2002 Toyota Avensis CDX review from UK and Ireland

Had a vibration through the steering wheel, fixed by proper balancing and non Toyota pads.

This car really has behaved impeccably so far, and the engine is a gem, it's really lively now it has a few miles under its belt and a combined 54 mpg driving enthusiastically everywhere is not bad at all.

The ride is smooth and relaxing, and although it's a bit front heavy, it turns in very tightly into bends and doesn't wallow at all, grip is also excellent, I think the car handles better than the petrol version which is unusual for a diesel, maybe the extra engine weight gives it more traction.

Although you know it's a diesel on start up, the common rail technology very quickly quietens it down, and inside the car its miles quieter than the petrol and the quietest car at speed I've ever had, absolutely no diesel rumble at all, plus a lot more torque and grunt than the official Toyota figures suggest, I think its very underestimated.

Some parts prices are frankly ridiculous, the 2 part pollen filter cost me £53 which is criminal. Also I don't rate Toyota dealers or their mechanics, overpriced, not really got a clue and don't care much.

My advice forget your warranty because it won't break down anyway and do the mechanical jobs yourself, its all pretty straightforward on these cars. Toyota charge about £120 to fit front pads, I bought a better softer pad and fitted them easily myself in 30 minutes for £28, and these were good pads.

I would buy another without hesitation, dealers aside, get one privately and you cannot lose.