avensis mk2 2002- advice please.

[jerry64]

i have owned many,many cars over the years, but never an avensis , i currently own a 230k skoda diesel which is slowly dying.......

i`m after an avensis  as i want something refined and most importantly comfortable, i use a lot of back roads to work and back, and want a soft wallowy comfortable ride, refinement is also VERY important to me, my budget is about 2k, but that wont buy me a lexus which is my ideal car , so an avensis it has to be, any advice please on either a petrol or the smelly stuff.

many thanks

jerry

[CrazyMango73]

The title is a bit misleading. The MK1 Avensis was from 1997-2003 (early reg 2003), and MK2 2003 onwards. If it's the MK1 you're talking about, I can help a bit. Just recently picked one up myself. If you can find a low mileage example (there are only a handful but they are well in your budget), they shouldn't have any problems. My car has no issues at all right now. You need to be aware of engine oil consumption issues (applies to early MK2's as well). The 1.8 and 2.0 VVT-i have an infamous oil burning issue, but usually after high mileage; my car has not developed it yet - reliable engine nonetheless.

Very comfie, I do lots of motorway miles and I always get out wondering how comfortable the car is. Refined is subjective and not sure what you're looking for. Comfortable? Yes. Noises and creaks occasionally? Yes, but not that annoying. It is an old Toyota at the end of the day.