Faults:

EGR valve, DPF, oil leak, alternator, turbo, injectors, all expensive to repair.

General Comments:

The Avensis is generally a good car, but avoid the 1.6 D4D version. I looked after it well and still had issues.

I bought this car thinking they were all reliable. Well I think that only applies to the bigger 2.0 diesel and the 1.8 petrol. This 1.6 diesel has been a disaster. Problem after expensive problem, I cannot wait to sell this car.

Shame really as it is otherwise great - good looking estate car, very comfortable and can be economical when running correctly. Spacious also.

But do yourself a favor and don't believe it when anyone says all Toyotas are reliable - they are not. Only certain versions/cars.

Faults:

Nothing.

General Comments:

At first I was not too keen on this face-lifted version of the third generation Avensis. Rather odd looking front grille. Ugly, but I can live with it.

These are expensive to buy used and long term reliability remains to be seen - I have had mine two years and done nothing but services. So if the car returns on its legendary reliability reputation, then I suppose it will be worth it, though I still think I overpaid.

That all said, I am enjoying this car so far. Nothing special to drive, but the handling is OK, seats and interior are very comfortable and have a quality feeling to them.

The 1.8 petrol engine is not very fast, and with the automatic box it is only averaging 36 mpg. You could probably get 40 mpg, but only on very long motorway cruises. If miles per gallon is important to you, I'd try a diesel version with a manual transmission.

So far so good, these cars are a safe choice, but are way overpriced on the used market right now. As are most cars to be honest.

Faults:

Nothing!

General Comments:

The Avensis is very expensive to buy on the used market, but it is a very nice car and should prove reliable.

Mine is blue, Excel model which has plenty of kit. Leather, heated seats, all electrics. Very nice alloy wheels. Love this car's spec, very comfortable inside.

The car is smooth to drive. 2.0 diesel engine has enough power and is averaging well over 50 mpg, even on shorter trips.

Spacious, comfortable and reliable, it's like the perfect car really. I've only had it one year, but local taxi drivers tell me my car with low mileage is as good as new despite being eight years old - these are good for well over a decade and 250,000 - 300,000 miles. I doubt I'll have mine that long, but it's good to know they are durable if looked after.