Used 2018 Chevrolet Cruze for Sale nearDurham, NC

How much does the 2018 Chevrolet Cruze cost?

Prices have softened 6.78% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 1,416 listings available, which gives you a solid pool of cars 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 overview also points to a practical fit for families or students, which lines up with the user feedback on safety and everyday usability. If you want a compact car that leans toward comfort and efficiency rather than excitement, this model year fits that use case well.

27.8% of listings are marked as good or great deals, so there are still some attractive opportunities in the market.

Is the 2018 Chevrolet Cruze reliable?

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

The user feedback points to a car that many drivers find dependable in daily use, with repeated praise for its smooth driving experience, comfort, and excellent fuel economy. That kind of consistent owner sentiment usually suggests a vehicle people feel good about keeping and counting on over time. The expert review also reinforces the Cruze’s practical, easygoing character, which supports the idea that it can be a sensible long-term choice.

One ownership risk to keep in mind is that some drivers mention weak power and winter-driving concerns, so condition and maintenance history matter.

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

At 55.4% 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 pre-purchase inspection is especially important here, since you want to focus on body condition, alignment, and signs of uneven wear. It also makes sense to pay close attention to how the car drives at low speeds and on the highway, since comfort and drivability are major reasons shoppers choose this model.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The LT Diesel Hatchback is the trim called out here, and it comes with the Convenience Package, including a power driver’s seat, keyless entry and ignition, and remote start. The diesel version also uses a 9-speed automatic instead of the gasoline model’s older 6-speed automatic.
• Powertrain: The diesel setup pairs a 1.6-liter turbodiesel engine with a 9-speed automatic. It delivers 240 lb-ft of torque at 2,000 rpm and 137 hp at 3,750 rpm, with strong mileage and relaxed highway passing.
• Safety package: Teen Driver is standard, and the car includes full-length side curtain, knee, and front and rear side airbags. NHTSA ratings include five-star overall and frontal crash ratings, plus four-star side crash and rollover ratings.
• Infotainment: Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, and the system includes Teen Driver reporting and notifications. The voice recognition is a weak point, so phone-based voice control is the better route.
• 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:

The LT Diesel Hatchback: is the only trim discussed here, and it’s the one to focus on if you want the Cruze’s diesel powertrain, strong fuel economy, and standard Convenience Package equipment. It’s the best fit for you if efficiency and everyday comfort matter more than quick acceleration. The diesel setup also gives the Cruze a more distinctive character than the gasoline version.

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, with some room to negotiate if you shop carefully.

• Deal availability: 27.8% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 1,416 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 6.78% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 55.4% 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 $9,947 sits slightly below last year's $10,671.

That softer pricing suggests the Cruze is in a buyer-friendly phase right now, which can help you if you’re shopping but may limit upside if you’re planning to sell soon. For a future seller, the current trend means you should expect value to depend heavily on condition, mileage, and equipment rather than broad market momentum. The diesel’s unusual positioning may help it stand out to the right buyer, but the overall market still favors well-kept examples.

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, 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, giving you speed and distance limits for secondary drivers plus app-delivered reports and notifications when those limits are exceeded. The car also includes full-length side curtain, knee, and front and rear side airbags. The main caveat is that the side and rollover NHTSA results trail the top overall scores, so safety-conscious shoppers should pay close attention to the car’s condition and equipment.

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:

• 27.8% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 55.4% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 6.78% 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 uncommon efficiency and a more distinctive place in the compact-car market.

Consider the 2017 if:

• At $9,152, the 2017 costs less than the current year's $9,947 average.
• The 2017 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. If your priority is spending less up front, the 2017 is the more budget-friendly route and still brings useful hatchback practicality.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from October 13, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.