Avensis, yuk.

Stevie Dakota

I have one of these for a few days, 2008 1.6. It's rare that I get in car and cannot appreciate something about it, but I am struggling with this thing, it is SOOOOO bland, the interior is grim, there is absolutely no feelgood factor to be had. The bootlid flies open and feels like it is made of tin, the plastics inside are nasty to the touch, the centre console promises all sorts of features that are not there (NAV anyone?), the steering is horribly light and the gearchange feels 10 years old already. On the upside the engine is smooth (but feeble) and the doors make a nice sound when you slam them.

I cannot believe this thing sells.

cantdecide

I won't hear of it. I hear they're the best built cars in the world:rolleyes:

_Kaiser_

Sounds a bit like how I felt when I had a 08, and then a 07 Focus for a few days.

Interior felt cheap. plasticy, steering column/wheel is overloaded with stalks and buttons, and the doors felt like tinfoil. Plus the rear-view mirror is dangerously small I felt as visibilility was woeful.

Couldn't believe how they sell either. Was really happy to get my Passat back I can tell you.

RichyX

Kaiser2000 wrote: »

Sounds a bit like how I felt when I had a 08, and then a 07 Focus for a few days.

I was really underwhelmed by that model Focus myself.
Didn't have any feeling of quality inside. My 98 Ibiza felt better!

groomek

I just bought an avensis and couldnt be happier,top notch car.Maybe you lot are just gay

unkel

Don't get upset, OP. It's just a fridge

regedit

Stevie Dakota wrote: »

I have one of these for a few days, 2008 1.6. It's rare that I get in car and cannot appreciate something about it, but I am struggling with this thing, it is SOOOOO bland, the interior is grim, there is absolutely no feelgood factor to be had. The bootlid flies open and feels like it is made of tin, the plastics inside are nasty to the touch, the centre console promises all sorts of features that are not there (NAV anyone?), the steering is horribly light and the gearchange feels 10 years old already. On the upside the engine is smooth (but feeble) and the doors make a nice sound when you slam them.

I cannot believe this thing sells.

Did you get the car as a gift?
I do not know why did you buy it/take it if it is so bland?
1.6 engine for such a heavy car means the car is underpowered. As for the interior, you could have gone for a higher spect trim and would have gotten a nicer inside.

Mr.David

groomek wrote: »

I just bought an avensis and couldnt be happier

imagination. limited. very

cantdecide

groomek wrote: »

I just bought an avensis and couldnt be happier,top notch car.Maybe you lot are just gay

Maybe we just have greater aspirations

Do me a favour and learn to drive properly unlike most ford and toyota drivers

Stevie Dakota

regedit wrote: »

Did you get the car as a gift?
I do not know why did you buy it/take it if it is so bland?

It's a replacement while my car is in the shop.

Groomek, you are joking right, how could anyone buy this heap when the competition is so good?

Marcus.Aurelius

Because irish people are so cheap, we get the crappy spec.

Try an Avensis 2.0 petrol with top spec, much nicer finish and more driveable.

All the "all cars are reliable now" stuff is nonsense, if you want reliability, go japanese, if you want soul, perhaps euro is still top of the league.

mickdw

Ya i hired one for a week or so. Heap of crap they are. I think it sells because people just buy one toyota after another and never sit in, much less drive anything else.
The boot lid really did make me laugh, its so lite.
The interior is dull poor plastic. I found the chassis was just above fit for the crap 1.6 engine. Another thing, I felt like I was sitting on it rather than in it as the none adjustable seat was a joke.
I found its ride comfortable alright but thats about it. I jumped out of avensis and striaght into a passat and although harder on the road, it was a better car in everyway.
The avensis gear change is so long and rubbery that I was inclined to abuse it.
Overall, SH1TE car.
I dont understand toyotas use of poor plastics in their cars. The Landcruiser is quite good inside, Better than the cars.

To annoy me further, I was interested in buying a new lexus IS220d but when I sat in it, I had flashbacks to the f**king avensis, even the steering wheel buttons had same layout & function.

