WHY THE 2016 TOYOTA AVENSIS ESTATE IS TERRIBLE?

INSTAGRAM: / pedal_loud
Hi this is a review of the Toyota Avensis Business Edition 1.8 CVT auto. We borrowed this car for a journey we were going on. It's safe to say that it wasn't really the most enjoyable of experiences. Enjoy the video!
This is a brief summary of my time in a new 2016 Toyota Avensis Touring. Estate to you and me, business edition.
The car came with a 1.8l 147hp petrol engine with a CVT automatic gearbox. has a top speed of 124mph reaches 62 miles per hour in 10.7 seconds and
It comes with paddle shifts, multifunction tft display with nav and bluetooth although I struggled getting it to play music off my iPhone despite being connected and saying it could.
It’s safe to say the car left me feeling somewhat underwhelmed.
#toyotaavensis #avensisestate #toyotaavensisestate
0:12 - Overview of Toyota Avensis Touring
0:23 - Engine Specs and Performance
0:38 - Features: Paddle Shifts, Multi-function Display
0:46 - Connectivity Issues with iPhone
0:52 - Car Pricing and Value
1:04 - Initial Disappointment with Performance
1:15 - Driving Impressions Begin
1:25 - Extreme Dislike for the Car
1:41 - Struggle to Find Positives
1:51 - Critique of Buyer's Choice
2:08 - Suggests Alternatives to Avensis
2:27 - Dislikes Car's User Interface
2:53 - Issues with Seat Adjustments
3:50 - Heating and Comfort Problems
4:26 - Criticism of CVT Gearbox Feel
5:06 - Ineffective Paddle Shifts Criticized
5:30 - Wants Better Seat and Heating
6:00 - Sport Mode Lacks Effectiveness
6:30 - Gear Lever Design Criticized
7:00 - Feels Car is Too "American"
7:59 - Describes Car's Design as Lazy
8:27 - Frustration with Gearbox Continued
9:01 - Eco vs. Sport Mode Uselessness
9:36 - Steering Wheel One Good Feature
11:16 - Recommends German Cars Over Avensis

[@johntate5050]

This guy deletes comments. I came on last year and it was absolutely full of people slagging him off. He's not only clueless, he's also a coward.

[@damos_cars]

Hi John. Clueless, coward checking in. I think you might be my new biggest fan so I pinned your comment.

[@kevinjamesparr552]

AN uneducated pampered sod

[@damos_cars]

@Test-Tube-Baby-xo8xx You looked on here quite a while ago and then you came back. Listen to that back. You need to let it go. Its just an opinion piece youtube video about a Japanese estate car. Get outside and touch some grass brother. There are way way more important things in life than this ancient video with only 45k views.

[@damos_cars]

@Test-Tube-Baby-xo8xx Hey buddy, check the latest comments its full of the pond life you're longing to see and hear. Hopefully it'll give you some POSITIVE validation and you can move on with your life. 😀

[@SM-pr1qt]

The Avensis is the most reliable car in the world. I have had two T27 models both Saloon and never had any issues with them at all. What a car

[@damos_cars]

Exactly my point. A person who can cook, clean, wash and iron reliably doesn't make them the best at other things.

[@ThomasMarxJeetKuneDoIFO]

I just bought this car. I like it, switched from my celica to this. Basically the same engine, was driving it for 18 year. There are electric seats for this car as well.

[@damos_cars]

Nice, reliable engine.

[@pbsa1979]

Probably the best Avensis advert I've seen in a while. Yes, I treat a car as I do any other appliance because that's what it is. I've not driven avensis with cvt yet but I did about 200k in other toyotas with cvt, ecvt and find them pleasingly boring and extremely reliable, though I agree- not exactly sporty in any way. OK, off to AutoTrader now... Thanks for not sitting on the fence...

[@damos_cars]

If that's your bag, then cool. Agree with everything you've said. It's just an appliance. Thanks for commenting. Cheers.

