it being discontinued (and the 2019 eliminating the manual) So my hope has been to find a 2018 hatchback 6 speed unfortunately they seem to be hard to find. Im assuming you can't order them anymore. I'm willing to go out of state to get what i want. I just found a 2018 manual hatch with about 20k miles for 17.5 which seems pretty reasonable (not my exact specs but I may have to compromise a little given how rare they seem to be)
Is anyone willing to share their advice on this car or the process of finding/buying one?
thanks!
I've been seriously looking at the Cruze diesel for some time to replace my trusty (but sadly rusting out) Escape. I've had my eye on it for some time but am finally getting serious and was hoping for some advise. I figure what better advise than in this thread?!
So I have some requirements with my car search:
1) Excellent fuel economy; I do a lot of driving; long commute to work and multiple locations etc so something efficient is a big help to my budget. Even with spending more on diesel the economy is impressive
2) space; my needs are modest but I do often have to lug some supplies around for work (IT) so a hatch would be ideal. A truck/SUV is overkill and I'm actually looking to buck the trend and downsize to a car. I do have to have enough space for a car seat for my son (who is 2.5) but other than that I rarely need to carry passengers especially not in the back so rear space isn't too critical. That said I am about 6'1 or 6'2 so I do need to fit reasonably comfortably.
3) at least a little bit fun to drive. I'd like to get the 6 speed assuming its an easy manual to live with. I'm a bit rusty driving a stick (learned on a TDI jetta years ago) A real high performance car probably wouldn't be as easy for me to live with my daily commute. Also hoping for something comfortable that doesn't feel really cheap inside. I really liked the look of the fancy seats available; for a car I spend so much time in in should be nice despite my modest budget. I've locked at sportier cars (ie fiesta ST, but honestly those seem a little small and maybe not the easiest to live with day in/out not to mention MPGS not quite where I want) I'm 33 years old so I haven't totally given up yet but I may be too old for some other cars lol
The combination of these things keeps leading me back to the Cruze. I was quite disappointed to see it being discontinued (and the 2019 eliminating the manual) So my hope has been to find a 2018 hatchback 6 speed unfortunately they seem to be hard to find. Im assuming you can't order them anymore. I'm willing to go out of state to get what i want. I just found a 2018 manual hatch with about 20k miles for 17.5 which seems pretty reasonable (not my exact specs but I may have to compromise a little given how rare they seem to be)
Is anyone willing to share their advice on this car or the process of finding/buying one?
thanks!
41 - 60 of 75 Posts
Don't assume gasoline engine cars cannot be as just as durable as diesel engine cars. While there are diesel cars which, when properly maintained, could go well over 500k miles without any major engine or transmission work (e.g. 123 chassis Mercedes Benz 300 D), I seriously doubt that is the case with more modern diesel cars. Cars are simply built too cheap nowadays, engines are way too complicated with ridiculous emission systems, and even if the engine block/transmission can last a long time, it is the electronic controls and sensors that will make repairs economically unsustainable as the car or truck ages.Hmmm, I just had a gasoline Cruze rental on a business trip. 169 miles, virtually all highway... 33MPG, calculated from 5 gallons of fuel. I just got 52MPG in my Diesel, calculated, virtually identical driving conditions. That is a pretty massive difference. I could add that the gasoline engine screams higher RPM yet doesn't have the get up an go low end torque of the diesel. Where I live there is minimal cost difference from gasoline to Diesel, some parts of the US diesel is cheaper. As to DEF, it's statistically insignificant. A $7 2.5gallon jug at Walmart will get you well over 6000 miles... That is about a penny every 10 miles, and it's possible to get cheaper DEF at truck stops.
