Toyota Avensis 2.0 Vvt-i T4 To Buy Or Not To Buy

[mitch121]

Hi,

I am considering buying a Toyota Avensis 2.0 VVT-i T4, done 37000 miles, on a 2003 plate from a Toyota Dealership for about £7500. I have read a mix bag of reviews on the car more bad then good but as with all things people will shout about faults and rarely praise a car.

So does anyone have any views or thoughts about the Avensis?

[vmssys]

I have a 2004 2.0 vvti t-spirit and I'm over the moon with the performance and, surprizingly, economy. Every toyota dealer I've visited has told me that the 2.0 vvti engine is rare and they've only sold a couple.

I manage about >38mpg on a run and can achieve 35mpg+ with normal driving. This equates to around 390-420 miles per tank.

However I do like to thrash the car from time to time and I love how smooth and quiet the engine is. Its never let me down once and I recently drove to alicante and back on holiday.

I bought the car in April this year and have done 14k miles so far. The car had 40k on the clock.

My g/f has the 2.0 d4d (53 reg) T4. Again she loves it but wishes she had the extra spec mine has. Leather is a real bonus when you have kids and a dog.

I would advise that if you like the spec then don't let the engine put you off. It really is a good! However if you want the 2.0 vvti engine and want a bargain - look for a t-spirit like I did.

[mitch121]

I have a 2004 2.0 vvti t-spirit and I'm over the moon with the performance and, surprizingly, economy. Every toyota dealer I've visited has told me that the 2.0 vvti engine is rare and they've only sold a couple.

I manage about >38mpg on a run and can achieve 35mpg+ with normal driving. This equates to around 390-420 miles per tank.

However I do like to thrash the car from time to time and I love how smooth and quiet the engine is. Its never let me down once and I recently drove to alicante and back on holiday.

I bought the car in April this year and have done 14k miles so far. The car had 40k on the clock.

My g/f has the 2.0 d4d (53 reg) T4. Again she loves it but wishes she had the extra spec mine has. Leather is a real bonus when you have kids and a dog.

I would advise that if you like the spec then don't let the engine put you off. It really is a good! However if you want the 2.0 vvti engine and want a bargain - look for a t-spirit like I did.

Excellent News. Anyone else, thoughts please

[col_b]

I have a 2004 2.0 vvti t-spirit and I'm over the moon with the performance and, surprizingly, economy. Every toyota dealer I've visited has told me that the 2.0 vvti engine is rare and they've only sold a couple.

I manage about >38mpg on a run and can achieve 35mpg+ with normal driving. This equates to around 390-420 miles per tank.

However I do like to thrash the car from time to time and I love how smooth and quiet the engine is. Its never let me down once and I recently drove to alicante and back on holiday.

I bought the car in April this year and have done 14k miles so far. The car had 40k on the clock.

My g/f has the 2.0 d4d (53 reg) T4. Again she loves it but wishes she had the extra spec mine has. Leather is a real bonus when you have kids and a dog.

I would advise that if you like the spec then don't let the engine put you off. It really is a good! However if you want the 2.0 vvti engine and want a bargain - look for a t-spirit like I did.

Excellent News. Anyone else, thoughts please

I bought an anvensis 1.8 vvti t3-x on a 53 plate with 35k on the clock 3 months ago, and i'm really happy with it. i'd read some mixed reviews like yourself, but read more good than bad.

i bought it as we now have an 8 week old baby, and i went for it for the safety (9 airbags) and how well the car seat fits (god how times have changed...). to be fair it isn't particularly fun to drive (altho i am comparing it to a primera gt which maybe isn't fair), but the engine opens up pretty well at 4K rpm and will go pretty well to 6K. The handling isn't bad. throw in the fact that it's decent inside (decent stereo, decent plastics, well put together; reviews say it feels like a base lexus), and it's reliable, and cheap to insure, i'm really happy with it.

i looked at other large family cars (mondeo, mazda 6, octavia etc) but the avensis stood out above the rest in terms of quality and kit (the t3-x has got dual climate control, power mirrors, full electrics, the list goes on). the t4 will have more no doubt. hope that helps.

col

[mitch121]

I have a 2004 2.0 vvti t-spirit and I'm over the moon with the performance and, surprizingly, economy. Every toyota dealer I've visited has told me that the 2.0 vvti engine is rare and they've only sold a couple.

I manage about >38mpg on a run and can achieve 35mpg+ with normal driving. This equates to around 390-420 miles per tank.

