Used Toyota Avensis saloon 2009-2015 reliability review
For those who want a car that is easy to live with, reliable and cheap to run, the Toyota Avensis is a good all-rounder
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What's the used Toyota Avensis like?
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Reliability
Stuart Milne
Updated: 17 January 2018
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What should I look for in a used Toyota Avensis?
The interior of the Toyota Avensis is well screwed together, but the dashboard plastics come in some very unappealing plastics which could scratch, so check the door panels around the grab handle for wear, and around the ignition slot on T2 and TR models for marks where owners might have damaged it with the key. T4 and T Spirit models have push button start, which solves that problem.
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The Avensis is a big car and only the top models came with parking sensors, which means the bumpers may have some scrapes. Paint repairs can be costly, so give the car a thorough going over. Alloys are also susceptible to damage, especially if the car lives in an urban environment. If every wheel is marked, then be alert for other signs that point to a general lack of care for the car.
What are the most common problems with a used Toyota Avensis?
In 2010, a recall was launched related to the accelerator, which may not return to its idle position, or if it does, returns too slowly. Recalled vehicles will have had the pedal assembly modified to prevent this from happening.
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There was another recall related to the rear suspension arms to check the condition of them and the torque settings. If the rear suspension arm is adjusted as part of a wheel alignment or has had other repairs done to it while it is in for a service. It is possible that backlash can occur and could result in failure of the arm with a resultant loss of control of the vehicle. Check with your local Toyota dealership to make sure these recalls have been carried out.
Is a used Toyota Avensis reliable?
Even the most recent Toyota Avensis models are starting to get old, but despite this, they're still among the most reliable used executive cars on sale. In our 2023 study, it came second in its class, with an impressive 95.6% score. Similarly, Toyota upholds its reputation as being one of the most reliable used car brands, with a third place finish and a score of 91.7%.
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Toyota Avensis
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£995
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£1,399
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£1,450
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£1,695
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£1,895
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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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