Toyota Estima/Previa/Tarago

Forums › Transport (cars, bikes and boats) › Toyota Estima/Previa/Tarago - reliable?

Batman

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Topic # 150557 26-Jul-2014 19:15

I need a people mover and am about to pay for a freshly imported latest shape/body Estima 3.5L/6spd auto with round 96,000 clicks ... reason for this is I can't get everything I want (full airbags / electronic stability program/4WD) so I am buying the cheapest one on trademe from a reputable dealer (Turners' fresh import) ... ie 15 grand ... new price is a crazy 70 grand or something ridiculous ...

I am relying on the fact that it is a toyota and won't give me too many costly troubles ...

I have a newer car that we (5 of us) normally use, this is just when we have guests ... or friends ...

Coil

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Reply # 1096290 26-Jul-2014 19:27

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Where is this estima?
Take it to AA to get looked at.

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vexxxboy

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Reply # 1096302 26-Jul-2014 20:18

i had one for 5-6 years and it was great for getting the kids and their friends from A to B and School outings. It never broke down , used oil or gave me problems. I like the height of it , easy to get in and out off and for driving in traffic, I looked at getting a newer model but the wife liked the Ipsum instead but im sold on Toyotas now , so reliable.

Common sense is not as common as you think.

MikeB4

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Reply # 1096307 26-Jul-2014 20:23

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Its Toyota, they are the by word for reliability

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blakamin

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Reply # 1096323 26-Jul-2014 20:45

A mate had one in the 90's and it went forever... even with 6 kids. I don't really think you can go wrong with a Toyota.

As for the AA check, I would find a reliable mechanic before I got someone from AA that only knows the difference between a positive and negative terminal on a battery.

Edit: Had a mate who got an AA check... He bought it and next week the engine failed due to lack of oil. No leaks, the AA guy didn't even pull the dipstick, the dipstick.

toyonut

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Reply # 1096514 27-Jul-2014 10:51

They should be fine and are a good van. IF something major goes wrong, it could be costly to repair just due to engine access, but get it checked through AA or a garage you trust and it should be good. Most any van like this will have the same issue. We had a couple in my previous job picking up kids after school and they just kept on trucking no matter what. Even replaced a brand new Kia megavan with one because the Kia was forever breaking down.

Try Vultr using this link and get us both some credit:

http://www.vultr.com/?ref=7033587-3B

Fred99

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Reply # 1096533 27-Jul-2014 11:15

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It's not the way I'd go to solve the "problem". If that problem's defined by need to transport more than 5 people sometimes, and you've got another car anyway, and there'd always be two drivers available, then buy another car.
A 3.5 litre petrol engine 4WD people mover is going to be expensive to run (very poor fuel economy) and service (even a Toyota LOL). For $15,000, you could buy a decent used car which would be a hell of a lot nicer to drive than a large people-mover.

gzt

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Reply # 1096546 27-Jul-2014 11:51

joker97: I need a people mover and am about to pay for a freshly imported latest shape/body Estima 3.5L/6spd auto with round 96,000 clicks ...

So what year is this? Should be ok at those kms.

Batman

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Reply # 1096548 27-Jul-2014 11:56

it is a 2006

MrMistofeles

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Reply # 1096631 27-Jul-2014 15:01

My folks have a Previa - bought new about 12 years ago and AFAIK they haven't had any mechanical problems.

The thing drives (and consumes fuel) like a tank but it's very spacious, well featured safety-wise and was perfect at that stage of their lives.

You probably want windshield/window insurance as the large curved glass panels retail for >$1k a pop.

mattwnz

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Reply # 1096640 27-Jul-2014 15:35

Check it in the dog and lemon guide. I don't think they print it anymore which is a pity, but you can purchase a report off Clives website. You also may want to check out some of the SUVs. They look better and aren't as embarrassing to drive as a people mover. Generally Toyotas are pretty good, but they have had quite a few recalls recently. Also check that it doesn't have a cambelt, and instead uses a chain, as they can be expensive to replace when they need replacing, which is often at around 100,000k or after a period of time.

mattwnz

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Reply # 1096642 27-Jul-2014 15:36

TimA: Where is this estima?
Take it to AA to get looked at.

If it is from turners it is probably an auction, so they may already have had a report done.

Batman

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Reply # 1096669 27-Jul-2014 16:46

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I have seen how AA does their inspections, not worth a cent unless it is visibly falling apart.

It has a mechanical report, which says no problems, but I never trust them.

I have a near new X Trail. Yes they are all has guzzlers. Thankfully I live in Dunedin. Nothing less than 20 min away.

For these vans as soon as you go under 70,000ks the price goes up by 30%. No SUV with 8 seats anywhere near the price of this van.

Batman

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Reply # 1098728 30-Jul-2014 17:47

Just an updatei bought the cheapest Honda fit on Trademe and will get my van when it comes with full airbags and stability control. 206kw FWD with no traction control is asking for trouble I think.

Yogi02

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Reply # 1098771 30-Jul-2014 18:58

I know its not in your title but seriously have a look at a Mazda MPV 2006+

Had one for 4 years and its been great. Based on Mazda 6 running gear with a 4 speed auto.
We were looking between a Previa and an MPV
Let me know if you want to know more.