10 Reasons Why the Chevy Cruze is the Best First Car

Looking at used cars for sale can be the ultimate feat. There are many options, and every car has different stats, as well as reputations associated with their name. Especially for a first-time car buyer, this can be intimidating. There are many great options for a used car, but the Chevy Cruze is one of the best.

The Chevy Cruze was in production from 2008 through 2019, which might seem like a short run for one of America’s most popular brands. However, Chevy has been making cars since 1911 and put a lot of love into the Chevy Cruze while it was in production. Even though they stopped making the car, it is still the perfect choice for a used model that is safe, reliable and has a solid reputation.

A Great Compact Car

According to Consumer Reports, the Chevy Cruze is the best compact car that you can buy right now. People praised the Cruze for its smooth ride and quiet interior, and because of this, it makes the car feel much more grown-up than other comparable models. Compact cars make turning corners a lot easier and are usually much more fuel-efficient than larger cars, which are two great things to find in a first-time car.

Features Like Apple CarPlay

The older versions of the Chevy Cruze, like the 2008-2010 models, aren’t going to have as many features as the later models do. However, if you opt for a later model, like the 2016 model, you could luck into some really cool features. The 2016 Chevy Cruze features a back-up camera, parking aid, and many other safety-oriented features. However, if you’re looking for your first car to have a bit of the “cool” factor, some used Cruze’s also come equipped with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto allow you to seamlessly connect your iPhone or Android to your car. With these features, you can easily stream your favorite music, use apps like Google Maps, answer phone calls, and send text messages all with voice activation while still keeping safety in mind.

A Truly Reliable First Car

The Chevy Cruze ranks at a 4.0 out of 5.0 for reliability, making it above average for reliability. It also has an annual repair cost of about $545, which is much lower than average ownership costs on other vehicles. Of course, these numbers may differ depending on the year of the Cruze and its personal history, but it is a reliable first car no matter how you look at it. Chevy, as a brand, is also very well known for being reliable and safe; you truly can’t go wrong with a Cruze or another Chevy model.

Low Maintenance

As mentioned briefly before, the Chevy Cruze is incredibly low maintenance. It’s below average in spending costs per year, so as long as you keep it updated with regularly scheduled services, the car will run like a dream. Chevy vehicles are designed to be dependable throughout the years, so you’ll be able to drive for miles without having to worry about your car breaking down on you. Especially for a first car, this is incredibly important.

Top Safety Scores

The Chevy Cruze is no stranger to a five-star safety rating. In fact, the Chevy Cruze has had a five-star safety rating every year since it was released. Safety is one of the most important things at Chevy, so choosing to buy a Chevy Cruze will definitely be a step in a safe direction. Most models feature tons of safety features, including multiple airbags, back-up cameras, child safety locks, traction control, daytime running lights, and more.

A Range of Prices For Every Budget

When looking at used cars for sale, cost can be a large factor in whether or not you purchase a car. Cars are expensive, but they’re also an investment. You don’t want to buy a car that’s going to break down in the first few years of owning it, and that’s definitely not the case with the Chevy Cruze. Depending on the model year you are looking for, the Chevy Cruze can range in price. The earlier models, made from 2008-2013, are much cheaper than the later versions and can be found for prices around $5,000 to around $12,000. Again, this depends on mileage, condition, and year. For new models, say 2016 to 2019 models, the average price will be about $10,000 to $18,000. So, no matter your budget, you’ll be able to find a Chevy Cruze for you.

Hatchback vs Sedan

If a sedan isn’t really your favorite style of car, you’re in luck. The Chevy Cruze also has a hatchback. The Chevy Cruze Hatchback is very similar to the standard Cruze. The hatchback came out in 2012 and is a much roomier version of the original car. However, if you’re just looking for the standard, there’s nothing wrong with the original Cruze. The hatchback is an option for those looking for a little more cargo space, or a sportier-looking vehicle.

Efficiency, Efficiency, Efficiency

When looking at used cars for sale, efficiency falls in line as one of the more important factors to look at. While it isn’t important to everyone, as many opt for a larger car at the expense of efficiency, it’s very important in a first car. First cars usually come during high school or right after a first job. You don’t have a ton of money, and you don’t want to blow it all on gas all the time. However, you won’t have that problem with the Chevy Cruze. The earlier Cruze models (2011-2015) have a gas mileage of 28 MPG in the city and 40 MPG on the highway. Compared to other cars in its class, that’s above average. If you were to get a newer model of the Chevy Cruze (2016 – 2019), the mileage just goes up from there, topping out at 31 MPG in the city and 48 MPG on the highway on the 2019 Cruze.

Its Reputation Precedes It

Everyone has heard of Chevy. It’s not the kind of car that you’ll go to fix only to realize that no one carries the parts necessary to get you back on the road quickly. It’s a highly well-known car brand, so maintenance will always be quick and painless. Chevy has won multiple awards for their cars, especially when it comes to safety and dependability. Chevy won 8 J.D. Power awards in 2019 alone, and even more than that since their inception. If anything, driving a Chevy will give you the peace of mind you’ve been looking for in a car.

A Powerful First Car

With all of the things mentioned above, the Chevy Cruze is a powerful first car. It has great mileage, affordable prices, cool features, safety, reliability, and pretty much everything you may need in a first car. If you’re looking for something that’s not only safe, reliable, and low cost, but something that’s fun to drive and attractive to look at, you should really start looking for a used Chevy Cruze. At McCluskey Chevy, we know this sedan well and would love to help you or your first-time car buyer find a Chevy Cruze that matches your budget and your needs. You can find us in Kings Auto Mall in Cincinnati, Ohio, when you are ready to find this exciting car.