1997 Toyota Avensis GS VVTi 1.8 petrol from UK and Ireland
Summary:
Last of the best
Faults:
Brakes, suspension, bulbs, tyres (wear and tear).
Electric windows are a little sticky.
Rear hatch struts do not work - have to hold it open. Bit of a pain, but I rarely carry anything these days. It would be a quick, easy, cheap fix if I really wanted to.
Engine burns some oil, blue smoke blowing from exhaust.
General Comments:
Paid £750 for this car just a couple of years ago, and have loved every minute. Running an old "banger" has never been so freeing. Gone are the expensive bills from more modern cars I have had (from about 2005 onwards); this 1997 Toyota Avensis is the last of the great cars from a decade when reliability was in its sweet spot in my humble opinion. No complex electronics or major ££££'s on this car.
Sure it is over 20 years old and is starting to look its age, but so what? It's perfectly respectable on the roads and modern enough looking to blend in. The 1.8 petrol engine is not the fastest, but it can keep up with modern traffic while doing close to 40 MPG on average. Safe enough as this was the era most cars started getting strong side impact beams, and airbags.
Interior wise this mid range GS model has some electrics, but nothing fancy. The radio is OK and the seats are comfortable, and the ride is smooth enough for me. It's alright to drive as well. Outside it is good looking in red with original Toyota alloy wheels.
Never broke down once in the couple of years I have had it, and the previous owner appears to have looked after it (full history, timing belt done, receipts, the lot! What a rare find!) I suppose it won't last forever with over 160K mileage and the engine is starting to blow smoke, but I plan to keep it till it dies; if it blows up tomorrow it owes me nothing after almost 3 years trouble free motoring at less than a grand purchase price (and I'll get some of that back in its scrap value alone). Getting harder to run any car cheap these days, but a well looked after 1990s car is as good as it gets. Cheap to insure as well.
A much better car than my problematic 2008 Ford Focus that I bought when it was nearly new - thinking a modern car would be bullet proof - it was not. It easily cost me way more in repairs, but this car has never gave me any major trouble. Please start making 1990s cars again!
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 13th March, 2020
27th Mar 2020, 16:31
Not sure the VVTi engines were available until 1999/2000 on these cars... either way, the standard 1.8 petrol is fine and is a winner in reliability. This car is a good improvement on the already reliable Carina E (Europe) that it replaced.