2001 Toyota Avensis GS 2.0D-4D from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Excellent all round car

Faults:

Had no problems with the car at all.

General Comments:

I have owned this car four years so I decided to submit a review.

Very reliable, other than the odd bulb burning out its been a joy to own.

Previously owned a 110bhp Passat Tdi, and the Toyota engine is much better. It feels quicker, the engine is quieter and the torque is spread over a wider rev band, in the Passat the power arrives in one short lump and tails off, the D-4d is much more flexible and revvable.

Handling wise its very good, sharp steering and balanced handling, can feel quite sporty if you are in the mood, again it knocks spots off the Passat which was just a blancmange in the corners.

Inside everything is there, all the electric stuff you would expect, its all screwed together solidly, everything works, just functional and efficient.

Outside the build is good and of course the paint suffers stonechips like any other car which is basically unavoidable, I like the shape, it doesn't shout 'LOOK AT ME' but that's fine as far as I'm concerned.

I average 48-60 mpg mixed driving which is very good I think.

To sum up I don't think you can go wrong with this car, of course no car is perfect, but this car does everything well and most likely will never let you down so I'll give it a big thumbs up.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 29th March, 2005

13th Feb 2006, 08:34

How much are Toyota paying you to come out with all this bull.

18th Feb 2006, 10:12

That's a very constructive comment, very intellectual, you must have taken a great deal of thought with that paragraph. Well done. A VW owner I presume.

7th Mar 2006, 11:22

Just bought 2001 Avensis 2ltr GS private and after 1 week the amber engine light illuminated. I took the car in for what I thought was a service light and had a 10,000 mile service done. The garage techician told the service staff that he had turned the light out and if it came back on I would need a new catalytic converter at £788 fitted. Has anyone had this problem before? I have not heard of them going faulty before, car has 113000 on the clock. Could it be the oxygen sensor that is faulty? Any comments please.

In reply to 7th Mar 2006, 11:22

19th Jul 2014, 23:23

I know this is an old review and an old comment, but that's the lambda sensor that has gone. Buy a genuine Toyota one, nothing else will work. And on the 1.8s, watch out for high oil consumption. Keep it topped up, don't bother fixing it, be grand.

2001 Toyota Avensis Vermont 1.6 petrol from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Unexciting, but does the job very well

Faults:

The seatbelts can be rather stiff.

General Comments:

The Avensis has been a very reliable car in the 3 years I have owned it.

The 1.6 litre engine can top 120mph, but it feels a lot slower than my previous car, a Seat Cordoba 1.6, that could do just 105mph.

The seatbelts are sometimes very stiff.

The cabin is rather gloomy and unimaginative, but feels solidly built.

The Avensis isn't particularly exciting to look at or to drive, but it's well built, reliable and comfortable.

The dealership has been a total wash out.

The car itself has given excellent service so far, but I can't say the same about the dealership.

However, it wasn't worth the money I paid for it.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 14th February, 2004