Avensis 2.0 D 4-D T3 X Tourer on 08 Plate

150 or 180 version?

The 150's are arguably sweeter engine.

Watch for sticking EGR valves and failing injectors - prompt startup, smooth idle and pulls well through the rpms.

Check the coolant bottle and cap for any oil spots or dis-colouration of the coolant. Burst head gaskets are not uncommon, if HG has started leaking, you will see small white dots on the underside of the engine cover close to the coolant bottle- residue from the RED antifreeze that should be present.

If the HG has blown in the past, the water pump seal often pops due to the extra pressure in the cooling system- the spinning pulley leaves a very tell tale spray pattern.

The problem is you have to drop the engine & gearbox out of the car to remove the cyl head, due to the stupid way the sump has to come off to remove the timing cover.

Misty headlamps, squeaking interior, and binding / squeaky brakes.- stripping & cleaning fixes it. Lastly check the a/c works, corroded and leaking condensers fairly common.

I would strongly suggest checking with the Toyota garage that serviced it earlier on for warranty work they did.

That said, on the whole they are *very* reliable and will do a massive mileage with little bother if maintained. Look how many are used as minicabs!

Tim,,

On 24/07/2015 18:12, Tim

Thanks

Not sure about engine version yet. Spec says 125 PS \ 300 Nm torque.

I've had a look at the external bits this evening and it is very clean and no sign of any external issues. I will be putting my head under the bonnet tomorrow for the stuff you suggested to look for.

On 24/07/2015 18:12, Tim

Took it for a drive.

I noticed the idle sits steady at about 800 rpm but rises to a steady

1000 rpm or a bit above before settling back again. It wasn't varying much as in up and down all the time. The A\C was on so possibly reacting to cooling load? Didn't think at the time to switch it off.

No "mayo" in cambox and cam lobes appear ok. Dealer guy says that motor is chain driven cams.

Otherwise motor appears to start and pull well. Coolant tank looks ok. No squeeks or creaks and no signs of brake discs worn by dragging calipers.

Now I've seen it in proper daylight the car has had a respray, and not a particularly good one. There is no evidence of bodywork damage or rust.

However I don't give much thought to looks as it will end up scratched and scraped like my present Astra is, carrying fishing gear, brushing past undergrowth on fishing venues, etc. A clean car is a sign of a wasted day as far as I am concerned.

Up for £3995 but I will see about a cash offer.

Patchy history, fairly leggy, with dodgy paint? I'd be running away, not considering an offer!

It's a 7 year old example of one of the dullest and least sought after cars in the class. Surely there has to be a better way to spend nearly £4k?

D4-D has one chain driven cam and the other is gear driven off that.

They had to do this, the valves have a narrow included angle for economy and emissions. With direct bucket tappets the cams are too close for sprockets - chain or belt.

I'd make an offer. They don't have to accept it ; - )

Dull it might be but I just want four wheels, an engine with a bit of pull, and enough room to carry all my gear. It ticks those boxes. If I get a car, I will keep it until either the wheels fall off or the world ends. As it is a Toyota, the latter may come first ; - )

I don't do exciting when it comes to cars,- I've got a motorbike for that. As long as the paint stays on I'm not fussed on the finish as the dirt build-up will cover the paintwork anyway. You have to look close to see the marks.

It has a full Toyota service history up to 2012, and then a local garage (who I have used) from then every year. I've found the receipts \ MOT tests, etc in the glove box that tally up.