2001 Toyota Avensis Reviews from UK and Ireland

Alternator.

Battery.

Water leak in boot.

As a car enthusiast / petrol head - I wish this car would break so I could replace it with something more fun as a daily runabout to work. However, as a practical car - it has been nothing short of excellent. It has handled all the abuse I have thrown at it extremely well, and is used as a cheap daily commuter around town that I don't need to worry about getting a few dents in.

The only thing that has gone wrong with it in 3 years of ownership has been the alternator. The battery was on its last legs (original battery, which was 9 years old at the time) and I think the alternator packing in sent the battery packing as well.

There was a slight water leak in the boot on the left hand side, which I understand is a common fault on them. They tend to go at the seal used between the panels. A quick bit of rubber sealant and the leak was gone.

All the maintenance is done by myself, and the car has required nothing more than oil / air filter and plug changes.

The only wear and tear parts that have been replaced are the two front tyres.

Short block had to be replaced, as it was burning oil and the gear box packed in after 95000 miles. Very sluggish when taking off.

My brother had to get block done on his 2004 model, and my sister the same on her 2002 model. We all taxi these and will never buy Toyota again...

I know many taxi drivers who would not buy Toyota as they have lost confidence in the car...

Nothing major, fuse blew knocking out remote locking and alarm, but easily fixed with a new fuse.

This is possibly the best car I've ever had. It is comfortable, spacious and ultra reliable. Some people complain about the performance, but honestly, where in the UK can you use high performance vehicles without it being illegal? The performance on the Avensis is perfect for everyday driving.

Had no problems with the car at all.

I have owned this car four years so I decided to submit a review.

Very reliable, other than the odd bulb burning out its been a joy to own.

Previously owned a 110bhp Passat Tdi, and the Toyota engine is much better. It feels quicker, the engine is quieter and the torque is spread over a wider rev band, in the Passat the power arrives in one short lump and tails off, the D-4d is much more flexible and revvable.

Handling wise its very good, sharp steering and balanced handling, can feel quite sporty if you are in the mood, again it knocks spots off the Passat which was just a blancmange in the corners.

Inside everything is there, all the electric stuff you would expect, its all screwed together solidly, everything works, just functional and efficient.

Outside the build is good and of course the paint suffers stonechips like any other car which is basically unavoidable, I like the shape, it doesn't shout 'LOOK AT ME' but that's fine as far as I'm concerned.

I average 48-60 mpg mixed driving which is very good I think.

To sum up I don't think you can go wrong with this car, of course no car is perfect, but this car does everything well and most likely will never let you down so I'll give it a big thumbs up.

The seatbelts can be rather stiff.

The Avensis has been a very reliable car in the 3 years I have owned it.

The 1.6 litre engine can top 120mph, but it feels a lot slower than my previous car, a Seat Cordoba 1.6, that could do just 105mph.

The seatbelts are sometimes very stiff.

The cabin is rather gloomy and unimaginative, but feels solidly built.

The Avensis isn't particularly exciting to look at or to drive, but it's well built, reliable and comfortable.

The dealership has been a total wash out.

The car itself has given excellent service so far, but I can't say the same about the dealership.

However, it wasn't worth the money I paid for it.