Used Toyota Avensis Estate 2003 - 2009 review

What's the used Toyota Avensis like?

As an estate, the Avensis is a big, capable load-shifter that's classier and better to drive than previous family-sized Toyotas. It isn't cheap to buy, and it's more scarce in estate form than as a hatch, but it's very useful.

Thanks to its squared-off boot, the Avensis has massive load space, while the rear seats split and fold easily to make it a very practical estate. The cabin is very comfortable and the driving position is spot-on for most, although tall drivers might want the seat to go lower.

Overview

A practical estate that's beautifully made and nice to drive

Pros

• Huge boot tacked on to a big, airy cabin

Cons

• Rides firmly with a touch of the jitters

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£3,500

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If you were expecting a mere update of the previous Avensis's plasticky interior, you'll get a surprise, because the furnishings look positively expensive. And, as it's a Toyota, everything is very well screwed together and it should be terrifically reliable.

On the road, there are more surprises: it feels nimble for a car of its size and bulk. It also grips well and rides comfortably. Oddly, models with the 1.8 petrol engine give more steering response than the others, which feel rather numb. The diesel engines are smooth, quiet and punchy. The petrols respond keenly, too, but they get thrashy as the revs climb.

Our recommendations

Which used Toyota Avensis should I buy?

The good news is that there are no poor models in the range. All are well equipped, so that sat-nav, air-con, alloy wheels and a CD player are fitted to even the entry T3-S model. The T4 gets dual-zone climate control, while the range-topping T Spirit gets leather seats. We'd stick with the T3 for the value it offers.

The story's pretty similar with the choice of engine. The 1.8 has just enough oomph to haul this heavy car properly. The 2.0 petrol engine and the 2.0 and 2.2 diesels will each pull it along in fine style but they are either dearer to buy, costlier to run, or both. So, we'd stick with the 1.8 unless our yearly mileage was likely to top about 20,000. Only then would we opt for the diesel.