Avensis 2.0 Cdx Hatchback 1999 Advice

September 30, 2009

Hello Toyota owners...

I used to own a Toyota Corolla about 10 years ago and it was one of the best cars I have ever had. Sadly, it was written off on a snowy road.

Currently, I am not yet a Toyota owner but am likely to be in the next couple of days. I am considering buying an Avensis 2.0 CDX hatchback (V registered in the UK = 1999) and just wanted to get your feedback on this car. OK, I know you are going to be a little bit biassed but would appreciate your views.

The car looks to be in pretty good nick. It has had one owner from new and a full Toyota service history. It's got 93,000 miles on the clock and last had the timing belt changed 3 years ago at 69,000. I noticed on the 'advice' list from the Toyota dealer at a service a year ago it said "Clutch wearing". When I drove it today, the clutch seemed OK, so any thoughts on this? Is it a cabled or hydraulic clutch on this car (it is the non-vvti engine)? I have heard that changing the clutch on this car is a long job - around 4½ hours - is that correct?

This is to be my family car. There are five of us - my wife and 3 children aged 8, 11, and 14. It seems like a good size and the boot seems very roomy, bigger than the boot on the Laguna I have previously owned which is a decent size.

So any thoughts on the above? Any advice you can give?

Any feedback would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance :)

September 30, 2009

The Avensis wasn't really the best car out at the time, but this one in particular has arguably the best series 4-cylinder engine Toyota ever made. 3S-FE 2.0, much smoother and more low down pull than the later VVTi, if you don't go for this one try and find an automatic 2.0, it's a superb mating, really suit's the character of the engine, or if you want something a bit bigger and with more toy's the 2.2 Camry of the time has the same 'S' series engine.

September 30, 2009

I have a W reg 1.8 GS and quite like it. The boot is really usable as the rear seats can fold down. I don't know about the clutch but I would stay clear if there's any signs of suspension problems - mine has rear suspension problems and it was a nightmare to source parts - even Toyota themselves had no stock for several months (out of stock for more 6 months). Also check if there's a water leak at the back hatch - you'll find some postings on this forum - check in the spare wheel well as well as the two wells (for lack of a better word) at the sides, especially the right hand side one where the jack is stored. That's all I can think of now. For interest's sake, what's the asking price for the CDX?

Edit: according to the Haynes manual the clutch is "diaphragm spring, single dry plate, hydraulic operaction". Furthermore, in order to remove the clutch the transmission must be removed first. That's a "4 spanner job" (4 out of 5, with 5 being the most difficult).

October 12, 2009

I have a W reg 1.8 GS and quite like it. The boot is really usable as the rear seats can fold down. I don't know about the clutch but I would stay clear if there's any signs of suspension problems - mine has rear suspension problems and it was a nightmare to source parts - even Toyota themselves had no stock for several months (out of stock for more 6 months). Also check if there's a water leak at the back hatch - you'll find some postings on this forum - check in the spare wheel well as well as the two wells (for lack of a better word) at the sides, especially the right hand side one where the jack is stored. That's all I can think of now. For interest's sake, what's the asking price for the CDX?
Edit: according to the Haynes manual the clutch is "diaphragm spring, single dry plate, hydraulic operaction". Furthermore, in order to remove the clutch the transmission must be removed first. That's a "4 spanner job" (4 out of 5, with 5 being the most difficult).

Thank you James and Loom for your replies on this. I did go ahead and buy the car. It drives beautifully I think - apart that is from the stuttering issue when slowing down and speeding up in low gears - sthis thread: http://toyotaownersclub.com/forums/index.p...howtopic=103046 - any thoughts on that would be appreciated.

I paid £1600 for it. None of the signs you pointed out are apparent Loom. It's in very good nick body work wise and in the interior too. It has done 93,000 miles for one owner and has a full Toyota service history.

July 28, 2011

HI Guys,

I saw this on a google search and thought I would sign up. On Saturday just gone I bought a V reg 2.0 CDX for £795 from a dealer. It failed an MOT on Friday for a bold offside front tyre which the dealer replaced". It's done 94K and has a full service history with cambelt at 84K. It's full leather and full electrics with the 10 disc CD changer and sunroof. My last car was a V reg corsa so this is a big upgrade for me.

It's been driven gently with 2 previous owners. Has no rust anywhere and no signs of it inside or out. Even came with 12 months road tax! Did I get a good buy?

Thanks

Pete

July 28, 2011

HI Guys,
I saw this on a google search and thought I would sign up. On Saturday just gone I bought a V reg 2.0 CDX for £795 from a dealer. It failed an MOT on Friday for a bold offside front tyre which the dealer replaced". It's done 94K and has a full service history with cambelt at 84K. It's full leather and full electrics with the 10 disc CD changer and sunroof. My last car was a V reg corsa so this is a big upgrade for me.
It's been driven gently with 2 previous owners. Has no rust anywhere and no signs of it inside or out. Even came with 12 months road tax! Did I get a good buy?
Thanks
Pete

Hi Pete and welcome to the forum, that sounds like a very good buy to me and it is one of the best cars ever made. :yes: