Used Toyota Avensis Estate 1997 - 2004 review

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.

All the latest deals, offers and much more from the What Car? team. Don't miss out.

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

Used cars available now

In partnership with

£895

£1,499

£1,499

RRP £20,318

£1,995

£2,175

£2,390

£2,490

£2,495

£2,495

See all available cars

See our full privacy notice for more details.

CAPTCHA

This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.

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.

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.

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.

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.