Used Toyota Avensis Estate 1997 - 2004 review
A reliable family car, but not the most inspiring to drive
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What's the used Toyota Avensis like?
Ownership cost
Our recommendations
Reliability
Stuart Milne
Updated: 1 January 2006
How we test cars
What's the used Toyota Avensis like?
The Avensis is a reliable, sturdy family car that goes about its business with little fuss. Rear legroom is up with the best in the class and the estate doesn't have the same sloping roofline as the saloon, so headroom in the back is good. The large, well-shaped boot is a match for its rivals' and the cargo space can be easily extended thanks to a split-folding seat.
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Overview
A reliable family car, but not the most inspiring to drive
Pros
- A reliable car with plenty of interior space and kit
Cons
- Restless ride
- The interior is drab and dull
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The downside is that there's nothing very attractive - visually at least - about the cabin, and the steering wheel adjusts for rake only, but at least everything is easy to use, with big-button controls, clear dials and good oddment stowage.
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However, the real shortcomings are most obvious on the road. Most of the engines are too noisy, the gearshift is rubbery and there's a lot of wind and road noise. The Avensis will sit happily on a motorway, but on any other surface the ride doesn't settle, particularly over undulating roads. The steering is also vague and over-light.
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Tips & Advice
Make sure you’re insured for the test drive
Short-term car insurance – also called test-drive insurance – will ensure you’re legal when you’re shopping for your next car
Will the car fit your needs?
As part of the test drive, fill the car with regularly-carried luggage, and make sure the family can get comfy before you buy
Ownership cost
How much does cost to run a Toyota Avensis?
Long major service intervals will help keep the bills down and even when your Avensis does go in for some TLC, it won't cost as much as many cars in the class to repair. Parts are cheap and readily available.
Insurance costs are among the best in the class. Most models sit in groups 7 to 9 and even the range-topping 2.0-litre petrol SR model sits in group 10. Fuel bills won't cost you a fortune, either. The 1.8-litre petrol will return between 36-38mpg, which is about average for the class.
As for private buyers, because there are so many used examples around, both privately and in the trade, you should be able to secure a very good price.
Tips & Advice
Organise your motoring life
Whether you need to keep tabs on your insurance renewal, sort breakdown cover, or book a service, My What Car? has you covered
Never miss a motoring date
Remembering to arrange insurance, book a service or buy breakdown cover can be a pain. Fortunately, My What Car? is here to help
Our recommendations
Which used Toyota Avensis should I buy?
The Avensis was launched with four engines: a 1.6, 1.8 and 2.0-litre petrol and a 2.0-litre turbodiesel.
In 2000, the diesel was replaced by a 2.0-litre D-4D engine, the 1.6 and 1.8-litre petrol engines were replaced by new VVT-i units, the 2.0-litre got a power hike, all models were facelifted and prices were lowered. Our favourite is the flexible 1.8 petrol.
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Trim levels start with S, which has electric front windows, remote locking and twin airbags. GS adds a sunroof and air-con, GLS gets a CD player and four electric windows (making this our pick of the bunch), while CDX has alloy wheels and a leather interior. Most versions have standard sat-nav. SR trim is available on only the 2.0-litre petrol or diesel engines and has alloys, a bodykit and sports interior.
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How reliable is the Toyota Avensis ?
Toyota Avensis
Read reliability
Used cars available now
In partnership with
Toyota Avensis
2.0 D-4D TR Tourer Euro 4 5dr
£1,024
Toyota Avensis
1.8 VVT-i T3-X 5dr
£1,495
Toyota Avensis
1.8 VVT-i TR 5dr
£1,499
Toyota Avensis
2.2 D-4D T4 Tourer Euro 5 5dr
£1,799
Toyota Avensis
1.8 VVT-i TR 5dr
£1,850
Toyota Avensis
1.6 D-4D Business Edition Touring Sports Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr
£1,995
Toyota Avensis
2.0 D-4D T4 Tourer Euro 4 5dr
£1,995
Toyota Avensis
2.2 D-4D T4 5dr
£2,095
Toyota Avensis
2.0 D-4D TR Tourer Euro 4 5dr
£2,199
See all available cars
About the writer
Name: Stuart Milne
Title: Digital editor
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Stuart has been a motoring journalist for more than 25 years, writing and editing for a wide range of consumer titles. Today, Stuart is responsible for the smooth running of whatcar.com and all of its related social and digital channels. And he’s the man responsible for making sure you're able to find What Car?’s industry-leading content whenever you search for it.
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