Toyota Avensis 1.8 VVTI T3s

I bought a 2005 avensis T3S (1.8) four years ago with 38k on the clock. No problems whatsoever, just routine services and wear and tear on tyres etc. Only just replaced the clutch. Comfortable, efficient and commanding road presence.

Done 20K miles in this car over the last 12 months, is the 2.2L D4d Estate (tourer) model.

I owned a Volvo V70 before this car and this is more refined than my Volvo was on motorway drives, I am aware as the above reviewer that they have excessive noise on the motorway but maybe due to mine being a diesel there is possibly more sound proofing so it's very quiet at motorway speeds.

Had a common problem with the 6 speed gears not going into gear easily from cold and felt like the clutch wasn't depressed enough when it was. Because the car was bought from main dealer and had 12month waranty was covered and Garage was very good.

If you buy a used model be sure to check the gears from cold, the gearbox always feels a bit notchy and precise (which I prefer) but it should stick feel like a typical toyota gearbox so if it's grinding going into gear on occasions it's most likely to be the gear linkage which needs changing which isn't a big job... I have owned Toyota's for years and never had problems with any of them, the newer ones are great value and if you choose the right engine you can get great performance and fuel economy.... I get around 55-60 MPG which is great, if i do less motorway driving and potter around town I average around 47 MPG

I have been very impressed with the Dealer who were very co-operative, it did take me a little to persuade them on one or two matters but once the more experienced mechanics had spent time looking at it the problems were soon resolved.

Is a very tough car too and have found the bodywork to be very durable and having looked around at much older models of the same type they still look in excellent condition.

I wasn't convinced about this car at first but the more I've owned it the more I've come to appreciate the build quality and design, I don't like ultra modern car designs like the Renaults or other French cars as they tend to date very quick, this one has aged well.

So far so good.

:-)

Been Driving the Toyota Avensis 1.8 VVTI T3s Family Car for 6 months now covering approximately 500 miles a week.

So far the vehicle has been reliable and very economic for a car of this size approx 40 mpg and 420 miles from a tank costing £43 approx to fill up.

Road noise when motorway driving is greater than similar cars in market especially when on long journeys and knocks the edge and refinement off the experience.

Specification Level is very good especially Sat Nav which has proved very useful on a number of occasions, even if it does send you around the houses at times.

Good sound system which again is nice when on long journeys.

Excellent rear leg room and boot space.

Overall driving experience apart from road noise on M-way journeys is good and car is a joy to drive on the A/B roads. Considering it's only a 1.8 the car is quite nippy.

In summary good car, excellent value for money but not the silent smooth drive the adverts make it out to be and no competition quality wise for any German competitors.

I would however recommend one if your looking for reliability, economy and value for money.