100k a day commute. Avensis a good choice?

only_a_newbie

Hi all, first time posting looking for advice on a new car for my daily 100k commute. I’ve a budget of 7-9k. My priorities are comfort, reliability and economy... ideally I would love Bluetooth and heated seats aswell as I have spent the winter freezing my ass off and using one of those old tape cassette adaptors for the music on my iPhone.
I have been told avensis 4-d4 is the way to go buy the miles and or year of them within my budget seem to be 8year old cars with over 100k mikes
I’m open to advice
Thanks a million

colm_mcm

Yeah there’s nothing that wrong with them. People will criticise the interior relative to its rivals, plus the parking brake is a bit cumbersome and sometimes problematic but they’re still not a bad yoke.
Very hard to get a good one with a lot of spec for small money.

jim salter

100k is serious mileage in a day

On a serious note, I used a 2003 D4D for a 130 mile/day commute for 3 years and it never let me down.

It wasn't a 'drivers car' by any means but it was comfortable and never missed a beat.

Not sure about the later models.

An Octavia or Superb are also good options.

only_a_newbie

jim salter wrote: »

100k is serious mileage in a day

Ha ha yeah your right... 100km a day 😂

only_a_newbie

okay guys, I have spent the last few hours looking through avensis that are out there and im struggling to find much that has the bells and whistles im hoping to get for my budget. I have come across a couple of BMW 5 series that have just over 100k miles on their clocks with heated seats, bluetooth etc... all around of maybe just over my budget.
The ones I have noticed are 2008/2009... are these too old for my commute, in the sense that am I likely to be in the garage alot more than I would with an avensis. They do look alot more comfortable ...
any opinions would be great,
thanks

ba_barabus

I would think an Avensis would be far cheaper to run and require a lot less garage time.

Toyotafanboi

Yeah, maintenance on a 5 series would be on another level entirely to the Avensis.

Not saying you couldn't afford it or that it's not worth it but, at a pure guesstimate I'd double the Avensis maintenance budget for a 5 series.

That said, if you want Bluetooth, heated seats and a bit of a more premium vehicle there's no harm in budgeting the extra if you can afford it, you will enjoy it.

If you want hassle free motoring though, the Avensis is a safer bet.

mad m

There is a lad in work selling an 08 Avensis. Not sure of mileage or if it has Bluetooth or heated seats. The Avensis got a recall in his model last year by Toyota and something to do with paint on car and the whole car was resprayed through Toyota warranty.

Its immaculate. I can PM you his number if you want to chat to him. Think he is looking for in or around 3-4k for it....

Edit: Actually scrap that, I was talking to him. No Bluetooth or heated seats.

Bob_Marley

Unless you like hanging around garages a lot and parting with large wads of cash each time, stay away from used beemers. They are designed to be bought brand new and changed every couple of years. A used one is ok for a hobby but not commuting, though you *might* be lucky, I doubt it.

Used Avensis/Ocativa is the way to go for a cheapish workhorse.

only_a_newbie

Bob_Marley wrote: »

Used Avensis/Ocativa is the way to go for a cheapish workhorse.

if I was to push my budget to 10k what would this open up my options to.... I drove an avensis today in a test drive and it was fairly roomy but the lad was saying theres no bluetooth or leather / heated seat options. I know there bells and whilstles but i will be spending close to 3 hours a day commuting so comfort/reliability and economy are all important.
cheers

166man

Worth pointing out that reliability on the 2009+ Avensis’s isn’t a patch on the older ones.

There’s better out there for the same money.

thierry14

I would prefer the Accord

2.2 idtec is a very tough engine

They look better than the Avensis too and Honda are every bit as good as Toyota in build/reliability

The way to go to buy the miles is electric though

Way cheaper, up to 5 times cheaper to fuel

only_a_newbie

166man wrote: »

Worth pointing out that reliability on the 2009+ Avensis’s isn’t a patch on the older ones.

There’s better out there for the same money.

I would really like elaboration on the better options out there...
Ive been googling for the past two days and really need to get something or test drive more things this week... reliability is essential but then again comfort and economy are as equally important. Thought id have a more obvious option that i may have been missing for a saloon between 9-10k ive been looking at mazda6 (2012), bmw 5 (2009-10), the avensis (2010) any links would be really welcomed.
Thanks so far...

Bob_Marley

Every car out there is going to be a compromise in some regard. You could also have a look at mondeos and passats, although vw are very pot luck reliability wise.

ba_barabus

Given the spec you want and a desire for reliability a Mondeo or Pug 508 are probably the best compromises. I've no complaints about my own 2013 Avensis and it's a high spec one. It's been very reliable. I've covered 36k kms since July without an issue.

Toyotafanboi

166man wrote: »

Worth pointing out that reliability on the 2009+ Avensis’s isn’t a patch on the older ones.

There’s better out there for the same money.

