Toyota Avanza 1st Gen (2003 - 2011)

Yes, particularly if you need an affordable seven-seater family car. It has simple mechanicals, good ground clearance and a practical three-row cabin. However, because these cars are now old, condition matters enormously. A carefully maintained Avanza is much more attractive than a cheap example with neglected suspension, engine, transmission or cooling-system problems.

Avanza uses the 3SZ-VE engine, producing approximately 109 hp and 141 Nm. The car is not particularly fast, with roughly 12–14 seconds for 0–100 km/h depending on transmission, passenger load and condition. The front brakes use discs and the rear brakes drums. The car's performance is adequate for family driving rather than aggressive overtaking.

A realistic first-generation Avanza figure is approximately 7–9 km/L in heavy city traffic, 9–11 km/L in normal city driving, 12–14 km/L on highways and around 9–11 km/L combined. The 1.5L automatic with seven passengers and continuous AC use will generally consume more fuel than a lightly loaded manual car.

choose the 1.5L G/S where available. The 1.3L is adequate for economical family transportation, but the 1.5L 3SZ-VE provides noticeably better torque and is preferable when regularly carrying seven passengers.

For Bangladesh:

1.3L: budget-conscious buyer
1.5L G: best all-round choice
1.5L S: sportier/higher-spec choice on late models

Yes, this is its main strength. The three-row, seven-seat layout is considerably more practical than a conventional five-seat sedan when carrying children, relatives or luggage. The upright body also provides useful cabin space. For a Bangladesh family looking for an inexpensive seven-seater, the Avanza remains attractive.

The compromise is that the third row is more suitable for children or shorter adults than for three full-size adults on a long journey.

Yes, although the 1.5L petrol engine is not especially economical in severe Dhaka traffic. The relatively compact body, high seating position and good ground clearance make it easy to use around Bangladesh's urban roads. Parking is also easier than with larger seven-seat MPVs.

The main problem is fuel consumption compared with a hybrid or small sedan.

For a 2003–2011 Avanza, inspect:

Engine compression/condition
Automatic gearbox or manual clutch
Cooling system
AC performance
Suspension
Steering
Brakes
Rust
Accident repairs
Chassis condition
Engine oil leaks
Transmission leaks
Electrical systems
Airbags
ABS
Tyres
Registration documents
Previous ownership

Most importantly, don't buy purely based on “Toyota reliability.” These cars are now more than a decade old, so maintenance history is critical.

Routine maintenance is generally affordable compared with many larger seven-seat vehicles. For an older first-generation Avanza, keeping approximately ৳20,000–35,000 per year for routine servicing is a reasonable starting point, excluding fuel, insurance and major repairs. Older examples can require additional spending on suspension components, engine mounts, brakes, tyres, battery, AC components and transmission servicing.

Yes, Avanza does have other variants. Check out the Avanza page at Toyota Avanza for all other available variants.