Toyota AVENSIS (1998 - 2003)
MODELS COVERED: 4dr saloon, 5dr liftback, estate: 1.6, 1.8, 2.0, 2.
0 turbodiesel, 2.0 D4-D turbodiesel [S, GS, GLS, CDX, SR]
BY GRAEME ROBERTS
Spacious, comfortable and well-equipped, the
Toyota Avensis quickly picked up the mantle of its well-liked predecessor, the Carina E, on which it was based. Its a popular used buy for those for whom value for money is a priority. This family-sized Toyota could be a bit more involving for the driver, but build quality and reliability are unquestionable. Like the Carina E, the Avensis was designed specifically for the European market and rather more so; unlike its predecessor you wont see it on the other side of the world.
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All models are built at Toyotas factory in Burnaston, Derbyshire and most have engines made in Deeside, North Wales.
New or used, theres no shortage of quality competition for the Avensis in this hotly contested family and fleet sector. However, the
Toyota's high specifications, build quality, long warranty, low depreciation and rear
seat cabin space make it well worth serious consideration. So does the fact that owners like it regular independent customer satisfaction surveys usually put the Avensis at or near the top. Stung by early criticism of the original Carina E for a lack of safety equipment, Toyota hasnt made the same mistake with the Avensis all models have driver, front passenger and side airbags plus anti-lock brakes as standard. The wide choice of three distinctive body styles, three petrol engines and two diesels, plus a variety of trim levels, should make choosing the right model relatively easy.
Even the entry-level S models have remote central locking, power mirrors and power front windows, and you gain air conditioning, an alarm and a sunroof as soon as you step up to GS level. The sporting SR and more luxurious GLS and CDX come with an even longer list of goodies including, dependent on model, alloy wheels and a CD player. As a drivers car the Avensis is not the most exciting in its class but it is nonetheless predictable and well behaved, with a comfortable ride. All controls operate with the precision of a Swiss watch and leave you confident that all will still be working tens of thousands of miles hence.
For many buyers, the long-term peace of mind associated with Toyotas will be reason enough to choose an Avensis.
Given that it was only launched at the end of 1997, a dirt cheap Avensis is not yet an option youll have to buy a Carina E if your budget doesnt stretch to at least £2,800 Thats about the minimum you could expect to pay for a 1.6-litre Avensis S saloon on a 98R-plate, or around £3,000 for a 99S-plater. Opt for a GS liftback and youd pay around £3,100 for a 99S-plate example. The 1.
8-litre models start at around £3,200 for a 98R saloon with GS specification. Youll also find GLS and CDX trims on offer with this engine and prices range on up to about £4,900 for a 00W CDX saloon. Two-litre petrol models come only with the higher GLS and CDX specifications and range in price from about £3,500 for a 1998 R-plate GLS saloon to around £5,400 for a 2000W-plater CDX estate. Standard turbo diesels all have the same two-litre engine and the choice of just S or GS trims at prices ranging from around £3,200 for a 98R S liftback to about £4,300 for a 99V GS estate.
The newer and still rare D4-D saloon, with its sophisticated new common rail diesel engine makes a cracking buy look for examples on 99V and W plates and later. The facelifted models start at around £5,000 for a 2000 W-plated 1.8 GS with the VVT-i engine whilst a similar vintage 2.0CDX automatic hatch will command £6,600.
Prices vary little between saloons and five-doors, only about £250 at most, but the estates command a premium of about £300-£900, according to model and age.
Although its still too early for any major Avensis failings to emerge, very little went wrong with the Carina E and thats likely to prove the case with its successor. Check for the usual signs of wear and tear, a full dealer service history, and also ensure the Avensis youre considering is still covered by the balance of Toyota's three-year/60,000-mile warranty. It should be, as the oldest cars only went on the road at the end of 1997, but a previous owner could have breached the warranty conditions in some way. The range-starter S trimmed cars are very good value and the pricier GLS, SR and CDX variants have loads of equipment. Though theyre quite stylish, the estates aren't all that spacious and the standard turbodiesel, rather typical of a Japanese oil burner, isnt as economical as youd expect. If economy is a priority, opt for either the 1.8 petrol whose lean burn technology is good for up to 45mpg on the open road or the saloon-only D4-D common rail turbodiesel which returns up to 47.9mpg.
(Based on a 1.6-litre Avensis S - ex Vat) Good quality spares are a little more expensive than the competition. A new clutch will cost you about £130. Front shock absorbers are about £65 each and rears around £90 apiece.
An exchange alternator is about £240, an exchange radiator about £130-£250 and a replacement windscreen just under £140. A tail lamp is about £42 and a nearside front wing about £80. A catalyst is just over £400.
Forgiving with a bit of sparkle is a good way to describe the Avensis driving experience. Its Carina E underpinnings were sharpened up by Toyotas chassis engineers and the cars response is now good enough to encourage you to take the B-road home occasionally, instead of the bypass. A comfortable ride and low noise levels are strong plus points for motorway cruising, too. All the engines are willing performers but only the two-litre petrol engine can honestly be described as brisk.
The 1.8-litre lean burn unit combines ready acceleration with impressive economy; at least 35mpg around town and between 45-50mpg at cruising speeds. With figures like that on offer, youll need to be a confirmed diesel enthusiast to opt for the standard oil burner. However, in the SR D4-D rest to sixty takes just 11.
5s on the way to 121mph: not startlingly quick but it can feel that way on the road. This is because common rail turbo diesels like this one have an extremely wide spread of torque: that in turn means strong pulling power in almost any gear - a seamless surge of power uninterrupted by the need for constant gear changing. That's a boon around town, as is the combined fuel consumption of 47.9mpg. Every Avensis is well equipped and most buyers will probably be more than happy with the specifications of even the base S models. At every level, the equipment is usually better than the opposition.
An excellent used buy for the family. Choose with the usual care and be rewarded with years of peace of mind.
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