Replacing Avensis 04 1.8 petrol advice/suggestions

[yaqub]

Hi all

With my current 2004 Avensis 1.8 petrol on its last legs, I'm now looking for a suitable replacement.

The car has served me well, it has been in the family since showroom and has kept going despite the oil issue. In the back of my mind, having thought the car is about to go over the last couple years, I've damaged the gearbox by constantly flooring the accelerator. The engine is still ticking over but now the gearbox is making all sorts of noises and the mechanic advised to change the car. Bit stupid of me, I know.

On its recent MOT, the garage mentioned that the car was in amazing condition for its age and despite a bit of rust, the underbody of the car was in great solid condition.

Within the Avensis petrol range, which year would you suggest and how much should I be looking to pay? I've had a look at a few 2006-2008 1.8 vvti T3-x/TR/T4 models from dealers and 1-2 owners from new are priced between £3-4k. Budget isn't a factor but I am looking for a reliable run around with a couple motorway trips every month. Annually, I do about 15-20k miles. Something similar in size, the boot space is amazing and overall has been a solid car to drive. 

Are there other Avensis variants or Toyotas I should consider, how much should I be paying for one and what should I look for when purchasing?

Or would you consider replacing the engine and gearbox?

Any advice will be really appreciated

Thank you

Yaqub

[Konrad C]

If you can get a replace gearbox that is sound and some history, and good mechanic who is not expensive, then you could do the gearbox route. Also throw in a new clutch. On the other hand, a replacement car would be a better way to go. You already are looking for a late Mk2 1.8 and they are a good choice, but a car that was last made 12 years ago! The Mk3 T27 are in the same price bracket, but there area few negative points - no hatchback, only saloon and estate, front door strap fixing point on doors can have stress cracks (easily sorted with a bit of welding and plating). The Electric parking brake (EPB) can have issues, though mostly reliable. Petrol 'preferred' oil grade is 0w/20 though more common grade like 5w/30 is 'recommeded'.
Positives are a more modern car, cruise control on the all but the bottom model range, auto lights and auto wipers and alloy wheels are on all but the base model. So TR is the minimum. 'Nav' with reverse cam is available on some TR and all higher spec cars. 
The petrol Auris is another car to consider, but you lose space. Rav4? I don't really know if they would suit you.