Used Toyota Auris for sale near Southend-On-Sea

CarGurus expert rating: 3 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.0 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 28.6%
Overall CarGurus rating:* 4.0 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 300
Average Price: Around £9,200

Toyota Auris (2007-2012) Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
A sensible, reliable buy	Dull driving experience
Economical 1.4-litre diesel	Lots of hard and scratchy plastics in the cabin
The hybrid works well around town	Anonymous looks, especially before the 2010 facelift

Quick Summary

The Toyota Auris (2007-2012) is a practical family hatchback designed to replace the legendary Corolla. Available with a range of petrol, diesel, and hybrid engines, it prioritises sensible, reliable transport over driving excitement. The car offers reasonable interior space with impressively spacious rear seats and a 354-litre boot, though the cabin features hard plastics and limited storage. A 2010 facelift brought styling tweaks and suspension improvements, with the range eventually streamlined to T2, TR, and SR trims, plus hybrid T4 and T Spirit variants.

The Auris delivers what it promises: straightforward family car transport at a very reasonable price. The 1.6-litre petrol is the most common engine, whilst the 1.4-litre diesel offers excellent economy at around 56.4mpg. The hybrid performs well in town driving with official figures of up to 74mpg. However, the high centre of gravity makes it prone to body roll, and crosswinds can affect stability. Build quality is solid, but the driving experience lacks engagement compared to rivals like the Ford Focus or Volkswagen Golf. For those prioritising reliability and value over driving pleasure, it's a sensible choice.

Best for: Budget-conscious buyers seeking reliable, practical family transport, those wanting economical diesel engines, and drivers interested in hybrid technology at an affordable price.

Not ideal for: Enthusiasts seeking engaging driving dynamics, buyers wanting premium cabin materials, or those who value distinctive styling and emotional appeal.


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

You should buy the Auris if: You're seeking reliable, practical family transport on a budget, want an economical diesel engine, or are interested in hybrid technology at an affordable price.

Consider alternatives if: You prioritise engaging driving dynamics, premium cabin materials, or distinctive styling and emotional appeal.

Competitive Position: The Toyota Auris (2007-2012) is a competent but uninspiring choice in the family hatchback segment. Whilst it delivers solid reliability and practicality at an excellent price, it lacks the driving engagement of the Ford Focus, the premium appeal of the Volkswagen Golf, or the overall refinement of the Vauxhall Astra. The Auris excels as a sensible, no-nonsense purchase for budget-conscious buyers prioritising dependability over driving pleasure. Its economical diesel and hybrid options provide additional appeal for those focused on running costs. However, buyers seeking a more rewarding driving experience or premium feel will find better value in competing models.

Read our full Toyota Auris Review

*The Overall CarGurus rating: that informs these recommendations is based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from March 2026, CarGurus expert reviews, and CarGurus user reviews.