Switching From Avensis 1998 To Avensis 2004/2005/2006

[Casey]

Hi Guys, please i want to buy the 2003 to 2008 Avensis (depending on the price tag). Can someone give me a buying advice? I make this request 'cos i have heard a lot of complaints from people.

Thanks Guys.

[rockerbox]

Hi Guys, please i want to buy the 2003 to 2008 Avensis (depending on the price tag). Can someone give me a buying advice? I make this request 'cos i have heard a lot of complaints from people.

Thanks Guys.

Hi Casey -

I'm new here and certainly no Avensis expert having only recently bought a Mk1 VVTi model. But like you I was thinking of the MK2 version - and test drove

a 1.8 petrol, two T180 diesels, a 2.0D and a 2.2D. The diesel motors sounded sublime - smooth as silk - power was abundant - and in the case of the T180 came in a rush and

was gone just as quick - needing frequent gear changes. The 2.2D was powerful enough I thought. MK2 handling was excellent - better than the Mk1 model.

On the downside - I found all the Mk2 models to suffer from excessive road noise - but the quietest was the 2.0D and noisiest the T180 - so tyres and rim size may be playing a part here.

The best of the bunch and the most pleasant drive was the 2.2D. On the comfort front - the older MK1 seats - for me at least - were much more comfortable than the MK2 model - but of course

others may think the opposite - so see what you think. The petrol 1.8 MK2 Avensis was underpowered. The interior felt and looked classier in the Mk1 - materials seemed of a higher quality - but this is down to personal taste - again see what you think. The display lighting in the MK2 is a brash orange - not a deal breaker perhaps - but the cooler green of the Mk1 is IMO easier on the eyes.

Hope this helps and good luck with the search!

Adrian.

[Heidfirst]

if buying a VVTi get one made after 2005 (when they fixed the oil burning problem).

& be aware that the D4Ds can suffer from a head gasket problem (the 2.2s apparently more so than the 2.0) - but there is an unpublicised extended warranty to 7 years/112k miles by Toyota for that.

The T180 does nothing like the mpg of the 150bhp 2.2 due to the DPF.