Toyota Corolla: what it really costs to run in the UK
The world's best-selling car series. The Corolla Hybrid transforms fuel costs and is one of the most dependable cars ever made.
Based on 1,000 km (about 621 miles) a month on mixed roads. Prices: £18,000 for a 2–4-year-old one, up to £29,240 new. All assumptions →
Buying a 2–4-year-old Corolla on finance
| Monthly cost | £/month |
|---|---|
| Loan payment (80% financed, 5% APR, 3 years) | £432 |
| Fuel / electricity | £66 |
| Insurance (estimate) | £52 |
| Road tax | £16 |
| Maintenance | £50 |
| Total per month | £617 |
| Over 3 years | £ |
|---|---|
| 20% deposit | £3,600 |
| 36 monthly costs | £22,198 |
| Total paid out | £25,798 |
| Minus estimated resale value (~55%) | −£9,900 |
| Net 3-year cost | £15,898 |
Leasing a new Corolla
| Monthly cost | £/month |
|---|---|
| Lease payment (typical deal: 36 months, 10,000 miles a year, upfront payment spread over the term) | £412 |
| Fuel / electricity | £66 |
| Insurance (estimate) | £85 |
| Road tax and maintenance | Usually included |
| Total per month | £563 |
Leasing compares a new car with buying a 2–4-year-old one, so the two are different cars. At the end of a lease you hand the car back; buying leaves you with the resale value, which is why buying is shown net.
Road tax
UK vehicle tax for a car this age is the flat standard rate, £200/yr, whatever its CO₂.
CO₂: 91 g/km.
Engines
- 2.0 Hybrid 196hp (hatchback)
- 1.8 Hybrid 122hp (estate)
Costs above use the first engine listed. Bigger engines cost more to buy, insure and fuel.
Why people choose the Corolla
- Exceptional real-world fuel economy
- Toyota's 300,000+ km reliability record
- Available as sleek estate or hatchback
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