Hello!
Great post, I also have a 2014 LTZ hatchback. I'm currently at just 84k miles despite nearly having it for a decade.
The biggest issue I've had was dealing with my short commute to work. Due to the distance and time, my catalytic converter never got to proper operating temperature. Last week, I replaced the front cat myself. The hardest part was recognizing that Genuine OEM parts for this model aren't available through GM/AC Delco anymore. Thankfully, I found a comparable high quality OEM model from Magnaflow, which delivered the part right to my door.
Beyond that, the car works just as well as the first time I got it. Mileage is 38 mpg highway, and I get about 312 miles per fill up, ~$30. In my mind, that beats 90% of the cars on the market.
But here's a brief history:
- Had to replace the coolant reservoir (honestly, just expect to replace all plastic components in the engine bay. Direct replacements will range from $50-100 on Amazon). You'll know it's time to replace it when you start miraculously losing coolant, and it will be leaks from the bottom of the reservoir just out of sight.
- Replaced the engine coolant manifold (another plastic part with a gasket, if you have a coolant leak on the right side of your engine, that will be your culprit).
- Serpentine Belt (this is common, I'd recommend at least once every 50k). I've done mine twice.
- Minor but persistent oil leak. Long story short, there's a small tube that connects your oil to your turbo called a turbocharger oil return line. It's essentially pinched down by a E10 and has two gaskets that keep oil from leaking out. With enough vibrations, those gaskets will get chewed up. Just replace the entire line, it's only $12.
- Your shifter (depending on the lot) may have cheap plastic parts that will oxidize and break. The updated shifter provided by GM/Delco now has metal parts replacing the weaker components. So if you're shifter ever falls apart (or that shifter button starts getting lose), just replace it.
- Crankshaft seal is likely getting old/deformed so the car squeaks a bit during idle (as it sucks in air). The issue goes away as soon as you pull out the dip stick.
Major Modifications:
- K&N Cold Air Intake
- Bypass Valve
- Exhaust tip.
- On-board monitor for engine coolant temp, boost, batt. voltage.
There used to be a age where I was really excited to mod this car from top to bottom, but honestly, it will never be more than a good peppy car. Don't make it sound like a hornet, embrace the fuel economy it offers, and have fun. Drive safe!
