Toyota Avensis Hatchback 1.8 VVTi GS 5d (2002/52) Owner Review
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Economy
Value
The price I paid I considered to be excellent. Again, in comparison to the LX Mondeo that I also drove, I was getting far more than the Mondeo but for £1500 less. SAT NAV is excellent.
Costs
Economy is excellent. On each tankfull I always achieve in excess of 38mpg. On long journeys along Motorways I have achieved consumption averages well into the 40s. I have yet to get the car serviced so cannot assess servicing costs.
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On the road
Driving
When I test drove this car and compared it to a similar aged Mondeo, the Mondeo was preferable. However, this car is still very comfortable to drive. Less than ideal rear visibility makes for slow reversing and manoeuvring in tight spaces needs care.
Performance
The VVTi engine is very smooth and responsive. It responds very well indeed if I put my foot down, though I would not class it as a high performance vehicle.
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Living with it
Reliability
Though I have had a replacement starter motor under warranty, it is very reliable. Electronically, I have only had problems with the traffic avoidance system - suspected broken aerial wiring.
Image
Styling not as good as the new Avensis model but you will not lose any street cred.
Comfort
The seats are comfortable but were not as good as the Mondeo LX that I compared it with. Poor fitting (noisy) parcel shelf.
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Security and Service
Security
Double locking, alarm and immobiliser gives me confidence that I feel I can rely on. However, nobody has tested it yet - Thankfully.
Service
Sales and especially servicing staff have been excellent, though I have had less than a helpful response from Toyota GB when I requested information on the traffic avoidance system. I had much more help from the Toyota owners web site - well worth a look.
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Problems and Ownership
Problems
Engine
Starter motor needed replacement - No problems since.
Other
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