No emotions - Toyota Avensis (2003-2008)

Popular, discreet, comfortable. The second generation Toyota Avensis does not cause much emotion. In the case of used copies, it is equally important that the Japanese middle-class limousine also does not cause negative emotions ...

The excellent reputation of Avensis makes it one of the most sought after models in the secondary market. This has certain consequences. Selling a Toyota, even with high mileage, should not be difficult, and the current owner can count on replenishing the account with a large amount of cash. We have some bad news for those interested in buying a used Avensis. The cars are clearly more expensive than French and some German competitors. Great interest in the model means that copies after serious accidents are also returning to the “circulation”.

The second generation Toyota Avensis was offered in sedan, liftback and station wagon body styles. The capacity of their salons completely satisfied customers. It is unlikely that anyone dared to pay extra for the technologically older Avensis Verso, which finally disappeared from car dealerships in 2006. Another advantage of the Avensis is its spacious trunks - the results of 510 (liftback) and 520 liters (station wagon and sedan) are among the leaders in the class. The only drawback is the through hinges of the trunk lid in the three-volume version.

In 2006, Toyota gave the limousine a subtle touch. Facelift vehicles can be recognized by the turn signals in the mirror housings, a redesigned front apron, and an updated interior.

The last one mentioned didn't look good anyway.



Medium quality plastic.and in vehicles with high mileage, they can make annoying noises.

The upholstery is susceptible to wear and tear - even with less than 100 kilometers, the upholstery may look torn or worn. Car owners also emphasize that cleaning the material is not an easy task.

The passenger compartment, however, has many advantages - ergonomics, spaciousness and good sound insulation. As a result, even long trips do not tire. Driving comfort is enhanced by the softly tuned suspension.

Toyota opted for independent front and rear wheel suspension. Usually the bushings of the multi-link rear suspension wear out first.

Compared to competitors, the engine range is relatively modest. At a time when competitors were offering their customers sports versions marked with the symbols M, MPS, OPC, S, ST and R, Avensis could boast no more than 177 hp. Strong versions cause a lot of emotions, but ultimately sales turn out to be a niche product. Toyota has chosen the engines that are most popular. The offer was opened by a "budget" 1.6 VVT-i engine (110 hp). Due to the weight and dimensions of the Avensis, the 1.8 VVT-i engine (129 hp) is more optimal, which drives the car better, consuming on average 7,6 l / 100kmwhich is less fuel consumption than the basic version (8,2 l / 100km). The more powerful 2.0 VVT-i (147 hp) and 2.4 VVT-i (163 hp) units certainly provide better performance, but on the combined cycle you will pay 8,8 l / 100 km and 9,8 for them. l/100 km. It is also worth noting that the two most powerful gasoline engines had direct fuel injection. The solution turned out to be not optimal. The third generation Avensis returned to the classic power system.

Toyota Avensis II fuel consumption reports - check how much you spend at gas stations

In the initial (2003-2004) period of production, Avensis did not indulge supporters of diesel units. The 2.0 D-4D engine offered at that time developed a modest 116 hp. In 2004, the offer was extended with 2.2 D-4D (150 hp) and 2.2 D-CAT (177 hp) engines. In cars manufactured since 2006, the weakest diesel engine has a power of 126 hp. Despite a significant variation in parameters, diesel engines D-4D (116-150 hp) consume an average of 6,4-6,8 l / 100 km. In the case of the strongest version, you need to prepare for

8,2 l / 100km.

How are things with Avensis in the eyes of experts? In the TUV rating, the car is in first place. However, the ADAC report put the Avensis at the start of the second half of the middle class. Diesels received negative ratings for clogged particulate filters, problems with the EGR system, and loose engine shrouds. Some shortcomings were eliminated in 2006-2008. Earlier (2005-2006) the frequency of starter and ignition lock failures, as well as generator failures and quick-burning bulbs that were not easy to replace, was reduced.

Car users are reminded of the rather frequent failures of lambda probes. Repairs are not cheap, because replacement does not always help. Avensis with a two-liter turbodiesel should be approached with great care. In the D4-D block, they can relatively quickly D-Cat catalytic converters fail, injectors, turbochargers and dual-mass flywheels. They are also a common disease

EGR valve problems.

Author X-ray - what owners of Toyota Avensis complain about

Regardless of the type of engine running under the hood, it is recommended to check the oil level regularly. It happens that significant amounts are already burned before reaching a mileage of 100 thousand kilometers. Before buying, it is worth checking if there is any play in the steering mechanism - repairs are not cheap.

A common problem for Avensis is burnt lamp sockets and water accumulation in headlights.

The problem concerns cars of the first years of production. In many cases, regular visits to an authorized service center and changing lamps multiple times did not help. Taillight lenses evaporate less often, but sometimes their seals let water through.

Despite some shortcomings, the second generation Avensis is a car worth recommending. The safest purchase is with gasoline engines, but due to the significant fuel consumption and the complexity of installing gas installations, riding on them will not be the cheapest. A used Toyota Avensis holds its price well. The cost drop is comparable to German competitors, but Toyota offers richer equipment. Asking prices vary greatly. When viewing ads, one can conclude that their relationship with the age and type of engine and car body is very loose.

Recommended engines:

Gasoline 1.8 VVT-i: The base 1,6 L engine was available in some markets. This is not a coincidence. This reduced the price of the car, but reduced its performance. The 1.8 VVT-i unit can be considered a reasonable compromise between fuel consumption and performance. It is structurally simpler than the 2.0 VVT-i engine with direct fuel injection, which affects the cost of repairs.

2.0 D-4D diesel: In the first period, the base 116-horsepower D-4D engine required special attention. Turbochargers and injectors can fail very quickly. Faults were usually fixed under warranty. Despite this, it is worth seriously considering buying the more refined 126 hp engines that have been supplied to Avensis since 2006.

advantages:

+ Low loss of value

+ Reliable petrol engines

+ Spacious and ergonomic interior

Disadvantages:

– The quality of the materials used for interior trim

– Problematic diesels

– Significant maintenance costs

Prices for individual spare parts - replacements:

Lever (front): PLN 130-330

Discs and pads (front): PLN 240-500

Clutch (complete): PLN 340-800

Approximate offer prices:

2.0 D-4D, 2005, 147000 24 km, thousand zlotys

1.6, 2006, 159000 26 km, thousand zlotys

1.8, 2004, 147000 34 km, thousand zlotys

2.2 D-4D, 2006, 149000 35 km, thousand zlotys

Photos by Lbcserwis, user of Toyota Avensis II.