Avensis diesel. 1.4 or 2.0L ?

dnme

I'm interested in your opinions. I need to upgrade the car soon. I do a 10 mile each way commute and outside work I do probably 100+ miles at weekends. I would like to go for an Avensis because they seem so popular and get good reviews here. I'm looking at possibly a 2008 model and with fuel prices, I'd prefer diesel. But now I discover that there are two engines to choose from, 1.4 and 2.0L.

What would you recommend? Is a 1.4L diesel engine capable of pulling that chassis? Is it sluggish? Would I be better off with 2L?

colm_mcm

1.4 is in the corolla, not the avensis.

The 08 is the last of the old model. Seek out a Luna model as they have cruise control, climate etc. common enough in 08 towards the end of production.

Emissions is band C

MarkR

Very small miles for a diesel. Diesel cars aren't actually very economical until they get up to operating temperature I believe, so a quick spin into work won't be getting it up to temp. Also, if it has a particle filter those get cleaned when the car gets up to temp. Heat burns away the crud.

Petrol may be a better option. I'm no mechanic though, so lets throw it out there!

Oh, and the avensis is heavy enough. I drive the 04 diesel 2L, and I think it'd struggle at 1.4

colm_mcm

Avensis didn't get dpf till 2010 or 2011 iirc

dnme

Thank you both. So the Avensis comes in a 2.0L D4D only? Cool, that narrows down my choice, and no DPF in a 2008-2010 model makes the choice even easier.

bazz26

There is no 1.4 Avensis in petrol or diesel.

Leonard Hofstadter

Not much point in going for a diesel with that kind of mileage.

But, no point in arguing with the herd mentality that exists in this country when it comes to diesels at the moment!

colm_mcm

If I were you, I'd buy a civic 1.8 SE-S saloon.

1.8 petrol, but very good on juice. 6 speed box helps
Very reliable, well equipped and nice looking

You'll get an 07 for 6500

dnme

colm_mcm wrote: »

If I were you, I'd buy a civic 1.8 SE-S saloon.

1.8 petrol, but very good on juice. 6 speed box helps
Very reliable, well equipped and nice looking

You'll get an 07 for 6500

How would this suit a "very" tall person Colm? one of the reasons I am opting for the Avensis is cos I fit in it really well, I've tried a few in showrooms and the drivers seat lowering ability is great. I struggle with a lot of cars (6'5")

I think I'm gonna struggle with petrol prices (like most people) so if I can save 10c a litre, then I will always be seriously tempted to opt for diesel. Also what would tax be on that 1.8 Civic?

colm_mcm

Well I'm 6'1" and I found it grand.

bazz26

You will pick up a newer shape Mazda 6 petrol for relatively small money these days. Fresher design, better to drive and cheaper than the old shape Avensis you are looking at. 2008 models are actually cheaper to tax than 2007 or older models.

Tea 1000

dnme wrote: »

How would this suit a "very" tall person Colm? one of the reasons I am opting for the Avensis is cos I fit in it really well, I've tried a few in showrooms and the drivers seat lowering ability is great. I struggle with a lot of cars (6'5")

I think I'm gonna struggle with petrol prices (like most people) so if I can save 10c a litre, then I will always be seriously tempted to opt for diesel. Also what would tax be on that 1.8 Civic?

Tax in old system is around €600, tax in 08 and newer is same as Avensis diesel. But you'll buy the Civic petrol much cheaper for the same reason as you've stated, that 10c per litre. Which it'll take a long time of filling before you'll see a €3000 buying price difference returned to you.