So, its a garage visit for the Octy and in return I'm handed the keys to a Toyota Avensis Estate 2L Diesel (125 manual).

 

Its CR4P.

 

OK, I admit its probably built to satisfy a different sector of the market, one in my opinion where the primary purpose is utilitarian.

400 miles covered and surprised at the hostility of other drivers? I regularly cover the same stretch of road without issue and at similar speed.

It does smooth out the road a little better than the Octy but as you'd expect at the cost of feeling sure footed.

Power delivery doesn't excite in any gear. Boot isn't as accommodating as the Octy which is a surprise.

The audio system is ok as is the satnav.Where it does score highly is in phone integration which is better than the preferred vehicle.

Seating doesn't support particularly well which is a bind as it has to stay with me until next Thursday.

Trying to find something positive to say about the entire package but as yet struggling. Maybe it will grow on me as the week progresses.

Trip to Bristol tomorrow will be another test.

 

It's a Toyota, it'll still be pounding the motorways long after the vRS has been turned into baked bean cans!

It's a Toyota, it'll still be pounding the motorways long after the vRS has been turned into baked bean cans!

Yup just about to say that

Can't really knock a toyota for build quality.

Obviously they did have a few recalls but they actually recalled the cars something that VAG dont really do

Brother inlaw owns a 54 plate apart from front disc and pads 1 rear bulb thats all its had in 5 years, never had a single advisory at mot time serviced once a year never lets him down.

 

But after driving it myself what a boring vehicle it is, i have owned nissan mazda and mitzys all more involving to drive.

 

As  above said its had 2 recalls one was stearing, cant remember the other at least they hold there hands up and have them recalled.

Only Toyota i really like and would be tempted for is the GT86 i think.

Not sure if thats built as well?

Maybe its more Subaru reliability? I dno.

I know a Toyota main dealer manager. He hates them thinks the current range is crap and they're really struggling to sell anything right now.

 

I kind of think of them as a well built Vectra. It'll grind on but oh so meh.

Friend at work had one new screen within 3 days, low down and very easy target for stones. Got rid of it after about 4 months exhausts look like motorbikes not a lot for the cash about 25 grand.

I'm surprised, when I drove one of these (1.8 petrol auto I believe) I thought it was extremely nice. Loved how quiet and comfortable it is compared to my octavia. Are you sure about the boot? I remember looking at the boot and thinking it was MASSIVE.

Day two and after a 240 mile trip the motor still doesnt inspire. As good as its supposed reliability is , it isnt reflected in residual value as there are other similar priced competitors that pip it to the post. Boot cannot cope with same amount of gear the Octavia can as said before. 4 days and counting.....

Biggest issue for me would be that no recent Toyota will take a full sized spare wheel.  It's whipped cream or a spacesaver.

 

Oh, and the view out of the back is terrible.

Day Three and Toyota happiness still evades. This model doesn't have Xenons .

Been a blustery day in the Cumbrian area and the Avensis enjoys buffeting a little more.

Seems driving a White VRS estate must carry influence on the motorways as I've never experienced anything like the amount of impatient drivers wanting to literally shove me out of the way as I have with the Toyota? (this includes a 850cc Fiat 500!). 

3 days.....

Biggest issue for me would be that no recent Toyota will take a full sized spare wheel.  It's whipped cream or a spacesaver.

 

That wouldn't bother me. The spare wheel whether it be a full size or space saver is to get you home or to the nearest tyre fitter.

 

As long as the solution in the boot allows me to change the wheel rather than fill it with foam I'm happy.

Day Three and Toyota happiness still evades. This model doesn't have Xenons .

Been a blustery day in the Cumbrian area and the Avensis enjoys buffeting a little more.

Seems driving a White VRS estate must carry influence on the motorways as I've never experienced anything like the amount of impatient drivers wanting to literally shove me out of the way as I have with the Toyota? (this includes a 850cc Fiat 500!).

3 days.....

Could it be something to do with a vrs estate looking like a police car? And the Toyota looking like a photocopier salesman.

my feeling on the avensis is - built to be reliable for people who just want that: a bland car for bland driving that doesnt require constantly thinking "what was that rattle? is it a new rattle or the old one just sounds different in the rain...". a car that gives as little trouble as possible. over here, the vast majority are bought by older, middle management types who have out grown their younger hot hatch days, and farmers. Diesel octavias fall into that second category too, which is why its hard to find a decently clean, un-wounded example with more than the bottom rung engine and spec over here, without it being a UK import.

Could it be something to do with a vrs estate looking like a police car? And the Toyota looking like a photocopier salesman.