Zonda999

Stevie Dakota wrote: »

I have one of these for a few days, 2008 1.6. It's rare that I get in car and cannot appreciate something about it, but I am struggling with this thing, it is SOOOOO bland, the interior is grim, there is absolutely no feelgood factor to be had. The bootlid flies open and feels like it is made of tin, the plastics inside are nasty to the touch, the centre console promises all sorts of features that are not there (NAV anyone?), the steering is horribly light and the gearchange feels 10 years old already. On the upside the engine is smooth (but feeble) and the doors make a nice sound when you slam them.

I cannot believe this thing sells.

Couldnt agree more.I really cant see why they sell. From what i've seen of the new model too, Its more of the same thing.As for what someone was saying about getting a better spec one, the better specced ones feel exactly the same, except the "NAV" might actually mean there is sat nav:rolleyes:.The leather in the top spec ones is horrid too.

Sat into one of its new rivals there for the first time yesterday,. the new skoda superb.Twas a mid spec "ambition" version.I liked it even more than i though i would.Fabulous interior in terms of looks and quality.The space in the back was almost beyond belief too.Even in my seating position, and i'm over 6 foot, there really was limo space.Dont get me started about the boot either.The twindoor is a nice touch too.I know thats the one i'd have from that class

As for what someone else was saying about a 98 ibiza.I totally agree.My 99 1.0 still feels great, not a rattle in the thing.Put alloys on it yesterday:D

Marcus.Aurelius

I really lament the fact that we get the sh*te here. The Camrys and Aurions you can get in Australia/USA are so much better built (Japan and Australia made), and are much better specced and engined.

enda1

mickdw wrote: »

I dont understand toyotas use of poor plastics in their cars. The Landcruiser is quite good inside, Better than the cars.

The Avensis is made in England, the Land Cruiser, Japan.

Stevie Dakota

mickdw wrote: »

Another thing, I felt like I was sitting on it rather than in it as the none adjustable seat was a joke.

Spot on, I thought the lever was bust, it feels like I'm sitting in a high chair. I resent having to feed the parking meter to keep her parked while at work, I'm hoping the will clamp it or better still take it away and crush it.

superjosh9

drove a brand new one earlier this year also.

I can't think of a word to describe it - and that in itself says something. No wait, I've got one: UNDERWHELMING.

even my parents new sonata is like a go-kart by comparison...

mickdw

Spread the word. Avensis is Sh1t! We wont convince the toyota lovers im sure.

cantdecide

mickdw wrote: »

We wont convince the toyota lovers im sure

Why would you want to:D

mickdw

Well I would love to see people moving away from toyota in huge numbers. Maybe then they would build a nice quality car.

Stevie Dakota

Oh yes, and the gearlever is made of some gross sticky rubber, I dread changing gear.

finbarrk

Let the public decide. See how the sales of the new Avensis will compare to Passats, Sonatas, etc. that ye have mentioned here. Maybe value for money and reliability comes into it for Irish customers. Maybe Irish customers don't want racing cars.

Mr.David

finbarrk wrote: »

Let the public decide........Maybe Irish customers don't want racing cars.

Eh......we are the public

Irish customers certainly dont want racing cars, but they could have a Mondeo/Accord/Passat instead of the Avensis.

finbarrk

See which will sell the most so.

Mr.David

finbarrk wrote: »

See which will sell the most so.

Which sells the most does not answer the question as to which is the best. People have a tendency for buying crap cars, most people no nothing about cars and simply badge buy.

bazz26

Mr.David wrote: »

Eh......we are the public

Irish customers certainly dont want racing cars, but they could have a Mondeo/Accord/Passat instead of the Avensis.

But they already have that choice.

Avensis does exactly what it says on the tin. It does not pretend to be anything else. If you don't like or want one then don't buy one. It ticks alot of boxes for people. It is aimed at those who are more concerned about getting to their destination than the journey itself.

Similary people buy BMWs, VWs, etc for different reasons. Shall we ridcule them too?

Frankie Lee

Anyone who badmouths Toyota's build quality knows nothing about cars. End of.

Zube

Mr.David wrote: »

People have a tendency for buying crap cars, most people no nothing about cars and simply badge buy.

