Toyota Avensis Saloon 1997-
  • Economy

    Value

    4 out of 5 4.0

    A lot of kit for the money, build quality very good.

    Costs

    5 out of 5 5.0

    Middle age image means cheaper insurance compared to rivals (2.0 only group 10), good mpg (averaged 40 mpg) for a 2 litre, the parts are cheap.

  • On the road

    Driving

    3 out of 5 3.0

    Better than image suggests but no Gti. Revised later models had improved suspension and brakes, the tow things not 100% with the pre facelift models.

    Performance

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Responsive when needed, but not sporty.

  • Living with it

    Reliability

    5 out of 5 5.0

    Purchased expecting it to run faultlessly, I completed 40,000 miles in 18months, nothing went wrong...

    Image

    2 out of 5 2.0

    All the taxi cabs have tarnished what little image the avensis had, later revised models still look reasonable, my Dad has got one..

    Comfort

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Driving position slightly too high up, otherwise very good, refined and quiet on the motorway.

  • Security and Service

    Security

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Standard alarm helps, can't imagine this would be high on thieves list to be honest.

    Service

    3 out of 5 3.0

    Patchy dealer network, Farmer and Carlysle of Nottingham are a joke, avoid unless you want to be ripped off by imcompetent sale and service staff, who attempt to charge for servicing parts they haven't fitted and don't call you when work is done.

  • Problems and Ownership

    Problems

    Engine

    Other

    Rear drum brakes squealed at slow speeds, dealers never able to sort.

    Ownership

    Did you buy the car new?

    New

    Would you buy the same model again?

    Yes

    Did you buy from the same manufacturer again?

    Yes