
The world's default reliable car: older VVT-i models are near-unbreakable cheap transport, and the current hybrid is the sensible modern buy.

Cheap, simple, reliable. The 1.4/1.6 VVT-i petrols are the safe buys (watch oil consumption on high-milers); the 1.4 D-4D is a decent small diesel, the 2.0 D-4D 1CD has the injector-seal problem. At 6,000–10,000 PLN, condition and rust matter more than anything.

Sedan-only in Europe (the hatch became the Auris). Reliable Dual VVT-i and Valvematic petrols; the 1.4 D-4D is fine, the 2.0 D-4D 1AD carries the head-gasket history. A very sensible 12,000–22,000 PLN car.

The hybrid Corolla: hatchback, Touring Sports estate and sedan, with 1.8 (122/140 hp) and 2.0 (180/196 hp) hybrids and a 1.2 turbo early on. Efficient, quiet, extremely reliable, strong residuals. The 2.0 hybrid is the one that feels grown-up.