However I do like to thrash the car from time to time and I love how smooth and quiet the engine is. Its never let me down once and I recently drove to alicante and back on holiday.

I bought the car in April this year and have done 14k miles so far. The car had 40k on the clock.

My g/f has the 2.0 d4d (53 reg) T4. Again she loves it but wishes she had the extra spec mine has. Leather is a real bonus when you have kids and a dog.

I would advise that if you like the spec then don't let the engine put you off. It really is a good! However if you want the 2.0 vvti engine and want a bargain - look for a t-spirit like I did.

Excellent News. Anyone else, thoughts please

I bought an anvensis 1.8 vvti t3-x on a 53 plate with 35k on the clock 3 months ago, and i'm really happy with it. i'd read some mixed reviews like yourself, but read more good than bad.

i bought it as we now have an 8 week old baby, and i went for it for the safety (9 airbags) and how well the car seat fits (god how times have changed...). to be fair it isn't particularly fun to drive (altho i am comparing it to a primera gt which maybe isn't fair), but the engine opens up pretty well at 4K rpm and will go pretty well to 6K. The handling isn't bad. throw in the fact that it's decent inside (decent stereo, decent plastics, well put together; reviews say it feels like a base lexus), and it's reliable, and cheap to insure, i'm really happy with it.

i looked at other large family cars (mondeo, mazda 6, octavia etc) but the avensis stood out above the rest in terms of quality and kit (the t3-x has got dual climate control, power mirrors, full electrics, the list goes on). the t4 will have more no doubt. hope that helps.

col

Hi Col.

Thank you for the comments, I went to look over the car again today and put a deposit down. I had a list of questions with me and to my surprise when the sales bod couldnt answer them he called out the sales manager. He amazingly didnt try to pull the wool over my eyes like the citroen dealer I had visited prior. He even went as far to show me how much the mark up was much to annoyance of the business manager. And the mark was small I mean like £80. Reason for this was due to new stock and lack of space, so its was either knock out cheap or it goes to auction, so I am led to believe. The most important thing was the Sales Manager was one of those straight talking bods no nonsense guy, what you see if what you get. At first I was dubious and he said he was happy to provide refs of people who will confirm his reputation i.e other deals non toyota guys! I was like yeah right!! Anyway, he convinced me enough to buy the car as it came with 1yrs toyota warranty, with the option to buy 2 yrs later on.

Took it for a test drive and have to say it was smooth. I have driven loads of company cars in the past ranging from toyota, skoda, ford etc etc And I have to say the toyota avensis and mondeo then skoda are pretty good.

[tczwoju]

I have a 2004 2.0 vvti t-spirit and I'm over the moon with the performance and, surprizingly, economy. Every toyota dealer I've visited has told me that the 2.0 vvti engine is rare and they've only sold a couple.

I manage about >38mpg on a run and can achieve 35mpg+ with normal driving. This equates to around 390-420 miles per tank.

However I do like to thrash the car from time to time and I love how smooth and quiet the engine is. Its never let me down once and I recently drove to alicante and back on holiday.

I bought the car in April this year and have done 14k miles so far. The car had 40k on the clock.

My g/f has the 2.0 d4d (53 reg) T4. Again she loves it but wishes she had the extra spec mine has. Leather is a real bonus when you have kids and a dog.

I would advise that if you like the spec then don't let the engine put you off. It really is a good! However if you want the 2.0 vvti engine and want a bargain - look for a t-spirit like I did.

Excellent News. Anyone else, thoughts please

I bought an anvensis 1.8 vvti t3-x on a 53 plate with 35k on the clock 3 months ago, and i'm really happy with it. i'd read some mixed reviews like yourself, but read more good than bad.

i bought it as we now have an 8 week old baby, and i went for it for the safety (9 airbags) and how well the car seat fits (god how times have changed...). to be fair it isn't particularly fun to drive (altho i am comparing it to a primera gt which maybe isn't fair), but the engine opens up pretty well at 4K rpm and will go pretty well to 6K. The handling isn't bad. throw in the fact that it's decent inside (decent stereo, decent plastics, well put together; reviews say it feels like a base lexus), and it's reliable, and cheap to insure, i'm really happy with it.

i looked at other large family cars (mondeo, mazda 6, octavia etc) but the avensis stood out above the rest in terms of quality and kit (the t3-x has got dual climate control, power mirrors, full electrics, the list goes on). the t4 will have more no doubt. hope that helps.

col

Hi Col.