What gives trouble in the new ones? Or what would you recommend instead?

only_a_newbie

Thanks for the feedback guys... EV is not really an option with the current non availability of charging points in my work or near enough to my home.
I’m going to look at this today and would love some feedback:
http://www.denismahony.ie/used-cars/Mercedes-Benz/C-Class/200-CDI/5452643249644731094/
It’s mpg return seems to be really good and I do see loads of merc taxis when in mainland Europe so I presume that’s a sign of reliability ?

Heres Johnny

only_a_newbie wrote: »

Thanks for the feedback guys... EV is not really an option with the current non availability of charging points in my work or near enough to my home.
I’m going to look at this today and would love some feedback:
http://www.denismahony.ie/used-cars/Mercedes-Benz/C-Class/200-CDI/5452643249644731094/
It’s mpg return seems to be really good and I do see loads of merc taxis when in mainland Europe so I presume that’s a sign of reliability ?

Possibly on the high side for price, but mileage is quite low and you should get many years out of it. It's from Denis Mahony too who are a reputable dealer which may explain price. I'd day you could walk out with paying a 10 grand draft but have an ATM card in your pocket in case you have to stump up a few quid. Nice cars from Merc around that time. Uncle had one, no issues and he did big big miles.

demanufactured

Ford Mondeo mk4 2.0 tdci Titanium

nice_guy80

demanufactured wrote: »

Ford Mondeo mk4 2.0 tdci Titanium

or even a Zetec.
why do you need heated seats?
the heated windscreen clears itself in about 20 secs

only_a_newbie

R.O.R wrote: »

Personally, I'd be looking for the best Superb with leather I could get in budget or an Insignia Elite. Avensis never came with factory leather and also has a smaller fuel tank than most of its competitors in the sector.

Thanks for this advice. Last query on this before I go test driving us opinions on this insignia... have they a decent rep for reliability at all ?
http://m.kpgmotors.ie/viewanad.php?ad_id=1938510&r=
Thanks

nice_guy80

I'd stay away from Insignias

Del2005

nice_guy80 wrote: »

why do you need heated seats?

A leather seat in winter is a lot nicer with a warm bum.

Toyotafanboi

The 2.0 diesel Insignias are growing a strong reputation for random, immediate engine failures, in most cases making the cars an economical write off as there is such a shortage of second hand engines for the same reason. I don't know if there's a way to narrow it down to a particular age of Insignia but unless there was I wouldn't touch one with a barge pole.

Toyotafanboi

https://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2057791951

only_a_newbie

nice_guy80 wrote: »

or even a Zetec.
why do you need heated seats?
the heated windscreen clears itself in about 20 secs

Yeah it’s more about the heated bum than heated windows.. I think for a 3 hour round commute Bluetooth, heated seats etc are a fair request ðŸ‘

only_a_newbie

Toyotafanboi wrote: »

https://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2057791951

Jesus Christ !!! Thanks for that ðŸ‘I’m presuming a 12 month warrenty wouldn’t cover that

R.O.R

only_a_newbie wrote: »

Thanks for this advice. Last query on this before I go test driving us opinions on this insignia... have they a decent rep for reliability at all ?
http://m.kpgmotors.ie/viewanad.php?ad_id=1938510&r=
Thanks

As already demonstrated, a lot of people have horror stories about Insignias, but I've had a lot of them on the road (hundreds over a few fleets) and except for a couple of "thermal incidents" they were no worse that anything else in that segment, and that was a large spread of high mileage and reasonable mileage across all specifications and diesel engines.

Toyotafanboi

Have you ever had heated seats before OP?

I've been blessed with them this winter and while it is lovely to have your arse warmed up within 30 seconds, I find if you leave them on for more than 10-15 minutes they still feel as comfortable as they did initially and will continue to do so for hours but you will, somewhat unbeknownst to yourself sweat like something else.

This brings about two things. When you actually get out of the car on a winter's morning then you are literally rattling with the cold and if you are wearing a shirt/ slacks etc the get wrinkled as ****.

If you jump into a car with cloth seating I've never felt it to be jarringly cold and they will be at body temperature by the time you start feeling a lift from heated seats anyhow.

I'd say they are more a nice to have than a must have.

Pipetool

What about an IS200 ? All the bells & whistles & pure comfort ðŸ‘

colm_mcm

Pipetool wrote: »

What about an IS200 ? All the bells & whistles & pure comfort ðŸ‘

Can you qualify that a bit? For example an IS200 will be way harder on fuel than a lot of petrol cars, nevermind diesels

There is the later IS200d (detuned IS220d) but they would be way over budget for the OP.

Things like comfort are subjective, but if I was doing a lot of driving, I’d find something like a Mondeo more comfortable than an IS200 because of the driving position and softer suspension.

Bazzer007

I'd be looking at a Honda Accord 2.2 as previously posted, Superb or Lexus IS220 if stuck. Maybe even a Volvo S60 or S80 If you're looking for extras like heated seats etc,. most Volvo's have heated seats. The Subaru Legacy is a nice drive too but early Boxer engines can give trouble. I'm not a fan of the Avensis. You need a bit of comfort & reliability for long commmutes. I'd be looking at Accords & Superbs. I drive 80km a day, you need comfort when clocking big miles. Stay away from the 520.

