Today, there are a huge number of offers of a used Chevrolet Cruze on the secondary market, and this is far from due to the fact that they want to get rid of this car - on the contrary, the car has established itself as a very good value for money, so the number of Cruises in our country today amounts to hundreds of thousands . But is it worth buying a Chevrolet Cruze and how to choose the right model to buy?

Cruze's paintwork is not too durable. But many cars find chips and scratches without difficulty. However, this problem is typical for almost all modern cars, and Cruz's fault here is like a bricklayer's fault in the fact that his hands are in calluses. There are complaints about the chrome finish. Over time, it loses its initially attractive appearance. The same picture can be observed in the cabin of the first generation Cruze. The leather on the steering wheel, for example, begins to peel off after 20-30 thousand kilometers. The leather on the seats lasts a little longer. Usually it loses its presentation after 60-70 thousand kilometers. Not without claims to another weak point of Cruz - salon plastic. Not only does it scratch very easily, it also begins to creak over time. But again, this problem is typical for most cars.

Do not be too lazy to check the operation of all electronic systems before buying. At the same time, pay special attention to the performance of the radio and central locking. They have a habit of "failing". There may be problems with the fuel level sensor. His testimony is not always reliable. But otherwise, there should not be any big problems in the electrical part.

The most reliable and unpretentious engine offered for the Chevrolet Cruze is a 1.6-liter gasoline power unit, whose power is 109 horsepower. Most of the claims to him from the owners of the Cruze arise due to the appearance of soot on the valves, as a result of which the latter may hang over time. Another characteristic weakness of this engine is oil leakage from under the valve cover. Moreover, tightening the lid most often does not solve the problem. Some owners of Cruze with a 1.6-liter engine had a chance to face the fact that when switching the gearbox to neutral, the engine suddenly stalls. Most often, this problem arose when a mileage of 50-60 thousand kilometers was reached. The dealers have not yet figured out the reason for this behavior, although most of them honestly tried to solve the problem of cleaning the throttle and flashing the electronic engine control unit.

The 1.8-liter petrol engine (141 horsepower) looks preferable in terms of dynamics, but in terms of reliability it will hardly be better than a less powerful power unit. The main weak point is the intake and exhaust camshaft gears. About one in three Cruze owners with a 1.8-liter engine know firsthand about them. Most often, gears fail due to oil starvation or malfunction of the solenoid valve.

The manual gearbox on the Cruze is no problem. Only a few owners have already complained that the “mechanics” are too noisy. There are more problems with the "automatic". Often, even on cars with low mileage, the automatic transmission begins to slip and shift gears with jerks. Fortunately, most often the problem was solved by flashing the electronic control unit of the gearbox. However, with an increase in mileage, it is unlikely that it will be possible to get off so easily.

The Chevrolet Cruze suspension can be called a strong middle peasant in terms of reliability. And the cost of its "consumables" is quite adequate for the class of the car. So the only real disappointment is the knocking shock absorber struts. The most surprising thing is that the GM concern knows that, due to the bypass valve, shock absorbers can start making extraneous sounds after 15-20 thousand kilometers, but they are in no hurry to modify them or change the supplier.

The braking system of the first generation Chevrolet Cruze is reliable. Every 25-30 thousand kilometers it will need to change the front brake pads, and the rear pads will need to be replaced even after 60 thousand kilometers. Around the same time, it makes sense to replace the brake discs. However, if deep puddles are forced after intensive braking, then the revision of the brake system will have to be carried out much more often. There were cases when the brake discs on the Cruze had to be changed almost every 10 thousand kilometers.

There are weaknesses in the design of the first generation Cruze, but they are far from as many as most competitors. And if you also know about them, periodically conducting preventive inspection and maintenance of the most capricious nodes, then the Chevrolet Cruze will not present unexpected unpleasant surprises at all. It remains only to find a copy in good condition. Fortunately, there are enough offers on the market.

