Reliable used petrol automatic Toyota?

[benz0]

Hi folks,

I'm looking for a car for the family. Am a fan of Toyota build quality and reliability and would like something solid, but it needs to be a petrol automatic. Also needs a very comfy /adjustable drivers seat as I have arthritis in my back.

I know very little about Toyota automatics and what to look out for. Thinking possibly of:

Second or third gen avensis (probably estate)
Verso
Lexus CT200h

I'm in NL where used prices are much higher than UK, for example:

A 2006 gen 2 Avensis Estate 2.0 auto with about 90k is worth about €6,000.

A 2010 gen 3 Avensis Estate 2.0 auto with 84k is €11,000.

A first gen CT200h with low miles would be about €14000. I suspect they may be a bit too small for us though.

Mileage won't be too high. Just for popping around town on errands, weekend excursions to see family who live 200km away, occasional holidays to France and UK etc.

Thoughts appreciated. Buying used cars over here is not a fun process!

Edited by benz0 on Sunday 29th May 10:53

[carte blanche]

I think this will largely come down to personal preference in terms of which you'd prefer to drive. Reliability across all the models you mention is very good. A 2006 Avensis will have an old-school 4-speed torque converter auto, while the 2010 will have a CVT. Neither is going to be an exciting drive but they'll do the job. The newer model will have significantly better fuel economy.

Depending on year the Verso either uses CVT or something called MMT. The latter should be avoided. This was Toyota's automated manual transmission and not a particularly smooth drive. Also (as it's essentially a manual gearbox) the clutch will need replacing eventually, which won't be cheap. You won't have this issue with a CVT or torque converter.

My Honda CVT requires a fluid change every 2 years / 25k miles, worth asking a Toyota dealer if there's a similar interval for their CVTs and check it's been done.

The hybrids are well regarded and a smooth drive but will be significantly more expensive on the used market. If the CT is too small and you are willing to consider a Prius then you should find the latter more spacious.

[benz0]

Thanks for your input! I have zero interest in an old school auto box so will go for something newer.

Have concluded the ct200h is too small.

I think the auris touring hybrid is probably the right fit for what we want. They're ubiquitous over here as well so lots to choose from. The hybrid/prius drivetrain seems pretty bomb proof too.

Only downside I see is that almost noone specs them with full leather interior. Oh well!