Toyota Avensis T250 - business class for little money. Toyota Avensis T250 - business class for little money Avensis 250 body

The 2nd generation Toyota Avensis family (factory index T250) appeared before the public in 2003, and in 2006 the car underwent a planned upgrade that affected the exterior, interior and technical component. The model lasted on the assembly line until 2008, after which a new generation was released.

The 2nd generation Avensis was available in three body styles, namely a sedan, a five-door liftback and a station wagon.

The length of the D-class machine is from 4630 to 4700 mm, height - from 1480 to 1525 mm, width - 1760 mm. The parameters of the wheelbase and ground clearance do not depend on the body solution - 2700 mm and 150 mm, respectively. The curb weight of the "Japanese" varies from 1245 to 1305 kg.

For the second generation Toyota Avensis, four petrol and the same number of diesel engines were offered. The gasoline part consists of atmospheric "fours" with a working volume of 1.6 to 2.4 liters, which produce from 110 to 163 horsepower and from 150 to 230 Nm of torque.
The line of turbodiesels includes four-cylinder engines with a volume of 2.0-2.2 liters and a potential of 114-174 "horses", generating 250-400 Nm of maximum torque.
The units went in tandem with a 5-speed “mechanics”, a 5- or 6-band “automatic”, but the drive was only front.

The “second” Avensis is based on the Toyota MC front-wheel drive platform, which implies the presence of McPherson strut struts on the front axle and a multi-link design with steering effect on the rear axle. The steering mechanism of the car is equipped with an electric booster, and all wheels are equipped with brakes with discs (ventilated at the front) and an anti-lock braking system.

The advantages of the 2nd generation Avensis include a solid appearance, a roomy and high-quality interior, comfortable suspension, stable behavior on the road, good equipment, inexpensive maintenance and availability of spare parts.

The disadvantages of the car are weak head light (regular), modest ground clearance, mediocre dynamics and imperfect sound insulation.

(first generation);

At the end of 2002, the premiere of the second generation Toyota Avensis took place. Sales started in March 2003. Like many Toyota models of that time, the design was developed in a European vein by the ED2 studio, as a result of which nothing Japanese remained in the exterior of the car.
Initially, 4 engines were offered: 1.6 and 1.8 of the ZZ family, 2.0 liter of the D4 family (with direct fuel injection), as well as a diesel of the D-4D family of the same volume. Production was established at a factory in England. In comparison with the previous generation model, a step forward in the field of safety has been taken. In 2003, the car scored 34 out of 36 cylinders in the Euroncap crash test, which at the time was considered one of the best results. Security guards were such systems as ABS, EBD,, VSC, TRC. Avensis was equipped with seven airbags, including the driver's knee airbag. Later, the list of available engines was replenished with diesel engines of the D-CAT family, as well as a gasoline engine of the D4 family with a volume of 2.4 liters. The main idea of ​​the D-CAT diesel was to reduce harmful emissions by half: power and torque were the same as those of the D-4D family of diesels.
The secret of such environmental friendliness lay in the DPNR (Diesel Particulate NOx Reduction) system, which was a filter-catalyst that reduces the emission of particulate matter, nitrogen oxide and carbon monoxide. It is noteworthy that not a single element of the DPNR system needed to be replaced during the entire life of the vehicle. Avensis easily stepped into the Euro-4 environmental class. Even diesel engines of the D-4D generation were not supplied to Russia, not to mention D-CAT.
Two bodies were offered: a sedan and a station wagon (in Europe there was also a hatchback). The choice was offered MKP-5 or AKP-4, and later the list was replenished with AKP-5. In 2006, the model was restyled: the bumper and radiator grille became similar to Camry elements, the headlights sparkled with fashionable “lens” optics, the lights were hidden behind a common transparent glass, and LED turn indicators appeared in the cases of larger mirrors. Changed minor details in the interior. In 2009, the third generation Avensis was introduced.