Verdict

Weak/problematic areas:

• Lacquer coating of medium resistance to external influences
• Weak creaking salon plastic
• Fuel level sensor - often shows false data

Strengths / reliable sides:

• Engines (especially the 1.6-litre version)
• Manual transmission
• Strong suspension
• Brake system

Chevrolet Cruze is a coup for marketers and designers. They managed to create a spectacular car at an affordable price. But how durable and practical the final product turned out to be, only time can judge. And enough time has passed to draw conclusions about the reliability of the used Chevrolet Cruze. Read about them in the article below.

History and equipment

Chevrolet Cruze was developed and introduced in 2008 to replace Lacetti, but they have little in common, only a 1.6-liter engine (F16D3). Otherwise, the new model has become head and shoulders above its predecessor. Although it has not lost its simplicity of design, which made the Chevrolet Cruze affordable and desirable for the masses of motorists. The first generation went through two restylings, was sold in three types of bodies and different trim levels. Therefore, the choice in the secondary market is quite extensive with many nuances. Differences in configurations can be dramatic:

• From 2 to 6 airbags. Cruze earned 5 stars on Euro NCAP (with six cushions);
• Air conditioning or climate control;
• The MyLink multimedia system, which appeared after restyling in 2012. Many owners of pre-styling Cruises also installed it. And the number of “crickets” in the cabin will depend on the level of work performed, since it was necessary to disassemble the entire front panel;
• Attributes of the richest LTZ configuration are light and rain sensors, heated seats, 17-inch wheels, parking sensors, a rear-view camera, keyless entry and a course stability system.

Restyling in 2012 brought not only changes in appearance, but also added three engines to the range. One turbocharged petrol 1.4 liters and two diesels - 1.7 and upgraded 2.0 liters. In Russia, cars were assembled only with gasoline engines.

Salon and body

The oldest Chevrolet Cruze today is not so old as to speak of serious corrosion. But there are no particular problems with this. GM over the past decade has significantly improved the issue of anti-corrosion treatment of the body. Potential risk areas (as with most cars) are wheel arches and sills. But the thickness of the metal let us down. It bends at the slightest pressure and over time the car is covered with many small dents. Therefore, there are many tinted cars on the secondary market without an accident. Moreover, some owners of credit cars did this at the expense of CASCO insurance.

The external trunk release button is poorly protected from moisture, so its service life is limited. Depending on the weather and the way the car is stored, it can work from 10 to 50 thousand mileage. If it starts to “fail”, then it is better to replace it, since damaged contacts can close and completely discharge the battery.

Salon without outside interference (remember MyLink) behaves quietly. But there are also weaknesses. These are the steering wheel, gear knob and decorative panel overlays. The steering wheel began to “climb” already by the 50,000th run, so for many it has been replaced or sheathed in leather. After restyling, the coating composition was improved, but this did not fundamentally fix the problem. There are two types of lining on the front panel - fabric and eco-leather (more precisely, leatherette). The former get dirty quickly and are difficult to clean, while the latter can blister in strong sunshine.

In frosty or rainy weather, the Chevrolet Cruze fogs up all the windows, along with the windshield. It will not be possible to fix this, since a design miscalculation. The air currents blow like that.

Chevrolet Cruze engines

The most common engine is a 1.6-liter gasoline. There were two types of them on the Chevrolet Cruze. Old familiar to all service masters F16D3, which was installed on the Lacetti and Nexia. The motor has already been studied up and down, but there are weaknesses:

• Be sure to change the timing belt with a roller every 60,000 runs. Otherwise, the pistons will meet the valves and the engine will have to be overhauled;
• A "snotty" valve cover gasket should be replaced immediately. Otherwise, oil can fill the candle wells and “kill” high-voltage wires and ignition coils.

