Buying Tips On An Avensis

[Vloothuis]

Hello,

I know that there is a similar topic to this but I am looking for a nearly new Avensis.

I currently drive a Celica (52 plate) and I am very happy with it. Why want to change? The little patter of tiny feet are on the way and so I need something a little more practical. I am looking to have near £14,000 to spend.

I have spoken to the garage and they always give you some rubbish info. So what better then to get it from the owners themselves.

I am looking to get a 2nd hand model, New shape. I was thinking so far that the T3X is the best bet for options etc and is not to expensive.

Engine size? 1.8 has better mpg but will it be too little for the size of the car etc? Or what about the estate?

I have seen many of your posts about the satnav so not fussed about a crappy system. (I can always get a pda with tom tom)

Anything too look out for? (Apart from a dodgy dealer :D )

So if any of you wish you had gone for extra etc then please let me know (Within reason)

Any tips greatly appreciated.

[jamesholden]

T3X is the best compromise of spec to price, but get the 2.0, in the real world it's not going to be much more thirsty than the 1.8 and as there are lots of old shape Avensis' needing new 1.8 engines there's a possibility that there could be quite a few new 1.8 Avensis suffering the same trouble in the next few years.

Personally however there are better cars on the market for that sort of money, as there have been quite a few problems people have reported on here and I believe Toyota are now on there 3rd anti-rattle kit for the Avensis which to me doesnt bode well for quality of design.

The Avensis is acceptable though, however I would have a look at the new Honda Accord, or maybe the Mazda 6 first.

[runboy]

I have just taken delivery of a T3-X 5 door, 2litre auto and I love it! Equipment is a good compromise of having everything you could really need (how many cars these days come with auto dim rear view mirror, folding mirrors, auto wipers etc on a mid-spec model?). The 2 litre is a nice engine-quiet and fast enough on the auto. Kickdown is so much fun it makes me smile everytime!

Fuel is running at mid to late 20's around town, but I have yet to do any long runs but you should be up into the high 30's if you keep at a nice 60mph.

Plenty of Toyota approved used Avensis at your price range-you should be able to easily get a 1.8 T3-X on a 04 plate for your money, maybe a 2.0 on a 53 plate.

Shout if you have any questions.

[Vloothuis]

Thank you both for your comments. I really do apprecitate it.

I am torn between the Avensis now and the Accord.

Do you happen to know what the service intervals are for the Avensis (As will be putting on some miles) and dont want it in the garage ever month. Average price perhaps?

Runboy, Please let me know if you have found any bad rattles or motorway road/wind noise. As I keep hearing this is the biggest put-off on this car.

Thanks again.

[Dane]

road/wind noise. As I keep hearing this is the biggest put-off on this car.

←

The only noise I get off my T4 auto is off the tyres.

[runboy]

Runboy, Please let me know if you have found any bad rattles or motorway road/wind noise. As I keep hearing this is the biggest put-off on this car.

Thanks again.

←

I am surprised at how quiet the Avensis is! OK, my list of recent cars (SEAT Leon, Audi A2, new shape Corolla) proves that I haven't had large cars, whereas people who regulary drive family cars may be used to the refinement. But I find the Avensis to be a quiet car.

I have not really had any rattles-maybe the smallest of creaks when you hit a bad patch of road, and when there is frozen water on the car there is a rattle from a bit of rear-hatch trim. I found where it is but due to the fact it because it -3c outside I can live with it until the car warms up. Apart from that this is the first car I've ever had from new where I haven't had to go back to the dealer with a problem straight after delivery.

I have read about the road noise, but I don't see it as a problem. Maybe a change of tyre would help.

The Accord is a good car, but I found the interior space of the Accord to be far less than the Avensis, and equioment on lower models not as good as the Avensis.

[Vloothuis]

runboy,

Thanks again for you reply. It sounds then that the noise maybe a little less of a problem then first thought. I will book myself in for a testdrive next weekend and see if I still like it.

I would prefer to stay with Toyota as I love my Celica and have always found the service good. (Better then most anyway)

With regards to the Honda, I do like it, but Insurance is higher, slower (For like 4 like spec) mpg is worse etc.

Thanks again for your help.

[runboy]

Anyway, the Avensis has a nice 8 speaker stereo so once thats pumped up you don't notice any road noise!

[Airbag]

Ignore James Holden - he's been badmouthing the Avensis on the forum at every opportunity. :-)

My 1.8 2003 T3-X has been great. Nothing has fallen off, my dealer is fine, it does 48mpg at 70mph, and the road noise is not a problem for me. Because that's how modern tyres and wheels sound. I have an auto, (with sequential manual) and it 's a great car. There are other people here who have owned Mercs and prefer the Avensis - I've had two recent Mercs and the Avensis is a much better car than either of my 'C' class Mercs. Servicing is cheaper too.

