Avensis Sport?

Volvoboy · 23-06-2008 9:12pm #1

http://www.carzone.ie/used-cars/Toyota/Avensis/1.8-AUTO/1087188/

Came across this on the travels been thinking of trading up the 'ol Carina lately (see thread on Lexus LS400).

Damn its tempting:o, but it would be a tax deductable.

On the other hand i was just thinking of putting leather interior and giving the old bus a bit of a day out at the local Toyota dealership for a service, usally do it myself but a few jobs need doing that i dont feel confident doing on my own (ATF) and running the Carina till 2012.

Any thoughts?

colm_mcm · 23-06-2008 9:56pm

the 4 speed auto is painful. a 5 speed auto with a big engine wouldn't be far off mpg wise.

that's aftermarket leather too, and doesn't match the rest of the grey interior. Also for taxiing, you may as well seek out a low mileage used one a few years old.

pburns · 23-06-2008 10:20pm

Is it for taxiing? If so isn't there a minimum age thing in the pipeline with the aim of taking all the scrufffy stuff off the ranks?

If so isn't your old Carina's days numbered?

peasant · 23-06-2008 10:25pm

WOW!

The words "Avensis", "Sport" and "tempting" all in one post

colm_mcm · 23-06-2008 10:28pm

The "sport" bit was made up by the dealer, the "tempting" bit is subjective!

Seth Brundle · 23-06-2008 10:35pm

peasant wrote: »

WOW!

The words "Avensis", "Sport" and "tempting" all in one post

I have a 2008 1.6L Avensis sitting outside, a hire car courtesy of Quinn.
Anyhow, I have had it for the last week and I can honestly say that there isn't one thing nice about the car, except that it gave 35mpg overall. It is crap. The radio is crap. The plastickyness of it is crap. The gearchange is crap. The seats are crap. The handling is crap. The pretend leather is crap. Its crap!

Did I say that I think its not very good?

colm_mcm · 23-06-2008 10:40pm

bet you wish you had a Mondeo or a Passat. their base models are SOOO plush :rolleyes:

re: the stereo, mess around with the settings, the current ones have 8 speakers and sound decent enough.

Seth Brundle · 23-06-2008 10:48pm

Well, from what I can see on Toyota.ie, there isn't a huge amount inside different between the basic spec and higher models. As for the handling, I'd gamble that they are all pretty poor drives!

Gumbo · 23-06-2008 10:49pm

looks like a TTE front grill, maybe a front lip on the front bumper too.
the leather interier doesnt look standard as noted above.

everything else is standard on that model. dual climate control, allthough the wheels are from the UK TSpirit spec which came on my car.

i didnt know them were wheels were available over here as i have never seen an irish avensis with them on it.

the auto box may be ok for the taxi as the diesel suffers from a slightly heavy clutch.

geoff29 · 23-06-2008 10:51pm

I was driven around in one recently - brand new car. Was expecting more... felt a little underwhelmed - I think it was the ride most of all - but again - i didnt drive it.

but as you know more than any of us i suspect... can't fault toyota and their reliability and i would take something like this over a passat all day long on that front.

as mentioned in another thread - ive driven a few auto sonatas - frankly i like them - would purchase a sonata over an avensis, just a personal thing though. very good value new - but offset by resale.

a tough one..!

ninty9er · 23-06-2008 11:26pm

Bit of a difference between €3k and €33k there VB!!

It's a rip off. It has 6k on the clock and is priced higher than a new one even with leather.

mickdw · 23-06-2008 11:46pm

kbannon wrote: »

I have a 2008 1.6L Avensis sitting outside, a hire car courtesy of Quinn.
Anyhow, I have had it for the last week and I can honestly say that there isn't one thing nice about the car, except that it gave 35mpg overall. It is crap. The radio is crap. The plastickyness of it is crap. The gearchange is crap. The seats are crap. The handling is crap. The pretend leather is crap. Its crap!

Did I say that I think its not very good?

Finally someone who agrees with me. I hate those things. Pure tin feel to the thing.
Gearchange is too much landcruiser for a car
Plastic is everywhere
handles crap.
and the bootlid.... lightweight and undamped. cheap feel.

Passat is much nicer car although harder on the road.

Also after having a hired avensis for a week while searching for new car, a had a look a new IS220d..... same crap steering controls. nearly got sick. plastics are better but not good enough.

colm_mcm · 23-06-2008 11:49pm

ninty9er wrote: »

Bit of a difference between €3k and €33k there VB!!

It's a rip off. It has 6k on the clock and is priced higher than a new one even with leather.

