I Want To Buy A High Mileage Avensis

[Onelly27]

Hi there,

I am considering buying an Avensis T-Spirit, preferably with high mileage in order to keep the purchase price down. The Avensis seems to score very well in the Which Reliability Car Survey, =35th on JD Power's and this forum seems to have numberous complaints! I would like to hear some positive remarks about this car .. eg taxi drivers / long distance drivers etc. I'd really appreciate some feedback and assitance to help me with my decision.

Regards

Onelly27

[Druid Boy]

I bought my '06 2.2D4D as a low mileage one and have got it up to 70k miles. So far have replaced the Battery, EGR valve (which, had I been a member of this forum at the time, I could have cleaned myself) and the starter motor. I was a bit annoyed by the starter motor but the others I can live with. Buying higher mileage is more of a gamble as you don't know for certain how the car has been treated - but it will talk to you when you test drive it. Rattly hatchbacks/tailgates and slightly noisy suspension can mean it has had a hard life. The tyres will tell a lot of the story also.

Ultimatley you pays your money and takes your chances. Lower purchase price vs a slightly higher maintainance cost can work out in your favour - especially if you're handy with the spanners.

At the end of the day it has a Toyota Badge on the front so should be pretty good. Also, most people on this forum are still running Toyotas so are unlikely to be having a nightmare with theirs - and some of the complaints on here are self inflicted as they set about perfoming self diagnosis wrong and changing a whole load of unnecessary parts.

[bestseany]

Are you buying a diesel or a petrol? I'd be wary of modern high mileage diesels, as expensive things like injectors might need replacing.

As with any car, getting one with a comprehensive service history will be a good idea.

[Sam29]

You have not mentioned which one are you looking for?

Is it diesel or petrol?

Is it mk2 or facelift model (>07)?

Whatever you buy, make sure you buy one with full toyota service history, as if there was anything, it would have dealt with.

With Diesel, make sure no noisy injectors, condensated lights. With EGR valve you can clean yourself. (prefer 2.0 as 2.2 have head gasket problems)

I bought one with high mileages, but with full toyota service history. All I did was cleaning EGR valve.

No toruble so far and done 4000 k already in 3 months.

Best of luck.

[rooo]

There will always be negative stuff on a forum like this unfortunately - people rarely come on and say how well their car is working, only when it breaks down - like I've just done!

I last posted on here in 2006 when I bought the car, and I've returned here in 2011 when I've just had my first problem at 97k - so I would say that was actually pretty good going!

It's always risky buying high mileage motors and whilst your risks are substantially lower with an Avensis, it's still a risk...

[Red diesel]

Hi Onelly27

i think the key thing to bear in mind here is that your typical Avensis is likely to have at least 50 000 miles on it (if its a 3 or 4 year old).

So realistically we are looking at comparing cars with relatively low miles (60,000 miles) and higher miles (100 to 120 000 miles).

If you are looking at high mileage machines - id go for a diesel with all the troublesome bits done already and full history to verify this. I know

that lads will tell you don't go high mileage on the diesel because different bits go wrong.

My view of this argument right or wrong is that actually you are better off with a 120 000 miler car with everything done instead of a 70 000

miler that has never had any bits done. The reason - the 70 000 miler will need the bits done in the next few years during your ownership. Obviously

of course this advice is on the basis of both cars been well minded with full service history from toyota. Even if the 120 000 miler doesn't have all the bits done

chances are it will have had some bits done and the fact that some bits haven't been done can be used to drive the price down a bit - and the price should be cheaper

in the first place (a lot cheaper). Another thing though is that a high mileage car will often have done a lot of that mileage on motorways - so if theres 60 000 miles in the difference in mileage between two cars - the car with the high mileage won't have a full 60,000 miles extra wear and tear. Finally if the Avensis is well minded

you really shouldn't notice much difference in the drive between a 60 000 miler car and a 120 000 miler car if they are both in good condition.

So if the high miler doesn't drive nicely and shows signs of excessive wear and tear in the drive then walk away - my experience with Mk 2 Avensises albeit as a

passenger is that you really shouldn't notice the difference in driving on a decent well cared for high miler.