Test drive an Accord, an Avensis, and anything else you like. Then let us now which one you bought. The T3-X 1.8 auto is a fine family car and an interesting solo drive, - if you want more power take it over 4000 rpm when the VVTI starts to make nice sounds. Naturally, the Carlo Blue ones are MUCH faster. :-)

Best of luck.

[runboy]

Naturally, the Carlo Blue ones are MUCH faster.  :-)

←

Not sure there. I believe the Silver Fern are quicker. I find the dark blue absorbs light and therefore makes the car heavier, whereas my Silver Fern bounces back the light, keeping weight down.

;)

[Vloothuis]

Thanks for your input again. I will book myself in for a testrive next weekend if I can. That will also give me some time to clean my car to get top bucks. I will let you know what I decide.

[Norbreck21a]

Sorry Runboy, I beleive that Airbag is totally correct.

It's a proven fact that the Carlo Blue Avensis are much faster than any other colour :D

Guess what colour mine is !

Cheers

Andrew

[duncanda]

The Carlo Blue does go faster than any other colour. :D

I have a T3-X 1.8 auto, having traded in a 1999 Mercedes E240 auto. My new employer insisted on me using a newer car on business. To replace the Merc. I wanted a safe, affordable, family auto with

The Avensis is quieter, more economical (38mpg, fully laden car, 80+ mph motorway driving) and handles better than my old Merc.

I didn't try a 2.0 auto, but the 1.8 has adequate power and accelaration. In first gear, there's a good amount of torque and if you're cruising and need a spurt of power, just snick the sequential gearbox into 3rd and away you go. The gearbox is excellent, I don't notice gear changes at all.

The car doesn't have any rattles, but then I've only got 10,000 miles on the clock. The service interval is 10,000 miles.

Only problem has been front brake pad squeal when coming to a stop, sorted for free by dealer fitting shims to brake pads.

Check out www.honestjohn.co.uk for his opinions.

Let us know how you get on with your test drive.

[runboy]

I see the Avensis T2 D4D has won this years family car award from What Car?, announced today I believe. Good news.

[prince]

If you’re prepared to wait a little and stretch you budget then consider a Second hand 2.4 Direct Injection, I have surprised a few Lexus IS and BMW 3 series owners at the traffic lights with this car, the 5 speed Auto gives effortless acceleration.

[tubaman]

My 1.8 2003 T3-X has been great. Nothing has fallen off, my dealer is fine, it does 48mpg at 70mph,

[Norbreck21a]

My 1.8 2003 T3-X has been great. Nothing has fallen off, my dealer is fine, it does 48mpg at 70mph,

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The 1.8 is frugal for sure, but i'm not sure that 48mpg is really attainable. My T3-X 1.8 originally showed on the trip computer 48-55mpg which at first I thought was amazing. When I checked it though, it was only about 38mpg. Indeed when the dealer replaaced the fuel computer (after numerous re-sets), the new computer is now amazingly VERY accurate, and indicates between 38-42mpg, which equates almost exactly to the 10th MPG to my calculations !

In any case I think 38-42mpg for a 1.8 petrol in the Avensis class, isn't bad anyway !

Andrew.

[Smart Jims Toy]

Vloothuis, if my recent experience is anything to go by, you should be able to get a very good example for your money and some change left over!.

I've just signed a deal with my local dealer to provide an 09/03 (53 reg) T3-X 2.0 auto, in metallic black with 10,400 on the clock for £12,250. :D :D :D

I originally set out to get a 1.8 T3-X because of the economy factor (which a close friend who has a previous shape 1.8gs keeps rubbing my nose in) but the dealer couldn't get a car within my budget and colour choice - 1st was Steel Silver followed by Silver Fern - Eclipse Black was 3rd.

To clinch the deal I was offered a reduction (on top of other negotiations in the ticket price) to counter the difference in fuel costs between the 1.8 & 2.0 for the next 2 years.

I also agree with the other comments on this thread - the T3-X certainly does give a high standard of equipment - add in the satnav, different wheels and a change of cloth and you've got a T4, but that'd cost you more!

I just need to hang on until next Thursday when my funds clear in the bank and I can go collect.

Jim

p.s. they even gave me very good px values on a 1999 Merc A-Class & 2001 Smart City-Coupe which I'm trading in!!

[Julncamp]

Don't forget the insurance and servicing costs before you make your decision. I nearly fell for that lovelely Honda Accord VTec and I was a gnats thingy away from getting the Honda.

Toyota insusrance offered me 240 quid less than the Honda for fully comp insurance. Also the servicing costs are lower.................... very happy with the 2.0L T spirit auto.....

[Vloothuis]

All,

Thank you all very much for your comments.

I test drove the Avensis at the weekend and the Mazda 6 (Did not bother with the Accord for various reasons, cost and the nagging wife.)

After everything I put down my deposit for down for T3-X 1.8. Manual (Again the wife expressed concerns on not knowing how to drive an Auto ......

