Used Toyota cars buying guide
If you want a car that’s easy to live with and feels like it’s built to last, a Toyota could be just the thing. It’s a brand to consider, whatever type of car suits you best because the Toyota range is very broad – you can choose from small city cars to big SUVs.
Toyota is well-known for its hybrid cars in which a petrol engine and an electric motor combine to give you very good fuel economy and low carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. Some Toyota cars are still available with regular petrol or diesel power if you prefer.
Which used Toyota cars are for sale?
There’s a wide range of used Toyotas available including hatchbacks, saloons, estates, SUVs and coupes, all in different sizes. Toyota hatchbacks include the compact Aygo and mid-size Auris and Corolla.
The range of Toyota SUVs stretches from the Yaris Cross to the mid-size C-HR and RAV4 and all the way up to the very large Land Cruiser.
You’re spoilt for choice for hybrid cars within the Toyota range. As well as a number of full hybrids – which Toyota call ‘self-charging hybrids’ – there are also plug-in hybrid versions of the Prius and the RAV4. A single pure-electric model is available – the bZ4X.
Are there any hybrid or electric Toyota models?
Toyota was the first brand to popularise hybrid cars with its big-selling Prius. It offers more hybrid models than many car brands, with full hybrid (which Toyota calls ‘self-charging hybrid’) versions of the Auris, Yaris, Yaris Cross, Corolla, C-HR, Camry and RAV4 available alongside the Prius. Plug-in hybrid versions of the Prius and RAV4 are also available.
Toyota’s only current pure-electric model is the bZ4X, although it plans to introduce a number of electric cars over the next few years.
What are the most popular Toyota models?
Toyota Yaris
A small hatchback, and one of few available with low-emission hybrid power that gives you great fuel economy. It’s great value, too, because all models come with lots of features as standard.
Toyota C-HR
A distinctive small SUV that’s fun to drive and very fuel-efficient thanks to its hybrid power. Its striking looks are a big selling point and it’s practical enough for family duties, too.
Toyota Aygo
This city car is a favourite of first-time car owners because of its low insurance group ratings. You get excellent fuel economy, so your overall running costs should be low.
Toyota RAV4
It has a huge amount of space inside, but this family-friendly SUV is compact enough for easy about-town driving and parking. The latest version, sold new since 2020, is available only as a hybrid.
Toyota Corolla
Available as a hatchback, estate or saloon, this mid-size family car has fuel-efficient hybrid power as standard. It feels great to drive and comes well-equipped across a wide range of trim options.
Which Toyota models are SUVs?
The main Toyota SUV models are the Yaris Cross, C-HR, RAV4 and Land Cruiser.
The Yaris Cross is a small SUV based on the Yaris hatchback that’s a rival for cars such as the Volkswagen T-Roc and Skoda Kamiq. The Toyota C-HR is a bit larger than the Yaris Cross but it’s still fairly compact – you might consider it alongside a wide range of cars, including the Ford Puma, Mini Countryman, Nissan Juke and Renault Captur.
The RAV4 is a mid-size SUV that has a roomy interior and is a great option for families. If you want something even larger and that has off-road ability to match a Land Rover, the large Toyota Land Cruiser could be the car for you.
