Mondeoman To Avensesman?

[j1mbo]

Hi all, I've always owned Fords since I started driving (about 9 years ago), I'm on my second Mondeo (MK3 2L Ghia) and I'm looking to change it this year.

I was planning on keeping it for about 3 years but its rusting away like no car I've had before (except my B reg Fiesta!). So, it has to be a large 5 door with plenty of gadgets, fine handling and plenty of speed, does this sound like an Avensis?

I'm really happy with the Mondeo but its let down by corrosion, poor quality trim and suspension problems. Just too much hassle, a shame cos its got great handling, looks good and has a high spec.

I was also thinking about a Skoda Octiva RS or even an IS200SE but its a bit pricy however not viewed any cars yet.

I do find the Avensis a bit pipe and slippers (I'm 25) but I'm after quality as well as toys and image. The Mondeo was a bit rep like, but the Avensis (no disespect) seems to be more popular with the over 50s. However that seems to be changing.

I'm interested to hear from anyone who has changed from a Mondeo to Avensis, or anyone that can compare them. Is the interior better built? What about the steering?? As I said before, always had Fords so I'm trying to pluck up courage.

If I do view an Avensis and like it, would like to aim for a T3-X 2L 5 door, really would like to buy new if I can.

Most greatful for comments.

[Fidgits]

I've had my IS200 for nearly 4 years now...

When i bought it, i looked around the usual suspects (Beemer, C class etc) as well as the 'top end' of the rep-mobiles (Vectra, mondeo etc) and the conclusion I came to, was for value for money, and as an all-round car, it couldnt be beaten...

Firstly, it may seem pricey next to a mondeo Ghia - but compare it spec for spec, and they are actually cheaper, because, remember, as standard you get electric seats, heated seats, electric sunroof... the list goes on and on.. Compare it directly with a BMW 320i, and you would have to spec the beemer up to a list price of £29-31 grand (IIRC) to meet the IS's spec.

On top of all that, you have a wonderful rear-wheel drive chassis, that is nice and relaxing down the motorways, but still is a blast down an A road on a summers day.

Last year, I spent a long time looking for a replacement, and looked at a lot of cars.... and decided to stick with the IS...

[PeaJay]

Can't comment on the IS, or the Skoda

but the Avensis is a nice car.

The 1.8 T3-x is what I have.

The 2l has traction control

The T3-x is a better spec than the T3-s in my opinion - but then I dont like Sat Nav.

Go to a garage and have a test drive.

the car is quiet (barring my unique buzz - see other threads)

it's refined and has a germanic solidity to it.

Safe - you get more airbags than you thought possible.

My p reg Carina - previous car - had no corrosion at all!

(I'm 35 btw - so not pipe and slipper territory yet)

Do you want brand-spanking new?

I got a cracking deal on a 1 year old Avensis from Toyota World - Bristol

(Paid £11k)

[j1mbo]

Hi all, thanks for info. Also looking at Mazda 6 but not had test drive or anything yet.

Would like brand new, not sure what they go for at dealers (T3-X 2L 5 door) in the south east, wonder how far they will discount.

In a couple of months I might start my "tour" of the dealers and see what happens.

Mazda 6 seems popular but heard bad reports of trim quality and clutches, mind you can't be any worse than Ford! :ffs:

[funkyg]

Hi J1mbo,

Just last month I also 'went through the change', changed from a Mk2 Mondeo to a 2001 Avensis and to be fair I think my Avensis is a better car.

I feels so much more solid than the Mondeo did, close the doors on this and it feels like you're closing a a safe door! Can't compare the engines as I went from a TD to a 2.0 petrol but guess which one makes me smile?! I wasn't getting much more milage from the diesil so I'm not getting stung too much on the fuel costs.

When I got mine I had singled out two cars side by side in the showroom. One was my current car which is the Avensis CDX 2.0 saloon the other a Mk3 Modeo Ghia 2.0 hatch, both were the same year, both had similar miles. Both cars felt about the same in hadling although obviously I couldn't really push it on the test drives, that said the Avensis does roll a bit under hard cornering. How ever I drive down a 60 MPH country lane to work every day and I feel a load more secure in this than the Mondeo ever did. The Avensis also seemed to have a bit more poke, especially around 3000rpm when the vvt kicks in!

