Agree with Corax - drive both and see which suits you better.

The Octavia 1.8 TSI is livelier and the handling a bit sharper, but if your driving style is relaxed you'll find the Avensis equally satisfactory: the Toyota isn't a car to set the world alight, but that isn't a quality that everyone wants.

I got a new Toyota Avensis 2 litre diesel T2 Tourer as a company car in March 2009, it's now done 97k miles.

I deliberately chose the basic T2 specification because I wanted the minimum benefits in kind liability and I wanted steel wheels not alloys.

Long term thoughts:

The original factory fit tyres were bridgestones, the fronts lasted 37.5 k miles, these were replaced with Michelin Energy which lasted until 93k miles, draw your own conclusions about tyre life.

The car averages 56 mpg, I admit most of my driving is long runs, motorways & A roads and I try to plan early starts to beat the traffic.

The estate really swallows a load, I've had a single divan bed in the back with the rear door shut and regularly carry 2 biles in the back.

Problems: One of the actuators on the electronic parking brake failed at 68k miles, the car was out of warranty, I don't know if the repair was charged as the car is a leased vehicle but the cost was something like £675 for the actuator, 2.1/2 hours to fit plus VAT. The clutch also needed replacing at 72k miles but I put this down to the clutch is fighting the parking brake auto release every time you set off.

In conclusion, I like the brand, I like the Toyota ethos, I like my main dealer, Listers Toyota in Lincoln, nothing is too much trouble for them. I am so impressed with Toyota that we traded my wifes Skoda Fabia in for a Toyota Yaris.

Hope this helps.

Hi,I also have a previous 1.8 auto,05,generally speaking probably the best car I have owned and I have got through many over the years.It feels extremely safe,comfortable,very smooth drive with reasonable economy for a biggish auto.My only very slight gripe is a bit to much road noise,but I am very fussy!...I believe the new model is a big improvement on mine so that must be some motor,I would love one.As for the dealers I have dealt with three in different areas,all superb.Actually I have been looking to down size for ages now,only for economy,and still am but I am finding it very hard to prize myself out of this Avensis!

Pay attention to the service history if buying nearly new.

I was looking for a 1-year old landcruiser. Most at the MrT showrooms were ex hire, but hadn't had their first service (10,000 miles/1 year) on time. I found it hard to get a straight answer on whether this had invalidated the 3 year warranty. All I got were assurances that the dealer would look after me.

I eventually found an 11-month old one < 10,000 miles.

Edited to add: vehicle and dealer have been first class. Now up to 4.5 years old, no breakdowns. A couple of small warranty fixes.

Edited by Marlot on 20/08/2011 at 18:37