Why Would I Choose An Auris?

[John C.]

Hi everyone. This is my first post here and I'm afraid it is going to be a bit controversial!

I am considering replacing my much loved 2001 Lexus IS200 SE. I have owned the car from new and always enjoy driving it. However, the time has come for a change. The Auris is on my short list for the replacement. Points in favour include the fact that I have had an excellent relationship with my local Lexus/Toyota dealership, Octagon at Bracknell, built up over the last 8 years. I am a pensioner so the ease of entry and the slightly higher seating position are also good news. The 2009 model, with the six-speed gearbox and a little more power, are more points in the car's favour. Also, and perhaps most importantly, my wife like it!! However, I have been 'lurking' on this forum for a few months now and have to say the many, many negative posts about the car have me concerned. There do seem to be a lot of unhappy owners here, and I don't want to join them!

So, can anyone persuade me that the Auris is the car to buy?

Many thanks in anticipation.

John C.

[Djw John]

I genuinally wouldnt reccommend it to anyone Im afraid. If you've been lurking you'll know why! Too many issues with it and certainly not the experience I was expecting from Toyota.

[cabcurtains]

It all comes down to what you want from your car, the Auris isn't at all exciting. What it is though is Safe (5* EURO NCAP), Reliable (i cant recall any breakdown stories) and it wont attract any unwanted attention ( anyone had one stolen?).

Yes some have squeaky brakes and poor MPG on the T180.

If you see a car as A to B transport that wont let you down an Auris isn't a bad choice. However i would buy a Kia Ceed or Hyundai i30 as they have a longer warranty and are cheaper to buy and own. ;)

[T Sport 1978]

Hi everyone. This is my first post here and I'm afraid it is going to be a bit controversial!

I am considering replacing my much loved 2001 Lexus IS200 SE. I have owned the car from new and always enjoy driving it. However, the time has come for a change. The Auris is on my short list for the replacement. Points in favour include the fact that I have had an excellent relationship with my local Lexus/Toyota dealership, Octagon at Bracknell, built up over the last 8 years. I am a pensioner so the ease of entry and the slightly higher seating position are also good news. The 2009 model, with the six-speed gearbox and a little more power, are more points in the car's favour. Also, and perhaps most importantly, my wife like it!! However, I have been 'lurking' on this forum for a few months now and have to say the many, many negative posts about the car have me concerned. There do seem to be a lot of unhappy owners here, and I don't want to join them!

So, can anyone persuade me that the Auris is the car to buy?

Many thanks in anticipation.

John C.

Hi John and welcome.

Although i am no salesman, I can however put in a positive case for the Auris.

Fortunately i am not one of the owners who had a negative experience, I love my T180 which was bought 2nd hand with 4000 miles on the clock back in March 2008. In my opinion (for T180 anyway) you will find it hard to search for a car with keyless entry, sunroof, alarm, 175bhp, 400nm torque, ample room front and back and flat floor at the back, reliable and comfortable for the money. Servicing is cheap and maintenance is minimal going by personal experience.

The major negative point out there is the poor economy (or optimistic quoted official figures), people just can't seem to get 45.6mpg as quoted, far off it. Personally i average 38mpg in town and 42mpg on the motorway. I can live with that.

Other gripes are the fact that there were some brakes issues which was fixed under warranty, also few people mentioned that it looks like a bland car (with resemblence to Peugeot). As many said before and i agree, it is understated and looks conventional which to me is not a bad thing. It all depends on personal taste i suppose.

Also there are those who say that the Auris performs poorly, both speed and agility are questioned. I say it is adequate for anything that you can throw at it, you are not going to buy an Auris to race on a track etc... If you do then i question your logic. It is an everyday hatchback, with enough performance to deal with ANYTHING that you can give it, even enough to embarrass supposedly better/more expensive cars.

I think at the end of the day if you can find a good specimen then you will find it pleasant to own and you should not regret the choice, but however if you are unlucky enough to find a baddie then i can only say bad luck, because i belief the Auris is a good car and worth a shout.

Good luck choosing!

