USED Toyota Avensis Hatchback (03 - 09)

My car

Since owning this car from May 2006, it has been in to the dealer eight times.

Problems so far include the engine warning light coming on three times, and every time the dealer has not done anything apart from clear the fault from the ECU. The reason given was that the fault appears to have cleared, or the last reason given was that we think it's a faulty connection.

It has had a new clutch master cylinder, new parts for the cooling system to try and cure rough running problems (they have not worked), the tailgate struts need replacing, and new parts were needed for the door locks because the car keeps locking itself after the engine is switched off.

It has had two new headlights - the old ones just kept misting up. It has needed new front disc brakes at 15,000 miles. 2000 miles later the brakes are again making enough noise to wake the dead.

Last but not least, do not scrape the bottom of the bumper on a kerb - this will result in the plastic under-tray coming loose and, as happened to mine, bend itself back under the car. I was doing 70mph on the motorway and the sound is scary. After seven Toyotas, this is my last one.

My car

I have owned this car for over a year and, after owning many different cars in the past, this has been the best car I have owned.

Build quality is excellent, and the diesel engine is excellent. The interior is excellent, too, and it comes with many toys.

My car

We bought the car from Car Giant. Traded in old Focus and bought 2003 Avensis T3-S 1.8 petrol Model. Its in a good condition and full service history. The boot is enormous and you can probably fit an elephant in there. There is plenty of space inside too and back seat passengers do not suffer from lack of space. 1.8 engine suites us just fine as its economical and cost effective compared to focus or Lexus (the only 2 cars owned previously).

The Sat-Nav in T3-S 2003 model is a bit primitive but we do not have a need for it so we won't miss it much. It’s a good family car with plenty of space and comfort.

My car

Bought privately as a pre-registered model in October 2005. I have done 11,500 miles in 10 months. Apart from the road noise I can't really fault this car. It's comfortable both for short trips and on the motorway. Cruises effortlessly in 6th gear and I'm seeing 45 - 48 mpg according to the computer. Have had it up to 58mpg on the motorway. The spec levels are good for this model. The only things I would like are cruise control and the colour screen sat-nav. I use it a lot and the basic system is quite fiddly to use.