SECONDHAND SENSE:A straw poll of taxi drivers will give you a fairly concise summary of the merits of the latest generation Toyota Avensis. It's all about reliability, economy, practicality and roominess, all of which the Avensis has in spades
Until the Ford Mondeo crept up the reliability index, the Avensis had a pretty unassailable position in the leagues of business and average family motoring as a car that just won't let you down. Mind you, even Toyota has discovered that more production means more problems but the company has already started to address the few they have discovered.
The 2003 Avensis is a big improvement over the previous model, which was worthy but dull - not that the new car will create much of an emotional response among those who really appreciate design flair. The car is bigger than the previous model and has much better accommodation and storage dimension. It will take five in comfort and probably five sets of golf clubs too and the front seat passenger and driver get the best deal.
The Avensis has pretty much everything required for average motoring. The interior is well planned and executed but the plastic can be a little overwhelming compared to some of the competition. Switchgear is practical, well-located and extremely easy to use. It is also worth noting that the sound system matches some of the best names in the business for in-car entertainment.
Steering is well balanced and responsive and makes for easy city driving. The ride can be a little harsh but overall the ride and handling are fine for everyday driving. There is a good choice of engines, from the 1.8 petrol to the 2.0 litre and 2.2 diesel options. The petrol engines are among the best around while the diesel is the darling of the taxi trade. They are not exciting but they do exactly what you want them to do and they go on and on and on if they are properly maintained. There has been some criticism of the fact that there is pronounced engine noise at higher cruising speeds.
The Avensis achieved maximum points in its EuroNCAP crash tests, keeping its passengers safe. The body remained stable and provided maximum protection for side impacts and achieved a very high score for frontal impact. The car was also praised for its knee airbag protection, multiple airbags and the fact that the front airbags inflate in two stages according to a person's weight, thus increasing protection for heavier people.
Given the Toyota reputation for reliability it is hardly surprising to see few recalls of Avensis cars and given the number of them sold, almost amazing. There have been some problems with imbalance under heavy breaking, steering shafts and the vehicle stability control light but they have affected very few cars.
A 2003 2.0 litre diesel model with 13,000 miles on the clock (nothing on a diesel) and with ABS, multiple airbags, alloy wheels, CD player and electrics all round has an asking price of €26,950 at one garage. This gives you an idea of the premium second-hand prices the Avensis commands.
A 2003 1.8 petrol model with 28,000 miles and the same level of equipment (plus air conditioning) will cost about the same price, while a 2004 model with 29,000 miles on the clock will cost about €26,000. The Avensis is, in summary, a car in demand and the prices reflect this.
FOR: Superb reputation for all 'round motoring. More reliable, practical and roomy than most.
AGAINST: High second-hand prices. Fairly non-descript design.