Engines:
1.6 (110 HP)
1.8 (129 HP)
2.0 (147 HP)
2.4 (163 HP)
2.0 D-4D (116 HP)
2.2 D-4D (148 - 175 hp)

Subsequent generations:
Toyota Avensis T270 (third generation)

Toyota positions itself as a manufacturer of expensive but reliable cars. Leaving VAG behind, Toyota has taken a leading position in the global car market. But Avensis was an exception, not justifying the number of sales in the CIS. What are the reasons? I will talk about this later.

Story

In 2003, Toyota launched the mass production of the second-generation Avensis T 250. The expected excitement did not happen: due to the low level of sales for Europe, they expanded the equipment line, added diesel units to the power line, even reducing Camry supplies, but nothing helped. It is noteworthy that the Camry 30 was cheaper than the Avensis, despite the prestige and class. The secondary market of the CIS was replenished with cars from Europe, thanks to the created image of a reliable, inexpensive car with an optimal power line. Today, a car is massively imported into Ukraine and territories not controlled by it from Europe, most often in a station wagon and liftback body with diesel engines, due to the attractive cost of a “European”.

Gasoline engines started from 1.6 to 2.4 liters, for Europe they added a couple of “diesels”. Front-wheel drive, all-wheel drive versions are extremely rare. For the CIS, the sedan body has become popular. The undoubted advantage is the exquisite work of engineers in the field of the chassis, as well as good interior trim materials. The car competes with the Opel Vectra C, previously mentioned in one of my articles, and the Mercedes-Benz C-class W203.

What about our reliability?

About the body

If you come across a completely rotten Avensis, be sure that the car has been in a major accident. But it is also impossible to call corrosion resistance ideal. The body is not fully galvanized: the “charms” of a thin paintwork appear on the pillars and the windshield frame. Chips eventually turn into pockets of corrosion. Owners note water entering the cabin through the joint of the windshield in the roof area.

The outer part of the wheel arches corrodes over time. Defective fenders provoke the appearance of rust on the rear arches. Unfortunately, the corrosion process in this area cannot be stopped, so cars with a patched arch are often found.

The level of bottom protection is slightly better. Small pockets of corrosion at the place where the rear pillars are attached do not cause concern. It is important to monitor the condition of the metal in the area of ​​the factory sealant on the front spars. The swollen paint on the front glasses urgently needs attention, as it is not far from the formation of through holes. When buying a car, you need to carry out a comprehensive anti-corrosion treatment using high-quality materials.

Light optics is a solid minus of the model. The headlights become cloudy after a few, and the mileage is not important. On this occasion, the company created a recall campaign, but the clouding of the headlights has not disappeared. Over time, the tightness between the glass and the body is lost, and the headlight leaks. You will have to change the headlight along with the lens. On the restyled version, the problems were solved so that in these cars the headlights become cloudy even faster. The taillights are so sealed that they become a home for flies, not to mention the presence of water inside the housing.

The quality of the rear window seam shows itself in cold weather - water flows through the seam onto the head of the rear passengers. You have to paste it yourself. If you slam the front doors hard, you will have to get the glass inside the door, as they break off the rails. Heated side mirrors heats up weakly. But the heating of the wipers performs a different function - it forms cracks on the windshield.

Door seals lose their tightness after several hundred thousand kilometers. Experienced owners stick a tube inside the seal, but they won’t get rid of the increased noise, although the model does not differ in special sound insulation.

What's in the cabin

High-quality material tends to emit squeaks and crickets with age. The seat frame also creaks, and to fix the problem, you will have to completely disassemble the seats. The engine compartment is well soundproofed, which cannot be said about the arches and the bottom, from where the main noise comes into the cabin. Some owners did not neglect additional sound insulation, solving a factory problem. The air conditioner can fail at the most inopportune moment: the compressor clutch fails due to an imperfect design. Otherwise, the interior, even after 15 years, looks decent, without any signs of operation.

