Tell me all about the Toyota Avensis.

Hi Charles,

Ah, the second-generation Avensis - the taxi drivers' friend. Hardly surprising you see so many on the rank of a Friday night, as they're dependable, comfy and spacious. 

This Avensis was from the last line of big family cars that came mostly as petrols, so the 1.8-litre VVTi engine is the most common. It's a good one too, economical and smooth if just a touch noisy by modern standards. The 2.0 and 2.2 D-4D diesels are rarer, noisier and have iffy clutches - one of the Avensis' few mechanical weak points.

Cabins are robust, hard wearing and massively spacious, which is all good, but listen for rattles from the steering column - not a major issue, more of an annoyance. 

Finally, check the suspension and steering for any wear and tear, they're the only other mechanical weak points.

Actually, this Avensis is also, somewhat secretly, rather good to drive - it used the same steering and rear suspension as the last-generation Celica coupé and while it's no hot-rod, it's better than you might think.