The Toyota Avensis is the motoring equivalent of Axminster carpet. You get bored with the pattern long before it wears out.

Introduced as a replacement for the competent but dull Carina, the Avensis has, since its launch in November 1997, proved itself one of the most reliable cars money can buy. And while many critics slate its mediocre looks, the truth is that in 1.8 form it’s faster than an equivalent Honda Accord, more powerful than a Vauxhall Vectra and more economical than a Ford Mondeo. And if that’s not enough, it costs less to buy as well.

With a choice of two transmissions, three body styles, four engines and at least half a dozen trim levels, potential buyers are likely to find a car to suit their needs.

Before August 2000 cars carried over engines from the Carina, with 1.6, 1.8, 2 litre petrol and a 2 litre turbo diesel. But the 89bhp diesel unit offers little advantage over the petrol equivalents, with lacklustre performance and mediocre economy.

Most models are available with five-speed manual or a four-speed auto box, which despite its eager kickdown is not the smoothest or quickest. By contrast the manual is light and precise, one of the nicest in its class.

On the road the Avensis is quiet and comfortable, the power-assisted steering providing plenty of feel. Large seats with plenty of adjustment will accommodate most drivers and rear passengers are also well catered for with good shoulder room and three proper three-point seatbelts.

In August 2000 the Avensis had a facelift with changes to the headlamps, front grille and rear lamp clusters. Internally the car sported a revised dashboard using darker plastics that give the car a more upmarket feel than those earlier cars with pale interiors. The new centre console now accommodated the trip computer and satellite navigation system, which became standard equipment on all but the base models.

Engine power was also improved, with petrol engines receiving the VVTi treatment, Toyota’s variable valve timing system, and the diesel being replaced by a direct-injection, common-rail unit that boosted power to 109bhp. To handle the extra performance all models were given disc brakes all round.

These post-August 2000 cars are the most desirable used buys. If you cover high mileages the economy of the diesel makes a strong case for itself, but for average and low-mileage users the 1.8 petrol represents the best buy, offering reasonable economy and performance without the purchase price premium commanded by the diesel cars.

With excellent durability it’s easy for the unscrupulous to pass a 150,000-mile Avensis on as a 50,000-miler, so insist on viewing the service book and invoices to authenticate the car’s history.

Buying from one of the 220 official Toyota dealers will protect you from such problems and provide the peace of mind of a minimum 12 months’ warranty — although the chances are, being an Avensis, you’ll never have to make a claim.

USED CAR: TOYOTA AVENSIS: CHECK IT OUT

Interior trim Wears well and can hide high mileage — check service book carefully
Split fold rear seat On saloon, hatchbacks and estate models
CD change Floor-mounted boot unit is prone to damage
Insurance groups 1.6 group 7, 1.8 group 8, 2.0 petrol and diesel group 10
Colours Dull looks not helped by non-metallic finishes
Satellite navigation Fitted to all except base models
Popular with rental companies Check doors and bumpers for minor damage
Remote central locking Standard on all models, along with immobiliser
Airbags Front and side bags standard on all models
Facelift in August 2000 New grille, bumpers and lamps
Brakes Antilock braking standard, discs all round since Aug 2000

VITAL STATISTICS

Model Toyota 1.8 VVTi GLS
Engine Four cylinder, 1794cc
Power 127bhp
Transmission Five-speed manual
Fuel 38.2mpg (combined)
Acceleration 0 to 62mph: 10sec
Top speed 127mph

THE ONE TO BUY

Toyota Avensis 1.8 VVTi GLS 5dr hatchback, 2000 X-reg with 40,000 miles and full Toyota service history. Pay £6,575 at a dealer or £5,900 privately


OR FOR SIMILAR MONEY ...

2001 Y-reg Mitsubishi Carisma 1.8GDi
2001 X-reg Renault Laguna 1.8 16V Alize
2000 X-reg Ford Mondeo 1.8LX
2000 X-reg Vauxhall Vectra 1.8CDX
1999 T-reg Honda Accord 1.8VTEC SE

VALUES: Toyota Avensis 1.8 VVTi GLS

Mileage 10,000
2000 X Trade £6,075; Retail £7,525
2001 Y Trade £6,425; Retail £7,895
2002 51 Trade £6,725; Retail £8,195

Mileage 20,000
2000 X Trade £5,750; Retail £7,225
2001 Y Trade £6,050; Retail £7,525
2002 51 Trade £6,325; Retail £7,795

Mileage 40,000
2000 X Trade £5,100; Retail £6,575
2001 Y Trade £5,300; Retail £6,785
2002 51 Trade £5,750; Retail £7,225

Prices are for hatchbacks, saloons worth £200 less. Autos worth £200 more than manuals.
Source: estimates based on confidential CAP black book prices. 'Trade' is what a dealer would pay to buy your car; 'retail' is what you would pay a dealer