The TOYOTA AVENSIS (1997-03) 5DR ESTATE 2.0 VVTI GLS AUTO is a roomy, five-door family estate from Toyota’s practical, mainstream range. Its long load area and automatic gearbox suit shopping, holidays and everyday family duties, while its size makes it less suited to tight city parking than a small hatchback. Compared with rivals such as the Ford Mondeo and Vauxhall Vectra estates, the Avensis is best known for straightforward comfort, useful space and Toyota’s reputation for dependable ownership. The GLS trim and 2.0-litre petrol engine offer a more relaxed, well-equipped feel than basic versions; the automatic is appealing in traffic, though fuel use may exceed that of smaller cars. Mycarcheck.com records are limited: three look-ups covered only one VIN, so they offer a snapshot, not a model-wide picture. Checks show 69,000 recorded miles, four previous keepers and a £1,000 average private-sale valuation. Check each car’s history and condition before buying.