Used 2018 Chevrolet Cruze for Sale nearColumbia, SC

How much does the 2018 Chevrolet Cruze cost?

Prices have softened 6.36% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 1,299 listings available, which gives you a solid amount of inventory to compare before you buy.

Is the 2018 Chevrolet Cruze a good car?

Yes — the 2018 Chevrolet Cruze earns a 4.7/5 user rating and a 6.7/10 expert rating. The standout strength is Safety at 8/10.

Drivers consistently praise its smooth driving experience, excellent fuel economy, and comfort. The review summary also points to strong safety features and broad appeal for families or students, while the overview frames it as a practical daily driver with a distinctive diesel option for shoppers who wanted efficiency when fewer competitors offered it.

With 28.9% of listings marked as good or great deals, you have some room to shop selectively and still find value.

Is the 2018 Chevrolet Cruze reliable?

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

The review summary points to a car that many drivers find dependable, comfortable, and efficient enough to count on for everyday use. The expert notes also emphasize that the diesel setup delivers strong mileage and a more relaxed driving character, which supports the idea that the Cruze can be a steady long-term commuter when maintained properly.

One thing to watch is ownership risk tied to the diesel-specific setup and the stop-start system, so a careful pre-purchase inspection matters if you want to minimize surprise repair costs.

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

At 54.7% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.

You should start with a vehicle history report and confirm whether any prior damage was repaired properly. A thorough inspection should focus on bodywork quality, panel alignment, and signs of uneven wear, especially if you’re comparing multiple listings. It also makes sense to prioritize a test drive that checks how the car feels under acceleration and with the air conditioning running, since some owners mention power concerns.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The LT Diesel Hatchback looks like a conventional Cruze from the outside, 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 trim that best suits you if you want the diesel efficiency story and can justify the higher price.
• Powertrain: The diesel setup uses a 1.6-liter turbodiesel engine with 137 hp and 240 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 9-speed automatic. It’s tuned more for usable torque and efficiency than quick acceleration, and the expert notes say it can return impressive mileage.
• Safety package: Teen Driver is standard, and it lets you set speed and distance limits for a secondary driver while sending app-delivered reports and notifications. The car also includes full-length side curtain, knee, and front and rear side airbags.
• Infotainment: Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, and the expert notes call out Chevy MyLink voice recognition as a weak point that your phone’s interface can help bypass.
• Fuel efficiency: The diesel setup is described as returning a combined rating of 35 mpg, with real-world trips averaging at least 40 mpg and a highway test 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:

The LT Diesel Hatchback is the one to focus on if you want the Cruze’s most distinctive powertrain and the strongest efficiency story. It adds the diesel engine, the 9-speed automatic, and the Convenience Package, so you get more equipment and a more specialized driving experience than a basic gas model would provide. It’s the best fit if you value fuel economy and want a compact car that feels different from the usual mainstream choices.

The safety package includes Teen Driver as standard, along with the car’s full airbag coverage.

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

This is a moderate market for selective buyers, so it makes sense to shop carefully and compare listings.

• Deal availability: 28.9% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 1,299 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 6.36% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 54.7% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $9,845, 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 $9,933 sits slightly below last year's $10,608.

That softer pricing suggests the Cruze has already absorbed some of its depreciation, which can help future sellers if they buy at the right price. A lower entry cost gives you less room to lose value quickly, especially if you choose a clean, well-kept example with desirable equipment.

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 the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (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 it gives you speed and distance limits for a secondary driver plus app-delivered reports and notifications when those limits are exceeded. The safety writeup also highlights full-length side curtain, knee, and front and rear side airbags, which adds to the Cruze’s protection story.

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:

• 28.9% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 54.7% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 6.36% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.7/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• The 2018 stands out for its diesel availability and efficiency-focused character.

Consider the 2017 if:

• At $9,227, the 2017 costs less than the current year's $9,933 average.
• The 2017 adds a sloping rear hatch for more utility and a more versatile body style.

The bottom line: If you want the stronger market data and the distinctive diesel setup, the 2018 is the better target. If your priority is spending less up front, the 2017 is the value play, especially if you want the hatchback’s extra utility.

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

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from November 10, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.