My Skoda Octavia has proven to be unreliable - will a Toyota Avensis be an improvement?
I have an '05 reg Skoda Octavia 1.9TDI Estate that has done just over 90,000 miles. Since buying it a couple of years ago I have had to replace the turbo, flywheel, crank sensor, a temperature sensor, a couple of glow plugs and it is now in the garage having a new vacuum unit installed. I'm sick of it and am thinking of changing it for an '07 plate Toyota Avensis 2.0-litre diesel with 33,000 miles on the clock. Would I be risking having similar problems buying a car of this age? Is there any other car of this size etc that I should have a look at? I don't have much to spend and doubt I could afford a newer car.
Asked on 12 June 2011 by GP, Coalville
Answered by
Honest John
Octavia 1.9 diesels are usually reliable, so I wonder if you inadvertently bought a clocked ex-taxi? Toyota had a few cylinder head problems with early examples of its chain cam D-4D that came in during 2006. More here: www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/toyota/avensis-2003/
If it had to be a diesel, why not a Civic 2.2iCDTI? Though it doesn't need to be a diesel. Last week I got 45mpg out of a Civic 1.8i petrol, driving at the speed limits almost all the time: www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/honda/civic-2006/?se...t
If it had to be a diesel, why not a Civic 2.2iCDTI? Though it doesn't need to be a diesel. Last week I got 45mpg out of a Civic 1.8i petrol, driving at the speed limits almost all the time: www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/honda/civic-2006/?se...t
Real MPG enables you to register the fuel economy you are actually getting against your make and model of car, its engine and type of transmission.
Every time you enter an average consumption figure against your car, the overall average automatically adjusts to reflect it.
Our Fuel Cost Calculator shows you which will be the best choice for you.
Compare the running costs of petrol, diesel and electric cars to make the right choice for you.
Similar questions
I am about to retire and looking to buy a crossover, but am put off by all the dealers telling me I have to do at least 15,000 miles per year if I want a diesel. I do 10,000 miles. I also have driven automatics...
I currently own a 2007 Aygo+, with three doors. Following a job change last year I am now commuting over 60 miles a day on the A5 and A38, both dual carriageways, between Tamworth and Derby. I am spending...
I'm trying to work out whether to buy a petrol or diesel Ford Mondeo, taking into consideration that the initial price for this car secondhand is the same, say £2000. If I'm doing a mix of short five-mile...
Related models
.jpg?width=115&height=75&rmode=crop)
Practical and comfortable cabin, huge amounts in interior space, great 2.2 i-CTDi diesel engine, well built and reliable, enjoyable to drive.
Well thought of by owners. Huge boot. Spacious and comfortable cabin. Reasonable to drive. Efficient Greenline TDI models.
.jpg?width=115&height=75&rmode=crop)
Solid car. Sophisticated multi-link suspension deliberately unstressed for long life. Quite quick T180 diesel from July 2006.
.jpg)