But everyone knows that anything other than a 1.6 Avensis will explode in a ball of flames every time you start it!

Toyota: The best-built non-exploding cars in the World.

bazz26

Frankie Lee wrote: »

Anyone who badmouths Toyota's build quality knows nothing about cars. End of.

I had one or two but even I would not go that far. They don't build them as good as they used to.

Mr.David

bazz26 wrote: »

Similary people buy BMWs, VWs, etc for different reasons. Shall we ridcule them too?

Find me 1 comment where I have in any way ridiculed the Avensis!! Its a perfectly fine car, not my cup of tea but yes it does exactly what it says on the tin. Its reliable but uninspiring motoring. And thats fine I've no problem with that.

My point was simply that sales figures are not an accurate indication of which car is best!:)

E92

Most people want nothing more than a car that goes from A to B and never goes wrong.

Toyota are devices that move people from A to B without going wrong, and as such they are the ideal choice for people with such disinterest and low expectations in cars.

Most Toyota owners never even bother test driving the competition, they just buy another "because I've always driven Toyota and shur why would I bother going for anything else".

"Shur they're great cars that never go wrong" don't you know:rolleyes:.

Zube

Frankie Lee wrote: »

Anyone who badmouths Toyota's build quality knows nothing about cars. End of.

Budweiser are masters of brewing beer: all around the world they can reliably produce the very same beer from each brewery, through fanatical attention to their ingredients and processes.

Similarly Toyota are acknowledged masters at putting cars together. But if the design is crap and the materials are nasty, you don't get a quality result by adding "build quality".

Oh, and Bud is horrible beer, too.

bazz26

I used to own one or two of them and found them grand, they suited my needs but I have moved on since then.

But there are some extremly blinkered comments here from both sides of the fence, those who see them as white goods which would hamper their life long aspirations and those who are denfenders of the faith and claim they are the best thing in the world. Neither is the case imo.

bazz26

Zube wrote: »

Budweiser are masters of brewing beer: all around the world they can reliably produce the very same beer from each brewery, through fanatical attention to their ingredients and processes.

Similarly Toyota are acknowledged masters at putting cars together. But if the design is crap and the materials are nasty, you don't get a quality result by adding "build quality".

Oh, and Bud is horrible beer, too.

But alot of people still want Bud so the name of the game is to give those people what they want. Doesn't mean everyone has to buy it however.

Zube

bazz26 wrote: »

But alot of people still want Bud so the name of the game is to give those people what they want.

What gets me is that the deficiencies in the Avensis could be fixed: it could drive as well as a Mondeo and have the interior quality of an Audi without upsetting Toyota's core market.

But everyone knows that the next Avensis will be just as poor in those areas compared to the competition as the current one. Toyota are doing this on purpose.

finbarrk

We all know they aren't the best car on the market but they are one of the best 'value for money' cars in that section. The mickey mouse faults that some of you on here are stating obviously don't matter to the Irish people who buy the car.

cantdecide

They are reliable cars built to a budget. The compromises in the things are huge. Outside of the obvious stuff you want right, ie engine, brakes etc they are truly nasty cheap crap cars- they feel like cheaper than FIATs.

It's a masterstroke in marketing. There is a reason Toyotas are the most profitable car company- because they charge a premium for what is an inferior product. All things considered, they are very poor value for money.

If you like this when you can have a superior car for the same money- then you're easily fooled IMO.

RichyX

Zube wrote: »

Oh, and Bud is horrible beer, too.

Horrible is a bit much.
Bland and flavourless, like Toyota, would be more accurate.

kyote00

Audi as a brand is intriguing....

If you want a 1.9 diesel - why get an A4 and not a passat or octavia ?
If you want a 'premium' german badge then get a BMW or Merc ...

Audi seems to be brought by brand conscious folks who seem to have more money than sense. Styling wise they are uber conservative with the exception of the ridiculous lights (look at me, I'm in my AWDI):D

-- runs for cover --

Zube wrote: »

What gets me is that the deficiencies in the Avensis could be fixed: it could drive as well as a Mondeo and have the interior quality of an Audi without upsetting Toyota's core market.

