Uhg, help me decide, 1.8 Auto now or wait for 1.4T Auto

[SRGilbert]

Either way, we are getting a 5-Door hatch LTZ automatic, but the decision is basically when. I'm ready to buy right now, and if the 1.4 were available, I would probably just get it. Since it's not, I need to decide.

Is there a release date yet for the 1.4 auto?

How much more would it be vs the 1.8? (Not a huge concern, but curious)

When determining which one might be best for me, please keep in mind the following:

This car will literally be driven only about 6000 miles a year, TOPS. I actually walk to work, and the wife takes the bus. We use our car mainly for recreation and shopping, that sort of thing.

I am not what you would call a "car guy." As long as it's safe and reliable, I don't care how fast it does 0-60, or how much torque it has, ect. Never even driven a stick before, and don't think I'd like it anyway.

Since I will be going with the automatic, what would be the main draw of the 1.4 over the 1.8? I assume one benefit would be the gas milage, but given how much we will drive it, would it be worth it?

Any input would be helpful, thanks!

 

[RockTheShazbot]

I am personally buying a turbo but I would say for you save the money and go with the 1.8L NA. I drove a Cruze with the turbo last night and I loved how the engine felt compared to the 1.8L in the Sonic hatch, but also I feel like I am going through an adrenaline withdrawal since my 180HP Celica died. But, yeah..I say no turbo for you

 

[Suzuki Phil]

Wait for the 1.4L turbo with auto, don't compromise you'll regret it later. If I buy a Sonic for the wife she wants and automatic. Looks like they will be arriving spring of 2012. I'm guessing they have to ramp up capacity at the transmission factory since both the Sonic and Cruze use the same automatic.

SP

 

[atvman29]

SRGilbert, I just purchased a 1.8 auto and I love it. Its a lot of fun to drive, incredibly quiet on the inside and super comfortable. I test drove a 1.4 Cruze a few times and can tell you that if you're just a normal guy looking for a fun to drive, economical car, like myself, not a street racin' dude, you won't regret it.

 

[LorbeerTLC]

This Might Help... Try a Cruze!

An idea might be to visit a Chevy Dealer that has the Cruze in the 1.8L automatic & a 1.4L Turbo automatic & test drive them both.

Also, look at the window sticker on fuel milage differences between the two cars.
That might help you render a decision.
Hope that helps!

 

[buddy97]

An idea might be to visit a Chevy Dealer that has the Cruze in the 1.8L automatic & a 1.4L Turbo automatic & test drive them both.

Also, look at the window sticker on fuel milage differences between the two cars.
That might help you render a decision.
Hope that helps!

i think we figured on another thread that the 1.4 would pay for itself in 4 1/2 years. but, that was based on (i think) 15,000 miles/year with the manual 1.4.

since he drives so few miles and the auto 1.4 would cost more yet and (im guessing) not be rated for as many mpg's as the 1.4 manual, he will likely never recover the extra cost.

to be honest, if i drove that little and cared little about the driving experience, id probably buy a nice big comfortable used buick le sabre, or some such car.

 

[jlslatton]

Like buddy said, with your mileage per year it would take quite a while to payoff the 1.4t.

However, if you're wanting the best the car can offer with the most enjoyable driving experience, the 1.4t is the way to go.

Disclaimer: I have the 1.8L and couldn't be happier. But if the 1.4t were available around the same price I would have opted for the 1.4t. However, the extra cost and waiting were not conducive to my buying timeline.

 

[jlslatton]

to be honest, if i drove that little and cared little about the driving experience, id probably buy a nice big comfortable used buick le sabre, or some such car.

Hey now, the 1.8L provides plenty for this car

 

[btz2008]

Either way, we are getting a 5-Door hatch LTZ automatic, but the decision is basically when. I'm ready to buy right now, and if the 1.4 were available, I would probably just get it. Since it's not, I need to decide.

Is there a release date yet for the 1.4 auto?

How much more would it be vs the 1.8? (Not a huge concern, but curious)

When determining which one might be best for me, please keep in mind the following:

This car will literally be driven only about 6000 miles a year, TOPS. I actually walk to work, and the wife takes the bus. We use our car mainly for recreation and shopping, that sort of thing.

I am not what you would call a "car guy." As long as it's safe and reliable, I don't care how fast it does 0-60, or how much torque it has, ect. Never even driven a stick before, and don't think I'd like it anyway.

Since I will be going with the automatic, what would be the main draw of the 1.4 over the 1.8? I assume one benefit would be the gas milage, but given how much we will drive it, would it be worth it?

Any input would be helpful, thanks!

You sound just like me! I only drive for arronds and fun stuff, need an auto, about 8,000 a year. I drive a company vehicle most of the time.

I think the 1.8 would be great for a car thats used as much as you'd use it for. It's really not bad as people have been making it out to be. I tested it and it drove awesome! And the MPG is only like 4 MPG off and for what your driving it for that wont be too much off.

I'd just buy it, after you test drive it of course. I think i'm going to buy a 1.8 because I also need an auto and NEED to buy a new car very soon (mines dying :/ )

 

[buddy97]

Hey now, the 1.8L provides plenty for this car

not sayin its not...just that if i only drove 6000 miles/year, id rather just spend $7K on a bigger, more comfortable car. when it takes 10 years to put 60,000 miles on your car, having a newer car loses alot of its importance.

 

[LorbeerTLC]

i think we figured on another thread that the 1.4 would pay for itself in 4 1/2 years. but, that was based on (i think) 15,000 miles/year with the manual 1.4.

since he drives so few miles and the auto 1.4 would cost more yet and (im guessing) not be rated for as many mpg's as the 1.4 manual, he will likely never recover the extra cost.

to be honest, if i drove that little and cared little about the driving experience, id probably buy a nice big comfortable used buick le sabre, or some such car.

While true on the argument over the pay back issue, if you're on the fence over the 1.8L vs the 1.4L Turbo, you want to evaluate everything.

That's why I recommend trying both Cruzes now to see if they might help in rendering a decision.
Also, take a sheet of paper and fold it down the middle. Write "Pros" on one side and "Cons" on the other and list those positives and negatives of waiting for the 1.4 Turbo vs purchasing the 1.8 now.
By doing this you can physically see everything listed out in the open on the table.
This has helped me decided in those "tie breaking" decisions.