 

Absolutely!   ...and just reinforces my opinion about the Toyota Avensis and begs the question why you don't see many in the service/force industry? Loads of Octavia's in the midlands area being used as Paramedic quick response vehicles same for the Police. You would think a vehicle renowned for reliability would be the obvious choice for that sector?

Toyota Avensis - So detached you are from the experience you could nod off. 

Absolutely! ...and just reinforces my opinion about the Toyota Avensis and begs the question why don't you see many in the service/force industry? Loads of Octavia's in the midlands area being used as Paramedic quick response vehicles same for the Police. You would think a vehicle renowned for reliability would be the obvious choice for that sector?

Toyota Avensis - So detached you are from the experience you could nod off.

I think it's probably because Skoda do dirt cheap sales to emergency services and public perception of them being cheaper cars. Toyotas are very expensive IMO at least.

Same goes how BMW will sale direct to police service fully kitted up cars cheaper than Ford Focus's but poloce will still go with fords because of the image they portray.

Day Three and Toyota happiness still evades. This model doesn't have Xenons .

Been a blustery day in the Cumbrian area and the Avensis enjoys buffeting a little more.

Seems driving a White VRS estate must carry influence on the motorways as I've never experienced anything like the amount of impatient drivers wanting to literally shove me out of the way as I have with the Toyota? (this includes a 850cc Fiat 500!). 

3 days.....

The time I got most respect in the Octy I had a fresh haircut, and was wearing a white shirt and plain navy tie.

Absolutely!   ...and just reinforces my opinion about the Toyota Avensis and begs the question why don't you see many in the service/force industry? Loads of Octavia's in the midlands area being used as Paramedic quick response vehicles same for the Police. You would think a vehicle renowned for reliability would be the obvious choice for that sector?

Toyota Avensis - So detached you are from the experience you could nod off. 

 

Our boys in Blue used to get Mondeos/Focus/Fiestas(?????), then for a while the Avensis was dished out, when the latest version intially released . now, due to the cut backs, the current replacements being put into their fleet is Hyundai estates i40s i think.

Volvo estates are used by the Armed Regional Support Units.

and most of the paramedic/ first responders are in Santa Fes

Penultimate and observations made...

 

Much better over speed bumps and Kerb fear all but extinguished.

 

That's about it.

 

Underwhelmed and glad its being returned.

 

Where on earth they got the idea the car in front is a Toyota is a mystery to me.

 

 

'The car in front is a Toyota' -because it's probably so bland and generic that you won't register what make it is so the fact needs pointing out. Every Toyota I've driven has been very meh The Auris SR180 I drove a few years ago was a perfectly good car I'm sure and quite fast, but so interminably dull. I did drive it back to back with a Golf GT 170 PD with the ON or OFF switch accelerator though lol.

 

There is on exception: a Corolla about 10 years ago (just before the Auris came out), took it for a test drive for about 5 minutes and brought it back - hated every single thing about it, I really could not find one redeeming feature.

Wasn't there also "Toyota - Everything keeps going right", until it vanishes up its own exhaust pipe?

Where on earth they got the idea the car in front is a Toyota is a mystery to me.

As mentioned previously, dull and uninspiring they may be.

Reliable they are.

The Toyota is likely to be "in front" whilst you are sat in a lay by trying to work out the flashing sequence of the EML and the glow plug lights on the dash!

Edited 26 February, 201511 yr by silver1011

As mentioned previously, dull and uninspiring they may be.

Reliable they are.

The Toyota is likely to be "in front" whilst you are sat in a lay by trying to work out the flashing sequence of the EML and the glow plug lights on the dash!

 

Never had a Toyota long term(thank goodness)so cant comment on reliability. One where I can is the Octavia as I'm on my second just short of a 6 year period. No fault lights,no breakdowns,no mechanical faults over 200,000 miles. That coupled with great driving characteristics, good fuel economy and a humongous boot makes for a happy Skoda driver. 

 

The Toyota saga is now over! 

 

Last diary entry.

 

Its gone, it was a long seven days. ...Welcome home Octy 

I've driven 3 Toyotas.

 

A Yaris 1.33 with 6 speed gearbox. Ok... I guess... Very light steering. Very light pedals. I liked the Bluetooth on the stereo and that's about it.

 

A Yaris 1.5 Hybrid. Same as above but I actually really enjoyed the Hybrid system. Very strange driving along in silence. Required foot mashing to the floor and the engine screaming to make any real progress though.

 

Aygo 1.0. Now that was fun! Simple little car with a lovely raspy 3 cylinder engine note. Was the mother in laws. She once drove to Germany to see her parents and basically maxed it out for mile upon mile on the autobahn (not very fast obviously!)

 

But still all not very exciting.

 

Phil