[OldSkoO1]

Don't forget that forums tend to be places to post problems not say hi, my car is great, bye.

The auris has a list of issues or negative opinion like any other car

- Bland design

- Plastic interior

- Dash rattles

- Brake squeal

- Rusty wheelnut loc caps

- Poor MPG in t180

- Fuel sloshing noise at low speed

- Terrible MMT transmission

These are at shortlist of what i've seen here over the past 2 years. Not everyone has these problems and looks and interior are personal preference. Brake squeal are a fault and will be replaced under warrenty.

If you head over to the SEAT Leon forums you will find problems like, engine failure, DPF blockage, suspension problem, coil and engine management problems, engine cut outs + limp mode, misfiring, noise when changing gear, clutch problems. Seriously i'm not making this up have a look on the SEAT forums then go through the toyota ones and compare.

I would also read the What Car reader reviews and i think channel4.com/4car have some of those too and fifthgear aswell, these 3 sites have a more balanced view compared to the forums. and do consider the Kia Ceed, Hyundai i30 and Skoda Fabia because they are all good competitors that will be solid cars, reliable, cheap to run, cheap to tax, cheap to service just like the auris. Auris is also very safe and there have been a few posts of people involved in accidents with comments like the policeman said that most other cars couldn't sustain such an impact and he was amazed how well it coped in the crash. Have a look at the avensis too.

[Vale 46]

Hi there, im new to the forum aswel, ive just bought a 2008 T180 with 17000 on the clock and have no complaints about the car. Yes the fuel economy is poor compared to my old golf golf gt tdi 130 60mpg, but what car with 175bhp is ever that economical anyway? As for it being blaned, its a little bit on the boring side, but there are kits out there for it to make it a little bit different it just takes a bit of imagination. Just take a look at vw, audi, bmw from standard they are all basic looking, with extras added from new or as time passes! The handling is superb, ok it leans a bit in the corners but i think you would suprise a few quicker cars with its pace on the twisty bits. People are always going to have problems and gripes with new models who ever the manafacturer maybe. At the end of the day in my opinion dont knock this car until you've owned one, for the money you can pick one up for i think its great value compared to the rest.

[mountain_mania]

Funny Everybody started to talk about the T180, but John C. would like to buy 1.6. Or not?

John C. If I were you, I wouldn't sell that Lexus. It is so beautiful. One of the most beautiful car was made in the last 15 years.

If you are still thinking about the Auris, visit your dealership and try one. Check the quality of the dash and interior.

I love my one, the only problem I had is the brake squealing. It has been solved. For me Auris was a great choice

[Johan007]

I agree the 2001 Lexus IS200 SE is stunning car... the Auris 1.6 would be a step backwards?

[cabcurtains]

I agree the 2001 Lexus IS200 SE is stunning car... the Auris 1.6 would be a step backwards?

Not if you getting in and out is becoming a chore. ;)

[Norfolk n Chance]

Funny Everybody started to talk about the T180, but John C. would like to buy 1.6. Or not?

Where does he say he's thinking about a 1.6???

[boozehound]

you came along, just like a song and brightened my dayy, who'd had believed that u were part of a dream now it all seems light years away....all together now!

[mountain_mania]

Funny Everybody started to talk about the T180, but John C. would like to buy 1.6. Or not?

Where does he say he's thinking about a 1.6???

"The 2009 model, with the six-speed gearbox and a little more power ( maybe than Auris 2007????), are more points in the car's favour".

Maybe

[ABZ-T2]

DO NOT BUY ONE!! Simple as. I wish someone had told me b4 my purchase.

Seriously id definetely recommend the corrola but the auris - not in a million years!!

Cheap interior plastics - scratch so easily - esp. seatbelt panel, door trim

Rattles, rattles rattles - all over the car - come back once repaired

Fuel sounds - full tank - you can hear the fuel

Steering wheel recall on some models

Brake squeaks

Windscreen washer problem on motorways

Gear changing not very smooth - car tendds to j erk

Anywaz thts just my opinion! :)

[Norfolk n Chance]

Funny Everybody started to talk about the T180, but John C. would like to buy 1.6. Or not?

