Toyota Avensis (2003 - 2009)
T3X D4D Estate
Comfortable, spacious, reliable vehicle, but not exciting
This car replaced an Audi A4 Avant that I found uncomfortable and I haven't been disappointed with my choice. The car was 6 months old when I bought it from a franchised dealer, where it had been used by the sales manager. It came with the extras of a DAB radio, bluetooth connectivity and reversing sensors, all of which are good accessories to have. There is also a good level of standard equipment on this model.
The estate has bags of space and is comfortable to drive on long journeys. It is a good cruising vehicle but is not fastest off the mark, despite mine having the 2.2 150 bhp diesel engine. The 6 speed gearbox is great and 70mph is delivered at 2000rpm. My average mpg is around 47, but I can get around 54 mpg on a long run.
Dropping the back seats is a bit off a faff, but at least you get a flat floor when it's done.
The car has now completed 47000 miles with no problems in daily use, however at 35000 miles the dealer advised that there was a head gasket problem, but the engine block would be replaced under warranty, even though the official 3 year warranty period had expired -
definitely one benefit of dealer servicing. I took out a service contract when I bought the car and I think it represents good value at around £200 a year including an annual MOT test.
The turbo has had a whine when spooling up but the dealer said it was normal on this engine and in truth there hasn't been a problem with it, but it's a little annoying.
Front tyre wear isn't brilliant. I'm on my third set which will soon need replacing, giving an average life of about 17000 miles. The chrome wheel nuts have corroded and really need replacing too.
Two light bulbs replaced (awkward but not impossible as DIY), but otherwise no other faults.
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About this car
Price | £14,425–£22,900 |
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Road Tax | F–J |
MPG | 34.9–51.4 mpg |
Real MPG | 98.0% |