The Toyota cost a bit more, but it felt so much better, IMO looked better (a few people have mistaken it for a BMW 3 series), and my mechanic raved about Toyotas (all his cars/vans are Toyotas).

The interior feels a lot more solid than Mondeo did too, the only thing I don't like about it is the grandad style wood trim around the stereo which I'm going to see if I can change.

All things considered I'm REALLY happy with my car. It performs well, looks very nice in metallic black, has all the toys you could want (air con AND sunroof!), and is still big enough to fit the family in with the pram and all the other crap that kids attract! Given the choice again I'd go for the Anvensis, but I'd get my model instead of the newer one. I just prefer the exterior styling of the older model.

Mike.

[Airbag]

I have a T3-X, now getting on for 2 years old. It's a bit PIPE & SLIPPERS. But boy, is it comfortable. The sound system and aircon are fault-less. Top speed? about a 100 for me, at which point I start thinking about my license. I have an auto, which is soooooo nice. And it has Selectronic semi-auto shift or what ever it's called so you can speed things up a bit if you need it. (If you test drive an auto slip the shift across to S. The trans drops to 3rd for a more sporty feel). But if you're 25 you won't want an auto although your passengers might.

:D

The car is not too exciting. It handles pretty well, including the small amount of rear-hopping if you push a bit through bends. We also have a 1.8 20v Turbo Passat. The Avensis is a much nicer car to drive, with more room everywhere. It's quieter too. The AVensis is even nicer in the back, and there's less road noise than the Passat, even in the back. THer'e's a bit of a power band as the VVTI comes in. But not much.

TRy a test drive. (in Carlo Blue, off course) My T3-X came without Sat-Nav which is ok, 'cos I have one. The only extra I'll fight for is a CD Changer. Mine, alas was sans-jukebox.

You also owe yourself a drive of a Sk*da Octavia, I havn't driven one but my pal has a diesel version and he's smitten by 56mpg.

Oh yeah, I's jump at the chance of a D4D diesel Avensis. Those D4D's are terrific engines.

[ulro]

I have a 04 Excutive with 2.0 l + Auto. There is a significant lag in acceleration when I put the foot down but as soon as the engine wakes up it responds well and the car accelerates quite fast. If one compares Toyota specified times for 0-60 between the 2.0l Manual and the Auto there is a suprisingly small difference. (manual 9.4 s Auto 9.9 s)

Otherwise I think it is a very nice car with an almost Audi feel of quality but probably more reliable than the Audi.

[Smart Jims Toy]

J1mbo, don't be phased by the 'pipe & slippers' stereotyping of Avensis owners!

I'm not much older (31) and have had plenty of vehicles since gaining my licence at 17, including the flagship Vauxhall Omega Elite 3.0 V6 to my last car a 600cc Smart City Coupe (my local dealer's - Inchcape - charge for the 10k service is actually cheaper than I paid for the last 10k main dealer Smart service!

I was going to get a current shape Vectra as I'm partial to Vauxhalls, however, IMO it would be dearer to service, dearer to insure, depreciate faster, and there are just too many around!!

The smart money is on the Avensis: nice engine, very nice slushy autobox (could do with a 5th gear tho), the mutts nuts of a sound system - it easily matches the quality of my home cinema system which runs a grands worth of Kef Speakers & top grade amp! It has the fit & finish of those germanic brands i.e. A4, Passat, 320i etc.

I chose the T3-x variant as the climate control, trim upgrade etc outweighed the value of the sat-nav.

Apart from the lack of a CD auto changer, I only wish the car came with cruise control for the daily hack along the M3.

Try one - you may be surprised.

[cal]

Hi,

I'm one of those who do high mileage and yet keep the car for as long as possible. So, I can only talk about reliability and maintenance issue. I found the Avensis to be logically engineered like any other Toyotas and this itself make the maintenance easy consequently the car becomes reliable.

