USED Toyota Avensis Hatchback (03 - 09)

My car

I was very impressed with this car. It drives beautifully, with hardly any road noise. The equipment level is very high and all controls inside are very well set up, except maybe the clock, which is bit small and easily noticable.

With Toyota's standard of reliability, it means hardly anything goes wrong.

My car

I bought this car new in 2005 and I've since put 45,000 miles on the clock. Standard equipment is good and the cabin and boot are roomy. I like the engine, though there is a lot of road noise at speed.

However, I'm beginning to think that Toyota's reliability is a myth. I've had to replace three pairs of brake pads (including discs the last time), the pollen filter twice, the radio and the rear windscreen. The remote locking refuses to work on occasions but, of course, it always works when I take it to the dealership.

Servicing is too regular at every 10,000 miles and is expensive. With the exception of the first service, every one has thrown up little problems which were not covered under warranty and expensive to put right.

Recently, a fault developed with the brake disc calliper which resulted in both pads and discs being ruined. Toyota insists it's not a mechanical fault and is therefore not covered under the warranty; cost to me - £388.

So far, in two-and-a-half years ownership, the car has cost me just short of £1000 - this does not include the cost of services. I dread to think what I would have spent had the warranty not covered some of the work.

I'm very disappointed with all these niggles, especially as I bought the car largely on the back of Toyota's reputation for reliability.

Compared to my three previous new cars (Zafira, Vectra and Passat), with which I had few to no problems, this has been a disaster.

It's the last Toyota I will buy.

My car

Average car, not an exciting drive, lots of road noise, poor steering, the clutch had to be replaced at 16500 miles.

It is a very good big family car, BUT be warned don't buy a top of the range model as the depreciation is a killer, the car has lost more than half its value in 16 months!!!

My car

Bought this car with 13,000miles on the clock, an 03 reg. I did 40,000 miles in two years, never had one single major fault with the car. However it was taken into the garage for a couple of squeaks, but then i do have over sensitive hearing, both times fixed under warranty.

I would recommend this car to anyone, by far the best vehicle I have ever owned. The only fault with the vehicle, from my point of view was the sat nav, it got us lost on a couple of occassions. I would probably plump for the T3-X if purchasing another Avensis.

Economy suprisingly good considering the size of the vehicle.