2010 Toyota Auris 1.8L Hybrid electric · FP60 GFO

Real-world fuel economy for the 1.8 Auris Hybrid typically sits in the 50-60 mpg range, dropping into the mid-40s in heavy traffic. CO2 emissions of around 89 g/km historically placed this generation in a low VED band, but cars registered between 2001 and March 2017 now pay the standard £165 annual rate. Insurance is usually group 12-14, so expect £400-£600 per year for an experienced driver with a clean record.

Maintenance costs are the bigger concern at this mileage. Front brake discs and pads every 30-40k miles, suspension arms and bushes around the 150k mark (which this car has just hit), plus tyres every 20-30k miles form the core wear-item spend. Hybrid battery replacement, if ever needed, is the big-ticket item at £1,500-£2,500 from a specialist, though many cars never require it. Realistically, budget £1,000-£1,400 per year all-in for fuel, tax, insurance and maintenance on a vehicle of this age and mileage.

Cross-reference every advisory on the MOT record with a physical inspection. The October 2022 test flagged both front suspension arm pins/bushes as worn — on a 2010 car at 131,951 miles this is expected, but ask whether the bushes have since been replaced, as worn items accelerate tyre wear and affect handling. The same test noted distorted nearside front and offside rear road wheels, which usually means kerbing damage; check for cracks around the rim and run a finger along the inner rim edge.

The 2024 failure centred on the front brake discs and a perished nearside front tyre sidewall. Sidewall perishing at 156k miles is normal ageing, but insist on a brand-new tyre being fitted before purchase — perished sidewalls are a legal failure item and a safety risk. The front discs should be measured for thickness; if they are below manufacturer minimum or heavily lipped, factor in replacement. Also verify that the rear position lamp fault was properly repaired and that all bulbs and LED elements are currently functional.

Finally, have the hybrid system independently scanned. Look for DTCs (diagnostic trouble codes) relating to the hybrid battery, inverter, or regen braking system, and check the 12V auxiliary battery age — a dying 12V battery causes a cascade of hybrid warning lights on these cars. Cold-start the vehicle and listen for any unusual whine from the transmission area, which can indicate hybrid bearing wear.