Toyota Auris (2007 - 2013) 1.6 VVTi TR 5d (2008/08) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

That I am mature and boring for a mid 20 something.

What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

That it is sensible and practical but not very exciting and probably not great for my 'image'.

Would you buy this car again and why?

Unfortunately not. The negatives outweigh the positives.

What are you likely to buy next?

Something sporty like I had originally planned to before I had troubles with my previous car. Most likely a BMW Z4, Mazda MX5, or Honda S2000.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Independent

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£5,000

When did you buy the car?

July 2014

Did you get a good deal and why?

I think so, one year warranty and some new tyres, years MOT. Car was a pretty good price for it's mileage and age.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

I had gone through a bad batch of problems with my previous car and wanted a reliable hatchback with a slightly bigger engine than my previous Ford Fiesta. This car also came with 1 year warranty which was a big swinging factor for me.

What was the dealer like?

Very friendly and not pushy at all. Made the majority of improvements we asked for (tyres, etc).

What's it like to drive?

Overall the car is pretty solid but is let down by some things which can be considered more than an annoyance. Side winds absolutely throw this car. Compared to other cars I have driven this car reacts to side winds the worst. Wind noise is also very distracting when on the motorway. It's not always there but this only adds to the distraction when it does begin. The car is also incredibly desperate for a 6th gear (which was addressed with the new ones I believe). It can be pretty loud at 70-80 on the motorway. However the car is pretty solid on the motorway without wind. Can pull better than you would expect.

What's it like to park?

Easier than I imagined. The car is wider than most things I have driven in the past, even some saloons and estates, or at least it feels that way. But even so it's not bad to park.

Have you had any problems with the car?

The radio/CD buttons on the steering wheel often don't work. I think there may be a loose connection. Clutch feels as though it is beginning to slip.

What's most practical about your car?

Quite a bit of room on the back seats. Plus there is no raise in the footwell of the back rear seat as is common with other cars giving people in the back more leg room.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

Nothing stands out.