[jmurtari]

I bought my Cruz Eco (2013, manual 6 spd, 4 door) 4 years ago and absolutely love it. I thought the acceleration in 3rd gear and overall mileage was great and the car has been problem free.

Just paid off the loan and was thinking of going for a 2017. A bit confused by all the new models. I don't even see an 'eco' anymore. I had some things 'standard' in my 2013 ECO: folding rear seats, center arm rest. Sounds like I need the LT Manual.

I'd welcome any recommendations.
Thanks!

 

[EricSmit]

I would highly recommend it; the new Cruzes are technological marvels, and a far step above the first generation. If you have any questions about specific models or what you're looking for, you can send me a PM or call/text me at 248-882-0883. I own a manual hatch and an automatic sedan, both 2017, and also sell for a large Chevrolet dealership.

 

[shockz]

There isn't an ECO model anymore, as all the new gens have the same powertrains and materials.

My LT gets about 46 MPG on strictly highway driving (did a trip counter for 100 highway miles last week actually), otherwise I usually get about 36 MPG in mixed driving.

Folding seats and center arm rest come standard on all models. I have the upgraded radio & bose sound system that actually does a nice job, sunroof, foglights, sport spoiler & heated cloth seats. Should be on par with the old eco trim level, minus leather. Premier basically gets you that and standard leather seats, plus lane assist, collision alerts and nicer rims. Wasn't worth the markup in my opinion and puts you more upside down, as resale value is atrocious on these things. My 11 month old Cruze that was 25800 is now worth about 13K on KBB. Glad it's leased.

RS model is available on LT and Premier.

I also own a 2014 and the new 1.4L in the 2nd gen is night and day. Honestly just about everything is better in the 2nd gen, especially interior materials. It also a much quieter cabin. They even carpeted the wheel wells to prevent noise intrusion. Much more responsive, especially in the lower gears. I notice I can zip into a busy road while waiting to turn much easier, effortless. 0-60 is in the mid 7 range, and passing punch is much, much better... although it falls off after 75MPH. Trade off is direct injection can be a bit noisy when warming up, otherwise it's a much quieter engine. Start stop is love or hate it, still not a fan but I'll deal with it. Make sure all recalls are done on the car before taking the keys (think that's a requirement now a days for new car sales, but it'll save you grief with the center stop light recall). I do think though that the 2014 models are much better geared. Jerky shifts and acceleration are the pitfalls with this car. Never have gotten used to it.

 

[295330]

Improved motor direct injected now. A bit more horse power and the car shed about 300 lbs. So should be more nimble. Also more tech features. But you will be in for a shock on trade in values, I would like to trade in my 2011 but its pathetic the trade values these cars have.

 

[shockz]

Improved motor direct injected now. A bit more horse power and the car shed about 300 lbs. So should be more nimble. Also more tech features. But you will be in for a shock on trade in values, I would like to trade in my 2011 but its pathetic the trade values these cars have.

More than just improved w/ DI, LE2 is a clean sheet redesign. Better materials, lighter, and more sound dampening. It's honestly what sold me on the car. The 3 cylinder model of the LE2 is also pretty impressive as well as the power band, that'd have been a true ECO model if they ever made one for Gen2.

 

[jblackburn]

I bought one of the Gen 2s and really don't miss my 2012 1LT at all. It has improved in literally every way - especially the powertrain. Great gas mileage while also feeling like it can get out of its own way or get up and pass when you need it to. Without a tune, the Gen 1 always just felt underpowered. The tech packages/features make it feel like it's a bit more than "just a Cruze" too.

Go take one for a test drive and see what you think. I'd recommend a Premier with some options packages if you can find one they'll slap some cash on the hood of.

 

[obermd]

If you have foglights you'll want the LT with RS package.

 

[jblackburn]

If you have foglights you'll want the LT with RS package.

Just get the RS package anyway...the nose of the car looks MUCH better with it!

Bonus: it comes standard on manual ones.
Not Bonus: you can't almost any options on a MT. And the engine programming sucks.

 

[jsusanka]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tuFEB8RKrtQ

Buy this one.

They should at least offer the z-link with the rs package on the new cars. Too bad you have to spend the bucks on the premiere.

 

[EricSmit]

Just get the RS package anyway...the nose of the car looks MUCH better with it!

Bonus: it comes standard on manual ones.
Not Bonus: you can't almost any options on a MT. And the engine programming sucks.

I know a guy that can fix that programming.

 

[Blasirl]

I know a guy that can fix that programming.

I assume you were wearing a body cam there Eric....

 

[weimerrj]

I bought my Cruz Eco (2013, manual 6 spd, 4 door) 4 years ago and absolutely love it. I thought the acceleration in 3rd gear and overall mileage was great and the car has been problem free.

Just paid off the loan and was thinking of going for a 2017. A bit confused by all the new models. I don't even see an 'eco' anymore. I had some things 'standard' in my 2013 ECO: folding rear seats, center arm rest. Sounds like I need the LT Manual.

I'd welcome any recommendations.
Thanks!

From what I can tell, the Gen2 6-speed is the same unit with the same ratios as the Gen1 Eco, so you can expect very close fuel economy.

 

[ProDigit]

In the introduction video, they said the first gen cars would be equipped with steel engines, because they lasted longer. (bearings would stay put better in a steel engine than in an aluminum one, where the aluminum would wear out over time and bearing holes would become more oval, resulting in offset internal axes, etc...).

They said, they went with thin walled steel, because it didn't add too much weight to the engine, and was stronger than aluminum, and less costly.