Yes, it's true the Diesel costs more to buy, but I got 2 of mine for $20k, well equipped... A comparable gasoline car with similar options would be about $17-18 k.. over the first 6 years with 12k/year the fuel cost savings cover that and then some, drive 24k per year it's covered in about 3 years. Beyond that the fuel savings cover the possible additional parts costs. This is just math. I should point out that it's typical to get near double the milage before overhaul than a much higher RPM gasoline engine.. that and there have been some difficulty with the gasoline engine and burning pistons, and some have determined that it really is best to use 89 or higher octane fuel to get best performance... All that said, the gasoline engine car is a fine option for some, especially if you look to replace the car before 5 years, and definitely if you drive limited miles. The diesel is an option that can make sense for higher milage, especially highway heavy drivers.
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I had 340k miles on my 1999 Mazda 626 ES V6 and the car still ran great with the original engine and transmission without any major work having been done(I bought the car new). I know of people who had Volvo 240 cars with 300k+ miles on the original engine/transmission. Same for Nissan hardbody pickups and Toyota 1980s pick up trucks, some with well over 500k miles on the original engines/transmissions.
And everything you are concerned about with modern Diesel engines, except the emissions is applicable to modern gasoline engines as well. As far as the emissions go, many improvements have been made, and with the heavy trucks now using these systems over many more miles than is typical for most cars, I'd expect those issues to become less of a concern. I get the complexity of the electronics, but generally I think the quality in many areas is far better than prior cars.Don't assume gasoline engine cars cannot be as just as durable as diesel engine cars. While there are diesel cars which, when properly maintained, could go well over 500k miles without any major engine or transmission work (e.g. 123 chassis Mercedes Benz 300 D), I seriously doubt that is the case with more modern diesel cars. Cars are simply built too cheap nowadays, engines are way too complicated with ridiculous emission systems, and even if the engine block/transmission can last a long time, it is the electronic controls and sensors that will make repairs economically unsustainable as the car or truck ages.
I had 340k miles on my 1999 Mazda 626 ES V6 and the car still ran great with the original engine and transmission without any major work having been done(I bought the car new). I know of people who had Volvo 240 cars with 300k+ miles on the original engine/transmission. Same for Nissan hardbody pickups and Toyota 1980s pick up trucks, some with well over 500k miles on the original engines/transmissions.
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Sedan vs hatch makes a pretty big difference between the aerodynamics and the larger wheels. Also my 65 mpg tanks of fuel were on road trips where I hit almost no traffic, going 65-70 with a few stretches faster or slower. Pure highway miles. There are a lot of factors .. fuel quality, driving style, weight of driver/cargo, tire pressure etc. I'm not claiming I average 60+ mpg all the time ... just that it routinely hits that mark on long enough highway stretches and I find that very impressive. If I really wanted to lie about my mpg I'd go all-in and quietly change the DIC to UK mpg and tell everyone I was getting 100 mpg. :wink:
The hatch also comes with the RS pack standard with the heavier, wider wheels & tires which likely makes a big difference. Worth it to me though as it handles like a little hot hatch!
The hatch definitely has its advantages too, I really struggled with the decision when I bought mine! The torque with the slightly better handling was great, and I love the looks of it. If I could I'd have one of each haha.The hatch also comes with the RS pack standard with the heavier, wider wheels & tires which likely makes a big difference. Worth it to me though as it handles like a little hot hatch!
Hi. I've had the '14 Cruze Diesel. I enjoyed it.
Maintenance wise I was going through the diesel exhaust sensors like candy every 6-10 months. $200 a pop and there's 3 of them. Of course I drove out of the manufacturers warrantee. The newer models haven't got there yet though.
I broke down and traded it in for the Kia Niro hybrid and here's my observations.
Mileage on the highway is actually on par with each other per thankfully. The Niro has a smaller tank at that and no extra def tank. But around town driving the diesel lost 30-40% and the Niro lost about 5%. So almost the same as highway driving. My eyes popped out.
It's a crossover/hatch. I liked that a lot.
The dealer doubled my warrantee from 100k to 200k (Canadian kilos). The Chevy is nowhere near that ballpark.
