The Toyota Auris, later rebranded as the Corolla in many markets, is renowned for its reliability and practicality. Deciding which model year to purchase can be tricky, as improvements and potential issues vary across generations. This guide will navigate you through the best and worst years of the Toyota Auris, providing essential information to help you make an informed buying decision.
Toyota Auris Model Year Overview: Reliability, Features, and Potential Issues
| Model Year/Generation | Key Strengths & Improvements | Potential Issues & Concerns |
|---|---|---|
| First Generation (2006-2012) | Solid build quality, comfortable ride, fuel-efficient engines, spacious interior. | Early models (2006-2008) prone to higher oil consumption, some reports of clutch issues in manual versions, rear suspension noise. |
| Second Generation (2012-2018) | Improved fuel economy (especially hybrid models), more modern interior design, enhanced safety features, better handling. | Some reports of infotainment system glitches, potential for hybrid battery degradation in older models, early 1.33L petrol engines may feel underpowered. |
| Third Generation (2018-2019) (Rebranded Corolla in many markets) | Sleek design, advanced safety technology (Toyota Safety Sense), improved driving dynamics, excellent fuel economy with hybrid options. | Limited rear headroom due to sloping roofline, some reports of noisy CVT transmission, potential for software glitches in infotainment system. |
| 2007-2010 | Generally reliable, fewer reported issues compared to the earliest models. | Oil consumption issues still present, but less prevalent. Check for maintenance records. |
| 2011-2012 | Minor updates and improvements, generally considered a reliable choice. | Fewer issues reported, but still important to conduct a thorough inspection. |
| 2013-2015 | Significant improvements in fuel economy, updated interior. | Infotainment system can be slow and unresponsive. |
| 2016-2018 | Further refinement, improved safety features. | No major widespread issues reported. |
| Auris Hybrid (All Years) | Excellent fuel economy, reliable hybrid system. | Potential for hybrid battery degradation in older models. Maintenance history is crucial. |
| Auris Diesel (All Years) | Good fuel economy, strong torque. | Potential for diesel particulate filter (DPF) issues, especially with predominantly short journeys. More complex engine requiring more maintenance. |
Detailed Explanations
First Generation (2006-2012): The first generation Auris established its reputation for reliability and practicality. Its comfortable ride and spacious interior made it a popular choice. However, early models (2006-2008) are known for higher oil consumption, so inspect these carefully. Some manual versions experienced clutch issues, so test the clutch thoroughly during a test drive. Rear suspension noise was also a reported issue.
Second Generation (2012-2018): This generation brought significant improvements, including better fuel economy, a more modern interior, and enhanced safety features. The hybrid models were particularly noteworthy for their efficiency. However, be aware of potential infotainment system glitches and the possibility of hybrid battery degradation in older models. The early 1.33L petrol engines could feel underpowered, especially when fully loaded.
Third Generation (2018-2019) (Rebranded Corolla in many markets): The third generation, often rebranded as the Corolla depending on the market, boasted a sleek design and advanced safety technology (Toyota Safety Sense). Driving dynamics were improved, and the hybrid options offered excellent fuel economy. The sloping roofline reduced rear headroom, which may be a concern for some. Some owners reported noisy CVT transmissions, and there's a potential for software glitches in the infotainment system.
2007-2010: These model years are generally considered more reliable than the earliest models. While oil consumption issues were still present, they were less prevalent. It's crucial to check for maintenance records to ensure proper upkeep.
2011-2012: These years saw minor updates and improvements, making them a generally reliable choice. Fewer issues were reported compared to earlier models, but a thorough inspection is still necessary.
2013-2015: This period brought significant improvements in fuel economy and an updated interior. However, the infotainment system could be slow and unresponsive, which might be a drawback for some users.
2016-2018: These model years offered further refinement and improved safety features. Notably, no major widespread issues were reported, making them a relatively safe bet.
Auris Hybrid (All Years): The Auris Hybrid models consistently delivered excellent fuel economy and featured a reliable hybrid system. The main concern is the potential for hybrid battery degradation in older models. Therefore, meticulously reviewing the maintenance history is crucial.
Auris Diesel (All Years): The diesel Auris models provided good fuel economy and strong torque, but they are prone to diesel particulate filter (DPF) issues, especially if used predominantly for short journeys. Diesel engines, being more complex, typically require more maintenance than their petrol counterparts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Toyota Auris year is the most reliable? Generally, the 2016-2018 models are considered the most reliable, with fewer reported issues. However, proper maintenance is crucial for any model year.
Are the Auris hybrid models reliable? Yes, the Auris hybrid models are generally reliable and offer excellent fuel economy. Pay close attention to the hybrid battery's condition and maintenance history, especially for older models.
What are the common problems with the first-generation Auris? Common problems include higher oil consumption (especially in early models), potential clutch issues in manual versions, and rear suspension noise. Thorough inspection is recommended.
Is the Auris a good car for city driving? Yes, the Auris is a good car for city driving due to its compact size, good fuel economy (especially the hybrid versions), and easy maneuverability.
Are Auris diesel models prone to DPF problems? Yes, Auris diesel models can be prone to DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter) problems, especially if used mainly for short journeys. Regular longer drives can help prevent DPF issues.
How long do Toyota Auris engines usually last? With proper maintenance, a Toyota Auris engine can easily last for 200,000 miles or more. Regular servicing and timely repairs are essential for longevity.
What should I look for when buying a used Toyota Auris? Check for a complete service history, inspect for signs of oil leaks, test all electronics, and listen for any unusual noises during a test drive. For hybrid models, check the hybrid battery's health.
Is the Auris expensive to maintain? No, the Toyota Auris is generally considered inexpensive to maintain. Parts are readily available and relatively affordable, contributing to lower overall running costs.
Are there any specific recalls I should be aware of for the Auris? Always check the official Toyota website or a trusted source for any active recalls related to the specific model year you're considering. Recalls can address safety or performance issues.
Should I buy a petrol or diesel Auris? If you primarily drive short distances in the city, a petrol or hybrid model is likely a better choice. If you frequently drive longer distances, a diesel model might be more suitable, but be mindful of potential DPF issues.
Conclusion
Choosing the best year for a Toyota Auris depends on your individual needs and priorities. While models from 2016-2018 are generally considered the most reliable, earlier models can still be a good value if properly maintained. Always conduct a thorough inspection and review the service history before making a purchase to ensure you get a dependable and enjoyable vehicle.