Where does he say he's thinking about a 1.6???

"The 2009 model, with the six-speed gearbox and a little more power ( maybe than Auris 2007????), are more points in the car's favour".

Maybe

So how do you know it isn't the new 1.33 101BHP Optimal Drive Auris?

That has a 6 Speed box and is really nice to drive... my brother loves his

[John C.]

My goodness! So many replies. Thank you everyone for taking the time to pass on your views.

Yes, the Lexus is a lovely car, and I still enjoy driving it. However, I have had it for 8 years. I fancy a change and I would really like something a bit smaller. Just to clear one thing up: I was considering the 1.6 TR. I do not want a diesel and I do want manual transmission. I am not too bothered about looks, which are a personal thing anyway. I do want reliability. I would like it to be 'nice' to drive. It doesn't have to be particularly quick with ace handling but should be satisfying to drive. Reasonably quiet would be good as well.

I will go through all the replies carefully and will arrange a test drive.

Thanks again for all your input to the debate.

[mountain_mania]

1.6 !!! I felt

The Auris with that engine is very very quiet!

[smyffalis]

Gear changing not very smooth - car tendds to j erk

Anywaz thts just my opinion! :)

its called clutch control for a reason.

personally, i want to get an sr180 as my next car in a few years time of equal model at that time. none of the poor reviews put me off because its like anything. people just pick out these tiny tiny faults and home in on them and it clouds their judgement.

i drive a 1.0 yaris, but i dont moan about it being slow because of the engine size etc. i could be driving a far worse car for my first car.

test drive the car and see how it feels for you defos.

[dwilson]

My goodness! So many replies. Thank you everyone for taking the time to pass on your views.

Yes, the Lexus is a lovely car, and I still enjoy driving it. However, I have had it for 8 years. I fancy a change and I would really like something a bit smaller. Just to clear one thing up: I was considering the 1.6 TR. I do not want a diesel and I do want manual transmission. I am not too bothered about looks, which are a personal thing anyway. I do want reliability. I would like it to be 'nice' to drive. It doesn't have to be particularly quick with ace handling but should be satisfying to drive. Reasonably quiet would be good as well.

I will go through all the replies carefully and will arrange a test drive.

Thanks again for all your input to the debate.

I have a 2007 57 1.6 TR manual. It is quiet at low revs but above say 3000rpm it becomes quiet loud which is a problem at motorway speeds in 5th gear....but the new version with a 6 speed gearbox may be better. If you don't want a manual transmission though I strongly suggest you test drive the multimode gearbox as many people do not like it. Toyota probably use it for low emissions maximum mpg compared with a normal automatic but even the sales people at the dealer have not encouraged me to go for one. Not sure what new car would suit you if you want a conventional automatic in a smaller car to replace your Lexus....

[Rick D4D]

Hi everyone. This is my first post here and I'm afraid it is going to be a bit controversial!

I am considering replacing my much loved 2001 Lexus IS200 SE. I have owned the car from new and always enjoy driving it. However, the time has come for a change. The Auris is on my short list for the replacement. Points in favour include the fact that I have had an excellent relationship with my local Lexus/Toyota dealership, Octagon at Bracknell, built up over the last 8 years. I am a pensioner so the ease of entry and the slightly higher seating position are also good news. The 2009 model, with the six-speed gearbox and a little more power, are more points in the car's favour. Also, and perhaps most importantly, my wife like it!! However, I have been 'lurking' on this forum for a few months now and have to say the many, many negative posts about the car have me concerned. There do seem to be a lot of unhappy owners here, and I don't want to join them!

So, can anyone persuade me that the Auris is the car to buy?

Many thanks in anticipation.

John C.

Hi John and welcome.

Although i am no salesman, I can however put in a positive case for the Auris.

