Toyota Avensis Hatchback 1.8 GLS 5d (1998/R) Owner Review
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Economy
Value
Well made, reliable and very well specced for the money. Cracking buy used and very much under-rated. If you want a nice comfy car that won't rust or breakdown, has loads of standard kit and is relaxing to drive, then this is it.
Costs
Fuel economy is excellent at up to 45mpg, but Toyota genuine parts and service are expensive - use cheaper parts from other manufacturers, especially brakes and general things like filters. Toyota fuel filters are £36 just to supply, Halfords £12.
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On the road
Driving
The car is very comfortable and quiet, the gearchange is very precise and the steering is direct. Quite a bit of body though. Set up is definitely more for comfort than sport. Having said that, it's grippy and you can cover ground quickly.
Performance
The engines are willing and free-revving, but lack out-right grunt. Not really a B-road blast car. Brakes are powerful if maintained correctly.
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Living with it
Reliability
Faultless. Only non-standard repair was the alarm siren which got water-logged and refused to sound. £100 fitted by Toyota garage, otherwise not one problem. The car has never let me down in 40,000 miles. What more do you want?
Image
Not really a car you drool over, but you can go around un-noticed and theives won't look twice.
Comfort
Superb. Long journeys, especially on the motorway, just melt away and you arrive refreshed. All your passengers will fall asleep it's so quiet.
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Security and Service
Security
Excellent. Alarm and immobiliser standard, not that theives are really bothered.
Service
Excellent. Inchape of Oxford excel in every way.
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Problems and Ownership
Problems
Engine
Amazing. 106,000 miles and still purrs like new. No problem whatsoever. I am expecting another 100k miles easily.
Other
Standard Toyota speakers are terrible. Get some 17cm aftermarket ones and drill the rivets out of the Toyota ones - well worth doing and it only cost me £80.
Ownership
Did you buy the car new?
Used
Would you buy the same model again?
Yes
Did you buy from the same manufacturer again?
Yes