Electrical part

The car's electrics are also capable of causing trouble, namely:

• the generator resource barely exceeds 100 thousand km, after which glitches of electronic systems and dim headlights are noticed;
• rear bulbs need to be changed often (due to tightness problem);
• often a whole “garland” of control lamps burns on the instrument panel for various reasons (dirty throttle and candles, failure of the oxygen sensor);
• constant contamination of the DMRV.

To understand the many causes of malfunctions, a comprehensive diagnosis of the mechanical part is needed, for example: a dirty intake module, clogged injectors, low fuel pump pressure, etc. Owners of Avensis T250 are advised to purchase an OBD2 scanner to understand and fix ECU errors on their own.

Chassis, steering and brakes

The brake system is reliable if the anthers of the directing brakes are changed every time the pads are changed and they are well lubricated. The ABS unit often suffers from malfunctions up to failure of operation.

Everything is fine with the chassis: the shock absorbers have a resource of 150,000 km, which is solid by today's standards. Cars with a mileage of 200,000 km “sit” on the original suspension, except for bushings and stabilizer struts. Silent blocks and ball bearings and bearings of the front supports are changed separately. The only caveat is the weak wheel bearings, which need to be replaced every 100,000 km.

The design of the rear suspension is intricate. This is the “multi-link” MacPherson, which gives comfort, provided the suspension is in perfect condition. If you do not pay attention to the rack-guide, then the slightest backlash will lead to skidding on the road.

Once a year, you need to do wheel alignment, but there is a surprise here too - soured breakup bolts that need to be cut with a grinder.

The electric power steering does not differ in advanced characteristics. Often, the fault is the “garage” repair of the rail with the rail preloaded and the shifting of the gears in places. The problem is characteristic of motors 1.8. In versions with 2 and 2.4 engines, there is a power steering. Pre-styling versions suffer from constant leakage from under the pump. Active taxiing, dirty oil and filling the pump with Dexron type oil will lead to its sudden failure. For power steering, you need an individual low-viscosity oil Pentosin.

About transmission

A half-axle drive breaking in half is a typical Toyota problem, and corrosion is to blame, but CV joints are very reliable. The gearbox can “please” with a sudden breakdown of the output shaft bearing and oil leakage from under the shaft seals. If the emptying of the gearbox housing is not noticed in time, then it will have to be thrown away, since the completely “killed” bearing will break and, with its remnants, will break the entire inside of the mechanical transmission. The story with automatic transmission is the opposite. The resource of automatic transmission exceeds the resource of engines. Automatic transmission withstands torque above the factory values, but you can break everything. You will have to pay for reliability with frequent oil changes. If the box is operating in high load mode, then the back cover will fail first, which carries with it the erasing of friction clutches. If the oil is not changed on time, then the oil pump will order to live for a long time immediately.

Power line

Toyota engines are traditionally reliable. There are many legends about the 1ZZ series engine, and some of them are true. Despite interesting modern solutions, the legendary reliability is gone. The cooling system, catalysts, motor wiring and engine mounts shorten the life of motors.

I will touch on the popular 1ZZ-FE 1.8 engine. Claims to the motor are more than justified by the following facts:

• “raw” piston group until 2005;
• weak timing chain;
• the design of the cylinder head does not imply full-fledged valve seats;
• there are no repair sizes of pistons, rings and liners;
• increased oil consumption.

The lightweight cylinder block is vulnerable to overheating, which is why it shattered on auto-dismantling with a bang.

There are also good points: the sleeves are changed, spare parts for the motor are inexpensive and common. The potential of the motor is 300-400 thousand km. The purchase of an Avensis with a “dead” engine will entail serious financial expenses, so you need to diagnose the unit up and down.

Results

Toyota Avensis T250 is a car that, after 15 years, does not lose its relevance among fans of the brand. Like all cars, he loves timely service and quality parts. Unfortunately, not all components and assemblies are endowed with the same “Toyota” quality, like all cars of the marketing era.

This "Japanese" of English origin is suitable for accomplished, sensible and self-confident people who do not chase newfangled or original things.

Even at the time of its appearance, the second generation Toyota Avensis did not surprise with special originality. It has a restrained design, not without attractiveness. At the same time, even after seven years, this model does not look outdated. Needless to say - a self-sufficient gentleman (Avensis was produced at the Toyota plant in the UK).