Finally id also look at other cars such as Mondeos - ive heard that the Gardai (Irelands police force) used to find the Mondeo a better car to take the abuse

garda cars get then a Mk 2 Avensis as well as being a better drive. But im sure to have people coming along here soon to tell me that they had a mondeo and the damn

thing fell from under them in no time at all lol.

Red diesel

[Onelly27]

Thanks for you replies,

I'm actually thinking of buying a Diesel (probably a 2.0 D-4D), sorry my fault, I did mentioned it in my topic but not in my post!

I think it's true that most members will use this forum to ask advice and report any issues and seldom set up post's to praise their car. I also agree full Toyota service history is a minimum requirement. But getting back to my question what sort of mileage can I expect from a well serviced and cared for example? Btw I've also looked at the Honda Civic 1.7 Diesel which also scores highly for reliability, but to be honest I do prefer a luxury cruiser ie: the Avensis.

Regards

Onelly27

[Jas16]

Hi, It all depends on what you are comfortable with. If you have no issues with a well maintained high mileage car then that is more of a personal acceptance.

Me, I don't mind high mileage as long as the car has been well looked after, ie FSH and straight bodywork. Also with the diesel, the car would have most probably have spent most of its time on the motorway which doesn't put as much stress as town driving

When I brought my Avensis, it had done 74K in 4 years but was with a FSH and generally in good condition in terms of wear and tear. Previous to that I had a Focus (06) which was brought with 82k on clock and 3 years old at the time. With the focus, I have just maintained regular servicing and that's it and (touchwood) no problems so far. I haven't had the avensis long enough to make a sound judgement, but a recent service and that's it.

I don't know what's involved in the service at higher miles but keep to the service schedule and you should be fine.

And yes, most people come on the forum to ask for advice for any problems they have rather than to praise their car

Summary, I don't see any problems with high mileage cars as long as they have been properly looked after

Hope this helps

[Sam29]

Dont forget that the avensis MK2 which you are looking to buy should have timing belt changes at 60k and 120k.

So if you are considering one, then go for more than 120K with timing belt changed (with FSH).

Also check for any rattle at normal temperature.

Cheerio.

[cmia]

mk2

2003

385k

Taxi

drives like new

[Onelly27]

mk2

2003

385k

Taxi

drives like new

Hi Cmia,

That's impressive! It's 240,000 miles to the Moon, with that Mileage your on your way home...Lol. Anymore high mileage diesels out there?

[cmia]

mk2

2003

385k

Taxi

drives like new

Hi Cmia,

That's impressive! It's 240,000 miles to the Moon, with that Mileage your on your way home...Lol. Anymore high mileage diesels out there?

we have afew other taxis that have 150k + Mark 3 and Mark 4's

No major issues.

[Red diesel]

mk2

2003

385k

Taxi

drives like new

Hi Cmia,

That's impressive! It's 240,000 miles to the Moon, with that Mileage your on your way home...Lol. Anymore high mileage diesels out there?

we have afew other taxis that have 150k + Mark 3 and Mark 4's

No major issues.

Cmia - i don't know about anyone else - but id love to hear more about that 385 000 miles Avensis

Im courious about the following - whats gone wrong, also why you think your machine has done 385 000 miles when everyone else

across all makes is saying how their modern turbodiesel broke at 100,000 miles - hence my comments in an earlier post that a 120,000

miler with all the bits done was a better prospect than a 70 000 miler with none of the bits done. Im also interested to hear how you decided

to run the car to the full 380 000 odd miles and your thoughts and impressions about the car in general. Im sorry if im coming across as too

nosey or coming across as unreasonable

Thanking you

Red diesel

[cmia]

mk2

2003

385k

Taxi

drives like new

Hi Cmia,

That's impressive! It's 240,000 miles to the Moon, with that Mileage your on your way home...Lol. Anymore high mileage diesels out there?

we have afew other taxis that have 150k + Mark 3 and Mark 4's

No major issues.

Cmia - i don't know about anyone else - but id love to hear more about that 385 000 miles Avensis

Im courious about the following - whats gone wrong, also why you think your machine has done 385 000 miles when everyone else

across all makes is saying how their modern turbodiesel broke at 100,000 miles - hence my comments in an earlier post that a 120,000

miler with all the bits done was a better prospect than a 70 000 miler with none of the bits done. Im also interested to hear how you decided

to run the car to the full 380 000 odd miles and your thoughts and impressions about the car in general. Im sorry if im coming across as too

nosey or coming across as unreasonable

Thanking you

Red diesel

car is a Taxi

Servicing!

