Avensis Tourer 1.8 V-Matic Cvt 2010 (Buying Experience)

April 25, 2012

Hi All,

Just bought a 1.8 v-matic CVT tourer on 60 plate 2 days ago. I'd like to share my buying experience with your guys here.

I started looking for one avensis tourer 2 months ago. According to figures on paper, I initially wanted a 2.0 diesel manual one, but having tested a diesel one, I was very disappointed by its noise and slow response at traffic lights. Comparing to Nissan Almera 2.2 Diesel (2004) we have, it is nowhere near in terms of its performence, and it has the same level of noise. Then, I tested a fully loaded 1.8 T4 CVT saloon. Wow! it is quieter, and more response (reasonable good). Yes, on the paper, it has very impressive mpg figure. So I decided to buy a 1.8 T4 CVT. It is so rare, I waited, waited and waited...

After came back from Easter holiday, I decided to widen my choices a bit by started looking at TR CVT with leather seats, but I cannot find anything within 100 miles or even 200 miles, so I lowered my specs again by just 1.8 TR CVT with sat-nac, reverse camera and cruise control, then I found a few. Having tested 2 1.8 v-matic CVT on 60 plate in 2 branches, one was younger with 9700 miles, the other one was 3 months older with 13000 miles. But, the younger one was felt sluggish at traffic lights, even throttling a lot more; the older one, however, it was very smooth and response as you would expected at traffic lights without having to throttle more. obviously, I bought the slightly older one, which is still with 3 and a half years warranty.

Having driven for 2 days, I am still awaiting for SD card to active the SAT-NAV and audio system, which is a bit disappointed as the Toyota dealer said it would be delivered once it was ready, obviously, it is not really ready. And also, I found the coolant level was 2cm lower than the 'low' mark, phoned them up, was told it has been through 'workshop' and need to be topped up.

Apart from those, the car is fine. Fuel consumption is about 38mpg on country road (I drove very carefully in order to see how economical it can be). Comparing to the avensis (98) I owned years ago, it improved a lot. At least, I cannot hear rain dropping noise from the roof. The handling is much better, more response and more power. However, the road and wind noise is till there. I don't know why T4 can do much better (maybe I should stick with T4). Comparing the 2003 VW 1.8t passat estate I traded in, the passat is more comfortable, less noise, and more response and quicker. But, I traded those in for a more reliable and cheaper to run car (I hope so).

Regarding to CVT, I felt that the auto mode is better than 'manual' mode. When changed to 'manual' mode, it drops gear down. You can then only change gear up by throttling up, and it will automatically drop gears down if you lift your foot up. Which is no help to improve the mpg. So after dried twice, I don't think I am going to use it unless in a special situation.

That is it so far.

Thanks for reading. and love to hear your thoughts....

April 25, 2012

Have also just bought the TR 1.8 CVT, too early to give a full account yet as have only done about 120 miles. Moved from a trusty 2003 Honda Accord and in comparison it seems quieter with a more comfortable ride. The thing I dislike most is the electronic parking brake, it wouldn't be so bad if I could reach it easily, I like to sit well back and to activate it I have to lean well forward.

I tested two TR CVT's the same age, the one I bought has much more tyre noise than the other. Mine is fitted with Bridgestone 300's where as the quieter one had Goodyear Excellence tyres, will almost certainly change from the Bridgestones as soon as they have worn down a bit more.

Like you had a good look around for higher spec models but they were just not available. Seems Toyota UK have just released a batch of 2010 TR Estates to the dealers as there are quite a few around the country at the moment and some of the prices vary hugely.

This is my first Toyota and am hoping it will be as reliable as the Accord.

April 27, 2012

Thanks for your comment, Whitewagon.

I could not agree more about the funny location of the electronic handbrake with you. It is not only difficult to reach, but also it is slow. Slow releasing and braking.

Thanks for pointing out the tyre, I will check mine. and yes, I found the prices are so different too.

I owned one Avensis (98 plate) before. It was very good. I only broken it by loading building material when I was doing my house up. one time, I managed to fit more than 60 packs of wooden floor board in, which it damaged suspension. Apart from that, it's never given me any problem at all. I hope this one will be the same good.