Toyota Avensis Tourer (2009 - 2015) 1.8 V-matic TR 5d (2011/61) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

Anonymity is the name of the game here and I discarded the cars I didn't want, I didn't want a "d**k head's" car from the Merc, BMW and Audi range, and any of the French brands will disintegrate before the tyres, and I couldn't get past the looks of the Ford and Vauxhall, which really only left this and the Honda which was too expensive and ungainly.

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

Loads of positive comments and some questions of it's suitability as an ice cream van.

Would you buy this car again and why?

I love it's quiet atmospheric cabin, refined engine, accomplished package, yes I'd buy it again even with the rust and 2nd gear.

What are you likely to buy next?

A hover car as this will last at least 10 years.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Independent

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£9,750

When did you buy the car?

June 2012

Did you get a good deal and why?

Got it from a van dealer that knew little other than it was a straight car but i'd already done my homework, so it was the cheapest on the web.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

It's a practical, reliable and smart car and on paper looks the best of it type for the price.

What was the dealer like?

Great, Capels in S.Wales were easy going and dare I say... Honest.

What's it like to drive?

The 1.8l engine is simply brilliant, I like the growl over 3,000rpm and am getting 41mpg with it, keeping up with traffic is no problem and pulls up hill with a full load, can't see the point of a diesel. The ride is smooth in and around town, on the motorway I can drive for 3 hours with no aches or pains.

What's it like to park?

The car is bigger than you'd think so parking needs more confidence. This has the camera and I find it OK for distance but because it's off centre it makes you park to the left by 6 inches, I notice they have indicator lines on other brands.

Have you had any problems with the car?

It's under warranty and I know they'll be niggles but in a month I've found that second gear keeps popping out and surprisingly there are two rust patches on the tailgate. I wasn't bothered about the colour and this one is white and that's a problem with the owner rather than the car.

What's most practical about your car?

The boot is massive, the rear legroom is great for the late teen kids and the overall solidity of the car and controls.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

Got bored with the cruse within two weeks, the satnav is a distraction 70% of the time, the rear camera is off centre so difficult to gauge, I'd say the stereo.