2001 Toyota Avensis GS 1.8 petrol from UK and Ireland
Summary:
Unstoppable force that I wish was still made
Faults:
Mostly just servicing and wear and tear parts replaced (belts, exhaust, suspension, etc).
ABS sensor.
Bodywork seen better days, but it is over 20 years old. Oh and the ash-tray broke. I don't smoke anyway, bad for your health.
General Comments:
Basically another 1990's Toyota that is unremarkable and reliable. Durable as well.
This Avensis replaced the old Carina which was also a car that had a good rep for reliability.
Of course, to get this reliability you need to look after the car, I have never skimped on anything, the car gets every service and anything it needs before it becomes a problem.
The car is as dull as you can get. This GS model has wheel trims and does not look pretty, but it is still at least surprisingly modern enough to blend in I think.
The 1.8 petrol engine is a simple proven unit and has average performance. Economy is OK at 35 - 38 mpg. I still use super unleaded though which is a bit expensive, tried it on that newer E10 fuel, felt the power was down a bit as was economy. I do not drive as much as I used to however so it is still a very usable car. The car is OK to drive, not exciting, but pleasant enough.
Interior is dull and plasticity but functional and spacious. Seats are still comfy if a bit worn. Refined enough on motorways, a bit crashy around town, though I suspect some more suspension components are worn and will need replaced at next MOT time.
In short this has been a very reliable car that I got cheap when it was 10 years old, it is now over 20 years and never let me down, I doubt I will ever have a car this good again. My neighbor has a more modern 2015 Avensis, it has been a good car but not quite as reliable as this, and when something does go wrong it costs him a fortune as per modern cars. But my Avensis is so simple I know it will never let me down and if it does it will be a cheap fix. Thanks Toyota, but I wish you could still make cars as simple as this. And I am not even a Toyota fan - for the longest time I was a Ford guy, then shifted to Vauxhall, but Japanese cars have now won me over for reliability. Being realistic mine won't last forever (nothing does), so the only problem is what next to replace it?
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 17th August, 2023