Best products from r/cruze

I somehow managed to score the Rhino Rack for $152.71 on Amazon, which is about 1/3 the original cost. I'm pretty sure it was a return or scratch-and-dent because the package was partially opened and there was a 4" gouge along the bottom of the rear cross bar. I just used some black enamel paint to cover it up.

Rhino Rack 2016-2017 Compatible with Chevrolet Cruze Including Limited 4dr Sedan Vortex RS 2500 Sport Roof Rack Black RS215B

The ROLA Cargo Basket was $119.59 which again, I somehow managed to get at 30% off. I guess constantly scouring Amazon eventually pays off. The basket is pretty well constructed and very strong, but it's also heavy thick steel. I would have preferred aluminum to save weight.

ROLA 59504 V-Tex Rooftop Cargo Basket

I also got the ROLA Cargo Net that fits the rack. I figured it was best to get the matching one in case any of the other random ones on Amazon didn't fit correctly. Also very strong and has just enough stretch to accommodate about 8" of cargo in the basket.

ROLA 59200 Flat Strap Cargo Net

Finally, I ordered a two pack of Cruze logo stickers off eBay and rubbed off the ROLA logo to put that in its place. Adds a nice custom touch.

2X CHEVROLET CRUZE logo sticker vinyl decal

Oh $500? That's easy! I just kept the stock a pillar tweeters, replaced the four door 6.5"s with some JBL GX602's ($20 off per pair at Best Buy right now, btw). I made sure to mount them so the directional tweeter pointed up at the driver/front passenger in the front, and then up at the passengers in the rear. You will want the speaker adapters. They make installation SOOOOOO much easier. Plus, these JBLs even come with sticky double sided insulation to help seal the speakers to the door. Really helps sound quality and bass response.
These JBLs sound FANTASTIC.

Next, for a sub, I used this: Sound Storm LOPRO8 600 Watt Low Profile Amplified 8 Inch Car Subwoofer with Remote Subwoofer Control https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0082YUR7M/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_SOcRAbZSQZ20T

I went with the 8" because I wanted to try it. I've usually gone with 10" subs in the past, because I listen to a lot metal, but also rap. Smaller subs seem to give more punch for the kick drum. This little sub/amp combo sounds great, but if you're looking for something to shake your trunk, this isn't going to cut it. I'd go with something more powerful if that's your goal. It also depends on how much trunk space you are willing to sacrifice.

Of course, you could always go the classic separate amp and sub route. I just liked the slim profile of that sub because I use my trunk a lot.

Hope this helps!

K&N air filter <-- no aftermarket mods needed this is just a superior reusable part. Also slight improvement to horsepower and fuel economy.

0w-30 instead of 5w-30 oil <-- I recommend amsoil but mobil1 makes this too. It will help improve gas mileage especially in winter.

Use premiums gas <-- Trust me this helps.

Aftermarket stereo with carplay and backup camera. This can be installed by same people who install sound systems in cars.

Alloy Wheels <--- Improves gas mileage a little bit and less susceptible to rust. Also new tires are nice

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07FXXBN33/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 <-- This will help during the rain

I use Pennzoil Platinum High Mileage Full Synthetic 5W-30 Motor Oil . It's an overkill for a cruze; but since this car has already been hit 4 times since a month after I bought it; I like to treat it to something nice. The filter on my old drain plug was a 10 mm, use a combination wrench to get it off, not a socket. The filter cap takes a 24 mm drain plug socket.

I should mention I have a 2015.

I pair it with a K&N filter from amazon every 4 months. You can get both on a discount with their subscribe and save program.

https://www.amazon.com/Pennzoil-550045195-Platinum-quart-Mileage/dp/B01MF97JE5/ref=sr_1_4?keywords=penzoil+high+mileage+5w-30&qid=1574111273&sr=8-4

There are aftermarket radio head units that have android built right in.

There is this Tesla inspired radio - Here

Also, there is a radio that looks closer to stock - Here

You could probably find much better prices than on Amazon, but at least you can see the styles of radio they make for our car. If you scroll through the months/years of posts on this subreddit, it seems there have been a few Cruze owners who have installed the large screen tesla radio with success, so it seems like a promising option.

To get internet on these radios so you can install apps, you need to just turn on the Hotspot feature on your smartphone and connect to the phone via WiFi.

Hi, hopefully you see this. I have #22797218 plugged into my 2013 LT. Just so you know, this thing stopped synching audio two years ago. I don't know if they don't age with BT tech or what, but I'm thinking I have to upgrade this to one of the others you have linked. Not sure if that's going to help or not, but it worked like a charm up till then.


Some thing you may not have come across in your research: you have to link to "GM Music" in your phone, which is separate from "Your Car" or whatever the phone pairing antenna is called.

I've always like the yellow fog lamps/covers, so I may go that route if I don't add LED DRL to them.

I did add the lip. I had something flip up from the highway and gutted the guard that is usually under the front bumper and it made for a bit of an eye sore when you looked at the front end since you still saw where it clipped in. I ordered that off of Amazon. It's literally just a heavy duty foam/plastic that has really good 3M tape. Here's the link.

The Original EZ Lip Universal Front Bumper Spoiler https://www.amazon.com/dp/B009F10S3Y/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_EUkwDbDX3HN2G

I never use my CD player since my new phone's bluetooth works perfectly. If you never use your CD player, I suggest this.

I have a black and red '14 LTZ, and it's perfect (I got the black and red version). Again, only if you don't use your CD player.

Hey,
I've had a look into the printing (I have a print industry background), and I reckon the easiest way to do this is to engage a company online and just provide them the design.

Stickermule seems quite decently priced and international: https://www.stickermule.com/products/transfer-stickers (do some research first of course).


Alternatively you could grab some vinyl printer paper from Amazon (https://www.amazon.com/Craftables-Waterproof-Inkjet-Sticker-Paper/dp/B079SMHW11/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?keywords=vinyl+sticker+paper&qid=1570413984&sr=8-2-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUExTDZHMVpNU09OMUQyJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwMzYwODczMUNQVUMyTFZQMzNWWiZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwNjY5NzMzWFkyWDRQV05VNFFHJndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfYXRmJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==) and print yourself! :-)

I've replaced mine at least 3 times. Captured the piece last time and glued it on with silicone and it's lasted longer than any of my other ones. I got mine from Amazon, around $30 for the whole corner piece IIRC. Super easy to install just snaps on and off.

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Edit for link : Amazon

I prefer this style for any oil filter job.

Lisle 57020 Small Oil Filter Swivel Wrench https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003969PKS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_GdnuDb5EW113A

You can grab the base of the filter and it's much easier to remove. I don't use it to install though. Only hand tight.

The typical plyer style and socket styles are more trouble than they're worth.

Not sure the one I posted will fit but that's the style. Just verify the diameter and you're good.

I have a 2014 but I use this one and I love it:
https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B016HL1MCK/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Just to be certain, this is the part right,

ACDelco 214-2317 GM Original Equipment Vapor Canister Purge Valve https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004JBI5EE/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_kYIYCb9CSATW0

That exact stereo (which I have) is priced at your link $90 more than where I bought it from: https://smile.amazon.com/Quadcore-1024x768-Navigation-Chevrolet-2009-2014/dp/B0784BPXT1/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=cruze+tesla+style+stereo&qid=1569768977&s=gateway&sr=8-3

They also are falsely advertising that the stereo can control the AC/heater, when it does not. It only displays informational stuff about that like the stock display does.