Toyota Avensis Hatchback 1997-

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  • Economy

    Value

    4 out of 5 4.0

    I have got MORE than my money's worth out of it!

    Costs

    4 out of 5 4.0

    For a big car, the lean burn engine is a great boon (~50mpg on motorways). VVTI is probably better, but the lean-burn is the pick of the bunch on these older models.

  • On the road

    Driving

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Good, firm control. Won't make you wet your pants, but - it's not supposed to!

    Performance

    3 out of 5 3.0

    I'm not a racing driver in this car, but drop a cog and it overtakes happily.

  • Living with it

    Reliability

    5 out of 5 5.0

    Words would be pointless here.

    Image

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Looks cool shined up (I have a metallic blue with alloys.) It's no sports car, but it's by no means ugly.

    Comfort

    5 out of 5 5.0

    Very comfy, though rear headroom is a little sparse. Legroom front and back is great, but tall people will have their heads in the ceiling in the back. Shame, because otherwise it's REALLY spacious.

  • Security and Service

    Security

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Was broken into. I never knew about it. But they only got away with the radio and the central console. Never been stolen!

    Service

    5 out of 5 5.0

    Always excellent. Pricey, tho slightly less pricely on the continent, but level of service is always excellent.

  • Problems and Ownership

    Problems

    Engine

    About to have the 'big' service (timing belt) but NO problems (doesn't even burn oil, it seems!).

    Other

    Steering rack loosened for no reason. Not a problem, but there is a bit of 'play' in the rack. A little annoying, but if the model is not prone to this fault, then I won't worry. Not fixed without replacing whole steering system (700ukp) but MOT says 'OK'

    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