As they are different versions, a facelift 1st gen vs a 2nd gen, you'd be best having a test drive and a good poke about both cars to see which you prefer.

Logic suggests going for the later car, but as they are both petrol engined Toyota's (i.e, extremely reliable) and both have full history, I would just go with your gut feeling after checking both out.

72 dudes says the later car is bigger, which it is, but only in length and only by 3cm. Width is exactly the same, but the earlier car is actually 5.5cm taller which would make it more appealing to me than the 2nd gen car.

Mechanically they appear to use exactly the same engine and, presumably, gearbox, so not sure if there would be any benefit to the newer car unless you prefer its looks.

The second generation Auris went on sale in the UK in December 2012, so the OP is correct in saying both cars they are considering are this version, rather than the first generation.

The Auris underwent a facelift in 2015, where the 1.6 was replaced by the 1.2T - so both cars would be pre-facelift.

Edited by Auristocrat on 23/12/2020 at 23:46

I think you are right SLO, an extra £500 or so might get me something in between and thus be ideal. I also agree about lower mileage being better. As for when it comes to sell.....that won't matter, it'll be so old that it will only be worth £100! I'm going to wait until start January as not much action can happen presently.

Must admit I consider a 10 year old car with 90k relatively new compared to most stuff I've driven round Europe in! :)

Edited by pd on 24/12/2020 at 09:22