Used 2018 Chevrolet Cruze for Sale nearBakersfield, CA

How much does the 2018 Chevrolet Cruze cost?

Prices have softened 7.15% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 1,398 listings available, which suggests a healthy amount of inventory to compare.

Is the 2018 Chevrolet Cruze a good car?

Yes — the 2018 Chevrolet Cruze earns a 4.67/5 user rating and a 6.67/10 expert rating. The standout strength is Safety at 8/10.

Drivers consistently praise its smooth driving experience, excellent fuel economy, and comfort. The user feedback also points to it as a good fit for families or students, which lines up with the Cruze’s practical, easygoing character. In this model year, the diesel version adds an unusual twist for shoppers who want a compact car with a more distinctive powertrain choice. Good and great deals account for 28.3% of listings, so you still have room to shop selectively.

Is the 2018 Chevrolet Cruze reliable?

Owners rate it 4.67/5, a strong signal of long-term satisfaction.

User feedback highlights the Cruze as smooth, comfortable, and efficient, and those are the kinds of traits that usually support dependable day-to-day ownership. The expert evaluation also emphasizes the diesel’s strong drivability and impressive mileage, which can make it feel like a solid long-term commuter if you value efficiency. The diesel setup does come with a more complex ownership profile, so used buyers should pay close attention to maintenance history and how the car has been driven.

What should I look for when buying a used 2018 Chevrolet Cruze?

At 54.6% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.

You should start with a vehicle history report and then prioritize a pre-purchase inspection, especially if you’re considering a diesel example. Focus on signs of prior body damage, uneven panel gaps, and any evidence that the car has been used hard or maintained inconsistently. Because this model year’s appeal depends heavily on comfort, efficiency, and drivability, condition matters a lot.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The LT Diesel Hatchback looks like a conventional Cruze at a glance, but it adds a diesel drivetrain, a 9-speed automatic, and the Convenience Package with a power driver’s seat, keyless entry and ignition, and remote start. It’s the only trim described here, and it’s the one to target if you want the diesel-specific setup.
• Powertrain: The 1.6-liter turbodiesel makes 137 hp and 240 lb-ft of torque, with torque arriving at 2000 rpm. The diesel setup is tuned more for usable low-end pull and efficiency than quick acceleration.
• Safety package: Teen Driver is standard, and the car includes full-length side curtain, knee, and front and rear side airbags. The safety content also notes five-star overall and frontal crash ratings from NHTSA, plus four-star side crash and rollover ratings.
• Infotainment: Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, and Teen Driver adds speed and distance limits for secondary drivers along with app-delivered reports and notifications.
• Fuel efficiency: The diesel is estimated at 35 mpg combined, with real-world trips averaging at least 40 mpg and a highway loop returning better than 50 mpg.

Which 2018 Chevrolet Cruze trim should I buy?

The 2018 Chevrolet Cruze is offered in 1 trim level: LT Diesel Hatchback.

Here's the short version:

LT Diesel Hatchback: This is the trim to buy if you want the Cruze’s most distinctive setup, since it combines the diesel engine with the 9-speed automatic and the Convenience Package. It’s the best fit for shoppers who care most about efficiency, relaxed drivability, and the extra convenience features that come standard here. The tradeoff is that it carries a premium over the gasoline version, so it makes the most sense if you specifically want the diesel character and mileage. The standard Teen Driver system is a useful family-friendly safety feature.

Is now a good time to buy a used 2018 Chevrolet Cruze?

This is a moderate market for selective buyers, so it pays to compare listings carefully and move quickly on the right car.

• Deal availability: 28.3% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 1,398 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 7.15% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 54.6% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $9,842, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

What is the 2018 Chevrolet Cruze's resale value?

The current average of $9,937 sits slightly below last year's $10,702.

That price movement suggests the Cruze has already absorbed some of its near-term depreciation, which can help a future seller if the market stays steady. A lower current entry price can also make the car easier to position against newer alternatives when it’s time to resell. The diesel’s unusual appeal may help it stand out with the right buyer, especially if it has been well maintained.

Vehicles with strong owner satisfaction ratings, like this model year's 4.67/5, tend to retain buyer demand, which supports resale value over time.

Is the 2018 Chevrolet Cruze safe?

The 2018 Chevrolet Cruze earns five-star overall and frontal crash ratings from NHTSA, and four-star ratings in side crash and rollover tests.

It earns an 8/10 safety score from our experts.

Teen Driver is standard, and the Cruze also includes full-length side curtain, knee, and front and rear side airbags. The expert safety evaluation highlights strong crash performance and good stopping ability, which adds confidence for everyday driving. The main caveat is that the side crash and rollover ratings trail the top marks, so safety-conscious shoppers should still inspect the car carefully and make sure all safety systems are functioning properly.

Should I buy a 2018 Chevrolet Cruze or consider a different year?

If you're weighing the 2018 against nearby model years, here's how to think about it:

Choose the 2018 if:

• 28.3% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 54.6% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 7.15% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.67/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• The 2018 stands out for its diesel availability, which gives it a more unusual place in the compact-car market.

Consider the 2017 if:

• At $9,157, the 2017 costs less than the current year's $9,937 average.
• It adds a sloping rear hatch for more utility and a more crossover-like appeal.

The bottom line: If you want the more distinctive and efficiency-focused Cruze, the 2018 is the better pick, especially if you can find one with clean history and strong maintenance records. If your priority is spending less up front, the 2017 is the more budget-friendly path and still brings useful practicality.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from October 6, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.