Toyota Avensis Saloon 2.0 4d (SR) (1999/T) Owner Review
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Economy
Value
A lot of kit for the money, build quality very good.
Costs
Middle age image means cheaper insurance compared to rivals (2.0 only group 10), good mpg (averaged 40 mpg) for a 2 litre, the parts are cheap.
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On the road
Driving
Better than image suggests but no Gti. Revised later models had improved suspension and brakes, the tow things not 100% with the pre facelift models.
Performance
Responsive when needed, but not sporty.
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Living with it
Reliability
Purchased expecting it to run faultlessly, I completed 40,000 miles in 18months, nothing went wrong...
Image
All the taxi cabs have tarnished what little image the avensis had, later revised models still look reasonable, my Dad has got one..
Comfort
Driving position slightly too high up, otherwise very good, refined and quiet on the motorway.
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Security and Service
Security
Standard alarm helps, can't imagine this would be high on thieves list to be honest.
Service
Patchy dealer network, Farmer and Carlysle of Nottingham are a joke, avoid unless you want to be ripped off by imcompetent sale and service staff, who attempt to charge for servicing parts they haven't fitted and don't call you when work is done.
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Problems and Ownership
Problems
Engine
Other
Rear drum brakes squealed at slow speeds, dealers never able to sort.
Ownership
Did you buy the car new?
New
Would you buy the same model again?
Yes
Did you buy from the same manufacturer again?
Yes