Not quite, an Avensis auto with metallic paint is 33k, this one also has leather and the Toyota Motorsport bodykit (which is v.expensive), upgrade alloys and tinted windows. retail price on those extras is around €6-7k.

ninty9er · 23-06-2008 11:57pm

colm_mcm wrote: »

Not quite, an Avensis auto with metallic paint is 33k, this one also has leather and the Toyota Motorsport bodykit (which is v.expensive), upgrade alloys and tinted windows. retail price on those extras is around €6-7k.

retail not = resale at 6k on the clock with arseways leather in a depressed market with a new one due within 12 months.

I really do like Toyotas but they have to up the game on making the cars feel "weighty"

colm_mcm · 24-06-2008 12:01am

ninty9er wrote: »

retail not = resale at 6k on the clock with arseways leather in a depressed market with a new one due within 12 months.

I really do like Toyotas but they have to up the game on making the cars feel "weighty"

That's a matter of opinion, to be realistic about it, they've put loads of extras on a demo model, and are now advertising it for the price of a new model without the extras. your statement below is simply untrue, this is what I replied to.

ninty9er wrote: »

It's a rip off. It has 6k on the clock and is priced higher than a new one even with leather.

ninty9er · 24-06-2008 12:08am

colm_mcm wrote: »

That's a matter of opinion, to be realistic about it, they've put loads of extras on a demo model, and are now advertising it for the price of a new model without the extras. your statement below is simply untrue, this is what I replied to.

It's untrue based on list price, but Toyota are trying to give these things away right now, so true based on market price.

colm_mcm · 24-06-2008 12:12am

If there weren't any extras on it, as a dealer what would you be asking? bearing in mind that auto models are special order, and not readily available.

ninty9er · 24-06-2008 12:14am

colm_mcm wrote: »

If there weren't any extras on it, as a dealer what would you be asking? bearing in mind that auto models are special order, and not readily available.

If I were a dealer I wouldn't have gotten stuck with it in the first place!!

I'd look for €31k max, better in the bank account than getting flatter on the forecourt.

colm_mcm · 24-06-2008 12:15am

theyre going up in price at the end of the month, and Toyota don't do a diesel automatic Avensis. I wouldn't be too worried if I were them. You'd swear it was pink with blue stripes and has 100k on the clock!

ninty9er · 24-06-2008 12:21am

Ah now it's going up to €33,410 ex works (+€1,300), which makes this even less palatable. The leather is actually awful looking IMO.

colm_mcm · 24-06-2008 12:27am

If a new one goes up in price, how does a 08 used one become less attractive? I don't follow your logic at all!

Ageed on the leather though. not nice at all.

geoff29 · 24-06-2008 12:28am

ninty9er wrote: »

Toyota are trying to give these things away right now...

I'm afraid you're mistaken there. It *should* be the case - but its not.

bazz26 · 24-06-2008 12:28am

mickdw wrote: »

Finally someone who agrees with me. I hate those things. Pure tin feel to the thing.
Gearchange is too much landcruiser for a car
Plastic is everywhere
handles crap.
and the bootlid.... lightweight and undamped. cheap feel.

Passat is much nicer car although harder on the road.

Avensis has the same Euro NCAP rating as the current Passat despite being two years older i.e. 5 stars so the comment about having a tin feel is just daft. It's not how thick the metal is that makes a safe car but how well designed the crumble zones underneath are in an accident.

Also the last I sat in a Passat the quality of plastics about the interior was hardly impressive either. But then again there alot of people out there who are impressed by silicone dampened grab handles and lots of ambient back lighting.

geoff29 · 24-06-2008 12:33am

bazz26 wrote: »

Avensis has the same Euro NCAP rating as the current Passat despite being two years older i.e. 5 stars so the comment about having a tin feel is just daft. It's not how thick the metal is that makes a safe car but how well designed the crumble zones underneath are in an accident.

Also the last I sat in a Passat the quality of plastics about the interior was hardly impressive either. But then again there alot of people out there who are impressed by silicone dampened grab handles and lots of ambient back lighting.

the doors are quite heavy and I thought if anything it had a solid feel. the interior on the other hand isnt the be all... seats looked as if they would wear 200,000 very well though. but they were cloth. Obviously the leather is a bit different...

JHMEG · 24-06-2008 12:34am

kbannon wrote: »

As for the handling, I'd gamble that they are all pretty poor drives!

This'll be close to home for you. My father-in-law has an '05 1.6 Avensis, and before that a '96 520i he owned from new. He rarely gets animated about anything, but "how does the Avensis compare to the BMW?" sets him off, so much so that I regret asking -- he prefers the Avensis by a country mile. Ironically you mention plastics (the boards measure of quality) and specs. The Avensis has a CD player!:p

I don't like to knock something just because the herd are doing it. Avensis is a fine car, suits lots of people perfectly, and sells by the shipload. I'd have no hesitation in recommending it to someone who wants reliable, comfortable, economical, A-B motoring.

