While searching for a used Chevy Cruze for sale, don’t rule out a 2014 diesel option. Why? Because, it has an advantage that the gas-powered Cruze lacks. Not only does it come with some upscale standard features found on the higher Cruze trims, but it also has exceptional fuel economy — and it all costs less than a new base-priced gas-powered Cruze. The same great standard features, with better fuel economy, and the advantage of an even lower price – what’s not to love?
Granted, the price fluctuates depending on the mileage and the condition of the vehicle. However, you need to remember it’s a diesel powertrain. Diesel engines typically last much longer than gas-powered vehicles. Therefore, even if you find one with upwards of 60,000 miles, it will still have plenty of life left in it.
Exceptional Fuel Economy
Since it was first released, the Cruze has been known for its fuel economy. So when the 2014 diesel trim was released, promising even more fuel economy than the Eco, people got excited. Now in 2016, you should even be more ecstatic because you no longer need to pay full-price for great fuel economy like this.
On the regular 2014 Cruze, the base gas-powered engine returns up to 25 mpg city and 36 mpg highway; the optional turbocharged engine was an impressive 26 mpg city and 38 mpg highway and the Cruze Eco returned fuel ratings of 28 mpg city and 42 mpg. Fuel economy like the Eco’s were not that common in 2014.
The Cruze had impressive fuel efficiency all around, but the diesel engine? That was particularly impressive. With the turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder diesel engine rated at 151 horsepower and 264 lb-ft of torque (which is an exceptional amount of torque for a compact car), the 2014 Cruze diesel is able to return 27 mpg city and 46 mpg highway — for a grand total of 33 mpg combined. At the time, it was able to reach a similar combined fuel rating with more well-known diesel vehicles like the Volkswagen Jetta TDI. Rather impressive for Chevy’s first attempt at a diesel-powered Cruze.
Also, Has More Kick
Apart from the exceptional fuel economy this engine provided the Cruze, it also took care of an issue many people experienced. A lot of consumers complained about the Cruze’s lack of power, which should be expected. It’s not like this car is built for racing. But, the diesel engine provides a much larger amount of torque than any other engine equipped on the 2014 Cruze, which means more power to the wheels.
Most expert reviewers like Edmunds and consumers both vouched for the added power behind the Cruze Diesel. More specifically, it’s the combination of the added torque and how it’s delivered. Since the 2014 Cruze Diesel uses a different six-speed automatic transmission than the gas-powered variants, it handles a little differently. In particular, Edmunds reported that the combination of the diesel engine and different transmission created a more responsive Cruze, with the added oomph providing plenty of kick for passing on the highway.
Also, they said there was barely any diesel clatter coming from underneath the hood, which is no doubt thanks to the extra sound insulation Chevy added. In conclusion, the 2014 Cruze Diesel is both more efficient and powerful than the gas-powered variant, and still just as quiet, further enhancing its appealing low price.
Same Great Standard Features
Apart from the great engine, the Cruze Diesel also comes with the same great standard features found on the higher-end 2LT trim. A few of these features include upscale interior amenities such as a power driver seat, heated front seats, leather upholstery, and the MyLink touchscreen interface. On the mechanical side of things, it also comes with a sport tuned suspension and four-wheel disc brakes.
On the outside, the Cruze Diesel grabs some design elements from the Eco. For example, it has the same aerodynamic enhancements as the Eco, and the low-rolling-resistance tires. I’m sure both of these also take part in giving the Cruze Diesel such amazing fuel-efficiency. The wheels are also the same as the Eco, which are lightweight 17-inch alloy wheels.
As you can see, the standard features from the 2LT and Eco trims are both practical and luxurious, which means the Cruze Diesel gets the best of both worlds. Along with having these familiar features on board, the diesel trim is also eligible for the same optional packages that can be added on most other trims — like the enhanced safety package. Plus, finding a used 2014 Cruze Diesel with an enhanced safety package will now cost much less than when it was brand new.
An Even Lower Price
The diesel trim Cruze offers powerfully efficient performance and familiar features found on the other trims, but the true advantage here is getting all of that for an even lower price. When it was new, the price of a 2014 Chevy Cruze Diesel was $25,695. Keep in mind, it was the top-trim for 2014 and loaded with a new engine/transmission, and a lot of upscale standard features.
But now? All that can be had for much less. Using the Edmunds price calculator to find the average sales price of a 2014 Cruze Diesel within 500 miles of Troy, Albany NY, it gave us a price of $17,734 under 24,000 miles. Right off the bat, you are saving almost $8,000 from the original price for a vehicle that’s in new-like condition.
While that’s a decent amount of savings from the original price, you want something that’s much cheaper than the starting MSRP of a new gas-powered Cruze, right? In that case, turn your attention towards one with over 38,0000 miles and grab one for an average sales price of $14,334.
Along with being more fuel-efficient, powerful, and more upscale than the base 2016 Cruze, buying a used Cruze with a price like this saves you a good chunk of change — which is the real advantage.