Creature features are close to par and it's lower priced too! If there's a car show near you, go and the all the manufacturers offer a bonus benefit like a discount or whathaveyou.
The Cruze is great, I enjoyed it but I'm astounded what the Kia Niro is giving me.
Maintenance wise I was going through the diesel exhaust sensors like candy every 6-10 months. $200 a pop and there's 3 of them. Of course I drove out of the manufacturers warrantee. The newer models haven't got there yet though.
I broke down and traded it in for the Kia Niro hybrid and here's my observations.
Mileage on the highway is actually on par with each other per thankfully. The Niro has a smaller tank at that and no extra def tank. But around town driving the diesel lost 30-40% and the Niro lost about 5%. So almost the same as highway driving. My eyes popped out.
It's a crossover/hatch. I liked that a lot.
The dealer doubled my warrantee from 100k to 200k (Canadian kilos). The Chevy is nowhere near that ballpark.
Creature features are close to par and it's lower priced too! If there's a car show near you, go and the all the manufacturers offer a bonus benefit like a discount or whathaveyou.
The Cruze is great, I enjoyed it but I'm astounded what the Kia Niro is giving me.
I drive a 2018 CTDHB, love it! More than 20K miles with no problems. 46-53 MPG we also have been using this for long time as a 24/7 towing service and very satisfied with the performance.
OK, so real quick. I have the 1.4 liter turbo. I am happy with the acceleration and the fun to drive aspect, being that I have a 6 spd. If you are just looking at gas mileage. Do the calculation per mile. In New Jersey, where I live diesel 3.09/gal. Calculate out 46 MPG and it really is a wash. It is 6.6 cents per gallon versus my 7 cents per gallon @ $ 2.45 per gallon @ 35 MPG. (1.4 lit turbo). So I guess it comes down to torque? Are you getting from 0-60 faster? IDK about that... I could be missing something, but your #1 advantage you listed was MPG, and I don't see a net advantage there price-wise. What am I missing?
Well again I feel like there are too many variables to keep debating the MPG/cost per mile but in my mind the main two are: Cost differential between 87 and diesel and the mix of driving you do.
In the prices you mentioned Diesel had a 20.7% higher cost than gas. My gas station as of this morning had 87 for 2.59 and diesel for 2.89 so for me at this moment the price difference is only 10.4% so yes given those numbers the difference starts to get narrower. The other is the mix of driving you do, my driving is probably 85% highway so thats where diesel shines but if I changed and my commute became more city driving then yes the gas might end up being the better fit. There are too many time and regional factors in the price of fuel at any given moment. The extra torque/power band is also a big selling point for me. A friend years ago had a TDI jetta that I loved to drive so I'm hoping the Cruze comes close to that (although that wasn't the most reliable car)
With all that said I'm excited because I have a purchase pending on a 2018 hatch 6 speed with pretty low miles, in beautiful condition and a good piece of warranty left. It is out of state so I will have to figure out when I can go pick it up.
In the prices you mentioned Diesel had a 20.7% higher cost than gas. My gas station as of this morning had 87 for 2.59 and diesel for 2.89 so for me at this moment the price difference is only 10.4% so yes given those numbers the difference starts to get narrower. The other is the mix of driving you do, my driving is probably 85% highway so thats where diesel shines but if I changed and my commute became more city driving then yes the gas might end up being the better fit. There are too many time and regional factors in the price of fuel at any given moment. The extra torque/power band is also a big selling point for me. A friend years ago had a TDI jetta that I loved to drive so I'm hoping the Cruze comes close to that (although that wasn't the most reliable car)
With all that said I'm excited because I have a purchase pending on a 2018 hatch 6 speed with pretty low miles, in beautiful condition and a good piece of warranty left. It is out of state so I will have to figure out when I can go pick it up.
I'd be nervous owning any late model diesel out of warranty. See how much just one fuel injector costs or a turbo or the injection pump. Plus all the complicated emissions stuff. On a $50K pickup used for work, OK. But a few years down the road when it's worth under $10K and the dealer wants $2000 to replace the turbo, you might regret it.
