1998 Toyota Avensis GS review from UK and Ireland

Blown indicator bulb. I won't blame Toyota for that one...

Offside passenger door doesn't unlock with the central locking. A bit annoying considering it's a Toyota.

This is my first proper car after passing my test, after many years riding 'bikes. So my comparisons are with a Honda ST1100 Pan European rather than any car. Although I had a Cavalier 1.6L for a bit before passing.

So my first impressions are of performance; I'm used to slightly better power to weight ratios, but after I worked out that third was needed, 'A' road overtaking has been OK. It feels strained in lower gears (where the gearshift could be better), but main road cruising is great. Crosswinds and the wake from lorries seem to buffet it around a bit, but then maybe that's normal for cars. It seems to handle great on sweeping 'A' roads, but Suffolk back roads (a dire test for any vehicle) can get the suspension in a bit of a tizzy.

That said, comfort is great. I'd prefer it if the seat was to tilt forward a bit more, but after 400 miles straight I got out with no aches or pains. I could have been sitting in front of the telly; brilliant. Excellent accommodation for passengers and luggage as well; it seats five in relative comfort and swallowed up a dishwasher without a hitch. Very practical. The interior looks good as well, with tastefully patterned seats and an ergonomic dashboard.

Hopefully reliability will be good, it's the main reason I bought the car. The previous owner had had a 4wd reverse into it and ding the bonnet and there is a less than satisfactory repair there. But apart from that the paintwork is like new, not bad at all for a 7 year old car. I'm used to 'bikes and like the quality touches you get with Japanese vehicles, like the stainless exhaust system, which looks set to last another seven winters.