Water ingress in boot

I have recently noticed that the boot mat in my Toyota Avensis has become very damp and the spare wheel well is holding some residual (cleanish) water. I cannot see where it is penetrating from and suspect...

Toyota Avensis Tourer 2.2 D-4D or 1.8 V-matic

I drive about 12,000 per year and am looking at a 2009 Avensis Tourer 2.2 D-4D TR with 70,000 from a main dealer (Toyota approved, 12 months warranty) or a 2010 1.8 V-matic TR with 56,000 from a 'supermarket'....

Best large car for £3k?

I'm looking for a large-ish five door that will accommodate two adults and a child seat in the back. Ideally I'd be spending no more than £3000 and I'd rather an older, less complicated model that is going...

Buying an old diesel estate - which is best?

I am looking to buy old diesel estate, that’s around eight to ten years old. I know all will have some issues, but I'm on a tight budget. I have whittled my list down to a Volkswagen Passat 1.9, a Honda...

Why are the 2003 and 2009 Avensis fuel economy rates so similar?

Your real mpg lists at www.honestjohn.co.uk/realmpg make very interesting reading. I note that the real mpg values for the 2003 Avensis and the 2009 Avensis are almost the same (1.8 engine), yet the later...

Which tyres should I fit to my Toyota Avensis for maximum longevity?

My Avensis is now nearly seven years old but has done only 40,700 miles, completely trouble-free. I therefore plan to continue running it until it starts giving problems. One pair of tyres will soon need...

Vibration nose from exhaust - what could it be?

I own a 2008 Toyota Avensis that has covered 30,000 miles. On tick over I get a vibrating noise from the exhaust; if I touch tailpipe with my foot or increase revs a little bit it goes away. I have replaced...

The rear seats on my Avensis feel too tight?

The rear seatbelts on our owned from new Avensis do not allow general movement in use unlike the front seatbelts. Once set the belt tightens with passenger movement but will not release no matter how...

Why aren't winter tyres made compulsory in Britain?

This year, for the first time I have fitted winter tyres to my Avensis. They are very impressive on snow, but also, as reported recently in Motoring Telegraph, significantly improve grip and stopping distances...

A car for a couple in their 70s

We are in our 70s and would like a car with good visibility, economy and ease of accessibility. Most of the journeys are short local runs but once a month we drive a round trip of around 350 miles. We...