The injector pressures in these cars are around 20,000 psi vs about 2,000 psi for mechanical fuel injector older diesels. I too suspect that repairs on this engine will be very expensive once out of warranty. And GM could not even offer a 100k miles, 5 year powertrain warranty on this diesel engine? I am not encouraged when I see cheap materials used in construction of this car. Cheap plastic everywhere, even clutch master cylinder and hydraulic line to clutch slave cylinder is plastic!I'd be nervous owning any late model diesel out of warranty. See how much just one fuel injector costs or a turbo or the injection pump. Plus all the complicated emissions stuff. On a $50K pickup used for work, OK. But a few years down the road when it's worth under $10K and the dealer wants $2000 to replace the turbo, you might regret it.
Repairs on any modern car can be expensive. Gas engines are going direct injection, with injectors that won't be cheap , along with fuel pumps, etc. As to plastic parts, sure all cars are going that way. Anyone who relies in dealership service for repairs for any car risks expensive repairs. A transmission on any car is going to be expensive.. the marginal additional cost of diesel parts is insignificant when fuel cost savings are factored in.The injector pressures in these cars are around 20,000 psi vs about 2,000 psi for mechanical fuel injector older diesels. I too suspect that repairs on this engine will be very expensive once out of warranty. And GM could not even offer a 100k miles, 5 year powertrain warranty on this diesel engine? I am not encouraged when I see cheap materials used in construction of this car. Cheap plastic everywhere, even clutch master cylinder and hydraulic line to clutch slave cylinder is plastic!
Now I should point out that the commercial, heavy duty vehicle market where fuel and maintenance costs are calculated and vital to ability to make profit or go out of business.. that is dominated by Diesel engine powered vehicles. Make of that what you will, but it's a pretty good endorsement of diesel being economically viable as an engine choice in any vehicle..
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for heavy weights, sureRepairs on any modern car can be expensive. Gas engines are going direct injection, with injectors that won't be cheap , along with fuel pumps, etc. As to plastic parts, sure all cars are going that way. Anyone who relies in dealership service for repairs for any car risks expensive repairs. A transmission on any car is going to be expensive.. the marginal additional cost of diesel parts is insignificant when fuel cost savings are factored in.
Now I should point out that the commercial, heavy duty vehicle market where fuel and maintenance costs are calculated and vital to ability to make profit or go out of business.. that is dominated by Diesel engine powered vehicles. Make of that what you will, but it's a pretty good endorsement of diesel being economically viable as an engine choice in any vehicle..
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otherwise, not so much...see fords investment in big gas motors for vehicles
Driven by challenging and expensive, and recent emissions standards... The cost of diesel emissions has come down, technology has improved. That and all emissions systems and motors hate frequent short run / city style driving.. but it's worse for Diesel emissions.for heavy weights, sure
otherwise, not so much...see fords investment in big gas motors for vehicles
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Heavy duty and industrial applications aren't an appropriate point of argument for cost effectiveness of diesel in light duty application.
Heavy diesels for years were able to use far less refined fuel and there was a SIGNIFICANT cost savings when that raw fuel cost was compounded by the fuels power density. ULSD use on road has reduced some of that cost gap, but off-road and stationary diesel engines including marine still run essentially crude(ifo380,ifo180,MDO) which costs somewhere near $1.60/gallon but would kill anything we think of as a modern diesel engine. You just weren't gonna get that much power out of a carbureted engine back in the day. Compression ignition oil burners were the only choice based on technology and power requirements. These days compression ignition engines running on biofuel, LNG and CNG are starting to gain widespread use, they are expensive.
