Toyota Avensis Hatchback (1997 - 2003) 1.8 VVTi Vermont 5d (2002/02) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

I am poor paying for the high cost of repair at such a low age.

What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

Shocked that a Toyota could fail with such a high repair cost.

Would you buy this car again and why?

Never. This model has a severe build fault that Toyota do know about but are happy that there customers will loose the car at about 70,000miles. The car behind is a Toyota.

What are you likely to buy next?

Ford Mondeo

Type of dealer you bought from?

Franchise

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£7,500

When did you buy the car?

July 2004

Did you get a good deal and why?

Reasonable deal as they had a "special" weekend sale

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

Had Toyota before and good reliable car

What was the dealer like?

Pleasant and helpful

What's it like to drive?

Smooth and comfortable

What's it like to park?

Guaging the distance at the rear is very difficult. You think you are within an inch of a wall and it is several feet!

Have you had any problems with the car?

Drank oil above 50,000 and failed at 70,000 just over 5 years old. Needed short engine rebuild at £2364. Basically a write off at 5 years old! Also had to have rear hub replaced at 3years old as bearing failed. Also handbrake cables replaced to get handbrake to function!

What's most practical about your car?

Hatchback is versatile for fitting things in.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

CD player