Buying a used Toyota Aurion (2012-2017)

The Toyota Aurion began life in 2006 as a V6-only addition to the Camry range. Six years and more than 80,000 cars into a pretty successful project, Toyota decided to freshen the pond with a mildly-updated XV50 version. The styling was only slightly revised but there was more of interest under the skin.

Despite some weight-shedding measures that pruned 55kg from the average Aurion, XV50 cars gained a structure that was more rigid, with thicker glass and greater concentrations of sound-deadening to really cut back on road noise entering the cabin.

The Aurion range after April 2012 was offered in five variations ranging in price from $36,490 to $49,990. All models, even those with 'Sportivo' in their name, used the same 3.5-litre V6 with 200kW. Six-speed automatic transmission was mandatory.

Building the base-model AT-X to a price meant shaving a few lines off the bottom of the 'features' list. However those at the lower end of the corporate pecking order still enjoyed climate control air-conditioning, electric lumbar adjustment for their cloth seats, a dash-mount colour screen, reversing camera and Bluetooth connectivity.

Spending $8000 more to acquire a Sportivo added less value than you might expect. The package of additions included sports seats, 17-inch alloys, body embellishments and suspension tuned to deliver response and grip rather than a cushy ride.

Atop the tree sat the Presara – and a substantial flagship it was too. Costing a tenner shy of $50K at release, the Presara satisfied pretty much every whim of the people who occupied offices up the pricier end of 'executive row'.

The Presara spec list began with quality leatherwork on the seats, power seat adjusters, a ten-speaker sound system, proximity key, separate air conditioning and an electric blind in the rear plus sunroof and the obligatory multi-function dash display.

Sales in an environment where big cars were being out-fought and outsold by all-wheel drive wagons were sluggish, and by 2015 the Aurion was in trouble. Toyota had predicted annual sales of 24,000, but by 2015 they had collapsed to just 5200 units a year.

All Toyota could do was release a facelift model, hold its pricing and 'value add' to emphasise how good a deal Aurion buyers were getting.

Metallic or pearl-effect paint was made standard on the Presara, accompanied by an enhanced range of sensors and driver aids. In pursuit of greater sales volume the AT-X was upgraded with electric seat adjustment, a new grille and smarter (but still 16-inch) wheels.

Most spectacular in appearance was the Sportivo with a striking new rim design and expanded body kit. Its steering was also made 'more involving' – according to Toyota – with the intention of addressing concerns about absence of feel.

When selling a car intended primarily for corporate use, strong performance in the area of occupant-protection is essential. However hardly anyone would expect that the Aurion would score 36.59 out of a possible 37 points and an undisputed Five Star rating in ANCAP evaluations.

Watching video of the Aurion being crash tested would certainly fill buyers with confidence. Inside the cabin there were airbags deploying from everywhere while the passenger area managed to very nearly to retain its shape.

When travelling, some of us prefer the extra space and balance of traditional rear-wheel drive sedans. Sometimes though, when an XR6 or SV6 wasn't available, an Aurion would pop up as a reminder of just how acceptable an alternative it offered.

Driving rental cars is also a great way to evaluate different models in the environments a used-car buyer will encounter. Certainly more relevant than what might be discovered during a manufacturer's carefully choreographed Media Drive Days.

'Drive It Like You Stole It' doesn't come close to describing the abuse some drivers expect rental cars to sustain. A lot do wilt under the pressure, however Aurions even when almost due for replacement rarely rattled or had bits of trim falling on your foot.

Another aspect of Aurion design that will endear it to new owners is a logical dash layout. Little matches the frustration of sitting in a dark carpark, confronted by a bewildering array of air-con and sound-system controls when all you need at that moment are 'On' and 'Seek' switches.

Performance feels strong but it is only when you track down a magazine road test with performance figures that you fully understand just how a nondescript V6 automatic could leave all of those V8s gasping at the lights.

First slot in the six-speed auto takes you past 70km/h and second is good for a hefty 124 klicks. 0-100km/h stopped one magazine's watches at 6.1 seconds and if you want to put that into perspective it is exactly same time taken by Australia's most feisty six-cylinder supercar - the Chrysler Charger E49 – to run 0-96km/h.

Handling in cars with the basic AT-X wheel/tyre package isn't marvellous but ride quality and general competence were all that the vast majority of buyers in this segment were seeking.

Spend more on a low-profile Sportivo with stiffened springs and other suspension upgrades and the Aurion's character changes. There is still some vagueness from the Lexus-sourced electric power steering, however one flaw is allowable in an otherwise well-compiled design.

As noted earlier, the six-speed transmission has ratios to suit almost every circumstance, however it does need to be treated with some respect. Flattening the throttle or using the paddle shifters in a Sportivo will drop several gears in a rush and deliver a surge of torque steer before the traction control intervenes.

Once on the move, zipping past traffic can be exhilarating, with 80-120km/h acceleration taking a blistering 3.7 seconds. Even when being pushed, the Aurion's fuel consumption remains reasonable and most drivers will be able to achieve 11.5L/100km around town and 8.5 on the highway. Aurions will all tolerate 91 Octane fuel.

Trim and interior plastics are generally robust and a car displaying interior wear might be suffering in other areas as well. The pillars aren’t overly obstructive but blind spots occasionally have drivers craning their necks. The boot is huge, with a 'ski port' and space for a full-sized spare wheel.

>> 15,000 kilometres between services can be a bit too far, especially if the car has been doing short commutes or shopping trips. If a car has been serviced every 10,000km or so it could be a better buy than one that has adhered to factory intervals. Don’t buy a car without history.
>> The airdam and side skirts fitted to Sportivo versions are susceptible to kerb and speed-bump damage. Look for grazes, cracks and loose front panels.
>> The six-speed transmission can ‘flare’ during part-throttle upshifts, especially when changing from second to third gears. ECU mapping is said to be the cause, especially in cars normally driven gently.
>> Check that the foot-operated parking brake will hold the car on a moderate slope with only moderate pressure and check also that it releases easily.
>> Despite Toyota’s efforts on build quality, some cars do develop irritating dash squeaks. With air conditioning and music off, drive on a bumpy road and through some bends listening for creaks and squeaks.

Also consider: Holden Commodore SV6, Volkswagen Passat, Ford Falcon G6E