Does This Mileage Sound Believable Or Fishy?

[Adam Zapple]

I went to view a 2006 Avensis today with 62,801 miles on the clock. I just checked the old MOTs and the mileage shown on the test date March 2011 was just 6335 miles.

So that means (averaged out) it only did 1271 miles per year in its first 5 years.

Does this sound right?

[Heidfirst]

did you check the service book & did the service mileages tie up?

It is possible e.g. if it was owned by an older person who just used it to run a few miles to the shops. However, less use can be worse for a car than more.

[FROSTYBALLS]

Could the instrument cluster have been changed? The service book may show if it has.

[Adam Zapple]

I didn't get as far as looking at the paperwork while I was there because while inspecting the car, I noticed water in the rear inner wheel arches and of this put me off. I've since discovered (thanks to you guys) that water leaking into the rear is a common problem on the Avensis. On that note, should I be deterred from buying an Avensis if I discover water in the rear, or should I just accept this is going to happen?

Thanks.

[alan333]

It's not a common problem but it's also not unheard of.

[Parts-King]

If you PM me the reg number I will see what mileage there has been in network service history

[Adam Zapple]

This is the car in question. Interestingly it's described as Champagne Gold but it looks like Fern Green to me. It seemed in pretty good condition for the age. A few dings and chips, which is expected on a car this age. The engine sounded smooth and steady, started first time, all warning lights went out once fired up. No signs of leaks from hoses, radiator or fluid reservoirs. The seats were immaculate, which leads me to believe it was never used as a taxi and all the controls seemed to work. I didn't test drive it as the water put me off, so I walked away, not knowing it was a common problem on the Avensis.

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201512109365537?model=avensis&sort=locasc&onesearchad=used%2Cnearlynew%2Cnew&radius=1500&make=toyota&search-target=usedcars&fuel-type=petrol&price-to=4000&postcode=S75%202TP&transmission=manual&page=1&logcode=p

[Heidfirst]

It's not a common problem. Condensation in the rear clusters certainly isn't unknown (at least on Tourers) but that is very different than water sloshing around in the body.

[Adam Zapple]

This one had a puddle of water in the inner rear wing. I'm taking good advice and I won't be buying this one. The search continues.