Thank you for the comments, I went to look over the car again today and put a deposit down. I had a list of questions with me and to my surprise when the sales bod couldnt answer them he called out the sales manager. He amazingly didnt try to pull the wool over my eyes like the citroen dealer I had visited prior. He even went as far to show me how much the mark up was much to annoyance of the business manager. And the mark was small I mean like £80. Reason for this was due to new stock and lack of space, so its was either knock out cheap or it goes to auction, so I am led to believe. The most important thing was the Sales Manager was one of those straight talking bods no nonsense guy, what you see if what you get. At first I was dubious and he said he was happy to provide refs of people who will confirm his reputation i.e other deals non toyota guys! I was like yeah right!! Anyway, he convinced me enough to buy the car as it came with 1yrs toyota warranty, with the option to buy 2 yrs later on.

Took it for a test drive and have to say it was smooth. I have driven loads of company cars in the past ranging from toyota, skoda, ford etc etc And I have to say the toyota avensis and mondeo then skoda are pretty good.

Hi mate,

I have Avensis 2003,T4 with colour sat-navigation,VVTi 2.0 litre Semi-sequential automatic.I have to say it is a car worth a price.I did buy mine in june and I was in Poland on my Christmas time and the car is brilliant to drive a long way.In my opinion is very comfortable and safe,also reliable.However it is not devoid of disadvantage but for me have got more advantages than not.

Hopefully it will help.

Wojciech

[col_b]

I have a 2004 2.0 vvti t-spirit and I'm over the moon with the performance and, surprizingly, economy. Every toyota dealer I've visited has told me that the 2.0 vvti engine is rare and they've only sold a couple.

I manage about >38mpg on a run and can achieve 35mpg+ with normal driving. This equates to around 390-420 miles per tank.

However I do like to thrash the car from time to time and I love how smooth and quiet the engine is. Its never let me down once and I recently drove to alicante and back on holiday.

I bought the car in April this year and have done 14k miles so far. The car had 40k on the clock.

My g/f has the 2.0 d4d (53 reg) T4. Again she loves it but wishes she had the extra spec mine has. Leather is a real bonus when you have kids and a dog.

I would advise that if you like the spec then don't let the engine put you off. It really is a good! However if you want the 2.0 vvti engine and want a bargain - look for a t-spirit like I did.

Excellent News. Anyone else, thoughts please

I bought an anvensis 1.8 vvti t3-x on a 53 plate with 35k on the clock 3 months ago, and i'm really happy with it. i'd read some mixed reviews like yourself, but read more good than bad.

i bought it as we now have an 8 week old baby, and i went for it for the safety (9 airbags) and how well the car seat fits (god how times have changed...). to be fair it isn't particularly fun to drive (altho i am comparing it to a primera gt which maybe isn't fair), but the engine opens up pretty well at 4K rpm and will go pretty well to 6K. The handling isn't bad. throw in the fact that it's decent inside (decent stereo, decent plastics, well put together; reviews say it feels like a base lexus), and it's reliable, and cheap to insure, i'm really happy with it.

i looked at other large family cars (mondeo, mazda 6, octavia etc) but the avensis stood out above the rest in terms of quality and kit (the t3-x has got dual climate control, power mirrors, full electrics, the list goes on). the t4 will have more no doubt. hope that helps.

col

Hi Col.

Thank you for the comments, I went to look over the car again today and put a deposit down. I had a list of questions with me and to my surprise when the sales bod couldnt answer them he called out the sales manager. He amazingly didnt try to pull the wool over my eyes like the citroen dealer I had visited prior. He even went as far to show me how much the mark up was much to annoyance of the business manager. And the mark was small I mean like £80. Reason for this was due to new stock and lack of space, so its was either knock out cheap or it goes to auction, so I am led to believe. The most important thing was the Sales Manager was one of those straight talking bods no nonsense guy, what you see if what you get. At first I was dubious and he said he was happy to provide refs of people who will confirm his reputation i.e other deals non toyota guys! I was like yeah right!! Anyway, he convinced me enough to buy the car as it came with 1yrs toyota warranty, with the option to buy 2 yrs later on.

Took it for a test drive and have to say it was smooth. I have driven loads of company cars in the past ranging from toyota, skoda, ford etc etc And I have to say the toyota avensis and mondeo then skoda are pretty good.

i know what you mean about the 'new stock and lack of space' problems they have. when i bought mine, i managed to knock the price down quite a bit. he told me that they can only legally keep a car on the lot for 60 days. there were quite a number of motors, especially yaris's that were pretty well discounted.

here's a decent review of the avensis which might help put aside any uncertainties you may still have. (not sure if i'm allowed to put this up, but i'm sure a mod will take if off if this is the case ).

review

[mitch121]

I have a 2004 2.0 vvti t-spirit and I'm over the moon with the performance and, surprizingly, economy. Every toyota dealer I've visited has told me that the 2.0 vvti engine is rare and they've only sold a couple.

