Fantastic family car
The only thing is the shaft coupling, and so far very good. Not the fastest, but they go anywhere.
It's not about the car, it is how you service it.
A very good vehicle for families.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 7th July, 2014
Great old bus
Leaking sump on my Estima 2.2TD, but the Toyota dealer said they do not have a gasket, so they sold me a black gasket goo to pull the sump off and put around. Is this true???
Motor was totally rebuilt at 100,000 kms by previous owner, and have never had a problem, apart from the leak in the sump.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 20th November, 2010
Buy this, you'll love it in the long run
None.
This car is surprisingly lovely inside.
Cabin lighting, storage, stowage, ventilation, heating, seating, and general practicality and functionality are amazing.
Many lovingly crafted details you wouldn't expect. This car was designed by people who actually like other people.
The car is better on the open road than on curvy country lanes. It is quiet, long-legged, and has sufficient power for passing and climbing, even fully loaded with passengers and cargo.
Steering and handling can feel a bit doughy around town, but you get used to it.
The accelerator pedal seems strangely sticky and unresponsive, almost like a mere stop and go switch - another thing you get used to eventually.
Having eight seats, separate AC in the back, and two glass roofs is very cool.
Fuel economy seems quite reasonable at about 10.6 L/100 km for everyday driving including suburban and urban use, and 9.3 L/100 km Highway long haul trips. I've never used more than 11.3 L/100 km, which was with AC on in the city. Range per tank on long trips is a comfortable 600 km before you need to refill.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 9th September, 2010
This thing is a Lexus in van-guise!
Nothing.
Surprisingly smooth.
Great seats, and lots of them, all suitable for adults.
Doesn't seem fast, but is. Plenty of power for passing and climbing.
Wonderful travel companion, very quiet. Even at full throttle, very quiet.
Great suspension for comfort, but doesn't like winding roads at quick pace.
Long gearing of steering makes for lots of cranking of steering wheel.
On the whole, this car is really easy to own and like.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 10th February, 2010
Family favourite
85,000 throttle sensor.
140,000 thermostat & seal.
150,000km axle bearing & seals.
170,000km auto transmission, rear differential, axle bearing and collar - secondhand replacements, but job cost still NZD 2,700.
200,000 driver seat split on outside seam due to wear from getting in & out of vehicle - the seat is quite high, so tends to rub over the edge.
220,000 headlight assembly, drive-shaft coupling.
260,000km tailgate gas struts, front sway bar bushes, rear brakes.
With eight in the family this was an inspired choice:
- The kids are a long way behind us in the third row. In a smaller vehicle it is way noisier.
- Middle row of seats can be turned around to face the third row.
- Loads of room.
Good load space and great for shifting furniture, though not as good as a pure van.
High vehicle, so sways around corners and in high winds, but has a good view of the road.
Visibility seriously obscured by large front and rear pillars.
We use 10l per 100km on long trips with an average speed of 80km/hr, due too many small towns. Around town we use 15l per 100km.
Maintenance is more expensive, due to the engine being under the middle.
Air conditioning is essential, as the rear windows only open a few cm.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 1st August, 2008
3rd Dec 2017, 08:25
Like most Toyotas, the sump is sealed without a gasket. Threebond or any tube of gasketmaker will do. There is a rubber tube about 18mm dia that returns oil from the turbo to the sump. This rubber tube is what usually leaks.