Mooooo

VW passat be worth looking at as well

Pipetool

IS200 2008-2012. Diesel & all the extras the op requested. Heated seats & comfort. Don't know about MPG though. Very reliable.

colm_mcm

Do you mean the IS220d?

griffin100

I do a similar commute and for years drove a S60 D5 auto. Very comfortable and fast, brutal tax though. Recently got a 2011 Passat CC with heated leather, etc. and having done 4,000 miles in in to date I'm very happy so far. Much cheaper tax and better fuel economy than the S60. I've the 140bhp version and it's plenty, although tempted to remap.

bazz26

Pipetool wrote: »

IS200 2008-2012. Diesel & all the extras the op requested. Heated seats & comfort. Don't know about MPG though. Very reliable.

Eh, no they're not.

chicorytip

R.O.R wrote:

As already demonstrated, a lot of people have horror stories about Insignias, but I've had a lot of them on the road (hundreds over a few fleets) and except for a couple of "thermal incidents" they were no worse that anything else in that segment, and that was a large spread of high mileage and reasonable mileage across all specifications and diesel engines.

They are certainly reliable cars but unpleasant to drive because of the poorly designed interior and excessive engine and tyre noise.

CJhaughey

I found the IS220D cabin very cramped and a little claustrophobic.
My 7th gen 08 Accord is 390 tax and returns 47.9 avg over the last 40k miles.
It would probably be better on motorway but i am happy with the comfort and reliability bar the exhaust manifold has been excellent so far.

selectamatic

Some of the t4 avensis' have heated seats op although many of them tend to be the 2.2d4d variants.

A facelift t4 spec 2012 2.0d4d avensis would tick nearly all the boxes. They are by in large very reliable compared to most modern diesels; turbo's, injectors, dpf, dmf and egr valves all have a very long life expectancy.

The only issues to look out for are door pillar cracks near where the front doors are hinged although this is a recall issue and generally only prevalent on pre 2012 models. Some handbrake issues can crop up but again it's much less common on 2012 facelift models and not nearly as common as issues experienced by other marques.

All in all a nice clean well minded example should suit you're needs down to the ground and serve you well.

Dev84

Dont buy private op. Go with a dealer for warranty etc.

Dev84

OmegaGene wrote: »

You mean dealers actually stand over warranties ?
I had a 2 year battle with a main dealer to solve an issue with the car and they just refused
Traded the car in the end it was such a headache

You'd prefer to go private?

Dev84

OmegaGene wrote: »

Nah I use dealers all the time but wouldn’t expect any joy from a warranty
I got a 3 month warranty last week but I doubt if anything is actually covered

Yeh im looking at an 161 lancer. Covered under mitsubishi warranty until 2024. A lot to be said for it.

bazz26

Yeah but the Lancer is a 10 year old design that wasn't cutting edge back then either. The warranty is probably the only thing going for it these days imo.

Dev84

bazz26 wrote: »

Yeah but the Lancer is a 10 year old design that wasn't cutting edge back then either. The warranty is probably the only thing going for it these days imo.

Thats true. Its a 5 door saloon so not sure how nice and stylish they can be to an extent.

colm_mcm

The Lancer saloon is a lot better looking than the hatchback, and it can look quite smart in the right colour, but the interior gives the game away.
To be fair though, it’s an uncomplicated car and it’s likely to be very reliable.

Dev84

colm_mcm wrote: »

The Lancer saloon is a lot better looking than the hatchback, and it can look quite smart in the right colour, but the interior gives the game away.
To be fair though, it’s an uncomplicated car and it’s likely to be very reliable.

Yeh very few bells and whistles. But a lot if the new stuff lime reverse cameras you dont really need. GPS in ireland. I dont think thats needed.

only_a_newbie

selectamatic wrote: »

Some of the t4 avensis' have heated seats op although many of them tend to be the 2.2d4d variants.

A facelift t4 spec 2012 2.0d4d avensis would tick nearly all the boxes. They are by in large very reliable compared to most modern diesels; turbo's, injectors, dpf, dmf and egr valves all have a very long life expectancy.

The only issues to look out for are door pillar cracks near where the front doors are hinged although this is a recall issue and generally only prevalent on pre 2012 models. Some handbrake issues can crop up but again it's much less common on 2012 facelift models and not nearly as common as issues experienced by other marques.

All in all a nice clean well minded example should suit you're needs down to the ground and serve you well.

Thank you for the advice

Toyotafanboi

EV vs. Diesel discussion moved to the main forum, let's try to keep this thread to answer the OP's question.

New thread here: https://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2057843035

only_a_newbie

Thanks for all the reply’s guys. I have come across this Skoda superb and it seems to tick a lot of the boxes I’m looking for... does anyone have any advice regarding reliability and economy of the superb?
Thanks
http://m.manorfieldcars.ie/viewanad.php?ad_id=1916536&r=

Toyotafanboi

Looks good. They're fairly reliable. A little bit prone to EGR trouble but so are most modern diesels. They are fundamentally a decent car, love spec in that one too auto, heated leather front and rear, climate control etc.