I manage about >38mpg on a run and can achieve 35mpg+ with normal driving. This equates to around 390-420 miles per tank.

However I do like to thrash the car from time to time and I love how smooth and quiet the engine is. Its never let me down once and I recently drove to alicante and back on holiday.

I bought the car in April this year and have done 14k miles so far. The car had 40k on the clock.

My g/f has the 2.0 d4d (53 reg) T4. Again she loves it but wishes she had the extra spec mine has. Leather is a real bonus when you have kids and a dog.

I would advise that if you like the spec then don't let the engine put you off. It really is a good! However if you want the 2.0 vvti engine and want a bargain - look for a t-spirit like I did.

Excellent News. Anyone else, thoughts please

I bought an anvensis 1.8 vvti t3-x on a 53 plate with 35k on the clock 3 months ago, and i'm really happy with it. i'd read some mixed reviews like yourself, but read more good than bad.

i bought it as we now have an 8 week old baby, and i went for it for the safety (9 airbags) and how well the car seat fits (god how times have changed...). to be fair it isn't particularly fun to drive (altho i am comparing it to a primera gt which maybe isn't fair), but the engine opens up pretty well at 4K rpm and will go pretty well to 6K. The handling isn't bad. throw in the fact that it's decent inside (decent stereo, decent plastics, well put together; reviews say it feels like a base lexus), and it's reliable, and cheap to insure, i'm really happy with it.

i looked at other large family cars (mondeo, mazda 6, octavia etc) but the avensis stood out above the rest in terms of quality and kit (the t3-x has got dual climate control, power mirrors, full electrics, the list goes on). the t4 will have more no doubt. hope that helps.

col

Hi Col.

Thank you for the comments, I went to look over the car again today and put a deposit down. I had a list of questions with me and to my surprise when the sales bod couldnt answer them he called out the sales manager. He amazingly didnt try to pull the wool over my eyes like the citroen dealer I had visited prior. He even went as far to show me how much the mark up was much to annoyance of the business manager. And the mark was small I mean like £80. Reason for this was due to new stock and lack of space, so its was either knock out cheap or it goes to auction, so I am led to believe. The most important thing was the Sales Manager was one of those straight talking bods no nonsense guy, what you see if what you get. At first I was dubious and he said he was happy to provide refs of people who will confirm his reputation i.e other deals non toyota guys! I was like yeah right!! Anyway, he convinced me enough to buy the car as it came with 1yrs toyota warranty, with the option to buy 2 yrs later on.

Took it for a test drive and have to say it was smooth. I have driven loads of company cars in the past ranging from toyota, skoda, ford etc etc And I have to say the toyota avensis and mondeo then skoda are pretty good.

i know what you mean about the 'new stock and lack of space' problems they have. when i bought mine, i managed to knock the price down quite a bit. he told me that they can only legally keep a car on the lot for 60 days. there were quite a number of motors, especially yaris's that were pretty well discounted.

here's a decent review of the avensis which might help put aside any uncertainties you may still have. (not sure if i'm allowed to put this up, but i'm sure a mod will take if off if this is the case ).

review

THank you for that, it pretty much sums up what I thought about the car. Looks like I`ll buy it

[frape]

Well, I have the latest Avensis 2.0 VVt-i (executive) for 1 year and these are my general comments:

1) Build quality : Medium to good but not the same as my Corollas. Currently, my brakes are squealing for no reason, my dashboard is rattling (again) and my clutch is about to fail after 15K Km!!!

2) Handling : Marginal better than my toyota corolla. Just to see the problem, I had difficulties catching a KIA Picanto (1.0Lt engine!!!) an a road full of turns...

3) Engine : Excellent for a 2.0lt petrol engine.

4) Customer support (Greece) : Very good to excellent.

Background Info: I have been driving corollas (all models up to today model) for the last 10 years. My average clutch life in Corollas was 130K Km. My (3) corollas never rattled! My brakes never squealed.

I rarely drive at 5.000 rpm for more than a few seconds.

I never try to exceed road traction limits.

Sorry, but based on these, I would go for the latest Toyota Corolla which is Japan made. I currently have the 1.6 DVVTi with MMT and it is wonderfully.