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Saloon

Toyota is a company undergoing a quiet revolution, as it works hard to replace its sensible but somewhat bland reputation with one for being a bit more daring, in areas such as the styling of its cars and its enthusiastic leadership of cutting-edge technology, such as hybrid systems.

That process seems to be working for buyers, with the hugely popular and striking-looking C-HR SUV in particular attracting a great deal of interest. The latest version of the hybrid Prius is also rated highly by What Car?; it’s the first Prius to go on sale that our testers have felt can truly compete all round with existing petrol or diesel rivals.

However, it’s worth noting that this period of transition is also a work in progress, and that many of the firm’s cars are still rated as being no more than average among class rivals by our testers.

TOYOTA

AVENSIS

A reliable family car but not the most inspiring

Used Toyota Avensis Saloon 1997 - 2004

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, too. Most models sit between groups 7 and 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.

There are so many used examples around, both privately and in the trade, you should be able to get a cracking deal. So, if you don't like the look of one, wait for a nicer car to come along.

A reliable family car but not the most inspiring

The Avensis was launched in the UK in 1997 with three bodystyles and, of them, this four-door saloon is our least favourite after the five-door hatch and estate, because it loses out on practicality.

At first, it had a choice of four engines - a 1.6, 1.8 and 2.0-litre petrol and a 2.0-litre turbodiesel - but 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 face-lifted and prices were lowered. Our favourite blend of performance and economy comes from 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, while CDX has alloy wheels and a leather interior. Most versions have standard sat-nav from 2000 on. SR trim is available on only the 2.0-litre petrol or diesel engines brings alloys, a bodykit and sports interior.

<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Plenty of practical space </li> <li>Low running costs </li> <li>A comfortable ride </li> <li>A healthy equipment list </li> <li>Quality materials and thoughtful touches inside </li> <li>Rock-solid reliability</li></ul>

Family cars arguably have the toughest brief of all: they have to be good at pretty much everything. They’re used as the daily drive, on the school run or work commute (often both), and have to be able to cope with a family’s clutter on weekends and holidays.

Family

Toyota has a fine reputation for reliability and the Avensis is no exception. That's certainly the impression you get from the interior. The materials are good quality and everything is built to last.

The only real problems we've heard of have been with the gearbox, which have mainly affected the early models (pre-2000) and at low miles. But, if you've got a model with more than 10,000 miles on the clock, it should be fine.

Warranty Direct backs this up and its report shows that transmission problems have accounted for 11% of repairs to the Avensis between 1997 and 2003. There have been a few reports of power steering leaks on R- and S-reg cars, but they are few and far between.

Just make sure you're not buying an ex-minicab. Signs that you could be include wear to the back seats and interior trim.

The Avensis needed to be both rep-mobile and family car, and it managed to do both well, and very reliably. Rear legroom is up with the best in the class, but particularly tall passengers might have a problem with headroom because of the sloping roofline in the back. However, the large, well-shaped boot is a match for the Ford Mondeo's and the cargo space can be easily extended, thanks to a split-folding seat.

The downside is that there's nothing very attractive - visually at least - about the cabin and the steering wheel only adjusts for rake. However, everything is easy to use, with big-button controls, clear dials and good oddment stowage.

The car's most major shortcomings only become obvious on the road, as the driving experience doesn't exactly set the world on fire. Most engines are noisy, while the gearshift is rubbery and there's a lot of wind and road noise. The Avensis cruises well on a motorway, but on other roads it's unsettled, while the steering is vague and over-light.

Used Toyota Avensis Saloon 1997 - 2004 reliability

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Used Toyota Avensis Saloon 1997 - 2004 review

Toyota has a fine reputation for reliability and the Avensis is no exception. That's certainly the impression you get from the interior. The materials are good quality and everything is built to last.,The only real problems we've heard of have been with the gearbox, which have mainly affected the early models (pre-2000) and at low miles. But, if you've got a model with more than 10,000 miles on the clock, it should be fine.,Warranty Direct backs this up and its report shows that transmission problems have accounted for 11% of repairs to the Avensis between 1997 and 2003. There have been a few reports of power steering leaks on R- and S-reg cars, but they are few and far between.Just make sure you're not buying an ex-minicab. Signs that you could be include wear to the back seats and interior trim.

What to look for when buying a Toyota Avensis 1997 - 2004, covering common problems to check for and overall vehicle reliability.

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Used Toyota Avensis Saloon 1997 - 2004 reliability

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