Thinking Of Buying A Used Avensis - Advice?

[jamesgc]

Hi - new to the forum, looks to be a lot of sound advice to be had from the members here.

My wife and I are looking to buy our first Toyota Avensis Estate after reading so many good things about them on Which? Magazine's website. We also both really like Toyota's and have had good experiences with them while living in the USA in the past. We've found one that we like that is in our budget range of 4k-4,500.

2007 TOYOTA AVENSIS 2.2 D-4D T3-X 5dr Diesel Tourer - 117,000 miles

Is there anything in particular that we should be watching out for when we're looking at cars like this? I realise the timing belt is going to probably need changing if it hasn't already been done (I don't think that it has on this one).

Really appreciate anything you can offer.

Thank you!

[Mistermena]

Hi - new to the forum, looks to be a lot of sound advice to be had from the members here.

My wife and I are looking to buy our first Toyota Avensis Estate after reading so many good things about them on Which? Magazine's website. We also both really like Toyota's and have had good experiences with them while living in the USA in the past. We've found one that we like that is in our budget range of 4k-4,500.

2007 TOYOTA AVENSIS 2.2 D-4D T3-X 5dr Diesel Tourer - 117,000 miles

Is there anything in particular that we should be watching out for when we're looking at cars like this? I realise the timing belt is going to probably need changing if it hasn't already been done (I don't think that it has on this one).

Really appreciate anything you can offer.

Thank you!

Hi and welcome to TOC.

The 1st thing I'd say that they are a great care... BUT! You have to be very aware about the problems with the EGR valves (That could cause engine faliure!) and the dredded head gasket failure. You will know if this has happend when you open up the bonnet and see white splatter marks on the black plastic engine cover and the pink coolant with have a black tinge to it. You could also find that the cabin heater doesn't blow out hot air and the temp guage goes over the norm.

This issue is covered under the extended (Good will) warranty of 7 years/112k as long as you can prove that the car has been reasonably maintained (And this does not have to be a full service history from Toyota) in accordence with the service regime and there are lots of posts on here regarding these issues with the 2AD engine and other oil burners. The car that you are looking at is outside this due to milage so I would be very carful! This doesn't mean that this car is a bad one as it might not have the problems. But my Avensis T-180 estate has had 2 new engines fitted at a cost of 13k to Toyota and there amazing extended warranty.

If I was you I'd be looking for a car with less milage and a good sevice history so if the worst come along then you'd get a new 3/4 engine and DPF as well a host of other things.

BTW... These cars dont have timing belts as they are chain driven

[jamesgc]

Thank you for the info - very good to know!

[Mistermena]

Thank you for the info - very good to know!

You're welcome...

[Mistermena]

You can pick up an estate T-180 (Top of the range with leather/Sat nav and all the toys ect) for that kinda money off eBay. I say a 1 owner one go for £3000 but that had 153k on the clock. But for 3k it was a steal. Parking sensor is a must for an estate car... I contacted the seller and he confirmed that there was no headgasket issue with this car. But buyer beware is my moto.

This color is the best in my view! And the T-180 has the best looking alloys of the Avensis range and are like gold to get second hand. Really easy to get your hand in to clean >>>

http://www.ebay.co.u...984.m1423.l2649

[Suiside]

I know a T180 on 96k sold 'off' eBay 2 weeks ago for £4k. FSH and everything, so keep your eyes, peeled, they are out there!

[Mistermena]

I know a T180 on 96k sold 'off' ebay 2 weeks ago for £4k. FSH and everything, so keep your eyes, peeled, they are out there!

I wish i could have bought my T-180 at silly money for a fabulous motor!

Whey hey the Cardiff boys

[Suiside]

I know a T180 on 96k sold 'off' ebay 2 weeks ago for £4k. FSH and everything, so keep your eyes, peeled, they are out there!

I wish i could have bought my T-180 at silly money for a fabulous motor!

Whey hey the Cardiff boys

Hello! Cardiff indeed!

Yes, I was interested but it got taken off before I could view it, I subsequently spoke to the seller, it was an 06 T-180. Great price!

[Mistermena]

I know a T180 on 96k sold 'off' ebay 2 weeks ago for £4k. FSH and everything, so keep your eyes, peeled, they are out there!

I wish i could have bought my T-180 at silly money for a fabulous motor!

Whey hey the Cardiff boys

Hello! Cardiff indeed!

Yes, I was interested but it got taken off before I could view it, I subsequently spoke to the seller, it was an 06 T-180. Great price!

Was that an estate version?

I'm a Canton lad so a bargin is a must!

[Suiside]

Yes, it was a Tourer.......

I picked up the one in my post a couple of threads down on Friday. It's a lovely vehicle!

[Mistermena]

Yes, it was a Tourer.......

I picked up the one in my post a couple of threads down on Friday. It's a lovely vehicle!

Happy days mate. You got any pics posted on here of the motor?...

[Suiside]

Yes, over in the other thread, about sat nav/ipod, you'll see the link there!

[Mistermena]

Yes, over in the other thread, about sat nav/ipod, you'll see the link there!

I'll take a look at it

[Mistermena]

Yes, over in the other thread, about sat nav/ipod, you'll see the link there!

Nice motor with low milage. Was there any reason why you went for this over a T-180 with all the toys on it? Putting a Tunit box on mine has given me an extra 12mpg on the Motorway at 70mph...

[Suiside]

Only reason is it came up, cheap to insure, cheap to run, based in Aberdare and a good price IMO! :)

[Mistermena]

Only reason is it came up, cheap to insure, cheap to run, based in Aberdare and a good price IMO! :)

Out of interest... How much was the insurance? I pay £550 with zero excess with LV with all the options minus the euro cover that I dont need. Went with them as they were the cheapest and best buy in "Which" mag.

[Suiside]

I feel we have hijacked the thread a little!

I just carried on the policy from my golf. I'm 27 with 3 yrs no claims, wife/house. I expect I'll be paying approx £500 come March time.

[Mistermena]

I feel we have hijacked the thread a little!

I just carried on the policy from my golf. I'm 27 with 3 yrs no claims, wife/house. I expect I'll be paying approx £500 come March time.

We have a bit! But the poster isn't saying to much about the replies!

[Heidfirst]

Out of interest... How much was the insurance? I pay £550 with zero excess with LV with all the options minus the euro cover that I dont need. Went with them as they were the cheapest and best buy in "Which" mag.

£335 with eSure in central Glasgow parked on the street. but that's with an excess (not a big 1 though), restricted mileage (10,000) & driver only.

T180 no doubt would bump it up slightly from the 150bhp.

[Mistermena]

Out of interest... How much was the insurance? I pay £550 with zero excess with LV with all the options minus the euro cover that I dont need. Went with them as they were the cheapest and best buy in "Which" mag.

£335 with eSure in central Glasgow parked on the street. but that's with an excess (not a big 1 though), restricted mileage (10,000) & driver only.

T180 no doubt would bump it up slightly from the 150bhp.

Thats not a bad price at all mate. Yer the T-180 must load the policy somwhat. Mine is for any driver and buisness class 1 and no milage restrictions. I've PM'd you about those genuine Toyota alloys...