Gas engines are cheaper than compression ignition, I can't think of a current diesel engine that is not more expensive than its gasoline alternative, and is cheaper or even same price to service. They have more expensive parts typically, they have more parts to fail as well. And the need to reduce their emissions even further to remain relevant which means we are likely to see diesels wane in popularity as gasoline engines with homogenous compression ignition capabilities, lean stratified running capabilities and the requisite multiple injection functionality, active thermal management and exhaust after treatment will see gas engines get even more efficient and even cleaner. Despite the obvious cost increases based on the technological advances and the increased complexity of the vehicle with a Next Generation gasoline engine I believe you'll still find that the fact that the gasoline engine is cleaner than a comparable Modern Diesel and still less complex and less expensive, and a Modern Diesel will have to reduce its emissions even further in order to get close to where gasoline is now, let alone where it's headed in the very near future.
I love diesels. I think they are great. But applying diesel tech to gas engines makes the gas engines even cleaner and more efficient and still cheaper and less complex than today's diesel.
Heavy diesels for years were able to use far less refined fuel and there was a SIGNIFICANT cost savings when that raw fuel cost was compounded by the fuels power density. ULSD use on road has reduced some of that cost gap, but off-road and stationary diesel engines including marine still run essentially crude(ifo380,ifo180,MDO) which costs somewhere near $1.60/gallon but would kill anything we think of as a modern diesel engine. You just weren't gonna get that much power out of a carbureted engine back in the day. Compression ignition oil burners were the only choice based on technology and power requirements. These days compression ignition engines running on biofuel, LNG and CNG are starting to gain widespread use, they are expensive.
Gas engines are cheaper than compression ignition, I can't think of a current diesel engine that is not more expensive than its gasoline alternative, and is cheaper or even same price to service. They have more expensive parts typically, they have more parts to fail as well. And the need to reduce their emissions even further to remain relevant which means we are likely to see diesels wane in popularity as gasoline engines with homogenous compression ignition capabilities, lean stratified running capabilities and the requisite multiple injection functionality, active thermal management and exhaust after treatment will see gas engines get even more efficient and even cleaner. Despite the obvious cost increases based on the technological advances and the increased complexity of the vehicle with a Next Generation gasoline engine I believe you'll still find that the fact that the gasoline engine is cleaner than a comparable Modern Diesel and still less complex and less expensive, and a Modern Diesel will have to reduce its emissions even further in order to get close to where gasoline is now, let alone where it's headed in the very near future.
I love diesels. I think they are great. But applying diesel tech to gas engines makes the gas engines even cleaner and more efficient and still cheaper and less complex than today's diesel.
That was a little rambly...Sorry. LOL
Bottom line is I enjoy my little oil burning hot hatch because it's fun to drive, handles great, it's unique, and gets crazy good mpg. It's also the only oil burning car in the US that can be had with a stick.
Yup. They are fun. I'd love a deleted, tuned 1.6 6M. Rolling coal on Hondas LMAOBottom line is I enjoy my little oil burning hot hatch because it's fun to drive, handles great, it's unique, and gets crazy good mpg. It's also the only oil burning car in the US that can be had with a stick.
I've put forth the notion, with the increasing use of electric cars, that perhaps the 2-car family evolves into having an electric town car and a gasoline powered road car....and a Modern Diesel will have to reduce its emissions even further in order to get close to where gasoline is now, let alone where it's headed in the very near future.
Driving into town in the electric, running some errands, and then heading back to the burbs will usually fit within the range of the battery without needing to charge it while away from the house. The benefit is that, with no emissions, urban areas will have cleaner air while the car's limited range presents few problems when used this way.
Conversely, the gas fired car would be used for road trips where its emissions are spread over a much wider area and thus will not result in the brown haze bubble seen from the windows of aircraft when approaching urban areas.
The complaint that diesels pollute even more than gasoline burning cars makes them even more ill suited for urban use. But perhaps, like long haul trucks, using diesel cars in rural areas - ie, as road cars - may present a viable market niche for them. Maybe there's still hope for them
Doug
.
What's your recommendation on the best Service Manual for the Gen2 Diesel and best location/price to purchase?
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