But everyone knows that the next Avensis will be just as poor in those areas compared to the competition as the current one. Toyota are doing this on purpose.

cantdecide

New Audis in Ireland are a joke. All bottom of the range POSs, anonymous looks, underpowered engines, low basic specs...

It's not Audis fault that people want their brand and thus buy the wrong car. Tell me a tiptronic S-line A6 3.2 quattro with a nice set of RS6s doesn't make you go weak at the knees:p (not even to mention the RS cars)...

Zube

cantdecide wrote: »

Tell me a tiptronic S-line A6 3.2 quattro with a nice set of RS6s doesn't make you go weak at the knees:p

Nope, €75K for a car makes me think Porsche, not Audi.

cantdecide

Zube wrote: »

Nope, €75K for a car makes me think Porsche, not Audi.

My point exactly. Proper Audi or crap Porsche??? Proper Audi please:D

enda1

Do you know how much car makers make accessories and extras??
A top spec car compared to a base spec car at higher class is far worse value really as the cost to manufacturer is far lower while you pay the same amount.
Also there is more to go wrong in the car and therefore to be fixed thus leading to probable higher repair costs and lastly the higher depreciation felt by high spec cars.

cantdecide

enda1 wrote: »

Do you know how much car makers make accessories and extras??

Fair bowl to them- I'd rather have my spec than be looking at the guys who have it, when I don't.

So what if they're making a few bob- the govt are taking 52% (yes, 36% VRT increase the cost by 52%). That's not the manufacturers fault. Absolutely NO new car in any spec is worth the asking price in this country. That doesn't mean I'm happy to live with a go-kart specced car

Biro

enda1 wrote: »

Do you know how much car makers make accessories and extras??
A top spec car compared to a base spec car at higher class is far worse value really as the cost to manufacturer is far lower while you pay the same amount.
Also there is more to go wrong in the car and therefore to be fixed thus leading to probable higher repair costs and lastly the higher depreciation felt by high spec cars.

People's obsession with extras always baffles me alright. People would gladly buy the 1.9TDi A4 and add extra's rather than just buying the 2.0TDi and forgetting about the silly i-pod dock or whatever other overpriced crap is offered.
Toyotas of late are overpriced alright. Auris or Civic? Civic please. More reliable than the Toyota, better engines, nicer looking, much more for your money.

Antrim_Man

I once had to take either an 05 1.6 Vectra or a 05 Avensis 1.6 for a few months at work back in 05 (Avensis is still the same car). I went to the hire firm and test drove both and I could not believe the difference.

The Avensis was total rubbish and the Vectra was a very surprisingly good car. I am looking forward to seeing the Insignia when it comes out.

Climate Expert

There was a study reported in New Scientist a year back about various cars and their male owners. They found that Avensis owners had the lowest levels of testosterone by quite a margin and this contributed to poor health.

Savman

Is the Avensis really that bad? I drove one today, '99 petrol, was fine. Simple enough car and if their reliability rep is true then I don't have a problem with that at all, even if it is a bit of a stiff drive.

A few days ago I test drove a '01 Avensis Diesel D4D thingy, took off like a rocket in 2nd gear but was otherwise a horrible thing to endure.

Looking at the carzone/cbg websites it seems they go on to do absolutely crazy mileage, that's a commodity these days in fairness. I can understand the Fiat and Renault bashing, but Toyota?? Reeks of badge snobbery tbh.

RichyX

cantdecide wrote: »

My point exactly. Proper Audi or crap Porsche??? Proper Audi please:D

Well I think anyone with an ounce of sense would choose a Boxster over any Audi, bar the R8.
At least with Porsche you have slightly more than a jumped up VW, for the moment anyway.

Stevie Dakota

Avensis are mediocre cars at best, full stop. If you like them or own one you have low standards and are too easily pleased. You may be happy, but everybody else knows the error of your ways.

Savman

Stevie Dakota wrote: »

You may be happy, but everybody else knows the error of your ways.

Bit like catholicism wha :pac: