Used buyer's guide: Toyota Avensis
The Avensis scores on value and is easy to own. But are there any pitfalls?
How much?
You can get a petrol Avensis with 150,000 miles from £1,800. Something with less than 100k will cost an extra £300-£400, and £3k is enough for a sub-60k example.
A budget of £5k buys a 2007 1.8 T2, a 2005 2.0 T Spirit, a 2005 2.0 D-4D T2 or a 2.2 D-4D. For £7k you can have a 2009 1.8 T2, a 2008 2.0 T4 or a 2008 2.2 D-4D TR.
These prices are for a hatch; saloons are worth about the same, but expect to pay up to £1,200 more for an equivalent estate. Autos cost up to £200 more than manual cars.
Running costs
| Model | Insurance group | Fuel economy | CO2 emissions | Annual road tax |
| 1.8 manual | 15 | 39mpg | 171g/km | £195 |
| 2.0 manual | 17-19 | 34mpg | 191g/km | £250 |
| 2.0 auto | 17-19 | 30mpg | 221g/km | £270 |
| 2.4 auto | 20 | 29mpg | 227g/km | £270 |
| 2.0 D-4D | 17-18 | 48mpg | 155g/km | £170 |
| 2.2 D-4D | 19-20 | 47mpg | 156g/km | £170 |
| 2.2 D-4D | 24 | 46mpg | 161g/km | £170 |
All Avensis MkIIs need a service every 12 months or 10,000 miles. Toyota dealers offer a fixed-price package, with three levels of maintenance: Intermediate (£159), Full (£229) and Full+ (£349). Low-mileage drivers will generally only need to worry about the first two types, although the occasional Full+ check-up will be required.
As all engines are chain-driven, there are no cambelts to worry about, but every two years the brake fluid needs replacing (at £39) and fresh coolant is needed (at £75) every 10 years or 100,000 miles. For a rundown of what each service entails, visit www.toyota.co.uk/servicing.
