Expert’s verdict
THE Toyota Avensis has an excellent reputation for reliability, is equipped with a decent level of kit and has surprisingly good residual values. Rivals may be more exciting to drive, but the Avensis continues to offer top-drawer dependability.
Common faults
PROBLEMS include issues related to steering, engines and gearboxes. Repairs range from £1,000 to £2,000.
WHEN Toyota launched the thirdgeneration Avensis in 2009, few took notice of its arrival. The first two versions of this fleet-friendly saloon and estate did a perfectly good job, but weren’t the most aspirational cars in the class.
Toyota reckoned its third take on the formula was something to get excited about, but worthy though it was, the Avensis Mk3 was still overshadowed by sexier rivals. It doesn’t help that Toyota gave up on the hatchback, offering the Avensis Mk3 in saloon and estate forms only – a gamble that didn’t pay off. But while the Avensis is overshadowed by more desirable rivals, this is still a car that’s very much worth a closer look.
History
THE third-generation Avensis went on sale in January 2009, in saloon and estate forms. Buyers could choose between 1.8 or 2.0-litre petrol engines, along with 2.0 or 2.2-litre diesels. By
the end of the year there was also a 1.6-litre petrol option on offer as well.
Initially, only the petrol engines were offered with an automatic transmission (called Multidrive), but from September 2009 there was a two-pedal option for the 2.2 diesel (now badged D-CAT). A refresh in April 2013 saw Active, Icon, Icon Plus and Excel trims replace the previous T2, TR, T4 and T Spirit.
At the same time, the CO2 emissions for the 2.0 D-4D engine were cut from 134g/km to 119g/km. This engine was offered only with a manual gearbox.
Which one?
WHILE the petrol engines can be frugal, they don’t feel particularly muscular, so don’t rush to buy one. The autos aren’t very slick and while the 2.2 diesel offers more power and torque over the 2.0 D-4D unit, it’s thirstier and tends to be less reliable. We’d recommend the smaller diesel, which is also the most widely available model. Heated, electrically
adjustable door mirrors, powered front windows, remote central locking and a six-speaker stereo are all standard.
TR trim adds 17-inch alloys, cruise control, Bluetooth, automatic lights and wipers and electric rear windows. T4 cars have leather trim and electrically adjustable heated front seats, while the T Spirit offer 18-inch alloys, xenon lights, parking sensors and an 11-speaker hi-fi.
Alternatives
THE Ford Mondeo offers incredible value; there are lots to pick from and reliability is good, too. The Vauxhall Insignia is fine value and plentiful, while reliability and equipment levels are strong.
The Peugeot 508 is stylish, safe, well equipped and decent value, while the Skoda Octavia is arguably the best allrounder in the class and consistently scores highly in our annual Driver Power survey. A more leftfield alternative is the Citroen C5; they’re not especially plentiful, but they’re great value, comfy,
well-equipped and stylish. Don’t overlook the Volkswagen Passat; these saloons and estates come with great engines and are well built and well equipped, but bargains are rare.
Verdict
THE Avensis is easy to overlook, but as a used buy, in some ways it’s more desirable than some posher models. Despite some negative press, Toyota builds some of the most reliable cars around and the Avensis is no exception.
Designed for comfort and practicality, the Toyota is easy to own and should be cheap to run thanks to its dependability.
But perhaps the biggest reason to consider the Avensis is the value it offers; because potential buyers are often quick to dismiss it, a relative lack of demand means you get plenty of car for your money.
So if an easy ownership experience is more important than impressing the neighbours, you know where to look.