Auris Hybrid - buy lower mileage 2012 or higher mile 2013+?

[Spagboll]

Hi guys, 

I'm looking to buy a Auris Hybrid 2012 or 2013, but facing the dilemma whether to go for a lower mileage 2012 or higher mileage facelift 2013 onward? 

I believe between 2012 & 2013 there weren't any major changes to the drivetrain setup and overall features, unless I'm wrong? 

In terms of a higher mileage examples, I'll ask the seller if I can test the Battery capacity/health via an ODB reader and app - there's an iOS/Android app called "Dr. Prius" which seems to do this. 

My budget is around £6-8k, but I can go a little higher for the right example. This will be replacing a Lexus IS250, so I will be saving from the get go. 

Given the above, what are your thoughts?

Cheers 🙂

[FROSTYBALLS]

As the second generation Auris didn't go on sale until December 2012, most of the 2012 models on sale used will be the first generation.

First generation:

Second generation:

[TonyHSD]

Hi,

Either of these can be better then the other if the car itself is in better condition overall. No two used cars are the same. Low mileage does not necessary means better car and high miles does not necessary means bad car. Perhaps check and test drive both and see which one you like more. In terms of engine , Battery , hybrid system they are the same. 👍

[Saxmaniac]

And an immaculate service history will trump one with less miles but dodgy services 

[Spagboll]

Thanks all.

I’ll definitely try to look for ones with full service history ideally - I’m happy to buy one with over 100k miles but that history will have to be good. I’m hoping to find a history with things like transmission service/oil change, regular engine oil changes, spark plugs etc. If not, I will definitely be negotiating price.

 

[TonyHSD]

I have one, a good example. Price is currently unknown as when I try to do part ex valuation Toyota website recommends  me to give them a call since the car been more specific,…hm🫢
If you interested, but you probably won’t be after you hear the story, but it does have a full history though, well beyond the service book pages.
So here it is the important stuff:  
Pearl white colour, top spec trim fully loaded with extras, anything you like , it’s more of a Lexus than a Toyota.  
Now not so important stuff: - a 13 years old pearl white colour, 7 previous owners, only covered a mere of 249000 miles, of which 207k by its last owner, the previous ones most likely didn’t realise how good this car is 😂.
With few exceptions like brakes and wheel bearings  anything else is still original, including both batteries. Due to a service soon, but I will sort that out as I always have. 👍 The paintwork it’s a bit dodgy here and there , but I did covered in city camo vinyl, so it doesn’t look like an abandoned ship 🚢. 
. 
Sorry not for sale. Just kidding 😊

 

[Spagboll]

@TonyHSD hahahahaha, do calm down there. Have you been on the red wine this evening? 😂

[TonyHSD]

15 hours ago, Spagboll said:

@TonyHSD hahahahaha, do calm down there. Have you been on the red wine this evening? 😂

Haha, no alcohol. The strongest thing I drink is Coca-Cola 👍

Good luck with the cars and let us know how it goes. 
 

[AisinW]

@Spagboll You should try both and decide which one you like the most. The 2013 has a bit update in head gasket. Either needs to be checked if the ECU programs had been updated for the EGR. You can see it on MyT app. 

The Auris2 has a better rear independent suspension, more planted to the ground in twisty roads yet still softer than auris 1. If the suspension are not wear out. Always pay a mechanics to check the underbody for any struts leak, rubber bushing tears, and rust. Trailing arms bushing in Auris 2 is easier to replace than Auris 1 because it is bolted, not pressed in. Check the front control arm rear bushings. That parts is usually got beaten up first. 

But Auris 1 has better headlights brightness. 

Just make sure you change the oil religiously with high quality oil. API SP,ACEA C5, Longlife IV or similar if you do 10k miles interval but I suggest 7k miles instead. 

Ask the previous owner, how much oil consumption it already have. 

[Spagboll]

52 minutes ago, AisinW said:

@Spagboll You should try both and decide which one you like the most. The 2013 has a bit update in head gasket. Either needs to be checked if the ECU programs had been updated for the EGR. You can see it on MyT app. 

The Auris2 has a better rear independent suspension, more planted to the ground in twisty roads yet still softer than auris 1. If the suspension are not wear out. Always pay a mechanics to check the underbody for any struts leak, rubber bushing tears, and rust. Trailing arms bushing in Auris 2 is easier to replace than Auris 1 because it is bolted, not pressed in. Check the front control arm rear bushings. That parts is usually got beaten up first. 

But Auris 1 has better headlights brightness. 

Just make sure you change the oil religiously with high quality oil. API SP,ACEA C5, Longlife IV or similar if you do 10k miles interval but I suggest 7k miles instead. 

Ask the previous owner, how much oil consumption it already have. 

Thanks, this is really insightful! Always hard to research the subtle changes haha