Avensis Mk 2 Or Mk 3

[ToyotaNewby 74]

Hello all, new to the site and slightly under false pretences as I do not yet own a Toyota :-)

I am currently looking to change my current Mk 2 Mondeo and am veering towards a Toyota Avensis estate for its replacement due to reliability and comfort.

The MK 2 Avesnsis is older and hence a cheaper option, but do not mind pushing budget to obtain a Mk 3. Was looking at a diesel but the MK 3 Petrol seems to return good MPG and is of course without a DPF.

Having not yet test driven either to gain my own opinions my question to you Avensis owners out there is: Is there a big difference in quality between the Mk 2 and MK 3? Apart from owning a slightly newer car - Is the newer model worth the extra money?

Thanks very much for your time!

[T5NELtim]

Hiya,

I went for a 'mk3' as you put it.

If you are looking at petrol then I think it is worth going for mk3 to make sure you get the 'revised' 1.8 vvti engine that is not plagued with oil consumption issues.

In terms of the actual model differences, I think the face is a bit prettier but other than that most of the changes are minor - the suspension is meant to be better but personally I would take my old (2004) mondeo over the avensis for driving.

Tim

[ToyotaNewby 74]

Thanks - not sure if i got the correct Mk's however, trying to compare the 03-09 model with the 09 - onwards one :-)

[alan333]

The oil problem on the 1.8 vvti was cured around 05 plate. Buy a 55 or newer and you should be safe. The 2.0 petrol didn't suffer from it.

[revband]

Just to mention that the D4D variants do not have a DPF it only on the DCAT models, I have had 2003 2.00 D4D 2008 2.2 D4D and now 2011 2.2 D4D all have been good cars, the 2.2 engines are smoother and more flexible.