2009/59 Toyota Avensis 2.0 V-matic M-drive S T4 Automatic - Possible Purchase?

[shaunj_uk]

Hi,

I currently have a 2002 Toyota Corolla 2.0 Diesel. I am looking to buy a newer Avensis as need a bigger car for the family. I have come across a 2009/59 Toyota Avensis 2.0 V-matic M-drive S T4 Automatic with 64,000 miles, with Full Service History.

I have wanted to try an automatic for a while now, and I believe this is a CVT transmission..... I have done some research on the internet regarding CVT's and a lot of comments are unfavourable and quite negative regarding reliability on other makes (Nissan etc), but I can't seem to find a lot about Toyota CVT's.

I just wondered if anyone has an Avensis with CVT transmission, and if so what are they like with regards to reliability etc? I don't really want to spend £6k on a car and then get hit with massive repair bills!! Should I just stick to manual?

Your opinions would be great..

Many Thanks

Shaun

 

[alan333]

I researched quite a bit before buying my 1.8 with cvt a few years ago, and couldn't find many problems.  Haven't read of many more since either.  It's a great auto to drive generally but it's a bit revvy on hills, especially at motorway speeds.  Maybe the box will have been tweaked for the bigger engine tho?

[Konrad C]

Last year I drove the engine/transmission combo in a friends Rav4. It was okay and in "Eco" mode the CVT went for higher gearing, keeping the revs down. It made the car feel lazy until the right foot was pushed further or the mode changed. In most situations the "Eco" mode was fine.

I have never heard or read of any Toyota CVT reliability issues (in the Avensis forum), but did a search and found this - 

I had to search to find this, and it was on a Rav4 with four wheel drive (extra stresses). You could get an extended warranty to cover the car.

Edited February 18, 2017 by Konrad C
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[nielshm]

I drive a new Auris with CVT. It's quite easy to keep the revs low, with a little know how, you can keep revs below 3500 rpm. 

The only thing that drives me crazy is when the engine is cold. Gears are very low, wich mens high revs at low speeds. 50 mph is with 3000 rpm until engine temperature starts to rise. It's only for a short time, but gearbox, engine(sound)  and front wheels feels disconnected from each other. 

[shaunj_uk]

Thanks for the replies, I really appreciate your input. I am not sure what to do right now, will have a good think over coming days.

Cheers

Shaun

[Heidfirst]

Toyota dropped the 2.0 petrol (for the UK at least) because it developed only ~5 bhp more & was thirstier.

The CVT auto appears to be very reliable.

[nielshm]

You're right about the Nissan gearbox. The're 100's of webpages and YouTube videos showing broken gearboxes and telling stories of dealers not beeing helpfull. How ever, No matter how hard I search the web, it's allmost impossible to find negativ reports about Toyotas. 

Since the car is 8 years old and has done 60K miles, maybe you show get a oil change on the gearbox. The service plan probaply claims that oil never needs to be changed, but since it's very delicat mechanics, a new drop of oil will never be a bad thing.