Not sure why they went back?

I presume, we won't see 250k miles out of the 2nd gen engines?

 

[jmurtari]

From what I can tell, the Gen2 6-speed is the same unit with the same ratios as the Gen1 Eco, so you can expect very close fuel economy.

Yes, I was wondering about the gear ratio. The 2013 Eco 6-speed was geared differently. I don't see a 2017 'Eco' -- but folks think the gearing used is the same as my Eco? I've also got 17" wheels.

I appreciate all the advice!

 

[jblackburn]

Yes, I was wondering about the gear ratio. The 2013 Eco 6-speed was geared differently. I don't see a 2017 'Eco' -- but folks think the gearing used is the same as my Eco? I've also got 17" wheels.

I appreciate all the advice!

There is no Eco model anymore save for the Diesel since they're all so efficient - 30 city and 40ish highway across the board for the sedan. They are the same ratios as the 2011-2016 Eco - wide 1-3, then triple overdrive 4-6. You can only get the LT in a manual w/ 16" wheels, although 1st gen wheels would fit if you wanted.

 

[jmurtari]

Folks,

Sorry for the delay. I appreciated all the advice. Guess I should tell everyone how it ended.

I kept my 2013 Eco/MT. The local dealer did work hard to meet my price on a 2017. I really didn't like the changed body look. I took a test drive and cockpit layout and DIC didn't seem as good as the ECO. I'm not a racer, but I noticed a loss of road feel in the steering....

I've got 52,000 on mine now. Still running well and no service issues. I'm real happy with the car.
Best regards!

John

 

[ProDigit]

Perhaps I'm the only one giving different advise?
I would keep the eco that's paid off, and spend a few more years saving up.
The differences are minor, and I'm not sure on the reliability numbers of the newer models, which all changed to all aluminum engine blocks.

I just don't like the screen. A lot of people with touch screens in their cars are complaining about them,
Climate control, volume, all settings go via the screen, which is hard to handle while driving.
One thing I hate about my Subaru outback, is, every time I try to increase the volume of a song, my fingers change something on the screen, that doesn't need change.

I'm a mechanic, hardware kind of guy,
I prefer buttons and knobs over touch screen.
And why the **** are there vehicles considering 4k monitors in the center dash console (not cruze)?

I find the technological advances cost a lot, and are less pleasant to interact with, than a rotary dial or knob, or buttons.

 

[JunkieXL]

It's a good car. I own a Summit White 2017 LT sedan and just rolled over 20k miles last week. Gets fantastic MPG. I averaged 43.3 MPG on a recent 1000 mile road trip (calculating by hand. The MPG averages the car display says is wildly optimistic) and about 34ish in my daily commute to work and back. It's not as peppy as the 2017 1.5t Civic nor the Mazda 3 I test drove before I bought the Cruze, but what sold me over both of them is the driving dynamics and sheer comfort of the seats and driving position, as I do a lot of road trips. Also the 8-inch screen and Bose audio sweetened the deal for me. Neither the 2017 Civic Touring or the Mazda 3 I test drove sounded as good (audio) or drove as comfortably.

My only real gripe is the transmission. It's wonky.

If you don't like/want leather, the LT trim is fine, esp with the Sun and Sound package which adds a bigger nicer head unit, a larger screen between the gauges adding color too, Bose sound system and a sunroof. Package that with the Driver Convenience II package and it's more car than you could ever need at the price and thousands less than a similarly equipped Premier trim.

Premier is the new LTZ trim. Though oddly enough the Premier doesn't come fully maxed out like pretty much every LTZ trimmed GM I've ever seen. There are still some packages/features which don't come standard on the Premier. As noted when I was at the dealership to purchase the Cruze, I was initially looking at the Premiers and didn't want leather, esp in a compact car which will undoubtedly have lower quality leather that will look like **** in a few years. He asked what features I was looking for and told him mainly the driver convenience package 2 and the Bose audio. He showed me a white LT with them and I drove it off the lot 2 hours later.

 

[JunkieXL]

Perhaps I'm the only one giving different advise?
I would keep the eco that's paid off, and spend a few more years saving up.
The differences are minor, and I'm not sure on the reliability numbers of the newer models, which all changed to all aluminum engine blocks.

I just don't like the screen. A lot of people with touch screens in their cars are complaining about them,
Climate control, volume, all settings go via the screen, which is hard to handle while driving.

What are you talking about? This is a Chevy Cruze forum and advice thread. Not sure about the 1st gen Cruze, but on the 2nd gen, you do not control the climate or volume via the screen. There are dedicated buttons and knobs for them with additional buttons behind the steering wheel for volume and tuning. I've also not had a single issue with the screen in my 2017 Cruze. It's snappy and responsive. Which is far and away better than my friends 2018 Carolla XSE. Toyotas infotainment is absolute garbage. sluggish, laggy and doesn't even support appl/android car play. Not an issue on the Cruze, even the stock 7 inch head unit is great.

 

[firehawk618]

Looks like the OP made his mind up but here's my opinion.

We used to have a 2013' Eco M6. The wife did most of the driving in it. She loved it.

I personally enjoy driving newer cars and don't mind the payment.

My opinion is shared by most on this thread. The 2nd gen is light years more advanced vs the 1st gen.

To those who worry about an aluminum engine block. Why? It's nothing new. Manufacturers have been using aluminum blocks for decades.

There's no difference in longevity between the aluminum ones and steel ones. I should actually say there's no difference directly attributed to the different composition of metals.