If you compare prices, it is often the case that the Avensis is slightly pricier than competitors such as Vectra, Mondeo etc. but in my view it is worth paying that little extra to get the Avensis. If you look at the components and its quality, it is obvious.

Nonetheless, if you are rich enough to replace the car every now and then, perhaps my view will not be that important.

[Zz24hours]

Really dislike that "pipe and slippers" thing :censor: :D

I just got my Avensis D4D 2005 in March and I love it - previously I've had older cars (Escort, Golf II, 2 Corollas, Carina E) and a Polo 2000. Needless to say that the only cars I've been satisfied with was the Toyotas, but then again, haven't had a Mondeo to compare with.

I drive around 35.000km a year, so both economy and comfort is a major part of why I've chosen this car. Sofar the fuel-economy of the D4D haven't impressed me though and it is nowhere near the Toyota-spec of it - but hope it gets better in time. Then again, I drive on 225/40-18 tyres and use both preheater and aircon constantly, which surely aren't helping on my fuel consumption

Found a german site where you can keep track of your fuel consumption:

My profile: http://www.spritmonitor.de/detail.php?vid=110904

"pipe and slippers" :ffs:

[Airbag]

Really dislike that "pipe and slippers" thing  :censor:  :D 

I just got my Avensis D4D 2005 in March and I love it - previously I've had older cars (

←

Yeah, it was a bit below the belt, innit?

I've come to the conclusion, that just as with bikes one car ain't enough. I must be at a funny age, I really want a 4X4 DIESEL PANDA.

Or a Turbo RAV4 B)

I did test drive a top of the range Celica (04 model) but thought it was a bit less 'sporty' than I wanted. So I'll stick with the Avensis until my lottery ticket comes up.....

[j1mbo]

Really dislike that "pipe and slippers" thing  :censor:  :D 

I just got my Avensis D4D 2005 in March and I love it - previously I've had older cars (

←

Yeah, it was a bit below the belt, innit?

Sorry, but I did say no disrespect as not wanting to upset anyone. I've not seen anyone under 50 round here with an Avensis so was stating an opinion on the image of the car. Many people have called Mondeos rep cars but I don't get the hump over it

Anyway, really keen on the Avensis now, also looking at Mazda 6, think its nicer looking but not sure on build quality, lots of people having clutch trouble according to the forums.

What sort of discount could I be looking at if I buy new??

Thanks,

James

[Zz24hours]

Sorry, but I did say no disrespect as not wanting to upset anyone. I've not seen anyone under 50 round here with an Avensis so was stating an opinion on the image of the car. Many people have called Mondeos rep cars but I don't get the hump over it

Thanks,

James

←

None taken - the Avensis as standars is kind'a pipe and slippers :D

[tkalfaoglu]

I think Fords in general are a mistake to buy, but that's my view.

I have always preferred Toyotas over, well, any other brand pretty much..

-turgut

[j1mbo]

I think Fords in general are a mistake to buy, but that's my view.

I have always preferred Toyotas over, well, any other brand pretty much..

-turgut

←

I don't disagree but its such a shame that Ford spoil their cars with so many "known" problems. They are really good cars to be in and to drive but they demand too much on the upkeep and the dealers suck.

Got my Avensis sales pack today in the post, like the look of the centre console, only wish the steering wheel had some metal trim on it.

One thing that is :censor: in the Mondeo is the stereo, sounds poor and I've had mine replaced already (also in my old Mk2), they are made by Sony. Everyone rates the Avensis stereo well.

[PeaJay]

I don't disagree but its such a shame that Ford spoil their cars with so many "known" problems. They are really good cars to be in and to drive but they demand too much on the upkeep and the dealers suck.

Got my Avensis sales pack today in the post, like the look of the centre console, only wish the steering wheel had some metal trim on it.

One thing that is  :censor: in the Mondeo is the stereo, sounds poor and I've had mine replaced already (also in my old Mk2), they are made by Sony. Everyone rates the Avensis stereo well.