The relatively new ECOTEC F16D4, also known as Opel's Z16XER, is a little more progressive and more complex. Its 1.8-liter modification Z18XER was installed on the Opel Vectra since the 2002 model year. Such a motor pulls harder and eats a little less gasoline, but it is technologically more complicated and can be more expensive to maintain. Features of Z16XER/Z18XER:

• The timing belt needs to be changed less frequently, every 90-120 thousand run;
• Every 100,000 km, the valves need to be adjusted, since there are no hydraulic lifters;
• The weak point is the heat exchanger. The housing bursts or the gasket leaks and oil flows onto a hot collector. Most often this happens with a regular and heavy load on a cold (cold) engine;
• There was a recall campaign due to depressurization of the fuel rail (there were cases of fire under the hood), check with the seller if this problem has been fixed;
• If the engine rumbles like a diesel engine, then you will have to change the camshaft gears and the phase shift solenoid valve. The problem is not "general", but pay attention to the sound of the motor before buying.

The most modern in the line of Chevrolet Cruze engines is the 1.4-liter A14 with a turbine. He inherited from the Opel Astra 2009 model year and was installed on the Cruze after restyling. A fairly reliable unit with a timing chain drive. The chain resource is enough for 120-180 thousand km, and the spare parts themselves with work are inexpensive (about $ 200). The turbo shouldn't be a problem for the first 200,000 km either, with proper maintenance of course.

Diesel units are a rarity on our roads. They can be 1.7 or 2.0 liters. Moreover, the power of the latter can also be different - from 125 to 163 hp. After 100,000 runs, the particulate filter may become the main problem. It is expensive, and because of the quality of our diesel fuel, it fails much earlier than its due date. It will be cheaper to carry out the procedure for the complete removal of the particulate filter. For 200-300 dollars you will forget about this problem forever (the main thing is that Greenpeace does not find out).

After 150,000 km, the turbine may disturb. With poor maintenance, this can happen much sooner. The part is expensive, so check first when buying. But the diesel Cruise can give you a combination of dynamics (especially the two-liter 165 forces) and economy. But it will be very difficult to find such a copy, also in good condition.

Checkpoint Chevrolet Cruze

The Chevrolet Cruze has only two types of shift boxes - a five-speed manual and a six-speed automatic. The mechanical box does not cause any complaints, except for one weak point - the drive seals. They often flow, especially in late autumn or early spring, when there are sudden changes in temperature. It is impossible to ignore such a breakdown. Without oil, even the most reliable mechanics will completely fail.

With an automatic transmission, everything is more complicated. In the first years of production there were a lot of breakdowns. The automatic transmission failed after 30,000 km. The main problems arose with the valve body and solenoids. But Chevrolet engineers (or Daewoo, or Opel) worked hard on the bugs, and after restyling in 2012, the reliability of the unit increased significantly. At least 150 thousand km without breakdowns has become quite realistic. If you do not forget about regular oil changes, of course.

Some owners installed an additional cooling system for the Chevrolet Cruze automatic transmission. But according to the reviews of the owners, this does not make much sense. Additional cooling helps the box only under extreme loads, in normal operation there is no difference.

Suspension and steering

The chassis of the Chevrolet Cruze is reliable and comfortable. Behind the usual beam, but with modifications. The Watt mechanism made it possible to obtain a comfortable overcoming of irregularities with a general simplicity of design. Up to 100,000, only silent blocks of the rear levers may not survive. The front suspension on normal roads can "live" and 150,000 km. The ball joint on Cruz is changing as an assembly with a lever (restoration is possible).

There are a couple of problems that technically do not affect anything, but psychologically wildly annoy Cruze owners:

1. The sound of calipers. Packing the guides with grease helps best. You need to repeat regularly.
2. The sound of shock absorbers. It helps to replace it with non-original ones, most often Bilstein. In the secondary market, 90% have already been changed.

After restyling, the manufacturer eliminated both problems.

In the steering of the Chevrolet Cruze, weak points are also associated with sound. Often the power steering pump starts to make a lot of noise. Sometimes it helps to tie up the hydraulic hoses and change the fluid, more often the pump needs to be replaced. After 2012, the system became hydroelectric and there were fewer problems.

