Buyers Checklist For Pre Vvti 1.8 Avensis And Estate

[Harry Carri]

Hi, I thinking of changing my Carina e 1.8 hatch for an estate as I will soon need the extra space so an Avensis estate seems the obvious choice as I really like the Carina e. From reading posts on here it seems wise to give the 1.8 vvti engined cars between 2000 and 2005 a wide birth which is fine as the early cars fit into my budget of a grand or less. Aside from the common sense used car checks that apply to all cars are there any particular things to look at ? or troublesome options on certain trim levels eg leaky sunroof. Also how many keys and or remotes did these cars have when new ? Thanks in advance.

[RichardM95]

Hi,

My 99 1.8 Avensis hasn't given me any problems since I got it last July, the only minor niggle is the temperature gauge face peeling away from the dial in warm weather, causing the needle to get stuck. Apart from that, it hasn't missed a beat in the 4000 miles I've done with it (although with a mileage of 21,000 I can't really comment!)

It's an SE so doesn't have a sunroof. Also I can confirm that it came with two fully-functioning remote keys, and one grey dealer/service key

Hope that helps,

Richard

[Harry Carri]

Thanks for the post. That niggle with temp gauge sounds like a niggle I could happily live with. I thought these cars were relaible but if that is the only Avensis unique possible fault I'd be well chuffed.The info on the keys is handy as I have seen some cars advertised as having "three keys" and other ads that make no mention of keys.

[t-spiritpete]

Hello mate,

the pre vvti Avensis like the Carina E is one of the best cars ever made no major problems to worry about, after these models Toyota went downhill.

Pete.

[Konrad C]

My 1.8 leanburn has done 115000 miles, with usual wear and tear items changed. Regular oil changes help, plus a strong coolant mix keeps the engine trouble free.

We all know that older cars condition depends on how they were treated and maintained. The Avensis seem to come off well c0mpared to rivals like Mondeo, 406, etc.

The Speakers were the most irritating things I replaced - I installed 6" JBLs.

Good luck.