Used Toyota Auris for sale nearWatford

CarGurus expert rating: 3 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.6 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 33.6%
Overall CarGurus rating:* 4.1 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 300
Average Price: Around £8,000

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, sensible family hatchback designed to replace the legendary Corolla. This first-generation model offers reasonable interior space with impressively spacious rear seats and a 354-litre boot, making it suitable for four adults in comfort or five on shorter journeys. Available with a range of petrol and diesel engines, plus a petrol-electric hybrid, the Auris prioritises reliability and functionality over driving excitement. Build quality is solid throughout, though the cabin features hard plastics and limited storage solutions.

The driving experience is uninspiring, with a high centre of gravity and soft suspension creating a somewhat roly-poly feel through corners, though this does provide reasonable ride quality. Engine options include a 1.6-litre petrol (most common), a 1.3-litre with stop/start technology, and economical diesel variants ranging from 1.4 to 2.2 litres. The 2010 facelift brought styling tweaks and handling improvements. Running costs are reasonable, with the 1.4-litre diesel achieving around 56.4mpg and the hybrid returning up to 74mpg officially. As a used car, it represents excellent value for budget-conscious buyers seeking straightforward, dependable transport.

Best for: Budget-conscious buyers seeking reliable, practical family transport; those prioritising sensible value over driving engagement; and owners wanting economical diesel or hybrid options.

Not ideal for: Drivers seeking engaging handling, premium cabin materials, or distinctive styling; those wanting an inspiring driving experience; or buyers requiring abundant storage solutions.


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

You should buy the Auris if: You're seeking a sensible, reliable family hatchback at excellent value; you prioritise practicality and dependability over driving engagement; or you want economical diesel or hybrid options.

Consider alternatives if: You value engaging handling, premium cabin materials, distinctive styling, or an inspiring driving experience; or you require abundant interior storage.

Competitive Position: The Toyota Auris (2007-2012) is a solid, dependable choice in the used family hatchback market, offering excellent value and practicality. However, it trails rivals in overall appeal. The Volkswagen Golf Mk6 offers superior premium feel and user satisfaction, whilst the Ford Focus Mk2 delivers more engaging handling and a higher overall rating. The Vauxhall Astra Mk6 provides better value for money. The Auris excels as a no-nonsense, reliable purchase for budget-conscious buyers, but those seeking more dynamic driving or premium quality may find greater satisfaction elsewhere.

Read our full Toyota Auris Review

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