European Trip

[oep308]

Hello,

My name is Oliver and I am new to the forum. Next year (May) I plan on taking a year out travelling around Europe. I have looked at inter railing and have decided that it is not for me due to I would be volunteering through the www.workaway.info scheme so I need my own independence from a car.

I know the trip is far in the future but I am trying to get a price together of what it will cost. I have estimated my mileage to be 15,000 - 20,000 because of this I have decided that a Toyota (Avensis or Corolla) will be the best bet as I know how reliable these cars are if they have been maintained. 

So my question is, what engine is the best to go for in regards to fuel economy? What is a true MPG figure that you are getting and what are your running costs? Budget will be <£1,000 for the car and then any preventative maintenance costs on top of that such as new cambelt etc. 

I will be getting the biggest dog of a car I can find as long as it is mechanically sound and will not leave me at the side of the road in Sweden to die.

 

Thanks!

[Konrad C]

If you have done your research, you will try and avoid the oil burning 1.6 and 1.8 engines 'ZZ' engines built from 2000 until mid 2005, when they were modified fixing the issue. If the engine has been fixed by replacing the engine block, and has the paperwork to prove it, then the car 'may' be okay!
generally the economy can be 35 to 40 plus MPG. A rare older Mk1 Avensis with the 7A-FE engine in good condition and low mileage would be a great find, but go for facelift Mk2 from 2006.

A good 2003-2005 1CD diesel is the car you should go for. Just have the cambelt service.

Good luck.