[@peetu444]

This review didn't age that well, it's only about the car as a new where I totally understand it, it's not even close to the best choice if you are going to use over 30k on a car, tho some people think about the maintenance costs as well which are around 2-4x depending which German car we're talking about and without even considering it, it kills this whole review in the first place, but when they are used it's a totally different story. If you are looking for a affordable 5 years old big car at a pretty low price, you don't have so many options, used bmws and Audis are trash and will take a ridiculous amount of cash to maintain, which probably isn't the best choice if you are looking for a lower priced big car. There are a lot of Mondeos tho which are utter garbage when they are driven over 200k and ofc you have your french shit shows as well which don't even like the cold climate. Passats and Octavias and superbs are ~30% more expensive except TSI ASG which has been an absolute joke and the Mazda 6 is also 20-25% more expensive.

[@damos_cars]

Old Toyotas are cheaper sure. My 2007 Audi A4 with 118k miles on was £3.5k and has been boringly reliable for 2 years. The secret is to buy right.

[@peetu444]

@@damos_cars Well yeah if you know who you are buying from and can track the cars history very well. Without that it's pretty much about luck; how the last owners have used the car and maintained it. If you get problems in the engine or transmission, Audi isn't going to be cheap. A4 is one class smaller too.

[@damos_cars]

It never ceases to amaze me how many people buy cars with bald tyres, one key, poor MOT history, chipped wheels and then complain after the event. It really isn't rocket science to buy a decent used car. If you can't look out for the most obvious things and common issues (all cars have them) then every car you buy (Toyota, Audi etc.) will be a high risk option.

[@davidraymond5033]

@@damos_cars I'm a guy with a little family, and have just purchased a manual version. Smoothest ride I've ever had. You sound a bit spoiled. I bought one for 5750. Which was beyond our budget, but life and work it's what we need. Did I make a mistake?

[@saddoncarrs6963]

I've been driving an Avensis 1.8 BE CVT for 3 years now. As you say, the infotainment system is less than perfect, as is the CV transmission and changing the "sport" button and flappy paddles for heated seats would have been a good swap. These cars were built in Derbyshire - and I think the staff there did an excellent job. I find the build quality is second to none - the doors close with a reassuring "thunk", all the controls, knobs and switches have a quality action and there isn't a hint of a rattle or squeak anywhere. Reliability is unquestionable - just breathe on the key and she fires into life first time, every time - and to date, I haven't required any warranty work carried out on the car at all. Barring accidents, and providing it continues to be properly maintained, I think it will outlive any BMW/Merc/Audi etc. I also find the Avensis comfortable, very spacious (for passengers and luggage) and a refined cruiser. I'd agree that it is certainly not an enthusiasts car, but then it was never meant to be one. If driving pleasure is your gig (and good luck with that on UK roads), look elsewhere. But if you're looking for a spacious, comfortable, frugal, refined, very reliable and noticeably cheap used car, you could do a lot worse than the Avensis. Just be sure to check the service record (which, I suppose, goes for any car).

[@damos_cars]

You sir. Are a gentleman and a scholar. Thanks for watching.

[@gtibruce]

Hi, how is the oil consumption on these newer models as they had problems with the older up to 2010 models i think it was?

[@NaturallyAspirated250]

@@gtibruce Running a 2010 1.8 manual estate from new, now on 125k and never need an oil to up between the annual oil change. I find driving in general is a tedious task, period ( in any car) so can't really testify on personal stuff like enjoyment from driving, other than she always start, never needed replacement parts other than tyres and brakes, paid for herself many times over and she has an excellent air conditioning.

[@mackysobrevega1780]

How much milage do you have on your 1.8 CVT? Just bought one at 90,000 miles. I’m concerned about the cvt oil. My last last car only lasted me 3 month due to transmission issues, kinda paranoid about transmissions

[@ThePANDA1885]

That's a brutal review! Very funny too. Yet you've still not managed to deter me from keeping the Avensis on my shortlist as you can pick them up quite cheaply and will be way more reliable than any competitor.

[@damos_cars]

Yeh, I reckon now its a decent enough used buy for the price. Hope you enjoy it!

[@ThePANDA1885]

@@damos_cars thought you were going to flame me!!

[@ondrez5114]

I bought a late 2017 model with 85k km at late 2020 and driving it for 6 months now, I have very little to complain about. I have 2.0 diesel tho.

