Other Toyota Avensis (2003 - 2008) models:

  • Summary

    2 out of 5 2.0

    What does this car say about you?

    Ummm, boring!

    What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

    No opinions.

    Would you buy this car again and why?

    Not without a FSH. Toyota have really messed up with this one.

    What are you likely to buy next?

    Not a Toyota. Probably a Mazda or Honda.

  • Buying experience

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Type of dealer you bought from?

    Independent

    Did you buy this car new?

    No

    What price did you pay?

    £4,600

    When did you buy the car?

    March 2012

    Did you get a good deal and why?

    Initially it seemed like a good deal. There was not a huge movement on price from the sticker (a couple of hundred pounds).

    Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

    Bought this car due to Toyota's reputation for reliability and in particular the great reviews for the Avensis models as used cars.

    What was the dealer like?

    Dealer was ok, friendly no real pressure.

  • Driving it

    3 out of 5 3.0

    What's it like to drive?

    When not dying from head gasket failure, it is a good drive. Slightly rough but powerful.

    What's it like to park?

    Quite a long car, but no issues.

  • Living with it

    1 out of 5 1.0

    Have you had any problems with the car?

    Head gasket problems from day 1. Turns out this is a known problem with the 2.2 D4D engines on Avensis models up to 2008/2009 (warranty bulletin WB553). Be warned though that without a FSH Toyota will not assist. Sorely regret having purchased the car.

    What's most practical about your car?

    High mpg rating.

    Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

    Cruise control - very good for motorway driving.