2012 Cruze Eco - or how the engineers snookered the MBA's

[LeSabre in Buffalo]

Can you please enlighten me? I'm not seeing it...

My snow tires showed up today. Glad I sprang for the lightweight rims for them, as these are almost as light as the OEM forged wheels. These have tons of sipes, and look like they will claw through anything. I'll find out in a few months.

[J Wikoff]

Looking at this picture, at straight lines, like the GP's spoiler, or the edges of the house's roof, there are waves. Fairly typical of OEM paint jobs.

[00Beast]

From what I've heard GM isn't doing much in the form of plain black anymore on cars, probably that it's too hard to get black to look perfect in a factory, mass-produced setting. IIRC there is still a regular black for the Trucks/SUV's.

[01bonneSC]

Its in the clear, wet sand, buff and it will look a thousand times better.

[LeSabre in Buffalo]

Yep, Santa just might bring me a random orbital buffer, some pads, and some polish.

The sun was out today, and the paint really stood out with the wax on it. The metallic in it was sparkling from 10 feet away.

[LeSabre in Buffalo]

Updating this thread:

My fuel mileage continues to improve. I set a new personal best MPG of 54.5 coming back from work this morning, or about 21 miles. I had 55 mpg at one point, but 2 traffic lights cut me down. Overall I've been getting between 42 and 46 mpg.

I also did the first oil change over lunch. Look, Ma, no drain pan!





The MityVac sucked all the old oil out. The manual states the engine's capacity is 4 liters. Hmm, looks like I sucked out just over 4 liters.



Not needing to get on the ground to drain the oil or change the topside cartridge filter was so nice! There's a 10mm drain plug, but it's a tiny little 10mm head on it. I'm treating it as "for emergencies only".

[Jrs3800]

You cheater.... Your supposed to get on the ground....LOL...

That thing you got there is pretty neat.... I like it...

[GoldenBullet]

That thing you got there is pretty neat.... I like it...

Agreed, it would be pretty awesome to not have to get on the ground.

[LeSabre in Buffalo]

You cheater.... Your supposed to get on the ground....LOL...

That thing you got there is pretty neat.... I like it...

Working smarter, not harder! $80 well-spent. I've used it for ATF changes, PS fluid changes (electric steering on both the Chevy and our Honda, so no more PSF changes!), coolant changes, and brake fluid changes. It's fantastic running a tube instead of futzing around with a drain bolt, or transmission pan full of ATF.

Don, I didn't change out of my work clothes when home on lunch. Just rolled up my sleeves, put on a pair of gloves, and had at it. It was the neatest oil change I've ever pulled off.

[99-SLE]

I assume you're able to do your own oil changes and preserve your warranty? As long as they see receipts etc?

[00Beast]

They have to be able to prove he didn't run the proper oil. An oil analysis will be able to tell what he's running. It's the same as any other new car, they have to be able to link the failure to a lack of proper oil before they'll start grilling Dave.

[LeSabre in Buffalo]

I just have to keep all the receipts and jot down what was done when. Taking pictures helps in case there's ever an oil-related question.

[swampthing]

What model is that mityvac? I am interested it getting something like that

[LeSabre in Buffalo]

MityVac MV7201.

Be warned, it won't work for changing oil on a 3800. It does make a great ATF pan drain tool, brake bleeder, PSF changer, and coolant drain/fill machine. I used mine for all those roles, and it performed very well.

[LeSabre in Buffalo]

I glanced over my Fuelly log. It looks like the car is settling into a 44-45 mpg range for average FE. That's far better than anticipated. I anticipated getting maybe 34-35 mpg with highway trips being about 42-43. Pleased is an understatement for my feelings about this car's fuel economy. It's also great not spending $60 every fillup! Average fillups are $36-38, even running premium.

[SSEiMan01]

That was one thing that almost got me into one of these...Right now I average maybe $80 or so a fill up, that's an estimate usually, I fill up from half which takes about $40 or so...Worth it? Hell yes. Glad I bought this? Hell yes. Wishing I could afford another car right now to add to my fleet? Hell yes.
Cool to see you're happy with it though! Even I'm stunned at that MPG, I would have gotten the LTZ RS, just the kinda guy I am I guess, but I estimated that'd get about 38-40 driven right...I'm impressed!

[1oldman]

I glanced over my Fuelly log. It looks like the car is settling into a 44-45 mpg range for average FE. That's far better than anticipated. I anticipated getting maybe 34-35 mpg with highway trips being about 42-43. Pleased is an understatement for my feelings about this car's fuel economy. It's also great not spending $60 every fillup! Average fillups are $36-38, even running premium.

at that rate, hybrids have a hard time keeping up and justifying their additional cost. Who sez they don't build them better in the USA? -BC

[LeSabre in Buffalo]

I glanced over my Fuelly log. It looks like the car is settling into a 44-45 mpg range for average FE. That's far better than anticipated. I anticipated getting maybe 34-35 mpg with highway trips being about 42-43. Pleased is an understatement for my feelings about this car's fuel economy. It's also great not spending $60 every fillup! Average fillups are $36-38, even running premium.

at that rate, hybrids have a hard time keeping up and justifying their additional cost. Who sez they don't build them better in the USA? -BC

That's also with mainly rural highway driving. If I had a city drive, a Prius would be killing me! For my mainly highway driving, this is working out better than a Prius. $4k cheaper up front and being within 4 mpg of EPA highway ratings means this gas-only car is much better on the wallet than a hybrid. That's for my uses. Your mileage may vary.

[GoldenBullet]

I'm still trying to convince my parents to get into a Cruze. My dad would love the gas mileage for his commute.

[LeSabre in Buffalo]

Tell him a forum member with a Cruze Eco is AVERAGING 44 mpg. I'm saving a good chunk in gas compared to my old Buick.

Well, the payments suck. But at least the $1200 in gas savings a year compared to my old car is easing some of the sting.