Always wanted to like the late 00's early 10's model Civic. At least it was different to look at from the normal euro boxes. But then we tried a couple. Dreadful ride and dreadfully noisy.

Tried an Auris and as expected bland, but we did prefer it to the Civic.

At the time we bought a Focus. At least its good to drive and a nice place to be in even if its dull looking. Reliable as well and plenty about so finding a gem should be possible.

Wouldn't touch MMT with a barge pole, if Toyota can't make an automated manual work no one can, cost to fix can write car off.

Avensis if you don't mind going bigger a 2010 will have the CVT box, a lovely car to drive, the only downside is the electric parking brake which will cost a lot of money IF it goes wrong.

Civics are mostly reliable and efficient, but as we are finding out in the family as mileage rises suspension wear can be an issue, and make sure the aircon is working properly because it's not particularly reliable and seriously expensive to fix.

Both cars require decent brake servicing or calipers will suffer and seize up, Toyotas own servicing requirement includes (or did when i used them) proper brake servicing at every major service, typically every other service so every other year.

Honda service regime does not include full brake strip clean lube, so Honda calipers tend to suffer quicker if the owners haven't twigged and got the brakes serviced properly in addition to normal servicing.

Don't know the first thing about Honda automatics, doubt you'd get an Auris hybrid in budget unless its been to the moon and back, still worth considering if its been serviced properly including the hybrid checks.

MMT is the spawn of the devil...

Run away.. Forums full of issues..

Unfortunately small rear windows is a feature of most modern cars - less glass, stiffer bodyshells = safer in an accident and better handling generally.

A 2015 Auris will be a 2nd generation one. The seating position in the 1st gen was higher. Toyota lowered it for gen 2 presumably to make it more sporty. Pity as it put off a lot of older people.

I have a first generation hybrid Auris and have no problems with dashboard reflections.

My wife has the Lexus equivalent, a CT200h & that is lower & does have the reflection issue. It's better built than the Auris and goes round corners better too but the ride is compromised.