Faults:

Clutch, EGR valve, oil leak, ABS sensors, alternator, and major sub frame rust at both front and rear. Brake pipes corroded also.

After fixing all of this to get it through its MOT, it now has an intermittent starting problem, even though I recently replaced the battery and alternator.

General Comments:

Overrated rust-bucket. Yes, I said that. This Avensis I bought on the strength of good reliability reviews here and elsewhere. But the truth is I got a bad one. I know it is a decent car, but mine must have been a lemon.

The thing is, it has low miles for its age and had full history and appeared looked after well when I bought it in 2023. Now just a couple of years later it is failing MOTs with major rust issues. Yes it's not a new car now, but 2014 was not that long ago, and the car should have stood up better than this! I have had older cars with no rust issues whatsoever.

On the positive side, when it's working it's a decent car to drive, very comfortable and economical, fast enough as well. Not bad looking in silver with alloy wheels. Icon model has good equipment levels.

But never again for me, I just think this car gets by on its Toyota badge, but in reality it is nothing like the reliable Toyota of the past (1980's and 1990's); their more modern stuff is rubbish.

Faults:

Nothing.

General Comments:

If you want a reliable cost effective car, look no further than a Toyota Avensis.

My 2014 car has low mileage and has been looked after well. As such, I paid a bit too much arguably. For a used car, they still command a high price compared to rival cars. But that's because most in the trade know the Avensis has better reliability than others and people will pay.

Of course, to get this reliability you must service the car correctly as well, using quality oils and parts. Thankfully this can be done for a reasonable price if you know a good independent mechanic. The car is also cheap to run with low tax and good miles per gallon for diesel. I can average around 50 mpg taking it slow on long drives.

The 2.0 diesel has enough power too. Not a fast car, but if you need to overtake in a hurry, it's always ready. The car also drives very nicely. Relaxing cruising. Comfy seats. Lots of electrics on this "Icon" model. Spacious too.

Exterior wise my car is grey with alloy wheels. A typical modern looking car. Inoffensive. Does not try to look like something it is not. Get a Supra if you want to stand out!

Negatives? It's a pretty dull car all things considered. Some might prefer the looks and better driving cars like a Ford Mondeo or Vauxhall Insignia or whatever. The Avensis also has an annoying blind spot when reversing due to its high boot lid. And some have called the front grille ugly.

Still, these are minor points on an otherwise fine automobile. I love mine and I'm sure you will love one too if you just want a simple hassle free car that can do it all.