2012 Auris 1.6 valvematic TR

Excellent car if you’re realistic, sufficient power, great mpg, practical small family car

I needed something to replace my thirsty old 2005 / 17 year old 3.0 Subaru Legacy in these cash strapped times of 2022. Spent 6+ months doing research and honed in on a 2012 Toyota Auris, due to steering and handling revisions in 2010, and the 1.6 valvematic (manual) petrol (cam chain) as the best of the 1.33 petrol and 1.4 diesel trio of engine options. Spotted a decent one at a great price after much research, in Glasgow, 322 miles north of my south midlands home. Car and history checked out and I bought it in April 22. It performed well on initial 250 motorway miles and better than expected on the twisty A roads home. I arrived comfortable with just one pit stop. I’ve owned the car a month and so far travelled a totally problem free 1000 miles, averaging a very decent 47.9mpg average so far, and climbing slowly. Seats are comfortable, you sit a bit high for a hatch, which I like, engine is peppy enough, and it pulls well even in 6th, except for hills when a change down is required. There’s a bit of road and wind noise. Electric steering was an adjustment from hydraulic, but I’ve got used to it, light in town but firming up at speed. £220 tax is ok. Parker’s rate this car (up to 2012/13) as 4 out of 5 and I can see why. It’s no focus but it doesn’t claim to be. It is though legendary Japanese engineering and reliability. It should see me through many more years at a very respectable average mpg. A definite recommendation in these tough 2022 times of rising fuel prices. HJ helped me chose it too.

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