Like its predecessor, the range of Toyota Avensis II modifications includes a sedan, station wagon and liftback. Only classic sedans were officially sold in Ukraine. A year before the end of production (in 2007), the model was restyled, but the changes were so insignificant that only connoisseurs can determine which version it is: on the front bumper - they are rectangular and on the rear lights - their protective cap is completely red (all of these are versions of 2003-2007).

Delicious "stuffing"

This "Japanese" is distinguished by good passive safety - according to the results of EuroNCAP crash tests in 2003, he won the maximum 5 stars. Even in the basic version Technical - 9 (!) Airbags. By the way, Avensis became the first model in its class equipped with a knee airbag for the driver.

Attracts Avensis and a good level of equipment. So, even the basic versions look more attractive than many competitors: there is a rain and light sensor, ABS systems, directional stability (VSC), traction control (TRC), immobilizer, central locking, power windows and mirrors, multifunction steering wheel, branded radio, dual-zone climate control, optitronny instrument panel, adjustable in two directions steering wheel, power steering.

The bodies are well protected against corrosion, and there are no comments on the Avensis in this discipline. The salon is very well made. It is designed without excessive pomp and originality. At the same time, it is very comfortable inside, and the ergonomics are such that after a short time it seems as if you have known this car for a long time. Noise isolation to match the high-end models.

Change your oil on time!

Despite the rather diverse range of power units, only 1.8-liter and 2.0-liter gasoline versions were officially sold in Ukraine. The first of the engines is equipped with a system of distributed fuel injection, and the second - direct (directly into the cylinders). Due to this, the 2.0-liter engine has a harder and noisier idle. All other modifications were imported by "gray" dealers and are extremely rare in our country.

The power units of used Avensis in our operating conditions can “eat up” oil. Bad gasoline leads to soot, deterioration of oil properties and accelerated wear of the cylinder-piston group. For this reason, minders of the branded service station often had to repair engines. Moreover, it is not possible to make a major overhaul - the cylinder blocks are made of aluminum alloys and it is impossible to machine them to the repair dimensions. You have to buy a new block or a "used" motor. As operating experience has shown, in order to avoid problems, it is advisable to change the oil after no more than 10 thousand km.
Avensis units are equipped with a proprietary VVT-i variable valve timing system and an ignition system with individual coils for each of the candles. These systems work reliably and without problems. Expensive spark plugs with iridium electrode tips are used in motors (original spare part - 240 UAH).

During operation, the fuel injection system needs periodic cleaning of the nozzles, throttle valve and air flow meter. Moreover, it is better not to do this on your own, but to entrust the work to specialists. The signal will be unstable idling. By a run of 100 thousand km, the front cover of the engine may lose tightness. At about the same time, it becomes necessary to replace the multi-ribbed attachment belt.

But the timing is not very demanding on maintenance - a durable metal chain is used. Once every 90 thousand km, it is recommended to check the thermal clearances of the valves, although they usually have to be adjusted no more often than after 180 thousand km.

Weaknesses of the car

Listen carefully!

Avensis is a front-wheel drive car equipped with a manual gearbox or automatic transmission, and both types of units are found in us in almost the same quantity. The automatic transmission of the "Japanese" is not the most modern - 4-speed, but at the same time it is endowed with the possibility of manual gear selection - Tiptronic.

The most trouble-free were "automatic". But in the "mechanics" there were cases of failure of the shaft support bearings. The malfunction is manifested by a characteristic hum while driving. In order not to run into a copy with a “rolled” manual gearbox, it is recommended to conduct a qualified car diagnostics.

There are no comments to the clutch equipped with a hydraulic drive. The maintenance of the "machine" consists in a regular (every 90 thousand km) oil change along with the filter, and the "mechanics" - a lubricant change every 60 thousand km.

