Looking to buy an Avensis

[Rum and Monkey]

Hi all,

My current car has died and looking to buy an Avensis. The car i have seen is an 04 plate 1.8 VVT-i T3-X 4d with 140k on the clock, private seller looking for 800. Seems a genuine sale, was the sellers mother who died a couple of years ago, she owned the car since nearly new and has been serviced at a nearby toyota specialist. Car seems pretty clean considering age and mileage.

Now i am not that mechanically minded. What should i check for when looking at the car. In the brief 10 minutes i saw the car today, the engine seemed quiet, the oil clean, and the bodywork good bar from a couple of minor scrapes on the bumper corners. The car didn’t start immediately, but took 2 or 3 s cranking to fire.

The seller also mentioned that the car has a P0420 error code that is caused by work done on the catalytic converter, but does not affect the running of the car. He has asked me to call the garage on monday that serviced the car for more details. Is this legit or should i be cautious?

One more, is there somewhere where i can download an owners manual in pdf format?

 

PS, here is the advisory notice from latest MOT (2 weeks ago)

Child Seat fitted not allowing full inspection of adult belt ()

centre exhaust heat shield insecure

Nearside Front Lower Suspension arm corroded but not seriously weakened (2.4.G.1)

HEAVY CORROSION NEARSIDE + OFFSIDE REAR SUSPENSION ARMS + SUB FRAME

corrosion nearside + offside rear inner sills to chassis

Corrosion rear floors

Central Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases joint (7.1.2)

Nearside Rear Brake pipe slightly corroded (3.6.B.2c)

[Konrad C]

Personally I would avoid! There are a few reasons and some are from your post above. The main reason for me is the engine. Has been known to need oil topping up, due to high consumption, and if so has the engine been exchanged for a modified version? Some paperwork/dealer records will help. 
The other items would need a mechanic (independent of the owner/garage) to inspect the car in person, to advise you of the condition of the car.

The P0420 error code - Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold (Bank 1). I Google searched and copied the answer. It means there is a problem with the O2 sensor or catalytic converter. I have copied Ents diagram to give you an idea - 

When the engine is running, there will be an orange engine management light (EML) on. Changing the O2 sensor may be enough to clear the EML, or may need a need the cat' converter. You may need a complete exhaust system! This is why you need a second opinion.  

[Rum and Monkey]

thanks, think i will avoid this car given the rust notification and the engine warning. 

Shouldn’t say this on a toyota forum, but have seen 2000 accord that as been owned by the same man for 14 years. absolutely immaculate, a typical old mans honda and 50k miles less than the avensis. bodywork great, car is spotless, and he is only telling as his elderly wife can't get in and out of the car so they have bought a mini 4x4.

[Konrad C]

As much as I am a Toyota fan, I would walk away from a Toyota, if it is bad condition and there are better options. Honda Accord is a good choice. I was looking at the Civic 2007 onward, as well as late Mk2 face-lift petrol Avensis. I settled with my current car as it was more modern and had the space I need. 
Look in the Accord forums for any known weaknesses. Note - the model year you are looking at, has a cam belt that will need changing. Check the paperwork. Or you could end like this: -

 Note the mechanics face when he found the timing belt!  

[frankie406]

I'll never complain again about the price of a timing belt change!

[RUToyota]

Agree with previous posters...don't just walk away from that Avensis...RUN away.!

 

 

Neil