Advice Needed Buying First Avensis

[runuali]

Hi guys, I'm new to this forum.

I was hoping you can give me some advice.

I just got rid of my Ford Mondeo TDDI as the turbo had blown, and I had spent nearly £1000 on it already on repairs, had a lot of bad luck with this car.

I have been looking for an alternative and I only have about £1200 to get another car. I'm thinking of going back to Petrol.

I have seen quite a few Toyota Avensis, a few at 2002 Year Reg, 1.8 VVTI and also a nice CDX one, I was wondering if you can give me advice on this car, what to look out for when I inspect one.

How much does it roughly cost to maintain:

1. Servicing

2. Clutches/Flywheels

3. Timing Belts

4. General Wear and Tear

Any advice would be very helpful.

Thanks

Runu

[revband]

Hi The 1.8 VVTI has well documented oil burning issues, have a browse through this forum and you will find many threads relating to it, Toyota even extended the warranty to 7 years to cover this issue provided the car had full service history.

Personally I would not touch one unless the vendor could proove that it is fitted with the modified replacement engine, find a 2.00 model this has a far better trouble free engine.

[Phil01]

Avoid the 1.8 vvti at all costs