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Toyota Estima - Owners' Opinions Please

39 replies

Walnutshell · 22/06/2007 08:08

After a very cramped camping trip with dog and ds in a Ford Focus (even with roofbox and pared down packing, this was one cosy journey), we think we may have to bite the bullet and buy a people carrier. Having recently downshifted to one car and one job between us, we are hoping to make this as financially painless as possible. Dh is very interested in the Toyota Estima (rather than Previa because he wants diesel) but before we make the change, thought we would see if any MNers have comments to make, particularly with regard to driving performance (of course!) but also...:

  • how useful are those curtains!
  • do seats fold up OK in the back
  • are captain seats comfy enough
  • anyone used the coolbox?
  • double sunroof ok?

And any general views of course.
Thanks folks.

OP posts:
piximon · 24/06/2007 09:43

Hi, this is DH of Piximon.

I collected our Estima yesterday.
I have been driving a loan car (same model) for 2.5 weeks whilst my import was prepared.

The Estima is brilliant, as quoted already, it will easily do 350 miles to a tank (I fill up when the warning light comes on - that usually appears when there is still about 10 litres left)

The loan car had dual sunroofs, not being a fan of sunshine, I didn't use the front one, the large 'moonroof' in the rear is nice, esp. if you are going to use the Estima for camping.

The curtains seemed a really good idea, even with tinting, our twins would still be wincing from the light, so the curtains (which can come in electric close/open version) were very useful.

The curtains also give complete privacy in the rear, so if you decide to use the Estima as a mobile tent for camping, you can close them all (there are curtains that close across the front of the cabin too).

All the seats fold completely flat to form a double bed.
The rear seats can fold up to the sides to give a large boot, this is very easy to do.
By rotating the middle row so it faces rearward, the space is increased by a few more inches.

As long as you use a good dealer, you will be more than happy with the Estima.

What I would do, is make sure there is transparency with the vehicle documents, clocking is common in the import trade.

I cannot recommend the dealer I used highly enough, he was excellent.
All the documents were available to see, they are even on the website with the cars pics and spec.
He supplied a loan Estima while I waited for mine to be prepared.
He even advised on the best insurance companies to use.
Car was fully serviced and valeted, looks and drives like a car that is three years old instead of 10!

If you leave in the South East give Mark a call Tapajen Cars

whoops · 24/06/2007 10:20

Hiya,

Just seen this!

We've had our Estima for 4 years now and has done us well! Am sad to sell it but Zephyrcat needs it more than I do

We haven't got the curtains or the coolbox in ours so not much help there!

We never had any problems with overheating until recently when I needed the radiator replacing but I have heard that there are extra fans that can be added to it.

There are only certain insurance companies that will insure Japanese imports but they list is growing and I found Liverpool Victoria and Direct Line the best.

We looked at a few people carriers when we were getting ours and the estima? Lucida had the biggest boot space when all the seats were down and it can seat 8 rather than 7 as most others do.

If you've any other questions ask away

piximon · 24/06/2007 19:11

Our one has neither curtains or sunroofs but I'm sure we'll be happy with it. It's very comfortable inside although DH still getting used to driving something so bulky (our last car was a teeny Toyota Sera).

On a practical level the boot can fit our Jane powertwin (blimming bulky thing) with plenty of room to spare for us to also take a single buggy and still fit in shopping.

Walnutshell · 24/06/2007 21:14

Thanks sparkles, if you can recommend an insurance company that would be great. DH will be shopping around tomorrow but it looks like we will have to pay a little more than we are currently for the Focus. We used to have a Mazda Eunos (imported MX5) and I think that was tricky insurance-wise too so should have guessed really.

Lol at the tractor mirror and bugger that they do get nicked .

MilaMae - will def let you know how we get on with GT Motors, it's looking good so far. Remind me again on this thread (I'll watch it) when you are looking around.

Mr Pix - thanks v much, all helpful and read intently by Mr Walnut! Appreciated. Tapajen also one of the recommended on Owners' Club site so good choice.

Whoops - interesting as we have Liv Vic life assurance so maybe a discount can be negotiated here... . Good news re the boot space - was spying on an Espace earlier today and with all seats up, boot space looked pretty weeny by comparison.

Cheers again.

OP posts:
sparklesandwine · 25/06/2007 00:55

walnut i will dig the insurance info out and let you know

whoops · 25/06/2007 10:02

Walnut - my parking mirror never got nicked!

If you ever need interior bulbs for it or a translated manual I got mine from Ebay!

Walnutshell · 25/06/2007 11:41

Ta girls. Maybe it depends where you live as to whether mirrors are in short supply! We have to park on the road so I suppose there's an increased risk. I'll try not to lose sleep though

Good idea re Ebay.

OP posts:
sparklesandwine · 25/06/2007 12:11

walnut we use a company called 'Lifesure' who have always been really good with us

telephone number = 0870 366 1235
website = www.lifesure.co.uk
email = [email protected]

Good Luck

sniff · 25/06/2007 12:17

I have never lost my mirror Hoping I dont tempt fate here

Thanks for the insurance info mine is really expensive as most dont insure japanese imports

sparklesandwine · 25/06/2007 12:49

no worries

whoops · 25/06/2007 15:12

I have my insurance with Direct Line and the insurance for the Estima was only £12 more than my Mondeo Estate I've just bought!
If you do Confused.com they can now look for companies that insure imports and give you the best price

Walnutshell · 27/06/2007 20:15

Thanks for the recommendations. Shopped around and it turned out to be easier to stay with our current insurer when you factor in the cancellation charge. However, wasn't too much more and we have a starting point for shopping around when we renew next March.

DH went to garage today, had a good chat with Gary and dead happy with the car. If he's done enough to it by Friday, he said we could take it over the weekend - when we are travelling up to the Midlands - to see how we get on with it! This guy offers a very good service!

Well, I'll let you all know how it goes - just in case you're interested!

OP posts:
RightHook · 10/07/2007 21:49

Collecting the car tomorrow!

DS loves it as he can literally run up and down the length of it. Strange child.

RightHook · 10/07/2007 21:49

I'd recommend them!

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