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The third generation Toyota Avensis is a car that's easy to overlook and perhaps because of this, makes a brilliant used buy. It's every bit as solid as its predecessor but adds a touch of elegance to its design. The niggling problems that affected the diesel engines in the second generation car had been well and truly ironed out with the third generation model and it's as close to bulletproof as used car buying gets.
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What you get
Toyota went to quite some lengths to get under the skin of European buyers. To this end, Chief Engineer Takashi Yamamoto drove more than 3,000 miles north to south across the continent, crossing 10 countries on the way to gain a true insight into the needs and preferences of typical customers. Nice work if you can get it.
Two body styles are offered; saloon and Tourer estate. There's also a huge range of engines with an emphasis on diesel power. There's no shortage of space in either the saloon or Tourer and materials quality and ergonomics are both excellent. Although the interior design isn't particularly edgy, it feels built to last and won't date rapidly. The saloon's boot measures a gargantuan 509 litres, dwarfing that of something like a BMW 7 Series. The Tourer serves up 534 litres of space to the window line. Fold the rear seats down and you can shoehorn in 1609 litres of gear.
Toyota has taken a considered approach to safety, reducing the width of the windscreen pillars to improve visibility and improving the ways the stability control, anti lock brakes and brake assist systems talk to each other. Seven airbags and ISOFIX child seat anchor points are also standard.
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What to look for
The Avensis has built an enviable reputation for reliability and this third generation car builds on it. Only a few very minor issues have surfaced that are covered under warranty.
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Replacement parts
(approx based on a 2009 Avensis 1.8 Valvematic T2) You'll find Toyota spares a bit pricier than typical Ford or Vauxhall parts but less than many French rivals. A clutch assembly will cost in the region of £185, while an exhaust is around £375. A new starter motor retails for around £175, although a replacement headlamp will be in the region of £250. Repair costs have been kept down with a consequent effect on insurance premiums.
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On the road
There are 130bhp 1.6 and 145bhp 1.8-litre VVT-i petrol engines but the stars of the show drink from the black pump. Entry point is the 2.0-litre D-4D 130, followed by the 2.2-litre D-4D 150 which also gets the option of a six-speed automatic gearbox. Although the 2.0-litre diesel is no ball of fire, it's a flexible engine and emits just 134g/km. The 2.2-litre diesel doesn't fare much worse, managing 147g/km and averaging 51.4mpg yet it will get to 60mph in just 8.6s. Refinement has long been an Avensis strong point and the third generation car rides very well with low wind, tyre, suspension and engine noise at typical motorway cruising speeds. Handling is safe rather than scintillating and the steering isn't the most communicative, but for relaxing long distance work, that's probably no great sacrifice.
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Overall
It's rare to find a used car that's a five star proposition but the third generation Toyota Avensis is just that. Now is a great time to buy one of the pre-facelift cars too as prices will be slightly depressed by trade-ins from customers looking to get into the newer model.
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