Outcome

Chevrolet Cruze is a beautiful car with a comfortable suspension and good equipment. Another advantage is the favorable price compared to classmates. In many ways, the lower price is due to the image of a rather “fragile” and unreliable car. But in reality, most problems are easily and inexpensively solved even in your own garage. For a purchase, it is better to choose a Cruise after restyling with a manual transmission and a 1.8-liter engine. So, you will shorten the list of potential problems and get at least some margin under the gas pedal. The body requires careful treatment, but does not rot. The difference in price between the minimum and maximum equipment in the secondary market is not significant, take it in full.

Good luck on the roads!

Have a good day and night, I want to briefly share my experience of owning a Chevrolet Cruze 1.8 on the handle. Before her, I owned my first car VAZ-2107, but I can’t say anything but good, for 199,000 runs I have never failed, then there was a Prior, an Opel Astra, also a super car, and finally a Chevrolet Cruze sedan. Bought from OD at the end of the year for 658t.r. + additionally installed fog lights, an alarm system with feedback, total: 677t.r. From the amenities in the car: air conditioning, MP-3, AUX input, heated seats and mirrors, 12V socket, front power windows.

At first, I could not get enough of the car, so big and beautiful compared to classmates, an aggressive look suggests good dynamics, but it's not. For future buyers: if you like to drive from traffic light to traffic light, then this car is not for you, any non-chip prior will upset you very much, it's all about email. gas pedal, very thoughtful on the bottoms, but enough on the highway, once overtook the prior at a speed of 210 km / h. The car is more inclined to drive on highways than in the city, you constantly need to turn the engine, well, this engine is too small for it, the owners will understand me, although I am not a racer, I drive very carefully. Our hackers advised to chiponut and transfer to Euro-2 and there will be 165 horses, the issue price is 30t.r., I would like to, but I don’t like to rape the car, and I didn’t want to lose the guarantee.

In winter, I practically don’t operate the car, unless for long distances, but for every day there is a reliable VAZ transport. For all the time I drove only 18900 km., While everything is working fine, the only thing is that the rear pillars break through badly on a bad road. Look, everything is normal. Holds the road well, without any buildups and rolls when cornering, brakes. I think it's too soft and the pedal travel is too long, but it works with a bang, you just need to get used to it. Fuel consumption city 9-10, highway 7-8l., I measured it myself, since I don’t have such a function. That's all, we'll drive more — I'll write. Thanks ALL!

One of the leaders in the middle price category, very popular in the domestic market and replacing the Lacetti, the Chevrolet Cruze remains to this day at the tip of the iceberg. The car first appeared in Russia in 2009, and its production was launched at General Motors plants in the city of Shushary, Leningrad Region, and at Avtotor in Kaliningrad.

Initially, the car was presented only in a sedan, but after 2 years, a 5-door hatchback was also released. As for the long-awaited appearance of the station wagon, its sales began only in the second half of 2012, so it took almost 4 years for the “formation” of the model. It is worth noting that during the years of mass production of Cruz, the car underwent two restylings in 2012 and 2014, during which the shape of the front bumper, radiator grille, PTF and optics changed.

From the very beginning of sales in Russia, the car was equipped with gasoline atmospheric engines, with a working volume of 1.6 and 1.8 liters, with a nominal power of 109, 124 and 141 hp. But in 2013, a turbocharged engine with a volume of 1.4 liters, issuing 140 “horses”, replenished the line of engines.

At the choice of the buyer, two types of transmission are traditionally available, 5 and 6-speed manual transmissions and a conventional torque converter automatic with 6 speeds.

As for the chassis and suspension, it's no secret that the Chevrolet Cruze shares the same platform with the Opel Astra J. At the front of the car, the technology of a swinging rack or, in other words, MacPherson, is used, while at the back there is an elastic dependent H-beam.

If we compare with competitors, then most classmates use independent wishbone suspension in the rear of the car. Why the designers chose this solution is still not clear, but the fact that simplicity only added reliability to the car remains clear.

