When we last left off I was deciding between a new 2019 Honda Civic EX or a 2018 Mazda3 Touring model.
I got neither. Yes, all the research pointed to the Civic. Sometimes though, research can take you only so far before material changes take place.
My neighbor pulled up yesterday in his brand new Chevy Cruze. It looked really nice. Far more updated than I’d have thought of a Cruze. I’d done my research on it of course and it fit nicely behind Civic, Corolla, Elantra and honestly, fairly well tied with the Impreza. It’s not the top car in the segment. Top third of a crowded field perhaps.
Then I wondered what my neighbor might have plunked down knowing the Lordstown OH plant where the Cruze is made recently announced it was closing. So, I started checking prices.
Holy Fuck! It’s like once they announced the plant closure all the Cruze models got cooties. There are brand new models, that listed for $21-22K before the closure listing for $14,172 at a dealership in MI. They have a lot of these they are practically giving away. Fully warrantied, dealerships abounding for service. I’m looking at Cruze hatch LT model that would list for 25K for $17,500. WTF? My sister I know could use a new car and I outright offered to buy her one of those 14K hatchbacks out of my retirement munny.
I bought my Pontiac Vibe in 2008, it’s a 2009 model The next year Pontiac was gone but GM did a great job servicing my car. The Cruze is also the only compact with Apple Carplay and Android Car standard. GM has been beating people into the dust on electronics forever tho. The LT model also comes with a turbo.
Here’s the money question; Will I spend in repairs the roughly 7K I’d save on the price of the Honda in 15 years.
Chevette – Yep
Cobalt – You better believe it
Cadavalier – Big time
Cruze – No, these are well made cars, they rate a 4.4 of 5 on Kelley Blue Book, the car Bible. I worked with GM Comm when the Cruze was announced and then rolled out, they WARNED the union in Lordstown these cars better fucking rock or it’s your ass and we mean it. They delivered.
So, Ima save some munny on a well well equipped Cruze hatch
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