←

Avensis stereo is fantastic!

I had it playing blooming loud on a trip back from a meeting yesterday - no distortion, sound was crisp and took away all other sounds.

I like the "carbon fibre" look trim in the new Avensis - much better than the "wood" trim in the old cars.

Plus the boot on the 5 door is HUGE! I bought a 3 burner BBQ yesterday evening. Two person lift box - HUGE thing it was!

Thought, Hmmm, may have to leave the kids at B&Q while I get this home.

But unhooked parcial shelf and it fitted in a treat! We even had room to spare!!! :D

[funkyg]

One thing that is  :censor: in the Mondeo is the stereo, sounds poor and I've had mine replaced already (also in my old Mk2), they are made by Sony. Everyone rates the Avensis stereo well.

←

Yeah, the Avensis stereo does sound better than the Mondeo. Not sure if it's the Speakers or the actual stereo that's better or a combo of both, but it copes really well with load rocky stuff as well as the quiter stuff.

Mike

[Airbag]

I think Fords in general are a mistake to buy, but that's my view.

I have always preferred Toyotas over, well, any other brand pretty much..

-turgut

←

I don't disagree but its such a shame that Ford spoil their cars with so many "known" problems. They are really good cars to be in and to drive but they demand too much on the upkeep and the dealers suck.

Got my Avensis sales pack today in the post, like the look of the centre console, only wish the steering wheel had some metal trim on it.

One thing that is :censor: in the Mondeo is the stereo, sounds poor and I've had mine replaced already (also in my old Mk2), they are made by Sony. Everyone rates the Avensis stereo well.

←

I "updated" the stereo in my previous CL230 Kompressor Sport with a Sony Head unit and Speakers, it sounded awful. Put it on eBay. The Avensis stereo is very good.

[j1mbo]

Is there a CD changer option? Surprised they still offer a cassette deck!

[Dane]

If I do view an Avensis and like it, would like to aim for a T3-X 2L 5 door, really would like to buy new if I can.

←

Buy one, sit back and enjoy. You wont be disappointed.

[sab]

I've changed from Mondoeman to Avensis Man very easily , I'm 29 and have no problem driving a quality car like my current T4 diesel. I've only had the car two weeks BUT IT IS SO MUCH an improvement over my last 2000 reg Mondeo LX and all the toys is great to have. good ride and highly relaxing on long drive. I would have got an Octavia but this car came up first and so I snapped it up. :D

[Zz24hours]

Is there a CD changer option? Surprised they still offer a cassette deck!

←

Yes there is a changer option. You do know that its a CD / Cassette player combo and not just cassette player, right ;)

Sadly Toyota doesn't offer a MP3 compatible changer yet, but there should be an interface available that fits with Sony changers

[Mkuk0]

I test drove the Mazda 6 as well as the Mondeo and Avensis D4D T3X for my new car, and although I liked the power and external looks of the Mazda, the interior and quality of the cloth seats was a real disappointment. I HATE those cheap looking heater controls and the red lighting looks so Naff! The mondeo was just............bland, things have really moved on since it came out and for the me Avensis is top notch. Mine hasn't even arrived yet, about 3 more weeks, but I really can't wait!

[funkyg]

Is there a CD changer option? Surprised they still offer a cassette deck!

←

Yeah, the changer is fitted in the boot as standard to the CDX. Like mine!

Mike.

[TaffyTony]

J1mbo. If you're planning to change from a Mondeo to an Avensis, make sure you make a note of where all the petrol stations are! I changed from a Mondeo 1.8LX to an Avensis Vermont in 2002. The Mondeo averaged 28 mpg and, with exactly the same type of driving (distance to work etc) the Avensis turned in around 38 mpg.. Avensis also far superior - lovely car but time for a change. Test drove a D4D T-Spirit the other day. Had it for 100 miles. Fuel consumption? 56.3 mpg.

To me, Fords, whilst nice cars, are gas guzzlers.

Kind regards

Tony