Taxi Driver's Moonshot Mileage: Toyota Avensis Love Affair

It's a phrase we've all heard, a declaration of profound affection: 'I love you to the moon and back.' While often used as a poetic measure of boundless love, for Cheltenham taxi driver Steve Smith, it's a literal benchmark for his automotive devotion. Steve has owned two Toyota Avensis estates, and between them, they've covered a staggering 661,000 miles. That's enough to journey to the moon and back, with enough miles left over to circumnavigate the globe multiple times. This isn't just a car; for Steve, it's a trusted companion that has proven its worth time and time again.

The First Avensis: A Star-Crossed Journey

Steve's first Toyota Avensis estate was a testament to the model's inherent reliability. It had barely begun to truly show its age, having accumulated a remarkable 259,000 miles, when its journey came to an abrupt and dramatic end. In 2014, near Birmingham, Steve was travelling at a steady 70mph, the cruise control engaged, while listening to Radio 4. Suddenly, his path was obstructed by a wheel that had been propelled into the middle lane from an accident ahead. The impact was severe, hitting the sump and deploying the airbags. In the darkness and confusion, Steve found himself in a terrifying situation, unable to see and struggling to regain control.

The damage was irreparable. The car's chassis had been twisted beyond repair, rendering it a write-off. Steve was understandably heartbroken. "I was heartbroken, I loved it – to the moon and back," he recounted. He had always appreciated the Avensis's dependable nature and its generous luggage capacity, but this incident revealed a crucial, and perhaps even more important, quality: its safety. The way the car had protected him during such a violent impact solidified his faith in the model.

A New Chapter: The Second Avensis Ascends

Undeterred by the loss of his first beloved Avensis, Steve knew he needed a replacement that could match its predecessor's prowess. He found his next chariot at Listers Toyota in Cheltenham: a 2011 2.2 diesel model with a mere 17,000 miles on the clock. This new Avensis was destined to embark on its own epic mileage adventure. Currently, it has clocked an astonishing 402,000 miles. Steve's profession as a taxi driver, with its constant demand for travel, means he covers an average of 5,000 miles per month. His work involves numerous long-distance journeys, frequently transporting clients to airports, seaports, and the renowned Cheltenham Racecourse.

Space for Everything: The Luggage Champion

One of the key attributes that keeps Steve loyal to the Avensis estate is its cavernous interior. He shared an anecdote that perfectly illustrates this: "It has a huge amount of space in the back – I once had a family with so much luggage they thought I wouldn’t squeeze it all in – they were expecting a van – but I got seven cases in the boot and two more in the back with the customers. I just kept smiling and filling it up." This ability to effortlessly accommodate a significant amount of luggage, often exceeding customer expectations, is a recurring theme in his appreciation for the car.

Servicing and Durability: A Partnership with Listers Toyota

Steve's commitment to his Avensis is mirrored by the consistent service it receives. All but one of its services have been meticulously carried out by Listers Toyota in Cheltenham. The dealership itself is impressed by Steve's dedication and the car's performance. A spokesperson from Listers Toyota commented, "We are simply astounded to see Steve’s Toyota’s staggering reliability record in action." This long-standing relationship with a trusted service centre undoubtedly contributes to the car's exceptional longevity.

When asked about the car's maintenance, Steve highlighted a few key points: "It had its DPF replaced four years ago, and I do have to top-up the water once a month, but otherwise it’s totally reliable." These minor interventions, set against the backdrop of hundreds of thousands of miles, speak volumes about the robust engineering of the Toyota Avensis.

The High Mile Club: A Coveted Recognition

This week marked a significant milestone for Steve and his current Avensis. He was presented with three Toyota High Mile Club stickers, each commemorating 150,000, 200,000, and 300,000 miles. Toyota, however, does not produce stickers for 400,000 miles. This means Steve's current car, with its 402,000 miles, is already beyond the official recognition offered by the manufacturer. To truly represent his almost 'lunatic' mileage, he'll have to combine the stickers or find a creative solution.

The Future of the Lunar Voyager

Steve's current plan is to keep his trusty Avensis on the road until at least March, at which point he anticipates it will have accumulated between 420,000 and 430,000 miles. And what then? He'll be back on the hunt for another Toyota Avensis estate to continue his interstellar journeys. His dedication to the model is unwavering, a testament to its exceptional build quality, dependability, and the deep bond he has formed with these vehicles.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happened to Steve Smith's first Toyota Avensis estate?

Steve Smith's first Toyota Avensis estate was written off in 2014 after colliding head-on with debris from another accident on the motorway near Birmingham. The impact twisted the chassis beyond repair.

How many miles have Steve Smith's two Toyota Avensis estates covered?

Cumulatively, Steve Smith's two Toyota Avensis estates have covered 661,000 miles.

What are the main reasons Steve Smith prefers the Toyota Avensis estate?

Steve Smith values the Toyota Avensis estate for its exceptional reliability, spaciousness, and safety, especially after experiencing a severe accident in his first model.

Has Steve's current Avensis estate had any major repairs?

The most significant repair mentioned for his current Avensis estate is the replacement of the Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) four years ago. He also has to top up the water monthly.

What recognition has Steve received for his high mileage?

Steve has received three Toyota High Mile Club stickers for 150,000, 200,000, and 300,000 miles. His current car has surpassed the mileage for which Toyota issues stickers.

A Testament to Enduring Quality

Steve Smith's story is more than just about high mileage; it's a narrative of trust, durability, and the enduring appeal of a well-engineered vehicle. His unwavering loyalty to the Toyota Avensis estate, a car he loves 'to the moon and back,' serves as a powerful endorsement of Toyota's commitment to producing vehicles that stand the test of time and distance.