Used Avensis Dilemma, One With A Towbar, The Other A Non-Dealer Servic

[jonny123456]

Update: I'm in a dilemma, and still trying to purchase an Avensis Tourer. Further to a test drive, I wasn't particularly over impressed with the CVT transmission (there was nothing wrong with it, it just didn't excite me enough to pay the premium for a T4 with CVT).

Anyhoo, this narrows the search somewhat to a 1.8 V-Matic Manual Tourer - TR spec.

So I've found two (used approved) 2010 Avenses, whose dealers have each agreed a price of £8,500 on (a £500 discount on their sticker price).

One has 46,000 miles, a full Toyota service history, is a more desirable colour BUT has towbar fitted (flange type - possibly aftermarket). I took this for a test drive, and it all felt fine (though I'm no mechanic) but the towbar really niggles me.

I was told it was just used for occasional towing of a box trailer (EDIT: dealer later called me back to say it wasn't used for towing at all, but just as a bike rack), but I'm having to trust the dealer and/or the original seller's word on this. The back bumper was covered in marks, which I can only assume came from whatever was being towed (EDIT: or from bikes/loading). The rest of the car seemed spotless/well looked after (though it had just been valeted). I'm sure the towbar thing is fine, though have a niggle in case it's entire 44,000 mile were spend towing an overloaded caravan, a trailer with a car or a horse trailer!!!

The other car has 42,000 miles, a full (non Toyota) service history, and is in a less desirable (but practical colour). This one I've not seen yet as my local franchise would need to transfer it in from elsewhere, but I can reserve it with a refundable deposit (subject to an inspection/test drive) and they'll transport it in. The towbar thing is making me lean towards this car (subject to the inspection) if I can also persuade a Full+ service to be thrown in (is this realistic/reasonable?)to ensure everything is using the required Toyota parts/oils etc (for the 12 month warranty). I do still have a niggle as to whether the non-toyota service history is an issue, though my own plan is to just use Toyota for the servicing for the next year or two, before moving on to a local independent once the warranty is long expired anyway, so maybe this shouldn't be such a big deal.

For anyone only joining me on my journey here, I'm looking for a reliable, cheap to run, problem free car to get me through the next 8-9 years (@ 15K miles per year).

Thoughts anyone? - Full Toyota service history with towbar, or Full (non-Toyota) service history without... or keep looking!?

Are there any tell tale signs of a car used for heavy towing - or to confirm it's only been used for bikes?

[FROSTYBALLS]

The one thing against the non-Toyota service history vehicle, is, if an expensive repair occurred outside the warranty period where you sought a goodwill contribution from Toyota, they would be unlikely to provide a goodwill contribution due to the non-Toyota service history. This is a common stance amongst manufacturers, and not just Toyota.

For example, last year BBC Watchdog highlighted timing chain issues with some BMW and Mini engines which were outside warranty. On the programme, BMW said that they would provide goodwill contributions towards the cost of repairs only where the vehicle had a BMW/Mini service history.

[revband]

I don't understand why you are reluctant to buy the one with the tow bar, OK it may have been towing a caravan but all cars now are plated with the weight and gross train weight which is set by the makers, the train weight sets the maximum legal weight which the car can tow, it is highly unlikely that Toyota will set a towing weight which will cause any damage to the car.

The percentage of time that a privately owned car is used for towing is normally very low anyway, A "boy racer" style driver can cause far more stress to a car than a responsible careful driver towing a caravan.

As it is an approved used Toyota it will come with a years guarantee which should give you peace of mind, If it is the car that you like I see no reason not to buy it.

[Parts-King]

Would not bother me about a tow bar either, how many times would it have towed? Ask the previous owner or get the garage to get the previous owner to ring you

You want to put 120,000 miles on this car plus what it has already done, I think you are asking too much to expect an entirely fault free 8-9 years!

If when you see the car and you like it, pay for an independent inspection on it for added peace of mind, it will cost you but will put your mind at ease

Kingo