Fortunately i am not one of the owners who had a negative experience, I love my T180 which was bought 2nd hand with 4000 miles on the clock back in March 2008. In my opinion (for T180 anyway) you will find it hard to search for a car with keyless entry, sunroof, alarm, 175bhp, 400nm torque, ample room front and back and flat floor at the back, reliable and comfortable for the money. Servicing is cheap and maintenance is minimal going by personal experience.

The major negative point out there is the poor economy (or optimistic quoted official figures), people just can't seem to get 45.6mpg as quoted, far off it. Personally i average 38mpg in town and 42mpg on the motorway. I can live with that.

Other gripes are the fact that there were some brakes issues which was fixed under warranty, also few people mentioned that it looks like a bland car (with resemblence to Peugeot). As many said before and i agree, it is understated and looks conventional which to me is not a bad thing. It all depends on personal taste i suppose.

Also there are those who say that the Auris performs poorly, both speed and agility are questioned. I say it is adequate for anything that you can throw at it, you are not going to buy an Auris to race on a track etc... If you do then i question your logic. It is an everyday hatchback, with enough performance to deal with ANYTHING that you can give it, even enough to embarrass supposedly better/more expensive cars.

I think at the end of the day if you can find a good specimen then you will find it pleasant to own and you should not regret the choice, but however if you are unlucky enough to find a baddie then i can only say bad luck, because i belief the Auris is a good car and worth a shout.

Good luck choosing!

I agree with this and have no complaints apart from was expecting about 6-7mpg more

[ABZ-T2]

Dear smyffalis

(its called clutch control for a reason.) ??!!!

Thank u for stating such an obvious point. U dnt even hav an auris so dnt see how u can contribute??!! And if ur not "put off" as u put it by our comments then plz dnt read them. There nt 4 u! Actually i insistu buy 1!!

Anywaz 4 the sake of John, i meant in comparison to other cars ive driven gear changing is not smooth, doesnt feel natural and car j erks. Not the normal j erk due to POOR CLUTCH CONTROL!

[smyffalis]

Dear smyffalis

(its called clutch control for a reason.) ??!!!

Thank u for stating such an obvious point. U dnt even hav an auris so dnt see how u can contribute??!! And if ur not "put off" as u put it by our comments then plz dnt read them. There nt 4 u! Actually i insistu buy 1!!

Anywaz 4 the sake of John, i meant in comparison to other cars ive driven gear changing is not smooth, doesnt feel natural and car j erks. Not the normal j erk due to POOR CLUTCH CONTROL!

no big lad but i have driven a mates for a good lot of miles. just spend that extra split second lifting your foot from the clutch. its more than likely its poor driving like your poor review of the car

[ABZ-T2]

no big lad but i have driven a mates for a good lot of miles. just spend that extra split second lifting your foot from the clutch. its more than likely its poor driving like your poor review of the car

Sori I dont take advice from new drivers! I suggest u go bk 2 ur books and read up on CLUTCH CONTROL. .

[boozehound]

thems be fighting words

[smyffalis]

no big lad but i have driven a mates for a good lot of miles. just spend that extra split second lifting your foot from the clutch. its more than likely its poor driving like your poor review of the car

Sori I dont take advice from new drivers! I suggest u go bk 2 ur books and read up on CLUTCH CONTROL. .

haha. well ive driven a lot more than anyone thinks its part of my job ;)

dunno how long youve been driving, and you still cant seem to get the basics correct. ive never ever been in an auris which jutters. then again, the driver has control

[ABZ-T2]

no big lad but i have driven a mates for a good lot of miles. just spend that extra split second lifting your foot from the clutch. its more than likely its poor driving like your poor review of the car

Sori I dont take advice from new drivers! I suggest u go bk 2 ur books and read up on CLUTCH CONTROL. .

haha. well ive driven a lot more than anyone thinks its part of my job ;)

dunno how long youve been driving, and you still cant seem to get the basics correct. ive never ever been in an auris which jutters. then again, the driver has control

U knw wot i dnt argue with ppl like u eitha. Ur literally showin ur age. This aint a playground and u aint in school! So keep ur comments 2 urself matey coz i dnt wana hear em and i dnt fink any1 else does eitha.!!