Only use high quality parts and dont skimp

Engine oil changes

Gearbox oil Changes

Brake Fluids etc

Timing belt and coolant

Problems I have had and fixs

Dual Mss Flywheel - Kocking, replacment 160k - Started knocking @ 85k!

Lack of power car in LIMP mode - SCV faulty

Lack Of Power, Dirty MAF and EGR

Car Wont start - Starter motors x3

Car wont start - 1x fuel filter and pressure sensor

shaking steering wheel, - a complete set of discs

rumbling wheel bearings, 2x front replaced.

dead Battery

CV joint clicking, and some bushes.

Car is old, and has started showing its age, after all its had serious mileage. Customers are astounded to the fact its done so much miles and still strong. No rattles, or vibrations in cabin apart from the rear parcel shelf vibrating if not seated corectly.

I love it, its due for replacment and I am regretting in replacing it.

Replacment car another toyota!

[t-spiritpete]

mk2

2003

385k

Taxi

drives like new

Hi Cmia,

That's impressive! It's 240,000 miles to the Moon, with that Mileage your on your way home...Lol. Anymore high mileage diesels out there?

we have afew other taxis that have 150k + Mark 3 and Mark 4's

No major issues.

Cmia - i don't know about anyone else - but id love to hear more about that 385 000 miles Avensis

Im courious about the following - whats gone wrong, also why you think your machine has done 385 000 miles when everyone else

across all makes is saying how their modern turbodiesel broke at 100,000 miles - hence my comments in an earlier post that a 120,000

miler with all the bits done was a better prospect than a 70 000 miler with none of the bits done. Im also interested to hear how you decided

to run the car to the full 380 000 odd miles and your thoughts and impressions about the car in general. Im sorry if im coming across as too

nosey or coming across as unreasonable

Thanking you

Red diesel

car is a Taxi

Servicing!

Only use high quality parts and dont skimp

Engine oil changes

Gearbox oil Changes

Brake Fluids etc

Timing belt and coolant

Problems I have had and fixs

Dual Mss Flywheel - Kocking, replacment 160k - Started knocking @ 85k!

Lack of power car in LIMP mode - SCV faulty

Lack Of Power, Dirty MAF and EGR

Car Wont start - Starter motors x3

Car wont start - 1x fuel filter and pressure sensor

shaking steering wheel, - a complete set of discs

rumbling wheel bearings, 2x front replaced.

dead Battery

CV joint clicking, and some bushes.

Car is old, and has started showing its age, after all its had serious mileage. Customers are astounded to the fact its done so much miles and still strong. No rattles, or vibrations in cabin apart from the rear parcel shelf vibrating if not seated corectly.

I love it, its due for replacment and I am regretting in replacing it.

Replacment car another toyota!

Nice reply Cmia,

I guess you know more about the Avensis than most of us on here, respect to you mate.

Regards Pete.

[Red diesel]

mk2

2003

385k

Taxi

drives like new

Hi Cmia,

That's impressive! It's 240,000 miles to the Moon, with that Mileage your on your way home...Lol. Anymore high mileage diesels out there?

we have afew other taxis that have 150k + Mark 3 and Mark 4's

No major issues.

Cmia - i don't know about anyone else - but id love to hear more about that 385 000 miles Avensis

Im courious about the following - whats gone wrong, also why you think your machine has done 385 000 miles when everyone else

across all makes is saying how their modern turbodiesel broke at 100,000 miles - hence my comments in an earlier post that a 120,000

miler with all the bits done was a better prospect than a 70 000 miler with none of the bits done. Im also interested to hear how you decided

to run the car to the full 380 000 odd miles and your thoughts and impressions about the car in general. Im sorry if im coming across as too

nosey or coming across as unreasonable

Thanking you

Red diesel

car is a Taxi

Servicing!

Only use high quality parts and dont skimp

Engine oil changes

Gearbox oil Changes

Brake Fluids etc

Timing belt and coolant

Problems I have had and fixs

Dual Mss Flywheel - Kocking, replacment 160k - Started knocking @ 85k!

