Faults:

Brake pads seem to wear out quickly, don't know why as I drive carefully. Will get my local mechanic to investigate.

Passenger rear windows jammed.

Radiator replaced.

Sub frame rust warning at last MOT test.

General Comments:

Smooth driving car, the Avensis does all you need if you are after a reliable family car.

My silver 1.6 TR is a fairly basic model. Performance is OK and you get around 37 MPG.

Interior comfortable. Exterior OK looking. A pretty boring car.

Smooth on motorways, it is a very nice long distance cruising car.

Reliability has been OK, which these cars are famous for, but mine is 14 years old and rust is becoming a problem. But I got the car for a good price and it has never let me down; if I get another year or so out of it I will be happy.

Faults:

Exhaust, suspension, brakes, all wear and tear.

Engine uses a bit of oil, but only a small amount (no leaks, so must be burning it off), one top up between services, common issues on these Toyota petrol engines from this time.

Sub frame rust is another common issue - thankfully when I purchased the car the previous owner had replaced/repaired this before I got the car.

General Comments:

The Avensis is a nice car to drive. My car is black and looks good in my opinion.

Very comfortable and spacious, the TR model has plenty of electrics. Seats are nice, sound proofing is good on the motorway, very smooth at cruising speed. Electronic parking brake took a lot of getting used to!

1.6 petrol engine is a lot less common than the diesels or the 1.8 petrol. It is economical - averaging 40 mpg or more, but it is very, very slow. I'd go for the 1.8 if buying again or a more powerful and economical diesel. This is not a bad engine, just a bit of a budget choice; I believe it was the cheapest engine model in this car when new.

On the used market they are still a little more expensive to buy than an equivalent Vauxhall Insignia or Ford Mondeo, but worth it in my opinion - this is a slightly better car than those in my opinion.

Overall not a bad car, lives up to its name - reliable and economical so far, hope to keep it a long time despite the fact it is 13 years old now! Look for a car with full history and low miles and you cannot go wrong with a used purchase.

Faults:

ABS sensor.

Armrest broke.

Needed a new shock absorber.

Brakes weak, will need new discs and pads soon.

General Comments:

Very nice to drive. The Avensis handles very well.

Get the 1.8 petrol, it is a great engine and more reliable than the diesels. You can also get a steady 40 - 42 mpg if you drive well.

Very nice in dark metallic grey. Good looking from sides and back. Front grille and lights are a bit odd, but I like this 2009 - 2011 shaped car better than any updated models.

T2 model is very basic - go for the TR models or above. I do have climate control and front electric windows though - good enough for me.

Give it the oil changes it needs and drive carefully, and you have one of the most reliable second hand cars you can get for the money. Look for a nice low mileage example as well. Plenty on the market.