There are no boundaries for perfection…

Unlike its predecessor, the design of the second-generation steering Avensis was improved - the tie rods are interchangeable (previously - together with the steering mechanism). In general, they serve well: they can last 80-100 thousand km, and steering tips - at least 150 thousand km. However, over time, a knock may appear in the steering wheel caused by wear on the crosspiece or steering shaft mechanism.

Chassis Avensis is quite suitable for our roads - it is endowed with good energy consumption. Joints and hard bumps are worked out quietly and resiliently, it also copes with larger pits and patches. The car behaves confidently at high speeds. The steering is very "transparent" and allows you to feel good connection with the wheels even in emergency situations.

Suspension - independent with anti-roll bars. McPherson is used in front, and a two-lever design is used in the back. Most often (every 40-60 thousand km) on our roads you will have to change the bushings of the stabilizers, the struts last much longer - about 100 thousand km. The rear silent blocks of the front levers are no less able to hold out, but the front and ball bearings run almost 200 thousand km. In the rear suspension, the silent blocks of the upper arm serve the least (60-80 thousand km), the “gum” of the lower arm is more durable - they go at least 100 thousand km.

Increases the cost of maintenance of the suspension that the "gum" of the front and rear levers in the "original" are supplied assembled, and in the "non-original" silent blocks of the front levers can be purchased separately.

The brake system equipped with disc mechanisms (front - ventilated) is effective. Its maintenance consists in periodic (when replacing the pads) lubrication of the guide calipers. Unless the most active drivers have deformation of the brake discs. There are no claims to the reliability of the drum parking brake.

It's possible, but be careful...

Toyota Avensis is an excellent choice for sensible middle-aged and older people, perfect for the role of a family car. At the same time, its future owner must have a consistently high income - spare parts and maintenance of this "Japanese" are expensive. When buying a used Avensis, it is first of all important to find out the condition of potentially problematic units: the engine (does it “eat” oil) and the gearbox (whether the bearings in the “mechanics” are in good order).

Prices for new non-original spare parts, UAH*
Front/Rear brake pads
Air filter
Fuel filter
Oil filter
Shock absorber front/rear
Hub bearing front/rear
Spherical bearing
Silent block of the front arm
Front bushing/strut stabilizer
Tie Rod
Clutch kit
*Prices may vary slightly depending on the manufacturer and modification of the vehicle. Prices provided by the store "Track E99" ** With a hub

from $13 thousand to $22.5 thousand	According to the catalog "Autobazaar"
Total information
body type	sedan, liftback and station wagon
doors/seats
Dimensions, L/W/H, mm	4630/1760/1480 and 4700/1760/1520 (uni)
Curb / full weight, kg
Trunk volume, l	500/870 and 475/1500 (un.)
Tank volume, l
Engines
Petrol 4-cyl.:	1.6 L 16V (110 HP), 1.8 L 16V (129 HP), 2.0 L 16V (147 HP), 2.4 L 16V (163 HP) )
Diesel 4-cyl.:	2.0L 16V Turbo (126PS), 2.2L 16V Turbo (150PS), 2.2L 16V Turbo (177PS)
Transmission
type of drive
	5-st. fur., 4-st. ed.
Chassis
Brakes front/rear	disk. vent./disk
Suspension front/rear	independent/independent
	205/55R16, 215/55R17

Story

1997-2003 The first generation of Toyota Avensis was produced.
03.03 The second generation Avensis will debut at the Geneva Motor Show.
08.04 New 2.4 liter petrol engine.
03.05 The installation of two turbodiesel engines with a volume of 2.2 liters and a capacity of 150 and 177 liters has begun. With.
06.07 restyling
09.08 The next, third generation Toyota Avensis is presented at the Paris Motor Show.

Owner about Toyota Avensis

Been looking for a family car for a long time. As an alternative, I considered Opel Vectra, VW Passat, Honda Accord and Toyota Avensis. As a result, he chose Avensis. This model attracted me with rich equipment, a comfortable and spacious interior, as well as the image of a manufacturer known to many motorists, producing some of the most reliable cars. During the operation, this "Japanese" did not disappoint me - there were no serious problems with it. At the same time, it pleases with a soft suspension and high comfort. Of the comments, I note a considerable fuel consumption - a 2.0-liter engine with an "automatic" in the city "eats" approximately 13 liters per 100 km. The cost of spare parts and maintenance is quite high. To save money, I go to a familiar mechanic.

