Used Toyota Avensis Saloon 1997 - 2004 reliability review
A reliable family car but not the most inspiring
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What's the used Toyota Avensis like?
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Reliability
Stuart Milne
Updated: 1 January 2006
How we test cars
What should I look for in a used Toyota Avensis?
Toyota has a fine reputation for reliability and the Avensis is no exception. That's certainly the impression you get from the interior. The materials are good quality and everything is built to last.
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The only real problems we've heard of have been with the gearbox, which have mainly affected the early models (pre-2000) and at low miles. But, if you've got a model with more than 10,000 miles on the clock, it should be fine.
Warranty Direct backs this up and its report shows that transmission problems have accounted for 11% of repairs to the Avensis between 1997 and 2003. There have been a few reports of power steering leaks on R- and S-reg cars, but they are few and far between.
Just make sure you're not buying an ex-minicab. Signs that you could be include wear to the back seats and interior trim.
Tips & Advice
Make sure you have warranty cover
New cars usually have warranties that last between three and seven years that can help cover the cost of mechanical faults. But this protection can last longer with an extended warranty
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Toyota AVENSIS
2.0 D-4D TR Euro 4 4dr
£995
Toyota Avensis
2.0 D-4D Business Edition Plus Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr
£1,500
Toyota Avensis
2.0 D-4D T4 Euro 5 4dr
£1,599
Toyota Avensis
2.2 D-4D TR Euro 5 4dr
£1,800
Toyota Avensis
1.6 D-4D Business Edition Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr
£1,895
Toyota Avensis
2.0 D-4D TR Euro 5 4dr
£1,895
Toyota Avensis
2.0 D-4D TR Euro 4 4dr
£1,895
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2.0 D-4D TR Euro 5 4dr
£2,099
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£2,289
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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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