Used Toyota Avensis Estate 2003 - 2009 review
A practical estate that's beautifully made and nice to drive
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What's the used Toyota Avensis like?
Ownership cost
Our recommendations
Reliability
Stuart Milne
Updated: 1 January 2006
How we test cars
What's the used Toyota Avensis like?
As an estate, the Avensis is a big, capable load-shifter that's classier and better to drive than previous family-sized Toyotas. It isn't cheap to buy, and it's more scarce in estate form than as a hatch, but it's very useful.
Thanks to its squared-off boot, the Avensis has massive load space, while the rear seats split and fold easily to make it a very practical estate. The cabin is very comfortable and the driving position is spot-on for most, although tall drivers might want the seat to go lower.
Overview
A practical estate that's beautifully made and nice to drive
Pros
- Huge boot tacked on to a big, airy cabin
Cons
- Rides firmly with a touch of the jitters
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If you were expecting a mere update of the previous Avensis's plasticky interior, you'll get a surprise, because the furnishings look positively expensive. And, as it's a Toyota, everything is very well screwed together and it should be terrifically reliable.
On the road, there are more surprises: it feels nimble for a car of its size and bulk. It also grips well and rides comfortably. Oddly, models with the 1.8 petrol engine give more steering response than the others, which feel rather numb. The diesel engines are smooth, quiet and punchy. The petrols respond keenly, too, but they get thrashy as the revs climb.
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Tips & Advice
Make sure you’re insured for the test drive
Short-term car insurance – also called test-drive insurance – will ensure you’re legal when you’re shopping for your next car
Will the car fit your needs?
As part of the test drive, fill the car with regularly-carried luggage, and make sure the family can get comfy before you buy
Ownership cost
How much does cost to run a Toyota Avensis?
Main dealer servicing costs are on a par with a Ford Mondeo's, although you can reduce the bills by using an independent garage rather than a Toyota dealer.
Spares are also towards the pricey end of things but, with the make's legendary reliability, you shouldn't need many.
Otherwise, running costs should give you no headaches. Depreciation costs are reasonable, and you should expect a three-year-old car to be worth a touch more than half whatever it cost new. Likewise, insurance groups are lower than you'd expect for a big estate, thanks to its five-star Euro NCAP occupant safety score and its effective security kit. Most models are group 7 or 8 and the 2.2 D-4D T Spirit is dearest in group 10.
Last, but not least, fuel economy is strong. The 1.8 petrol promises up to 39mpg overall, the 2.0 up to 35mpg and the diesels up to 47mpg.
Tips & Advice
Organise your motoring life
Whether you need to keep tabs on your insurance renewal, sort breakdown cover, or book a service, My What Car? has you covered
Never miss a motoring date
Remembering to arrange insurance, book a service or buy breakdown cover can be a pain. Fortunately, My What Car? is here to help
Our recommendations
Which used Toyota Avensis should I buy?
The good news is that there are no poor models in the range. All are well equipped, so that sat-nav, air-con, alloy wheels and a CD player are fitted to even the entry T3-S model. The T4 gets dual-zone climate control, while the range-topping T Spirit gets leather seats. We'd stick with the T3 for the value it offers.
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The story's pretty similar with the choice of engine. The 1.8 has just enough oomph to haul this heavy car properly. The 2.0 petrol engine and the 2.0 and 2.2 diesels will each pull it along in fine style but they are either dearer to buy, costlier to run, or both. So, we'd stick with the 1.8 unless our yearly mileage was likely to top about 20,000. Only then would we opt for the diesel.
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How reliable is the Toyota Avensis ?
Toyota Avensis
Read reliability
Used cars available now
In partnership with
Toyota Avensis
2.0 D-4D TR Tourer Euro 4 5dr
£1,024
Toyota Avensis
1.8 VVT-i T3-X 5dr
£1,495
Toyota Avensis
1.8 VVT-i TR 5dr
£1,499
Toyota Avensis
2.2 D-4D T4 Tourer Euro 5 5dr
£1,799
Toyota Avensis
1.8 VVT-i TR 5dr
£1,850
Toyota Avensis
1.6 D-4D Business Edition Touring Sports Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr
£1,995
Toyota Avensis
2.0 D-4D T4 Tourer Euro 4 5dr
£1,995
Toyota Avensis
2.2 D-4D T4 5dr
£2,095
Toyota Avensis
2.0 D-4D TR Tourer Euro 5 5dr
£2,490
See all available cars
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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