Lack of power car in LIMP mode - SCV faulty

Lack Of Power, Dirty MAF and EGR

Car Wont start - Starter motors x3

Car wont start - 1x fuel filter and pressure sensor

shaking steering wheel, - a complete set of discs

rumbling wheel bearings, 2x front replaced.

dead Battery

CV joint clicking, and some bushes.

Car is old, and has started showing its age, after all its had serious mileage. Customers are astounded to the fact its done so much miles and still strong. No rattles, or vibrations in cabin apart from the rear parcel shelf vibrating if not seated corectly.

I love it, its due for replacment and I am regretting in replacing it.

Replacment car another toyota!

Cmia - cheers for that - nice to hear the full story behind the 385 000 miler Avensis. Just one more thing

do you service more often than the manufacturers service interval and if so how often do you get the car serviced.

We have a Nissan with the Renault 1.5 dci engine in the yard at home and we were advised by the person who sold it to us 2nd hand (motor trade

and he knew the car was going to be service elsewhere) to have it serviced every 5 000 miles. Appearently he said (i wasn't there when the car was picked up) it was to

keep the turbo and other items in top nick. We have complied with this advice to date - and intend to do so - and still using the recommended oil thats used at the full

service interval. In other words not using "cheap" stuff because the car is being service more often

Thank you very much

Red diesel

[cmia]

mk2

2003

385k

Taxi

drives like new

Hi Cmia,

That's impressive! It's 240,000 miles to the Moon, with that Mileage your on your way home...Lol. Anymore high mileage diesels out there?

we have afew other taxis that have 150k + Mark 3 and Mark 4's

No major issues.

Cmia - i don't know about anyone else - but id love to hear more about that 385 000 miles Avensis

Im courious about the following - whats gone wrong, also why you think your machine has done 385 000 miles when everyone else

across all makes is saying how their modern turbodiesel broke at 100,000 miles - hence my comments in an earlier post that a 120,000

miler with all the bits done was a better prospect than a 70 000 miler with none of the bits done. Im also interested to hear how you decided

to run the car to the full 380 000 odd miles and your thoughts and impressions about the car in general. Im sorry if im coming across as too

nosey or coming across as unreasonable

Thanking you

Red diesel

car is a Taxi

Servicing!

Only use high quality parts and dont skimp

Engine oil changes

Gearbox oil Changes

Brake Fluids etc

Timing belt and coolant

Problems I have had and fixs

Dual Mss Flywheel - Kocking, replacment 160k - Started knocking @ 85k!

Lack of power car in LIMP mode - SCV faulty

Lack Of Power, Dirty MAF and EGR

Car Wont start - Starter motors x3

Car wont start - 1x fuel filter and pressure sensor

shaking steering wheel, - a complete set of discs

rumbling wheel bearings, 2x front replaced.

dead Battery

CV joint clicking, and some bushes.

Car is old, and has started showing its age, after all its had serious mileage. Customers are astounded to the fact its done so much miles and still strong. No rattles, or vibrations in cabin apart from the rear parcel shelf vibrating if not seated corectly.

I love it, its due for replacment and I am regretting in replacing it.

Replacment car another toyota!

Cmia - cheers for that - nice to hear the full story behind the 385 000 miler Avensis. Just one more thing

do you service more often than the manufacturers service interval and if so how often do you get the car serviced.

We have a Nissan with the Renault 1.5 dci engine in the yard at home and we were advised by the person who sold it to us 2nd hand (motor trade

and he knew the car was going to be service elsewhere) to have it serviced every 5 000 miles. Appearently he said (i wasn't there when the car was picked up) it was to

keep the turbo and other items in top nick. We have complied with this advice to date - and intend to do so - and still using the recommended oil thats used at the full

service interval. In other words not using "cheap" stuff because the car is being service more often

Thank you very much

Red diesel

the only thing i get changed more often is

engine oil @ 5k

gearbox oil @ 25k

Brake + coolant change normal intervals

and a complete check over every 10k

[Sam29]

the only thing i get changed more often is

engine oil @ 5k

gearbox oil @ 25k

Brake + coolant change normal intervals

and a complete check over every 10k

Is that the secret of long life ...not amazed. As red Diesel said, change the oil earlier than the recommended time and you doubled it.