[@jenniferwilliams4447]

@@ondrez5114 thank goodness for that! I pick mine up in a couple of days. Did test drive and loved it except the auto hand brake. I am not a fan of high tec, more to breakdown nor the remote key but then I may get use to that with time. Fingers crossed.

[@mcddetectrespect.7467]

Glad you liked the car.

[@damos_cars]

hee hee thanks

[@theyjustwantyourmoney4539]

It might not be the best but nothing will deter me from considering it, Toyota is a safer zone to play in, at least.

[@damos_cars]

Nice one, enjoy.

[@ernestsinje-ng8hm]

Its a very nice car

[@damos_cars]

yes indeed. Nice. Like your cousin is nice but you wouldn't marry them. Well unless you're Queen Victoria.

[@sizif717]

Well, Toyotas are reliable work donkeys, not race horses or comfy carriages. One should know that before buying. We all like the driving dynamics and the comfort of the german counterparts, but their reliability record and maintenance expenses in the lasts 20 years has been very poor in comparison to Toyota, to say the least...Especially if you buy second hand.

[@damos_cars]

uh huh. Yeh.

[@mikeuk8486]

Just the look of dials and central counsel is just ugly enough to put me off

[@damos_cars]

True that.

[@bbnCRLB]

This guy is just talking trash. I own this car and it's awesome.

[@damos_cars]

Congratulations.

[@g.t.539]

The quality is certainly better than an Insignia or Mondeo, but the Toyota is a characterless car and also has an ugly design. A gray mouse on the road.

[@damos_cars]

Characterless, aka shit.

[@davidwatt7663]

CVT spoils it

[@damos_cars]

It was awful.

[@tomwall7966]

This is not a real Toyota it's just a badge on grill it's not even Japanese engine it's a bmw engine older Toyota's never die but that new modern trash is just disgusting

[@damos_cars]

Listen to Tom. He talks sense.

[@sanathkumar90]

I have a manual 1.8L petrol Avensis. bought it used. It always starts and never lets me down.

[@damos_cars]

Super!

[@HE76]

Would have been nice to cover all aspects of the veh like rear seats, boot etc.. I had a pre-facelift 1.8 manual estate as our family car and the 2 years we had it the car was faultless - however it has no driver engagement or life or anything when driving and compared to modern engines this old school 1.8 is just out of date and touch. The switch gear has not changed in at least 20 years (had mk1 Avensis for 8 years with same switches). In my view toyota have spent all the development budget on hybrid and hydrogen engines with nothing left for how the car drives or feels. I looked at this facelift at launch and even the toyota salesman stated "it's an avensis what do you expect", saying that he clearly had done no research on the new model as knew nothing about it. I also commented on how bad the toyota auto box is regardless of model and was assured it had been improved since my 2010 experience in a land cruiser,perhaps they were wrong ! Keep up the good work to give honest/independent reviews.

[@damos_cars]

thanks for taking the time to comment and for watching.

[@DaveyMan-r1t]

If it was me, I'd get the diesel, specifically the 2.0 d4d business edition. (The d4d is basically a diesel, and it is in 4 wheel drive). Sometimes petrols can be a bit slow. The diesels are better, they are more economical, a bit faster and more efficient, but although they aren't aesthetically pleasing to look at, they are still very reliable. My neighbour has one of these, I see it literally everyday. However, if I ever want to buy a Toyota Avensis, I would either get this (the 2015 facelift), or the 2009-2015 pre-facelift. That one may be ever so slightly better really.

[@CelicaSainz]

It needs the 2.0 turbo from Lexus

[@damos_cars]

yes!!

[@tbir5689]

Funny review. I don’t like this version at all but the previous two were decent cars. Always ultra reliable - especially the petrol version - which ran and ran without fuss. Which? has it as a Best Buy which goes to show how subjective reviews are. I agree with you about the CVT - the slipping clutch feel / sound would be a serious pain.

[@damos_cars]

Yeh, I agree. I didn't mind the previous 2 gens actually. Yeh the CVT is truly horrid.