I liked the drive, and was pleased with the way it handled etc. I was happy with the deal that I got. And I am picking it up in Saturday (Fingers Crossed) Insurance has also dropped a chunk so I am def happy with that.

Thanks again to all who helped and gave their opinions,

And as a last comment I will let you know how fast "Carlos Blue" Actually does go :D

[runboy]

Well done and I hope you enjoy your Avensis.

Of course, in answer to your last comment....all I can say is not as fast as a Silver Fern avensis......!

[Tawse57]

As you will see in another thread I have started I am considering an Avensis against a Mondeo and a Mazda 6.

I would buy an Accord diesel tomorrow but they no longer do a hatch and I want and need the versatility of a hatch. IMPO a big mistake by Honda. Also, the Accord is too expensive compared to the Avensis and Mazda 6 from what I have read.

I live in Swansea and sadly the Toyota dealership seems to have someone who regularly decides to scratch the secondhand cars on the forecourt. Several times I have visited only to see a specialist firm there repairing or 'hiding' scratches along the length of several new model Avensiss. A shame but their secondhand prices, IMPO, were not that cheap compared to prices you see listed on Parkers and Whatcar so I would not buy there for those two reasons.

www.drivethedeal.com seems to have good deal on new pre-registered Avensiss but I picked up a copy of Whatcar today and they say you can get 4000K off a 2004 03 plate Avensis now.

I test drove the Avensis at the weekend and the Mazda 6 (Did not bother with the Accord for various reasons, cost and the nagging wife.)

I would be interested in your comparission of the Mazda 6 and Avensis - what made you opt for the Avensis over the Mazda?

[Vloothuis]

I would be interested in your comparission of the Mazda 6 and Avensis - what made you opt for the Avensis over the Mazda?

What made me choose the Avensis over the Mazda 6? Well some of it was personal taste. And what your requirements are.

My wifes dad has the mazda 6 so I test drove that without the salesman (Although I had spoken to him on the phone before about what they had in stock. He put me off straight away wanting a deposit over the phone)

I found the mazda was a nice looking car, but it just did not do it for me, I thought that the seats were poor, interior drab. and the dash was just a little poor again. The drive was ok but nothing too much to write home about. What I did like about it was the cruise control which sadly the Avensis does not have on the lower spec model.

The Avensis I found was able to perform if required (1.8) just needed to rev it like the Celica. I prefered the ride, size and interiror and I liked the look of it.

I saw that you have put a post on about the Mondeo also. My friend has the new shape Mondeo. And again its an ok car. It has generous kit but can be heavy on the lower engine models. He bought his car pre reg and in under two years it has lost more then half its value. The boot is slightly smaller then the Avensis I found in addition to the saftey aspects of things.

My car choice had to match my criteria, Safe (Baby on the way) lots of space, As like to drive to Europe lots and wanted an ok mpg, low insurance. With an ok drive thrown in for luck. Therfore I decided on the Avensis. The Mondeo I think is ok if you are on a budget and are buying it second hand. Mazda if you dont mind a boring ride with a boring interior.

(Disclaimer - The above is my opinion only and you are all welcome to correct me, as this is all personal taste)

The only thing I can suggest is really think about what you want from a car. I.e space, size, speed etc.

Let me know what you decide on. And sorry I could not be of more help.

[Tawse57]

Thanks Vloothuis - very useful info.

I have visited two Mazda dealers and they both put me off straight away - one in Swansea and one in Cardiff. Every Mazda owner I have spoken to , bar one, bought their Mazda in Carmarthen so much the same reason why I would not buy from Swansea or Cardiff Mazda dealers. A friend also visited a Mazda dealer and told me he felt their pre-sales attitude was so bad what would it be like if he had a problem with a car he bought from them.

I too agree about the seats and the naff inside of the Mazda 6. I think it is pretty poor all in all. A review in my local paper of secondhand ones warned about how easily the plastic scratch. Also, I have looked at loads of secondhand ones and, even ones as little as 6 months old, look pretty knackered inside with very worn seats. So my gut is telling me to avoid the 6.

The Mondeo, well, as I said previously I have not read a bad review about them and I have tried to find one.

I just wish the Avensis did not look such an old man's car. Sorry, but whilst itl looks classy it also looks bland. Seems very well speced though and I like the safety features but do worry about all this road noise I keep hearing about.

Out of interest. are you buying new, pre-registered or secondhand?

Darn, I really wanted a Corolla! :-)

[manchel]

Well, I have just spent an interesting time reading all of the above comments just to see if what I am about to do is considered okay ! I have been driving the RAV4 for some time now and its time to change, and she was one thirsty machine !!! I looked around and found that the visual appeal of the Avensis was greater to me than any of the others I looked at. Any slight doubts that I may have had soon disappeared when I got what I consider to be a good deal. I am buying a 2004 Avensis 1.8 T3-S Auto Silver Steel with less than 10k on the clock for £11.450 from a Toyota main dealer.