Colm says the leather is aftermarket so I'd believe him. I like the look of it, and I like the way they've done the door cards. The dealer is being cheeky calling anything with an auto box "sport" tho.

geoff29 · 24-06-2008 12:43am

JHMEG wrote: »

I'd have no hesitation in recommending it to someone who wants reliable, comfortable, economical, A-B motoring.

+1 Doubt anyone would argue that..

bazz26 · 24-06-2008 12:46am

geoff29 wrote: »

the doors are quite heavy and I thought if anything it had a solid feel. the interior on the other hand isnt the be all... seats looked as if they would wear 200,000 very well though. but they were cloth. Obviously the leather is a bit different...

Totally agree, some of the plastics are shiny alright but then again it appears that the definition of a good car on this forum seems to be directly related to the quality of plastic in the cabin.

Expect the Clarkson "this car has no soul" sound bytes next.

colm_mcm · 24-06-2008 12:58am

To anyone who enthuses about the lovely feel of VW plastics. look at one that's a few years old where the rubberised plastic is peeling off the doors and switches. great quality.

unlike most substances, quality doesn't mean durability when it comes to car interiors. it means being black and rubbery.

Eoin · 24-06-2008 1:10am

JHMEG wrote: »

My father-in-law has an '05 1.6 Avensis, and before that a '96 520i he owned from new. He rarely gets animated about anything, but "how does the Avensis compare to the BMW?" sets him off, so much so that I regret asking -- he prefers the Avensis by a country mile..

You know, I doubt very much you regret asking him at all.

Guy:Incognito · 24-06-2008 1:18am

JHMEG wrote: »

The dealer is being cheeky calling anything with an auto box "sport" tho.

http://www.carzone.ie/used-cars/Ferrari/F430/F1-www.richford.ie/967995/

pburns · 24-06-2008 9:26am

bazz26 wrote: »

...but then again it appears that the definition of a good car on this forum seems to be directly related to the quality of plastic in the cabin.

Expect the Clarkson "this car has no soul" sound bytes next.

+1...

This place is obsessed with German cars - must be part of new-millenium Celtic tiger aspirational zeitgeist (RIP). Interior plastic is higher on the list than driving dynamics for many on here I fear... And they call themselves car enthusiasts:eek:

Anyway, I digress. Avensis is getting a bit old, Passat is a VW. I'd have a Mazda 6 over either of them - Mondeo-level dynamics but with a bit more style and without the whale-sized ass. It's interior is not best-in-class - but hey - there are more important criteria than shiny plastics...

Henry Ford III · 24-06-2008 9:34am

"Avensis" and "Sport" do not belong in the same post

Oops.

E92 · 24-06-2008 10:39am

We have a 1.8 Avensis with close on 130k km on the clock, and I would say that the Avensis is very bland to drive. The petrols, with electric power steering offer NO feedback of any description whatsoever. The diesel has some hope with proper hydraulic power steering.

Why are Toyotas so light on the road too? The 1.8 isn't fast at all with a manual box, so heaven help us with how slow the slush box is bound to be.

I therefore reckon that the 1.6 is hopeless for performance.

In saying that I always thought they have the German car quality appeal to the interior(I've often said to people it would feel like an Audi if you removed the badge, which it does), and there is no comparison between the Aura/Strata spec and the Luna spec inside, especially the seating, which is vastly superior in Luna spec. Lunas are far more upmarket inside in them, and have everything worth having bar cruise control and leather as standard. As for reliability, the air con went on strike last summer and it didn't start once either. Other than that it has been flawless for reliability.

1.8 manual Avensis does 42-45 mpg at best, given that the 1.6 is doubtless far slower and does worse than the 1.6 in the economy tests it therefore wouldn't be as economical.

It is a great car for the passenger, but there's no way anyone even remotely interested in a good driving experience could choose one.

The new Mondeo comprehensively outclasses the Avensis though, but then again of course it should, it is a far newer design.

Volvoboy · 24-06-2008 6:19pm

Thanks for the replys lads.

Head is still all over the shop car-wise :pac:

markos79 · 24-06-2008 6:39pm

Stekelly wrote: »

http://www.carzone.ie/used-cars/Ferrari/F430/F1-www.richford.ie/967995/

well shown ste.:D

Seth Brundle · 25-06-2008 10:37pm

JHMEG wrote: »

This'll be close to home for you. My father-in-law has an '05 1.6 Avensis, and before that a '96 520i he owned from new. He rarely gets animated about anything, but "how does the Avensis compare to the BMW?" sets him off, so much so that I regret asking -- he prefers the Avensis by a country mile. Ironically you mention plastics (the boards measure of quality) and specs. The Avensis has a CD player!:p

To be honest, I prefer my folks 06 1.4 Focus or my missus' 01 1.1 206 over the 08 Avensis. The avensis is not a bad looking car but when I sat inside and started it up I felt so disappointed. It was a genuine let down.

