Toyota Avensis Saloon (2003 - 2008) 2.4 VVT-i T Spirit 4d Seq Auto (2004/04) Owner Review
Want to know everything there is to know about this car?
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Summary
What does this car say about you?
Not the most exciting car in the world (although the large engine makes it somewhat of a wolf in sheep's clothing!)
What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?
Very smart (it's been mistaken for a Merc - not sure if that's good or bad!)
Would you buy this car again and why?
Yes - definitely.
What are you likely to buy next?
Most likely the same thing in a newer version (or perhaps a Lexus!)
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Buying experience
Type of dealer you bought from?
Franchise
Did you buy this car new?
No
What price did you pay?
£15,495
When did you buy the car?
December 2005
Did you get a good deal and why?
Reasonable - price was higher than I originally intended to pay, but car had about 2500 miles and was only 15 months old, for about 30% off the list price.
Is there any special reason why you bought this car?
Existing Toyota Celica owner, needed to "move up" due to having a baby. Father in law already owned an Avensis.
What was the dealer like?
Very co-operative. Car wasn't available when I went for a test drive on a Sunday (I didn't call first, having seen it online). Dealer than contacted me on the Monday and brought the car to my office to drive.
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Driving it
What's it like to drive?
Comfortable, Powerful (thanks to the 2.4 engine) and smooth. Gear changes work nicely and are almost imperceptable when driving "normally". Semi-Automatic mode there for when you want more control over the gearbox. All in all works well both around town in traffic, and on the motorway.
What's it like to park?
It's not a small car, although mine has rear parking sensors fitted which seem to be very accurate, giving an "increasing beep" as you get closer.
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Living with it
Have you had any problems with the car?
No (and nothing went wrong in 5 years with my Celica - I trust Toyota reliability!)
What's most practical about your car?
Large, powerful and comfortable.
Favourite gadget, option or accessory?
SatNav is very cool - even though it's only the "turn by turn" one, it's very effective, especially on motorways when combined with the Electronic Traffic Avoidance system.
