The Avensis has never been the most exciting model, but they have always been spacious, safe and fairly refined. Running costs are reasonable, plus it is a well equipped, practical with plenty of safety features. Essentially this is a quality family car and for £12K you will be getting yourself into a tidy 2008 example.
Simply look beyond the less than distinctive styling and buyers will find a competent range of cars. There are some very efficient petrol and diesel engines which for the company car driver put it in a low tax band. Buyers also get a lot of standard equipment for their money and the overall package is very well put together with good quality materials and construction. That means the refinement levels are excellent with quiet engines and only the lowest level of road noise sneaking into the cabin. That interior is one of the largest around, with plenty of cubbyholes and storage options. It easily takes four to five adults without any of them feeling the pinch. The Avensis will look after them too thanks to the excellent crash test performance and large number of standard safety features. Drivers have a comfortable seat and easily adjustable position.
There are no real downsides to running an Avensis. Certainly the saloon version is less practical than the hatch and the split fold rear seats don’t go completely flat but we are clutching at straws really. Some argue that the ride is firm and those petrol engines can be a touch noisy at speed. Otherwise there is nothing bad you can fling at the Avensis that is going to stick. You won’t go wrong with an Avensis you just won’t ever love it.
By: James Ruppert