JHMEG wrote: »

I don't like to knock something just because the herd are doing it. Avensis is a fine car, suits lots of people perfectly, and sells by the shipload. I'd have no hesitation in recommending it to someone who wants reliable, comfortable, economical, A-B motoring.

I'm used to my E39* which in fairness got excellent reviews when it was being sold. Maybe my benchmark is much higher. However, my previous E30 with its early '80s design still was more impressive (as are many other cars from that era). However, you are indeed correct. Most people don't want to think about their drive and are content in just getting from A to B without any interaction.
Oh an my E39 (1997) has a 6 disk multichanger!

E92 wrote: »

I therefore reckon that the 1.6 is hopeless for performance.

I have to say it was quicker that I thought it would be. Still slow though!

E92 wrote: »

1.8 manual Avensis does 42-45 mpg at best, given that the 1.6 is doubtless far slower and does worse than the 1.6 in the economy tests it therefore wouldn't be as economical.

I was getting 7.9L/100km (35mpg) overall after a week of mixed driving

JHMEG · 25-06-2008 10:57pm

kbannon wrote: »

However, you are indeed correct. Most people don't want to think about their drive and are content in just getting from A to B without any interaction.

One of the things the father-in-law goes on about is how deep (as in height) the boot in the Avensis is. He can put suitcases standing up in it which he could never do in the 520 (RWD prevents a deep boot)... moral of the story: a deep boot is more important than RWD, to him*, and to lots of other Joes.

*He only found out the BMW was RWD when bushes went in the back that cost 700 him quid to replace.

cianclarke · 26-06-2008 1:39am

colm_mcm wrote: »

bet you wish you had a Mondeo or a Passat. their base models are SOOO plush :rolleyes:

re: the stereo, mess around with the settings, the current ones have 8 speakers and sound decent enough.

Both a *lot* nicer than a toyota to be fair. At least the Passat handles better than a barge.

bazz26 · 26-06-2008 1:53pm

cianclarke wrote: »

Both a *lot* nicer than a toyota to be fair. At least the Passat handles better than a barge.

Have you actually driven both cars? The Passat is as "barge" like as the Avensis the last time I drove one. Neither car are known for their sporty drive but then again they were not designed to be.

Eoin · 26-06-2008 2:12pm

bazz26 wrote: »

Have you actually driven both cars? The Passat is as "barge" like as the Avensis the last time I drove one. Neither car are known for their sporty drive but then again they were not designed to be.

Is there a "Passat Sport" for sale though?

bazz26 · 26-06-2008 2:27pm

eoin_s wrote: »

Is there a "Passat Sport" for sale though?

There is no Avensis "Sport" either, just a silly dealer pretending he has one for sale.

Jip · 26-06-2008 2:34pm

kbannon wrote: »

I have a 2008 1.6L Avensis sitting outside, a hire car courtesy of Quinn.
Anyhow, I have had it for the last week and I can honestly say that there isn't one thing nice about the car, except that it gave 35mpg overall. It is crap. The radio is crap. The plastickyness of it is crap. The gearchange is crap. The seats are crap. The handling is crap. The pretend leather is crap. Its crap!

I don't think I'd agree with that assesment. My missus is on her second leased one while awaiting her own car from the garage, not an Avensis, and I've found the seats quite comfy in them. Her first did have a dodgy notchy gear change but the second is a bit better.
For someone doing alot of long distance driving it's a very comfy cruiser.

Eoin · 26-06-2008 2:36pm

bazz26 wrote: »

There is no Avensis "Sport" either, just a silly dealer pretending he has one for sale.

Ah right, I didn't realise it was a made up model.

Nonoperational · 26-06-2008 2:55pm

It all comes down to what a person wants in a car. I check my oil every night, am a little nervous every time I turn the key in the morning and panic if I hear a "new" noise from the engine. Genuinely wouldn't swap my car for anything on carzone under 30k though.
For some people the thought of even opening the bonnet is a no no and a car drives well if it goes forwards and turns bends. I like to have some fun on the road so I drive my Alfa 156. I like going out checking the oil and listening to the engine note when i take it to 7000! Others want a safe reliable car and couldn't care less about the engine they have etc so they drive cars like the Avensis.

Avensis Sport?

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