The main problems that the Chevrolet Cruze has

Overview of shortcomings in power plants

The base engine F16D3 with a volume of 1.6 liters, 109 hp, is well known to the owners of the Chevrolet Lacetti, Deo Nexia and some Opel models. The resource of the engine itself quite high and often reaches the mark of 400-450 thousand kilometers without major repairs.

The following weaknesses have been identified here.

Leaking valve cover gasket. This malfunction begins at about a mileage of 70-80 t.km. Presumably it occurs due to the fact that the air pressure in the crankcase increases, and the air recirculation valve gradually begins to clog, which breaks the gasket.

Leaking crankshaft seals. Approximately at around 150 thousand kilometers, oil smudges may appear. It is recommended to change the oil seals during the scheduled replacement of the clutch and timing belt.

The "life" of hydraulic lifters rarely exceeds 200 thousand km. Their malfunction can be understood by the characteristic rustle of the engine when cold.

Ecotec F16D4 and F18D4 engines (1.6 and 1.8 displacement) have one common disadvantage, with couplings changes in valve timing. As well as on the Opel Astra, they do not often take care of more than 100 thousand mileage.

Electronic thermostat in the cooling system, children's sore still uncured to this day. In his work, failures are not uncommon, as well as incorrect operation of the temperature sensor, as a result of which the fan either constantly works or does not turn on at all. The thermostat sealing ring itself also does not shine with reliability, antifreeze smudges can appear already at a run of 15 thousand.

External body elements

As with most budget Chevrolets, the paintwork remains subpar. Its average thickness is about 80-120 microns, while the coating itself is soft and poorly resists road gravel and sand. First of all, chips appear on the hood, in the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe radiator grille and the front bumper. A little later, the paint peels off in the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe wheel arches, usually the first traces appear by a run of 80-100 thousand km. The only consolation is that the body has anti-corrosion treatment, and the traces of chips do not grow rust for a long time.

Clip-on bumper aprons are not a standard of reliability. At the slightest contact with the bumper on an external barrier, it immediately flies from its regular place.

Transmission, chassis, suspension

As already mentioned above, the suspension of the rear of the car is not satisfactory, but in the front it was not without a fly in the ointment. The rear silent blocks of levers are broken on a run of about 80-100 thousand km.

A big plus is that in order to replace them, it is not necessary to buy the entire lever assembly, like many competitors in the class. Only the hinge itself is enough, and they change without any problems, at any service station.

Mechanical 5-speed transmission D16, has good reliability with timely maintenance. The main weak point is oil seal leak in the places of fastening of CV joints. Transmission oil leaks can occur as early as 60-70 thousand kilometers. The shaft seal in the clutch housing, it is better to change every 100-120 thousand, otherwise a fluid leak can damage the friction disc.

The 6T30 / 6T40 automatic transmission is famous for its capriciousness and fragility. A rare case when cars were operated without repair for more than 120 thousand km. The leakage of seals, here, as elsewhere, remains commonplace. Some experts in the field of car repair, not without reason called her "snot".

Interior space

The quality of finishing and wear resistance of interior materials in the Chevrolet Cruze does not cause strong complaints. The weak side can only be called a leather sheath of the steering wheel and gearshift lever, which will climb around after 1-2 years of using the car. It is important to note that this material is very afraid of water, and from the ingress of moisture, the paint begins to immediately stain the driver's hands.

The sidewall at the front seats becomes shabby in the area of ​​​​the seat belt latch, approximately to a run of 100 thousand kilometers. On cars after a taxi or with high mileage, you can see a hole in this place.

Crickets and squeaks are no exception for this Chevrolet model. Many owners complain about this problem, literally immediately after buying a car. The main trouble here lies in the door cards and the center console, sizing with special materials sometimes allows you to get rid of discomfort.

Conclusion

Chevrolet Cruze has a stable popularity in the Russian market, even despite the fact that active sales of new GM cars were suspended in 2015. When buying a used car, experts recommend making a choice in favor of complete sets with a manual gearbox and an F18D4 engine, considering this option the most reliable and unpretentious.