Summary

Body and interior
Avensis is characterized by high passive safety and rich equipment even in basic versions. The salon will please with workmanship, well-thought-out ergonomics and spaciousness.	The peculiarity of our market is such that it is impossible to find any other modification other than a sedan. And for Avensis, expensive parts and maintenance. Over time, used copies may have problems with front optics. The salon is made very high quality, the only characteristic problem is that the heating of the front seats may fail.
Engine and transmission
Thanks to the VVT-i system, the engines are distinguished by good elasticity. Undemanding to maintenance and gas distribution mechanism. "Automatic" Tiptronic reliable and hassle-free.	The choice of engines is small. In units, increased oil consumption is possible due to wear of the cylinder-piston group. In this case, there is no possibility to carry out a major overhaul. The need to use expensive candles with iridium tips and frequent cleaning of the fuel injection system. By 100 thousand km, the front cover of the engine loses its tightness. In the "mechanics" failure of the support bearings is possible.
Suspension, steering, brakes
The chassis is distinguished by good energy intensity, and the steering is informative. The front suspension is durable.	On our roads, over time, the steering breaks. In the rear suspension, the "gum" of the upper arms differs in a small resource. With active driving, deformation of the brake discs is possible.

Alternative

The market value of the Accord is quite high. However, it is supported by the good quality of the car and the reliability of most components and assemblies. Perfect for lovers of active driving - it has good stability and dynamics. Accord maintenance is expensive. The choice of engines is small, there are only petrol versions on the market.

Compared to Avensis and Accord, sellers ask less for Mazda6, while it has more choice of modifications. Moreover, in our market it is really possible to meet not only a sedan, but also a liftback and station wagon. However, the reliability of this model is lower than the aforementioned "Japanese". There are also comments about corrosion resistance. But driving performance is not worse than that of competitors.

Julius Maksimchuk
Photo by Andrey Yatsulyak

Good afternoon. In today's entry, I will tell you about the weak points of the 2003-2008 Toyota Avensis. The article will be useful to everyone who evaluates the feasibility of purchasing this car. We will agree on the shore - the article was written by a reseller, so you will not find layouts for the price of ownership, but what it costs and what to look for when buying is described quite objectively.

Motorists are used to believing that there is nothing in the world. On the one hand, cars from a Japanese company really top many reliability ratings and fail noticeably less often than most classmates, but in reality it turns out that the operation of the “Japanese” cannot be called completely problem-free. Weaknesses or features in the design of Toyota vehicles are also enough. And a clear example of this is the second generation Toyota Avensis, which debuted in 2003 and is still in stable demand in the used car market.

Body and interior.

There are no complaints about the body of the Japanese car, but there are some about its front optics. Not only do Avensis headlights often fog up, but also the reflector mirror in them crumbles after 2-3 years of car operation. As a result, the headlights no longer properly illuminate the road. In addition, after 7-9 years of operation on a Toyota Avensis, the headlight washer motor usually fails. It is for this reason that it is extremely rare to find live headlights during disassembly, and what the Chinese offer is only suitable for appearance when selling. shines pretty bad.

The salon of the second generation Toyota Avensis does not begin to creak even with age, however, even without this, there are enough claims against it. So, for example, already after 100 thousand kilometers, the driver's seat in a Japanese car begins to squeeze through, and clearly visible abrasions appear on its upholstery. By the same run, many Avensis owners begin to complain about problems with the correct distribution of air flows during the operation of the air conditioner. This happens due to a failure of the damper drive. In addition, you should be prepared for the fact that the heater motor will refuse to work at all. The reason for this is worn motor brushes.

