Hi,

Ive had 1.8L Toyota and a 1.6 GDi hybrid Kia Niro. I’ve had both for around 200,000km (125k miles)

Although the iONIQ HEV has much better fuel economy, the DCT is horrid, the engine is very loud, and they do tend to have various issues.

On the other hand, the Auris has a solid MPi engine, and the CVT is not an actual “CVT” rather its two electric motors - it’s an ULTRA reliable design.

I definitely would recommend going with an Auris, or honestly a Suzuki Swace - it’s a Toyota Corolla Estate rebadged as a Suzuki making it way cheaper on the used market.

The 2nd last year of Auris and 2nd year of Ioniq. According to this fact I would pick Auris. @dan can probably tell you more.

I would take a CVT transmission from toyota, over most other conventional transmissions made from all the manufacturers.

For instance, even Honda makes rather weak conventional transmissions that often go out around 200k miles.

Unless Toyota is making them a lot worse in the last few years, I hardly ever hear of a Toyota CVT going out at less than 200k, but I have heard of tons of them going 300, 400, 500k without issues.

Taxi drivers love a Prius, and they put tons of miles on it with it's CVT.

The Auris CVT isn’t the belt driven CVT we usually think of as a CVT. It’s a planetary gear set, and often referred tk as an eCVT to distinguish it form a CVT. 

Also, the Auris is basically a Prius underneath, if I understand its platform. The Auris shares its platform with the Corolla, and the Corolla hybrid is usually the Prius platform. 

The Ioniq has a Dual Clutch Transmission, DCT. Even if it wasn’t a hybrid, a DCT usually gives me pause in terms of longevity and reliability, regardless of manufacturer. 

 

Posted by: @kabamaru

Then engine can go approximately 160,000 miles

The second generation Prius engines were tanks. The third generation had some head gasket issues early on. And I’ve read of a rattle from a stretched timing chain. 

The third, fourth, and fifth generation Prius use the similar engines.

The Auris is based on the fourth generation Prius. And uses the same 1.8 engine. 

The biggest issue is oil burning from a clogged PCV valve. PCV valve maintenance has become more relevant these days. As the car ages, keep an extra eye on the oil level. The engines that fail are the ones that aren’t maintained with the right level of oil, and not cleaning/changing the PCV valve.

Posted by: @kabamaru

Also, the CVT lives approximately 130,000 miles

Hmm. The Toyota eCVT is probably the strongest part of the car IMHO. Just from anecdotal evidence, they can go forever. I currently have a ~20 year old Prius with 300,000+ miles on the eCVT. 

Posted by: @kabamaru

replace the water pump every 30,000 miles;

Possibly. Yes the water pumps (there are two) may eventually need to be replaced. That 30K seems so short though. I have had to replace both water pumps, one under warranty, and one around 250k miles. 

Posted by: @nlord

I would take a CVT transmission from toyota, over most other conventional transmissions made from all the manufacturers.

For instance, even Honda makes rather weak conventional transmissions that often go out around 200k miles.

Unless Toyota is making them a lot worse in the last few years, I hardly ever hear of a Toyota CVT going out at less than 200k, but I have heard of tons of them going 300, 400, 500k without issues.

Taxi drivers love a Prius, and they put tons of miles on it with it's CVT.

Posted by: @kaizen

The Auris CVT isn’t the belt driven CVT we usually think of as a CVT. It’s a planetary gear set, and often referred tk as an eCVT to distinguish it form a CVT. 

Also, the Auris is basically a Prius underneath, if I understand its platform. The Auris shares its platform with the Corolla, and the Corolla hybrid is usually the Prius platform. 

Based on CARARC.COM:

Then engine can go approximately 160,000 miles (=250,000 KM) until it needs expensive repairs or overhauling. [...]

Also, the CVT lives approximately 130,000 miles (=210,000 KM) (which is good for a CVT but bad for transmission overall). And this reduces the lifespan of the powerplant even more. [...]

The engine is not really problematic until it hits 150,000 miles. From this point on, the 1.8L engine is like a bomb and you never know when it's going to explode.

CARARC also quotes that the engine faces lots of Timing chain issues and that it needs repalcement at 100 KMiles, Is this something you have heard of? Is it too expensive?

They also suggest to change the water pump every 30 KMiles???

The timing chain seems like a good idea - it shouldn't be replaced like the belt. But the chain in this engine is most likely to be stretched at 100,000 miles. It means you will have to replace it. But the price for the replacement is really huge.

replace the water pump every 30,000 miles;

I found similar issues on Motorreviewer.com:

Also, the water pump has short longevity (40,000 miles). 

The timing chain becomes stretched out after a 100,000 miles mileage.

The average engine life for 3ZR-FE/FAE is about 150,000 miles (250,000 km).

Is this a reliable engine or not?

In addition to the AURIS and IONIQ I was also considering the below options (i am only looking at the naturally aspirated engines):

1. Mazda 3 - 2.0 SKYACTIV-G 120 (120 pk) \ 2018 | 14.000 EUR
2. MItsubishi ASX - 1.6 Cleartech  (117 pk) \ 2018 | 16.590 EUR
3. Suzuki SX4 S-Cross - 1.6 (120 pk) \ 2017 | 16.950 EUR

Any experience with these?

We are a family of 4 (2 adults + toddler+ baby)

Posted by: @dan

Although the iONIQ HEV has much better fuel economy, the DCT is horrid, the engine is very loud, and they do tend to have various issues.

Are you referring to critical issues? The DCT has problems or you don't like the way it works?

Posted by: @dan

a Suzuki Swace - it’s a Toyota Corolla Estate rebadged as a Suzuki making it way cheaper on the used market.

THey look nice but they are still over my budget here!