Used Toyota Corolla for sale

What types of used Toyota Corolla cars are there?

For the most part, the Toyota Corolla is a family hatchback similar in size to a Ford Focus, and most models are sold with a hybrid setup, however some older cars had petrol options, too. A limited number of used saloon variants are available, and there’s also an estate version which is sold separately as the Toyota Corolla Touring Sports.

Popular Toyota Corolla trims

Because the Corolla is a pretty new model to the UK, replacing the Auris, it uses Toyota’s latest trim level names. They’re all well-appointed, and even the entry-level car comes with a few nice extras, but high-spec models can be surprisingly affordable.

> Toyota Corolla Icon - entry-level Icon car with automatic LED headlights, dual-zone climate control and reversing camera

> Toyota Corolla Design - mid-spec Design car with worthwhile upgrades, such as parking sensors and automatic wipers

> Toyota Corolla Excel - top-spec Excel model with keyless entry, part-leather upholstery and upgraded LED headlights

Toyota Corolla history

Toyota has been using the Corolla name since the 1960s, but in the UK, it became the Auris in 2006. For the twelfth-generation Corolla in 2019, Toyota reverted to the Corolla name in the UK.

> Twelfth-generation Toyota Corolla (2019) - smart upgrade over the previous Auris with more in-car tech and new, more powerful hybrid option

> Toyota Corolla trim level additions (2019) - sporty GR Sport and rugged-looking TREK models get added to the range

> Toyota Corolla facelift (2022) - minor styling revisions but much-improved infotainment system with a faster processor and standard smartphone mirroring

> Toyota Corolla facelift (2023) - styling changes inside and out with a new dashboard and bigger infotainment display

What features does the Toyota Corolla have?

When the 12th-generation Corolla went on sale, it came with LED headlights, 16-inch alloys, dual-zone climate control and a conventional instrument cluster.

Car tech is also pretty strong from the get-go, with heated seats and a reversing camera standard across the entire range, but parking sensors, automatic wipers and keyless entry were all reserved for higher-spec cars.

Newer cars come as standard with a digital instrument cluster, a large 10.5-inch infotainment display, keyless entry and parking sensors as standard, so if you can stretch to a newer model, you won’t have to find a high trim level to get all the bells and whistles.

Is the Toyota Corolla reliable?

Toyota often performs extremely well when it comes to reliability, topping consumer satisfaction charts. The Corolla is a popular, mainstream model, and decades of work have gone into developing the latest model.

Apart from the Japanese brand’s extensive history building hybrid systems, newer Toyotas sold after 2021 come with a fairly average three-year warranty. However, with annual servicing at eligible garages, it can be extended all the way up to an industry-leading 10 years.

How much does the Toyota Corolla cost to run?

Although a small petrol engine was available during its first years on sale, most Corollas come with a 1.8-litre or a 2.0-litre hybrid system, which should be able to consistently deliver 50-60mpg, depending on your driving style and habits.

Other costs, like maintenance, consumables (like tyres) and insurance, are all pretty low, too, which makes the long-term cost of owning a used Toyota Corolla especially attractive.

Who is the Toyota Corolla suitable for?

Although there’s a case for larger SUVs, many families still prefer conventional hatchbacks for their more compact (and manageable) dimensions, not to mention their increased efficiency.

A used Toyota Corolla for sale offers an excellent-value option for anybody who’s willing to get a less obvious choice – in return, they’ll be rewarded with great reliability and build quality, strong equipment levels and impressive fuel economy.