Should I Buy?

[Roger Perkins]

Hi all.

I am new to the forum, and have a view to buying an Avensis, 2002 1.8 CDX.

It has covered 33000 miles, and has full service history, not sure if that is all franchised though.

I have been looking on the web for feedback on the car - I had previously considered Toyotas to be very reliable cars.

However, stories of high oil consumption, and eventual engine replacement on 1.8 VVTi models, has put me off some what. The car is just about 5 years old, so unlikely i could successfully claim against Toyota warranty, even if the history is all Toyota franchises. I could buy an extended warranty, and have peace of mind that way I guess.

Does anyone know just how bad the problem is. What is the likelyhood of the engine failing, out of however many have been built?

As mentioned, have not bought the car yet, though it is very clean, looks nice, etc. Anything else I should look out for? It is from a dealer, so any niggles may be a good haggling point.

Thanks for any info,

Regards, Roger.

[tczwoju]

Hi,

Have a look on forum somewhere ,there is info about it.I did read about it ,I'm preety sure that 1.8 litres VVti have a bigger oil consumption and Toyota are aware of it so they should repair it for free.But before you do anything make sure on the forum .

Maybe other guys know more.

Cheers

Woj

[tczwoju]

Hi

Here you have a link...

http://toyotaownersclub.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=35764

[bjw]

I had a 2001 1-8vvti Avensis in the past it used no oil between services until it reached 40,000 miles which is when I sold it and it started to use oil to my surprise .

The fact that it has had a full Toyota service history will be in its favour but one word of warning check the steering rack on the car they are a known problem area for the Avensis and can cost up to £1000 also the headlights are not very good

[shroud]

probles i have had with my 1.8vvti - knock from steering column required knuckle to be greased - £2 to fix and 1 hour of messing about with the column. rear wiper motor had a life of its own - had to be replaced £65 2nd hand and 30 minutes labour. driveshaft bearings went resulting in scraping noise when driving along - £400 with independent gearbox specialist. aux drive belt squeaking £35 from Mr T and 1 hour of my time to replace. It also had a new clutch at 80k and new brake discs twice - discs seem a bit poor to need replacing as much as the brake pads in my opinion. i have used 2 litres of oil in 9k miles, so not a problem but it something worth checking closely the first few weeks if you buy it to make sure consumption isn't over the top.

By the way i also feel that handling is pretty poor, radio reception terrible, but cabin space and boot pretty good. In built sat nav not is user friemndly as modern portable systems, but still does the job.

[bjw]

probles i have had with my 1.8vvti - knock from steering column required knuckle to be greased - £2 to fix and 1 hour of messing about with the column. rear wiper motor had a life of its own - had to be replaced £65 2nd hand and 30 minutes labour. driveshaft bearings went resulting in scraping noise when driving along - £400 with independent gearbox specialist. aux drive belt squeaking £35 from Mr T and 1 hour of my time to replace. It also had a new clutch at 80k and new brake discs twice - discs seem a bit poor to need replacing as much as the brake pads in my opinion. i have used 2 litres of oil in 9k miles, so not a problem but it something worth checking closely the first few weeks if you buy it to make sure consumption isn't over the top.

By the way i also feel that handling is pretty poor, radio reception terrible, but cabin space and boot pretty good. In built sat nav not is user friemndly as modern portable systems, but still does the job.

You may not believe this but I have had about 5 racks replaced over my years of Avensis ownership I am sure the dealer would not have replaced these under warranty if there was a cheaper fix for them and to be honest in my opinion I don't think Toyota are any more reliable or any less reliable than any other make of car .

I think where Toyota stand out is that in general there dealer network are very good.

The Carina which I owned a few years ago I feel was a better built car than the newer Avensis versions