Used 2018 Chevrolet Cruze for Sale near California

How much does the 2018 Chevrolet Cruze cost?

Prices have softened 6.73% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 1,385 listings available, which gives you a solid amount of inventory to compare before you buy.

Is the 2018 Chevrolet Cruze a good car?

Yes — you’re looking at a 4.7/5 user-rated car with an expert rating of 6.7/10. The standout strength is Safety at 8/10.

Drivers consistently praise the Cruze for its smooth driving experience, excellent fuel economy, and comfort. It also comes across as a practical fit if you want something that works well for families or students, and the overview points to a model year that stands out for its unusual diesel availability in a compact-car segment where that choice was becoming rare.

With 27.6% of listings marked as good or great deals, you have some room to shop selectively and still find attractive pricing.

Is the 2018 Chevrolet Cruze reliable?

Owners rate it 4.7/5, a strong signal of long-term satisfaction.

The user feedback points to a car that drivers feel good about living with day to day, especially because of its smooth driving experience, excellent fuel economy, and comfort. The expert notes also reinforce that the diesel setup is designed to deliver strong mileage and usable power without needing to be over-revved, which supports the sense that the car can be a dependable commuter when maintained properly.

One ownership risk to keep in mind is that used examples may vary a lot in condition and maintenance history, so you should verify service records carefully before buying.

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

At 55.7% 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 higher-mileage example or one with a diesel powertrain. Focus on overall condition, signs of prior bodywork, and whether the car has been maintained consistently, since those factors matter more when the market includes a sizable share of accident-involved listings.

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 clear choice if you want the diesel-specific setup and the extra convenience equipment.
• Powertrain: The diesel setup pairs a 1.6-liter turbodiesel engine with a 9-speed automatic and is tuned for strong torque and impressive mileage. The gas version is described as less satisfying in performance, so the diesel is the better fit if you care about drivability and efficiency.
• 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. The MyLink voice recognition is a weak point, so you’ll want to test the system yourself.
• Fuel efficiency: The diesel is estimated at 35 mpg combined, with real-world driving that can reach at least 40 mpg and even better on highway loops.

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:

The LT Diesel Hatchback: This is the trim to focus on if you want the Cruze’s most distinctive setup, because it combines the diesel powertrain with the 9-speed automatic and the Convenience Package. It’s the best fit for buyers who value efficiency, long-distance comfort, and a more unusual compact-car choice. The safety package note to keep in mind is that Teen Driver is standard, along with the car’s full airbag coverage and strong crash-test results.

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

This looks like a moderate, selective buyer’s market, so you can shop patiently and still find worthwhile listings.

• Deal availability: 27.6% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 1,385 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 6.73% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 55.7% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $9,840, 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 $9,941 sits slightly below last year's $10,658.

That softer pricing suggests the Cruze is in a buyer-friendly phase right now, which can help you if you’re shopping used but may limit upside if you plan to resell soon. For a future seller, the key is to buy well and keep the car in strong condition, because a lower entry price can help offset some depreciation pressure later.

Vehicles with strong owner satisfaction ratings, like this model year's 4.7/5, 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, along with 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 car also includes full-length side curtain, knee, and front and rear side airbags. The expert notes highlight strong stopping performance as another safety plus, though the lower side and rollover ratings are worth keeping in mind when you’re comparing used examples.

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:

• 27.6% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 55.7% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 6.73% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.7/5 — 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 $9,227, the 2017 costs less than the current year's $9,941 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 Cruze with the diesel option and a softer used-car price, the 2018 is the better target. If your priority is spending less up front, the 2017 is the more budget-friendly path and still brings useful hatchback practicality.

How does the 2018 Chevrolet Cruze compare to the 2018 Honda Civic?

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from October 27, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.