[@superthierry1]

The Nissan Juke takes motoring journalism to the next level 🤣🤣 anyway I drive an Avensis Tourer 2.2 d4d 2010 T spirit with a the toys 😁😁. Nothing exciting in fact I thought it handled like a ship🛳️😑 but now I appreciate it's remit as unremarkable reliable transport which is Toyota all over. Previously I owned a Honda Accord Type R.. VTEC Yo.. So I did struggle in the beginning 😩. Moving on the Mondeo, Pug 408, Insignia and Passat alike are all boring cars...? Nobody will look at you, steal it or try to race you.. 🤣 The Mazda 6 is supposed to be a good drive.. Gearbox is lifted from the MX5 and the steering rack from the RX8 awaiting a review? 😎

[@damos_cars]

Ooo you're selling me on a Mazda 6 now!!

[@superthierry1]

@@damos_cars 🤣😎 or a mk1 Octavia Vrs..favoured by the cops 👮🤣

[@radoslawjocz2976]

If you don't like Toyota try Lexus.

[@damos_cars]

LOL

[@yugoslavas1635]

trash review

[@damos_cars]

Thank you for the feedback.

[@davidnewman7014]

Ok b58 real strong engine anything else post 2010 or so total crap and i don't understand why toyota thought it was a good idea to use them 2.0 and 1.6 money pits. Why?!

[@damos_cars]

dunno

[@1arjen8]

I just read this review and for me it sealed the deal, in a negative sense. I thought I would like paddle shifters. Glad you set me straight. Now I know the car doesn't have it, but what would your take be on a head-up display? Another useless gimmick?

[@damos_cars]

Paddle shifters on a CVT I mean WTF?! Heads up handy if you have a very very quick call where knowing how fast you're going whilst concentrating on driving is very important otherwise useless.

[@lucyloo333]

The 1.8 with the manual gearbox is a lot better car to drive than the one you had with the dreadful CVT. The CVT makes the whole driving experience dull.But it's not really fair to condem the whole avensis range because you ended up with one of worst .It was nice of you to reply and I'm looking forward to watching more of your reviews.

[@damos_cars]

+Chris Clark Yeh, fair enough. Maybe I was having a bad day and the CVT wasn't helping.. It tainted my vision of the whole car. If I ever get my hands on the manual maybe I can make amends.

[@lucyloo333]

That's a fair comment .If the dealer told me I could only get a 1.8 with CVT I would have done what you suggested and walked straight out again and very quickly.

[@mickphelan6757]

​@@damos_cars11:24

[@keddedermann392]

Completely agree, I own one (Manual shift) for 4 years now, was originally considering a used MB C220D, but I went for the "safe choice" in terms of new car based on quality reports from "ADAC pannenstatistik" and others... Regret that now... Quaility has been a huge disapointment, while the dealership is trying to talk around problems until out of waranty, rattle from engine judged "completely normal" , suspension has a certain resonance freqency where it has a very slight jitter, making it anoying at certain speeds. clutch changed on warranty, but only after much discussion and video evidence was presented to the dealer, then it all of a sudden was a "well known issue" Apparently the shaft seal towards the clutch has a design flaw that leaks gearbox oil into the clutch bell, leading to clutch slipping under load...crap design. amazing as the design is "100 years" old by now...Toyota only facelifted from previous models and made no improvement of quality... Only good thing to say is, interior has a decent build quality.... wel.... that said, the inner front door-handles has a squecking noise when pulling it (two plastic parts that dont seat fully, so they rub = squek-sound) Poor design or worn out casting tools? Advice; Avoid it, if you want toyota quality, buy a 1989 corolla...

[@damos_cars]

Listen to Kedde. Kedde knows from bitter experience how bad this gen Avensis is. Thank for watching Kedde and taking the time to comment.

[@stephentaege6255]

Blimmey this Toyota is nearly identical to my Hyundai i40estate

[@damos_cars]

I know right...

[@arifhussain2591]

Avens is Toyota 16 d scrap car they give you 40 miles gallon

[@damos_cars]

ok

[@hassankhan384]

Old Toyotas were best not only that but the older avensis the 1st and 2nd gen were very good built and reliable and everything was good as it did improve in 2nd gen which they had great quality interiors speacily the top range models with leather seats and electric seats electric mirrors and good quality with good engines mainly the 2.0l diesel are the best engines.

