Faults:

The lights on my center console did not work after installation of a radio. This was quickly resolved by the dealership.

General Comments:

The gear ratios of these cars are meant for always carrying a load of passengers - This is truly a "mom's taxi".

I liked the drive initially, but after getting used to it, the experience changed. The car stayed the same - it's a Toyota "nuff said".

I did not like doing traffic jams, as the ratio between 1st and second gear would cause the car to jerk at certain speeds - and no, it's not me.

Doing our normal shopping rounds was slightly unpleasant, as my wife would normally sit in the back with the baby. But it was a bumpy ride. The suspension on these Avanza's is just not the same as the Condor.

Doing a long distance trip was not a very comfortable ride for the passengers in the back.

The space inside the cabin is nice, and the light coloured dash "brown" and creamy seats are pleasing to the eye.

Removing the rear seats and folding down the middle layer would create much space for loading whatever can fit in there. Normally my mountain bike (without taking the wheels off) and stuff to the side of it.

Very reliable, but not meant for speed/comfort freaks - not that I am one.

Faults:

Brake pads wore at around 4500km's, and continued to do so every 3500km's to 6000km's.

Front wheel bearings seize every 4000km's to 6000km's. Have already spent approximately R7000.00 on replacing the brake pads, and my Avanza has just done 40000 km's.

The wheel bearings are still under warranty, but have seized approximately around seven times to date.

Not sure what will happen when my car is off the warranty and I have to start paying for the wheel bearings every time they seize??

General Comments:

The car is extremely unstable when braking quickly; sometimes even jumps when coming to a sudden stop.

The engine runs well, and I have had no problems with any mechanical issues to date.

Faults:

Squeaky rear hatch when being opened. Rectified under warranty.

Very occasional blinking of the "overdrive" light on the instrument pod by itself.

General Comments:

Reliable and tough as nails. Very simple car and hence very little to go wrong.

Poor refinement. Noisy. Harsh and choppy ride.

Build quality is fine but hard-wearing interior trim makes it look low-rent.

Acceleration from the 1.3 fuel injected 16 valve motor is just about sufficient with the very short gearing (4 speed automatic in my case), which affects cruising ability and fuel economy at high speeds.

No airbags nor ABS.

As a 7 seater MPV, it is spacious for passengers considering its size, but poor boot space with the third row seats in use.

Good for urban use, but can wear you out on long distance trips.

Treat it like a white good or appliance and you'll be fine. Just don't expect refinement nor driving excitement.