These forgotten opportunities that we buy at a modest price: Chevrolet Cruze

Chevrolet, for many is the very first Corvette, an automotive icon in the same way that the Mustang is for Ford. But they are also widely distributed models, which found markets in Europe and France, before the brand decided to withdraw from the market at the beginning of 2016.

Models such as the Spark city car, Orlando minivan, which has already earned the honor of this “forgotten used” segment, but also Malibu, Epica, Captiva, or even Matiz, Evanda, Kalos, Lacetti (old Daewoo models recycled).

The Cruze is a pure Chevrolet product, and was available as a 4-door sedan, a 5-door hatchback and a SW station wagon. It sold almost decently during the few years it was on the market with us. That said, since Chevrolet left the market, almost 8 years ago, we have had time to forget about it.

This makes it an excellent candidate for our part of the forgotten opportunities that we buy “at the normal price”, understanding the prices that were current before the inflationary crisis in the market. And also, cheaper than the competition. The latter includes for example Skoda Octavia and Rapid, Seat Toledo, Fiat Tipo 2, Ford Focus, VW Jetta, Opel Astra, or even, in its station wagon version, VW Golf, Peugeot 308 SW, or other Focus SW, Hyundai i30 SW, Kia Cee’d SW etc..

In terms of performance, if the Cruze cannot compete in the quality of the finish compared to the general European models, with very average plastic, and assemblies that are good from afar, but far from being good, if it offers a road behavior that is a little more is unknown, without however confirming the risk, apart from that, if its diesel engines are a little bad (but efficient and moderate) they also offer many features.

Its placement is correct, as is the amount of its trunk in relation to its size. Its suspension comfort is important, while the richness of its standard equipment is not debatable at that time. And aesthetically, it offers something different from the European production, which is very common (too).

In addition, its reliability is good, its maintenance is still carried out without problems in the Opel network or in an independent garage, and above all, its second-hand prices leave the door open for good deals, and that is why we are here. talk about it today.

Very affordable prices, starting at €2,500

And even less than that, but for models with mileage that we will put a normal curtain, or in a situation that requires less cost.

For a 2009/2010 model in good condition, with less than 200,000 km, 2.0 VCDI 150 diesel for example, you need to calculate € 2,500 to € 2,700 minimum, a discount of -88%.

A 2013 model in 1.7 VCDI 130 can be had for €5,000 without any problem, i.e. -79%

And compared to the competition, we can tell you that it is especially cheap.

For example, the diesel Skoda Octavia from 2009/2010, in 1.6 TDI 105, with less power, is at least €3,500, but more like €6,000 on average. So -84% discount on top but -78% on average.

And the 2013 model similar to Cruze can be found from € 8,000 and more often € 10,000, that is – 68% higher and – 60% on average?

If we rely on another competitor, Jetta, we find 2011/2012 models in 1.6 TDI 105 diesel, 200,000 km on average, for a minimum of €7,000, or -74%.

For the 2013/2014 petrol Octavia, in 1.2 TSI 105, and even 1.4 TSI 140, around 100,000 km, you have to consider a budget of at least € 10,500, or -55% on average.

On the contrary, the petrol Cruze from 2013 or even 2014, in 1.6 124 hp, costs only on average € 7,800, and sometimes less than 100,000 km (ie – 65%). Indeed, it is less efficient than Skoda at 140 hp. But we can get 140 hp Cruze 1.4 turbos for €7,000! And there it is compared. And yet an attractive price with a discount gap. Only the Seat Toledo, also a forgotten second-hand product, is also sold at the price of petrol, and €7,500 on average for 120,000 km, 1.2 TSI 105 model, in 2013.

Faced with another competitor like the 308 SW (against the Cruze SW of course), the limitations are also significant for the US. In fact we can find 2013 models, in VCDI 130, for €6,000 on average for 160,000 km, sometimes lower (-74%). For the same Peugeot, it costs €8,000 (-70%), and with a less powerful engine (92 hp or 115 hp).

And for the Golf SW, the price is even higher. Or on average €11,000 (-60%).

In all cases, the Cruze is a very affordable model. So, in fact, it is “foreign”, it is not easy to find second hand because of the limited number of ads, and it can be scary because of the disappearance of the brand in France. But financially speaking, it is very attractive. Especially since the prices are negotiable, the ads continue on special websites such as La Centrale or le bon coin. And the model is stable, as evidenced by advertisements exceeding 250,000 km or even 300,000 km crossed.

Examples of ads Chevrolet Cruze About La Centrale