[@damos_cars]

Agreed!

[@hichambenaissa3163]

Is there a hidden camera?

[@damos_cars]

nope

[@Kayshots]

#SkodaFabiaCombi

[@damos_cars]

Yeh, good shout. Far better! Is that what you drive?

[@hrh2092]

Toyota doesn't look at EU market as a valuable one. It makes ugly and mechanically worthless designs. They made this piece of junk CH-R which makes me puke looking at it. They still make good designs in the US but in Europe they make jokes. Having said that, it doesn't mean I give a damn about BMW or MB or VW, they also make junk. Overpriced and unreliable metal junk; who charges 1500 Euro for a LED lighting option? I am currently enjoying Koreans, reasonable engines and excellent comfort/options and very affordable.

[@damos_cars]

Thanks couldn’t agree more.

[@hrh2092]

Did I say VW charges for knee-airbag option on the Highline trim? You lost my business VW. Hyundai won it.

[@davidk7262]

Mechanically worthless? I understand their styling is bland but Toyotas are pretty much the most reliable cars on the road.

[@damos_cars]

@@davidk7262 My dishwasher is reliable, I don't want to sit in that either.

[@Alin-yb1zl]

CH-R ugly? 😂 you are a top designer? No, so your opinion dosent matter.

[@ar43r]

thumb up for seat possition and touchscreen... and looks

[@damos_cars]

:-)

[@robbryant52]

I had one did 178000 miles great car

[@damos_cars]

That’s one to tell the grandkids… 🥱

[@shonniebhida]

I think this guy is correct mostly, the seats on the Early model is the same, power is just not there, the paddle is a joke, the Wheel and Dash is very nice, and Engine Chain rather than a belt is great, buy a manual 2.0 D this chap is not far of the Mark to be honest. however, those car`s are very reliable, easy to work on, ask a Mechanic, they are the last breed of Car, that`s not difficult to repair, non complex, and the components under the Hood/bonnet are easy to gain access, to, which reduces Garage Labour Charge, on one hand they are as the man says, but to a Mechanic, they are simple reliable Car`s , if you notice in large Cities like Birmingham, Manchester, all the Taxi`s are mostly Toyota, there is a good reason for this fact..its the same in London, if you need advice on Car reliability..go ask a Taxi Driver they also know..and ask a non big Dealer Mechanic , and you will be told Toyota..

[@damos_cars]

Thanks!

[@gtibruce]

Hi, with the 2.0 D you say these are good. Correct me if im wrong but without checking didn't they do a proper torque converter box with the early ones say 2011 to 15 yrs. and what about oil consumption with the diesels unlike the early petrol's? Also what about the DPF cleaning on them ?

[@dannyboy9817]

What is it with Toyota and this blooming CVT transmission? Variable belt drive....... basically the same concept of the Daf Variomatic from the 1970's. 😑😶😉😕.

[@damos_cars]

Horrid things!

[@tomwall7966]

Even 12 model avensis d4d was heap shite too but t25 was a real Toyota vvti petrol I pick over diesel

[@damos_cars]

We like you Tom.

[@fosterb247]

I agree! I suffered the misfortune of being supplied a 2018 Avensis 1.6 diesel business edition after my Mondeo broke down. I had it 4 months and 25k miles. It is the most dreary diving experience and a truly awful car... The navigation screen is useless if the sun comes out? All the switches have a slight delay before responding? The power steering gives up when the car is stationary? The cruise control is on a mad stalk which moves with the steering wheel? The E parking brake operation is mysterious? If auto stop kicks-in when the car stops and you undo the seat belt the engine starts again? Why does it do that? Thanks for this upload - I thought it was just me that hates this car - With this Avensis, Toyota have successfully removed any pleasure and enjoyment from motoring. THE WORST CAR EVER? Yes. The worst I've driven in memory...

[@damos_cars]

Finally a kindred spirit! Thank you. Here’s to sanity!

[@damos_cars]

Yeh, I got 3!

[@terrificspokesman7416]

Luckily Toyota have started to make some much better cars now.