USED Toyota Avensis Saloon (97 - 04)

My car

I bought my first 2002 Toyota Avensis 1.8 GS in October 2006. I found it to be rather noisy in the cabin and the gearbox failed at 4200 miles.

It left my girfrind and myself stranded at the side of the road miles out in the country. I contacted the garage where I bought it from in Northern Ireland - they did not want to know. I looked up Google about the Toyota Avensis, only to find that the gearbox is a big problem at 4000 miles.

I phoned Toyota - the number I found in the handbook that came with the Avensis. They deny that the gearbox has any fault in it at all. The problem seems to be with the English cars more so than imported ones.

It's a great let-down by Toyota - that's what happens when their cars are no longer made in Japan. I have owned a Toyota Carina II for fourteen years and have hardly ever any problem.

My car

Overall I find this to be an excellent car - good value for money, and running costs are realistic.

Thank you for asking!

My car

I travel long distances regularly and clock up a lot of mileage in my 4 years ownership I've never had any mechanical/electrical or other faults and the car is now in excess of 110,000 miles and is still going strong.

The only costs have been in servicing and replacing tyres, timing belts and brakes and I've found the dealership to be prompt and reasonably priced.

Compared with other cars I've had that give you major problems around the 75,000 miles range the Avensis is without doubt reliable, still feels comfortable and the interior has worn well over the years even if it is a little dull.

My car

Just a good car to drive.