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Estate

Toyota is a company undergoing a quiet revolution, as it works hard to replace its sensible but somewhat bland reputation with one for being a bit more daring, in areas such as the styling of its cars and its enthusiastic leadership of cutting-edge technology, such as hybrid systems.

That process seems to be working for buyers, with the hugely popular and striking-looking C-HR SUV in particular attracting a great deal of interest. The latest version of the hybrid Prius is also rated highly by What Car?; it’s the first Prius to go on sale that our testers have felt can truly compete all round with existing petrol or diesel rivals.

However, it’s worth noting that this period of transition is also a work in progress, and that many of the firm’s cars are still rated as being no more than average among class rivals by our testers.

TOYOTA

AVENSIS

A reliable family car, but not the most inspiring to drive

Used Toyota Avensis Estate 1997 - 2004

Long major service intervals will help keep the bills down and even when your Avensis does go in for some TLC, it won't cost as much as many cars in the class to repair. Parts are cheap and readily available.

Insurance costs are among the best in the class. Most models sit in groups 7 to 9 and even the range-topping 2.0-litre petrol SR model sits in group 10. Fuel bills won't cost you a fortune, either. The 1.8-litre petrol will return between 36-38mpg, which is about average for the class.

As for private buyers, because there are so many used examples around, both privately and in the trade, you should be able to secure a very good price.

A reliable family car, but not the most inspiring to drive

The Avensis was launched with four engines: a 1.6, 1.8 and 2.0-litre petrol and a 2.0-litre turbodiesel.

In 2000, the diesel was replaced by a 2.0-litre D-4D engine, the 1.6 and 1.8-litre petrol engines were replaced by new VVT-i units, the 2.0-litre got a power hike, all models were facelifted and prices were lowered. Our favourite is the flexible 1.8 petrol.

Trim levels start with S, which has electric front windows, remote locking and twin airbags. GS adds a sunroof and air-con, GLS gets a CD player and four electric windows (making this our pick of the bunch), while CDX has alloy wheels and a leather interior. Most versions have standard sat-nav. SR trim is available on only the 2.0-litre petrol or diesel engines and has alloys, a bodykit and sports interior.

<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Huge boot and excellent practicality</li> <li>Plenty of interior space so you can carry passengers as well as luggage </li> <li>Strong engines to pull a heavily laden car</li> <li>Comfortable ride, especially on the motorway</li> <li>Low running costs for company car drivers</li></ul>

If you’re after bags of space but you don’t want to commit to the van-like dimensions and styling of an MPV, there are some great estate cars on offer that should do the job.

Tricks to look out for include an electric tailgate&nbsp;that opens automatically when you wave your foot under the rear bumper; this is&nbsp;particularly handy if you’re trying to load in a heavy or&nbsp;bulky item. You should also look for handles in the side of the boot itself that can drop down the rear seats; these are much more convenient than having to walk around the side of the car to do it.

Toyota has a fine reputation for reliability and the Avensis preserves that. That's certainly the impression you get from the interior. The materials are of good quality and the whole thing is built to last.

The only real problems we've heard of have been with the gearbox, which has mainly affected the early models (pre-2000) and at low miles. But if you go for a model with more than 10,000 miles on the clock, it should be fine.

Warranty Direct backs this up and its report shows that transmission problems have accounted for quite a few repairs to Avensis models built between 1997 and 2003. There have also been a few reports of power steering leaks on R- and S-reg cars, but they are few and far between.

The Avensis is a reliable, sturdy family car that goes about its business with little fuss. Rear legroom is up with the best in the class and the estate doesn't have the same sloping roofline as the saloon, so headroom in the back is good. The large, well-shaped boot is a match for its rivals' and the cargo space can be easily extended thanks to a split-folding seat.

The downside is that there's nothing very attractive - visually at least - about the cabin, and the steering wheel adjusts for rake only, but at least everything is easy to use, with big-button controls, clear dials and good oddment stowage.

However, the real shortcomings are most obvious on the road. Most of the engines are too noisy, the gearshift is rubbery and there's a lot of wind and road noise. The Avensis will sit happily on a motorway, but on any other surface the ride doesn't settle, particularly over undulating roads. The steering is also vague and over-light.

Used Toyota Avensis Estate 1997 - 2004 reliability

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Used Toyota Avensis Estate 1997 - 2004 review

Toyota has a fine reputation for reliability and the Avensis preserves that. That's certainly the impression you get from the interior. The materials are of good quality and the whole thing is built to last.,The only real problems we've heard of have been with the gearbox, which has mainly affected the early models (pre-2000) and at low miles. But if you go for a model with more than 10,000 miles on the clock, it should be fine.,Warranty Direct backs this up and its report shows that transmission problems have accounted for quite a few repairs to Avensis models built between 1997 and 2003. There have also been a few reports of power steering leaks on R- and S-reg cars, but they are few and far between.

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Used Toyota Avensis Estate 1997 - 2004 reliability

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