Carina To Avensis

[DBBomber]

Hello Toyota land,

My 1997 Carina 1.8 E has just clocked 100k and its time to bid it farewell. I've put 80k on it and apart from servicing and tyres it has only cost me an ABS sensor and a radiator.

I'm looking at an April 02 Avensis 1.8 VVTi GS with 36k on the clock. Can anybody offer me tips.

Thanks

[SMW]

Expect some interior rattles !

Updated Sat Nav CD's are very expensive so if buying from main dealer try to get an update thrown in.

[ernie]

Expect some interior rattles !

Updated Sat Nav CD's are very expensive so if buying from main dealer try to get an update thrown in.

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[ernie]

Are you purchasing the car privately? If so, it will only have a few weeks left of the Toyota Warranty so be aware. I have owned a June 02 Avensis 1.8 VVTi (auto) for approx 18 months and within that time the Steering Rack has been replaced twice and front discs skimmed (at 12000 miles) electric window switch replaced, rattle from tailgate area which never has been resolved - I also had this on my previous 2000 Avensis - and numerous other rattles.

I would suggest you ask any main Toyota dealer what repairs have already been made to the car under warranty, as this may help you in deciding to buy or not to.

Ask questions about the oil consumption as there are problems and which are referred to in other Forums. My own Avensis does not use any oil between services so perhaps I have been lucky!

The paintwork is generally soft and does tend to scratch easily. Check also the leading front edge of the bonnet which tends to get damaged easilly from stonechips. The interior plastics is not of the greatist quality so check carefully.

If you are purchasing from a main Toyota dealer you will at least get a good 12 months warranty which should cover most mechanical problems

[gazmat007]

I had a 02 Avensis Vermont (A little bit up from the GS) Now gone for new T3X.

The old Avensis (1.8 VvTi) was an awesome car. Used to do 110 Mph on German Autobahns, Brakes were pants and discs used to go quickly, but a really reliable car.

Took Mine all over, did 50,000 miles in the 2.5 yrs that I owned it. As with any car, as long as its serviced regular it should be ok. (1st 3 yrs by Toyota I recon is best for service)

All the best

Gaz

[DBBomber]

Hello Toyota land,

My 1997 Carina 1.8 E has just clocked 100k and its time to bid it farewell.  I've put 80k on it and apart from servicing and tyres it has only cost me an ABS sensor and a radiator.

I'm looking at an April 02 Avensis 1.8 VVTi GS with 36k on the clock.  Can anybody offer me tips. 

Thanks

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[DBBomber]

Thanks for the info.

The car is at a Reg Vardy Fiat dealership. I've had a quick look at it in its dirty state as it arrived and I'm back today for another look. I've picked up a few of the steering and oil burning problems from some other posts on this site.

Reg Vardy offer their own warranty but I'm shy of taking it. Had an Arnold Clark warranty a few years ago for my wifes car, a nightmare of a Zafira, and it didn't seem to cover anything.

DB