The Chevy Cruze Vs The Toyota Corolla
It’s easy to overspend when shopping for a new car. There are a lot of factors to take into consideration, and you have to keep your focus to stay within your budget. The purchase price is just the beginning. If you have been looking for an affordable car for a while, you have probably already considered both the Toyota Corolla and the Chevy Cruze. As you will see in this Corolla vs Cruze comparison, it is the Toyota that turns out to be a better value in the long run.
The Deal
MSRP for the Corolla starts at $18,500 and moderately increases through eight different trim levels. For the money you are getting a vehicle equipped with a 1.8 liter 4-cylinder engine that will produce upwards of 140 horsepower. These cars can be equipped with either a CVT automatic or a standard transmission. The most efficient version can achieve up to 40 miles per gallon fuel efficiency depending on highway conditions. The interior makes excellent use of available space, and passengers have more legroom than any other car in its class.
The Chevy Cruze was designed to fill a slightly different market niche. It attempts to target auto sports enthusiasts with an entry level model. The car is available in sedan and hatchback body styles, and comes in three different trim levels. The midrange LS automatic will cost you $19,525. These cars are powered by a 1.4 liter turbocharged engine that can be paired up with automatic or standard transmission configurations. This engine puts out 153 horsepower, and the car has an EPA fuel economy rating of up to 43 miles per gallon. Although Chevrolet officially recommends 87 octane fuel, some owners feel that the high pressures in the combustion chambers require more expensive premium grade fuels.
Affordable Repairs
New owners don’t have to worry much about repair costs right away. Toyota and Chevrolet both support their cars with a manufacturer warranty for the first three years or 36K miles. The powertrain warranties for both cars is extends to five years or 60K miles.
Once the warranty period has expired, you are responsible for all future repair costs. This is where the Corolla really starts to demonstrate an advantage. The Toyota Corolla has been one of the most successful models for a manufacturer that already has the best reputation for quality in the industry. These cars rarely give their owners serious or recurring mechanical problems, and when they do break down, parts are plentiful and inexpensive.
The Chevy Cruze is still a relatively new vehicle. It is unknown just how reliable the engine will be. To complicate matters, the turbocharger system is an expensive component that can fail suddenly. These systems place additional pressures on the engine that cause premature wear when not properly maintained. Aftermarket warranty companies and insurance providers often charge an additional premium when a turbocharger is present for this very reason.
Resale Values
The Corolla also retains its resale value for longer. Everyone knows that new cars depreciate rapidly after the initial purchase, but the Corolla’s rate of depreciation stabilizes much faster than the Chevy’s. When it comes time to sell or trade your Corolla, you will have more value to work with than a Chevy Cruze can offer. Some estimates indicate that a five-year-old Corolla is still worth thousands more than a Chevy Cruze.
The Results Are In
The Corolla has a lower purchase price which reduces the costs of taxes, fees, and financing. It also retains its resale value, and it saves you money on fuel and repairs. The true cost to own and drive a Corolla is much less than a Chevy Cruze. That’s why smart shoppers stick with the reliable and affordable Toyota Corolla.