2007 2.0 diesel

[the scudd]

hi just joined up, i,m thinking of buying a 2007 2.0l avensis estate. i took the car for a testdrive  this evening and found it a nice tight drive,it has 143k miles on it with service history.

just wondered are there anything si should be wary of, i have heard the injectors can give bother.

thanks in advance ali

[Heidfirst]

Hi Ali & welcome 

Bodywise

headlights: not the greatest - can be improved with upgrade bulbs

brakes: I didn't find the feel with oem discs/pads confidence inspiring (although ultimately they worked) - again can be improved with non-oem parts

estate tonneau cover: check the locating lugs, these are prone to breaking & are not available as separate parts - a complete new tonneau is £hundreds

check for condensation/water in the light clusters (front & rear)

 

Engine/transmission

transmission: the manual 6-speed is often obstructive into 2nd both going up & down particularly when cold.once warmed up it's normally OK but never like butter.

engine: the AD series engines are modern(ish ) common rail turbo-diesels & as such may suffer from any/all the potential issues that can affect that type of engine from any manufacturer. At 143k I would be starting to think about clutch/DMF, injectors & possibly turbo unless they have already been replaced. As a 2007 it probably does not have a DPF.

However, there is 1 other potentially very expensive issue that can affect a small % of these engines - head/head gasket failure see http://www.toyotaownersclub.com/forums/applications/core/interface/file/attachment.php?id=10987 . Toyota had an extended goodwill programme for these but that car will be outside it now on both age & mileage terms. The problem is that you can't tell which ones will go until they start showing symptoms & the Toyota-sanctioned fix will cost more than the car is worth ...

At least the Consumer Rights Act 2015 will give you 6 months cover if you buy from a trader, if you buy privately you are on your own.