Used Toyota Avensis Touring Sports 2015-2018 reliability review
The Toyota Avensis Touring Sports is well built and comes with a long warranty, but many rivals are more spacious, cheaper to run and better to drive.
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What's the used Toyota Avensis like?
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Reliability
Stuart Milne
Updated: 24 February 2022
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What should I look for in a used Toyota Avensis?
Interior
Toyota interiors are generally hard-wearing, but some of the plastics used in the Avensis are a little on the cheap and shiny side and can be easily scratched. Also, some Business Edition models have light-coloured inserts on the seats and door cards that can show up dirt.
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Alloy wheels
Most Business Edition models were fitted with sensibly sized 17in alloys, but higher-spec cars had larger wheels that can be susceptible to kerb damage. Make sure you have a good look around before buying, because repairs can be expensive and a sign of potential suspension alignment issues.
DPF light
Keep an eye out for the diesel particulate filter (DPF) light. Most of the time, the trapped particulate matter will be burnt off, but the filter can clog if you do lots of short journeys, requiring you to either take a long drive or a trip to the dealer if it can't regenerate itself.
What are the most common problems with a used Toyota Avensis?
EGR valve
This shouldn’t be a problem if you regularly service your car and frequently drive it on the motorway, but some diesel Avensis owners have mentioned having problems with the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve clogging up. Watch out for a check engine light or a rough idle.
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Sat-nav
The Avensis doesn’t have the greatest infotainment system, and its sat-nav can sometimes give owners trouble by taking them on odd routes. Have the software updated (which can be done while the car is being serviced) and this should hopefully improve matters.
Airbags
Examples built between 6 September 2016 and 21 October 2016 can have a problem with side airbags that might not activate in a collision. Check with your local Toyota dealer to make sure the remedial work has been carried out.
Exhaust bolts
The bolts on the exhaust system of 2.0-litre diesel models manufactured between 23 June 2016 and 27 October 2016 that can work loose. They’re close to the turbocharger, which makes them hard to spot, so ask your Toyota dealer if this work has been done.
Is a used Toyota Avensis reliable?
Unfortunately, there wasn’t enough data to include the Avensis in our latest Reliability Survey, but Toyota as a whole managed a fantastic fifth place out of 30 manufacturers.
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If you would like to see the full reliability list, head to the What Car? Reliability Survey pages for more information.
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About the writer
Name: Stuart Milne
Title: Digital editor
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Stuart has been a motoring journalist for more than 25 years, writing and editing for a wide range of consumer titles. Today, Stuart is responsible for the smooth running of whatcar.com and all of its related social and digital channels. And he’s the man responsible for making sure you're able to find What Car?’s industry-leading content whenever you search for it.
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