2002 Toyota Avensis CDX 2.0 D4D from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Great car! Stupidly overpriced rip off dealers

Faults:

Had a vibration through the steering wheel, fixed by proper balancing and non Toyota pads.

General Comments:

This car really has behaved impeccably so far, and the engine is a gem, it's really lively now it has a few miles under its belt and a combined 54 mpg driving enthusiastically everywhere is not bad at all.

The ride is smooth and relaxing, and although it's a bit front heavy, it turns in very tightly into bends and doesn't wallow at all, grip is also excellent, I think the car handles better than the petrol version which is unusual for a diesel, maybe the extra engine weight gives it more traction.

Although you know it's a diesel on start up, the common rail technology very quickly quietens it down, and inside the car its miles quieter than the petrol and the quietest car at speed I've ever had, absolutely no diesel rumble at all, plus a lot more torque and grunt than the official Toyota figures suggest, I think its very underestimated.

Some parts prices are frankly ridiculous, the 2 part pollen filter cost me £53 which is criminal. Also I don't rate Toyota dealers or their mechanics, overpriced, not really got a clue and don't care much.

My advice forget your warranty because it won't break down anyway and do the mechanical jobs yourself, its all pretty straightforward on these cars. Toyota charge about £120 to fit front pads, I bought a better softer pad and fitted them easily myself in 30 minutes for £28, and these were good pads.

I would buy another without hesitation, dealers aside, get one privately and you cannot lose.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 22nd August, 2005

22nd Aug 2008, 18:04

I have to agree on the TOYOTA DEALERS, very overpriced. I get my servicing done at a "good garage scheme" and were £100 cheaper than Toyota themselves (40k service big one) I kind of find almost above their station!!

Happy motoring.

2002 Toyota Avensis 1.6 from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Very expensive shell

Faults:

Engine stopped at 85000 miles

Engine light was orange. Euro care said I could still drive. Stop if light turns red. Engine blew.

Dealer very reluctant to help. Told me I'd have to wait for an hour or two until he could look at car. Then said no courtesy car available as warranty was not valid. Only covered until 60000 miles.

Have to buy new engine even though car is only 2 years old.

General Comments:

Car went really well. Very smooth drive.

Cannot believe that it broke down with no warning.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 5th August, 2004

7th Aug 2004, 15:06

The engine did not fail without warning. As you said, the engine light came on prior to failure.

If the leasing company insisted you drove the car with a warning light on and the engine cooked as a result, surely they should be paying for a replacement engine.

24th Aug 2004, 07:21

It seems pretty clear to me that if a warning light comes on, you get the car looked at. What was probably a trivial fault turns into a new engine. Yes the advice was poor, but can you honestly say you felt comfortable about ignoring an engine warning light? I wouldn't!!

8th Feb 2006, 10:12

Hi there, just a short comment on warning lights. Orange warning light means journey may continue, but have it looked at as soon as possible. Red means stop immediately and don't restart until having the problem rectified.

25th Nov 2009, 14:45

I have just bought a 2002 Avensis here in Norway, and so far am very pleased with it.

It only has done 44,000 kms with one owner and is in lovely,almost new condition in silver.

Of course the newer models are a bit nicer to look at, but there you go, you pays your money and takes your choice.

The last Carina did 360,000 kms before giving up because of rust after 26 years, so no complaints there.

27th Apr 2011, 10:50

There is only an orange engine management light! I suggest you go to a different garage as they clearly have no clue what they are talking about.