A little later, Avensis begins to grieve with more serious problems. After 150-200 thousand kilometers on a Japanese car, the air conditioning compressor may fail. And that's not all. Although you can call the failure of resistors in electrical circuits a serious problem, you still have to spend time and money to eliminate this malfunction.

Engines and their disadvantages.

The most popular engine installed on the second-generation Toyota Avensis is the 1.8-liter petrol “four” (129 horsepower). And to call it reliable and unpretentious will not work even with a stretch. Due to a design miscalculation, power units that were assembled before 2005,. On some cars, oil consumption reached one liter per thousand kilometers, which exceeds all reasonable limits.

Over time, the Japanese have finalized the design of oil scraper rings and pistons, which solved the problem. However, other problems remain. The main one is the seizure of the connecting rod bearings, which appear after 80-90 thousand kilometers. In addition, owners of the second generation Toyota Avensis should be prepared for the characteristic diesel engine that may appear after a run of 70-100 thousand kilometers. It occurs on a cold engine and indicates the need to replace the drive belt tensioner of mounted units.

A two-liter gasoline unit (147 horsepower), although demanding on fuel quality, in terms of reliability, it looks a little better than a 1.8-liter engine. The biggest problem with the two-liter Avensis engine is the pulling and stripping of the threads of the cylinder head bolts. In fairness, it should be said that this problem has not received mass distribution, but the fact remains. So, owners of Avensis with a two-liter engine can also buy a used car and, after some time, fork out for a very expensive repair.

The 2.4-liter engine (163 horsepower) under the hood of the Toyota Avensis is not very common. And the more embarrassing. Indeed, in terms of reliability, this particular power unit seems optimal. Only after 150-200 thousand kilometers does it begin to eat up oil. Its consumption, however, rarely exceeds a couple of liters per ten thousand kilometers.

Diesels.

Diesel engines were also installed on the second generation Toyota Avensis, but cars with them are extremely rare in our market. Yes, and there is no point in buying them, since modern diesel power units are extremely sensitive to fuel quality, and after 150-200 thousand kilometers they will certainly be upset by problems with the EGR valve. The disadvantages of Avensis diesel engines include the fact that most non-core mechanics are practically unfamiliar with them.

Transmission weaknesses.

Gearboxes installed on a Japanese car also cannot boast of high reliability. for example, it may start to buzz after 60-100 thousand kilometers. The reason for this is the bearings of the primary and secondary shafts. And the worst thing is that you can’t delay the repair, because in the worst case, the delay can result in the box jamming. After 100-150 thousand kilometers, owners of Avensis with a manual gearbox begin to notice that increased effort is required to shift gears. After another 50 thousand kilometers, it is time to replace the clutch. Against this background, gear shifting looks much more preferable. She does not cause any particular problems.

Weak suspension points.

In the suspension of a Japanese car, the struts and bushings of the front stabilizer are the first to surrender. They withstand no more than 20-40 thousand kilometers. Rear stabilizer bars and bushings last about twice as long. The rest of the "consumables" are even more reliable. Wheel bearings on the "second" Avensis can withstand at least 150-200 thousand kilometers. Suspension arms with shock absorbers have approximately the same resource.

Steering.

In the steering of a Japanese car, an electric booster is considered a weak point, which was installed on the version with a 1.8-liter engine. Already after 30-50 thousand kilometers, when turning the steering wheel, the owners of this version of Avensis can hear clicks or plastic crackling, which indicates a backlash in the worm pair. As for the steering tips, they usually withstand at least 100-120 thousand kilometers.

Conclusion.

It seems that the second generation Avensis was not designed by Toyota engineers at all, but by someone else. There are even too many weak points in the design of the Japanese sedan. The only good news is that Toyota gradually corrected the existing shortcomings. So if you buy a second generation Toyota Avensis, then it is better to opt for the freshest cars. Most of the "children's" problems on them have already been resolved.

In conclusion, I suggest you watch this video review of the second generation Avensis:

That's all I have today. If you want to supplement an article about the weak points of the 2003-2008 Toyota Avensis, leave comments and share your experience.