2011 Toyota Avensis TR 1.8 petrol

Summary:

A bit overrated, but still a good vehicle

Faults:

Exhaust and suspension components needed renewed. Acceptable at theage and mileage.

Clutch has a bit of a judder on engagement.

Sub-frame has rust (MOT advisory).

Engine uses a lot of oil, have to top up a few times between services.

General Comments:

Bought this Avensis on the strength of good reliability reviews. It has been more reliable than my old Alfa, but that wouldn't be too hard.

Nice to drive, 1.8 petrol moves quick enough for me while doing anything between 38 - 42 mpg. Engine is smooth and quiet.

TR model is common, a mid range trim level with plenty of electrics, though obviously a bit dated now as it is a 2011 car.

Comfortable interior, nice seats and materials.

Just a good reliable used car, nothing special. The amount of oil the engine uses is disappointing but apparently common, though I have heard so long as you keep an eye on it, this engine is generally regarded as more reliable than the "D-4D" diesel models.

Holds value well enough, though I probably won't sell it, I will likely keep it till the very end.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 11th April, 2023

12th Apr 2023, 21:41

Very common problem with the 1.8 gasoline engine to use oil. These cars were far from the past Toyota reliability. Toyota these days is slightly better than Honda and Subaru which both don't fare well (despite what the fan boys are saying over Internet). Hyundai is usually better, but unfortunately they are making mistakes on important components such as engines and dual clutch transmissions, but the rest of the components have less troubles than the Japanese competitors. This is not the era of the Japanese cars, it's the era of the Korean cars (despite their flaws).

6th May 2023, 05:54

Running a 1.8 2010 estate, now on 140k and never needed any oil top ups between the annual change. Maybe atypical.

27th Jun 2023, 18:31

Good reliable cars, if not quite as reliable as the Carina before this car :)

2011 Toyota Avensis V-Matic TR 1.8 petrol

Summary:

The car in front is a Toyota

Faults:

Nothing more than services and consumables required of age and mileage. The car has been reliable, never broken down or gave any major problems. Bought used and owned for 3 years.

General Comments:

Boring and not much to look at, this Avensis has otherwise been excellent. One of the best cars I have had. My car is dark blue with alloy wheels, looks nice enough.

2011 TR model is a common middle of the range spec. The car has electric everything and comfortable seats. Very spacious as well. Interior is quiet on the move. Electric parking brake is a real pain to get used to, I would much prefer a lever.

1.8 petrol is the engine to have. I'd avoid the diesels, they can be a bit problematic. The performance from this engine is fine and you can still get around 40 mpg. Gear box is slick and easy to use.

Smooth quiet and comfortable car, very easy to live with. Buy a looked after one and you have bought reliability.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 3rd March, 2023

2011 Toyota Avensis TR D-4D 2.0 turbo diesel

Summary:

It's OK

Faults:

Other than servicing and wear and tear parts, really not much. Engine a little clattery and noisy, but hard to know if anything is wrong, all diesels sound very noisy, impossible to diagnose a problem through sound alone.

General Comments:

The Avensis is a pretty dull car as everyone says. Nothing special at all, but if you just want a reliable family car, then they are worth looking at.

TR model is a good trim level, my car has electric everything. Seats are very nice to sit in. Cannot stand that electronic parking brake; other than that the car is good to drive and be in.

2.0 turbo diesel performs OK and does about 50 mpg.

Maybe not as reliable as people make them out to be - mine is only on about 88,000 mileage and already the engine is noisy and the car is pretty rough looking. I have been told by local taxi drivers who run these cars beyond 200,000 miles to watch out for the usual diesel issues. Some people recommend the 1.8 petrol over the diesels.

Still this has been an OK car over the last few years and I see no reason to get rid of it just yet, all is well for now.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 6th February, 2023