2004 Toyota Avensis T3-S review from UK and Ireland

Squeaking driver's seat at 10,000 miles, replaced under warranty.

Condensation in front lights at 15,000 miles, both front lights replaced under warranty.

Rattle from steering column, at 17,000 miles, fixed under warranty.

Leaking oil from engine and leaking oil from transmission at 20,000 miles, fixed under warranty.

Leaking oil from transmission and engine at 30,000 miles, fixed under warranty.

Rattle from steering column again at 30,000 miles, replaced under warranty.

Boot (Trunk) wouldn't stay open anymore at 35,000 miles, fixed under warranty.

Rattle from steering column at 40,000 miles, replaced under warranty.

Another rattle from steering column again at 45,000 miles. Currently in Toyota dealer's garage with a "major steering problem that we have to investigate". This should be covered by warranty.

On the whole, after over 2 years and 40,000 miles on the road, I feel that the car is well designed, feels solid and it is easy and comfortable to drive.

I have to point out that a few of the faults (especially the aforementioned oil leaks) were unnoticed by me and pointed out by the dealer when I've had the car serviced. This just goes to show the importance of regular servicing.

As far as the positive feedback goes - the car is very spacious. The boot is huge, and I have been able to load it up on several occasions and have been surprised just how much actually fits in there.

I've taken the car on lots of long journeys across Europe (including several 28+ hour drives) and, although not quite as comfortable as my old 1997 Audi A4, the Toyota hasn't failed me yet. Despite all of the things that have gone wrong with it, the car hasn't had anything major go wrong with it that would leave me stranded.

Having said that, I am disapointed with the number of times I've had warranty work carried out on it in just 2 years and only 40,000 miles worth of motoring. The annoyances that are worth mentioning are definitely the rattling from the steering column that has been a recurring problem, the failure of the boot staying open (come on guys, this is a 2 year old Toyota!) and the minor niggles such as the fogged up headlights, and the squeaky seats. Things like this go some way to telling you about the build quality of a car.

The Toyota Avensis is assembled in the UK. My feeling is that, had I bought a different Toyota, one that was assembled elsewhere - perhaps Japan, it would be a much more solid experience.

I have also found that the paintwork on these cars is very prone to scratching indeed.

Judging by the other positive reviews of the Toyota Avensis, I feel that I've possibly been unlucky and was sold a lemon.

I plan to sell mine when the warranty runs out in a few months time.