The Chevrolet Cruze car was first released to the Russian market in 2008, but to this day the design of this car remains in trend. It belongs to the C-class. It has in its configurations engines of 1.6 l, 1.8 l, 1.4 l turbo, with boxes: a six-speed automatic, five-speed mechanics. Like all cars, the Chevrolet Cruze has its pros and cons.

Advantages of the Chevrolet Cruze

First of all, this aggressive exterior design. His look is truly excellent. A massive bumper, by the way, protected from below by rubber pads to protect against bumping into a curb, which, in principle, can be removed if desired, a beautiful headlight shape, a large radiator grille - all this gives a presentable look to this car.

Let's take a look at the interior. In the cabin, too, everything is quite worthy, quite decent plastic, not very expensive, but not cheap either. Lots of room ahead. The driver's seat is adjustable in both vertical and horizontal planes. The steering wheel has a comfortable ergonomic shape, with ledges for the thumbs. It is also adjustable in two planes.

The back of the Chevrolet Cruze is also quite comfortable, your knees will not rest, even if your height is above 180 cm, good visibility into the side glass, there is a convenient armrest with cup holders, a cigarette lighter. Even in the minimum configuration, there is an audio system, power accessories, four airbags, and in the LT and LTZ trim levels, the MyLink infotainment system with Bluetooth, a multifunction steering wheel, in addition, a rear-view camera is installed in the maximum configuration.

Seat heating has three levels. There is a capacious glove compartment, which is closed with a key, plus a small glove compartment for small items on top of the panel. The trunk has quite impressive volumes of 413 liters in a hatchback, 450 liters in a sedan, 500 in a station wagon. There is a full size spare tire.

Reliable chassis, taken from Opel Astra G, in front of the MacPherson with hydraulic bearings, though a little expensive to maintain, a reliable beam in the back.

Chevrolet Cruze crash tests showed pretty good safety results, and this is the most important indicator when buying a car.

Among other things, the price is quite tempting - the maximum configuration will cost you a little more than one million rubles. And don't forget what kind of C-class car it is.

Now for the cons

Massive bumper overhang lowers ground clearance. In this car, it is only 160 mm. External handles protrude beyond the body and in bad weather they are immediately splashed with mud, water with sand also flies from under the rear wheels right onto the bumper. The radiator grille has large cells through which small gravel flies and there is a danger of breaking through the air conditioner radiator, it is necessary to install an additional mesh.

The trunk and gas tank hatch can be opened with a key, it is not possible to open it from the passenger compartment. The washer tank is next to the electronics, there is a chance to fill it. Motors, in principle, are reliable, but phase shifters often fail. In addition, the 1.6 liter engine is rather weak for such a heavy car and does not give Cruz enough zeal, and this engine also has a timing belt instead of a chain.

Chassis, as we have said the road to maintain. Calipers on the front wheels often knock. Let's go to the salon. There are minor shortcomings, but nevertheless we will describe them. The seats do not have lumbar support, which will be uncomfortable on long trips. When folding the rear seats, a step is obtained, which is not always convenient. The armrest in front extends, but is not fixed and goes back under the arm. Small rear view mirror.

The disadvantages of the Chevrolet Cruze include the fact that the reverse gear does not turn on the first time on a manual transmission. Noise isolation is also not up to par with this car. Also, Cruz has a weak dipped headlight, an unlit area remains near the car. Single-zone climate control, if you really find fault, after all, the C-class.

The results of the above

In conclusion, we will write that after all this car is in demand in our market and now for a reason. From everything considered, we note that the minuses remain minuses, but much more pluses. Yes, it loses to German C-class cars, and the Japanese ones are likely to bypass it, but the Chevrolet Cruze is much more affordable at a price. Its bright design, both exterior and interior, can compete with other brands of its class even after years. Yes, perhaps some will find Cruz too simple, but others will say that the simpler, the more reliable.