Brand: Toyota

Model: Estima

Body type: MPV

In production: 1990-2019

Few cars have had as long or as interesting a development history as the Toyota Estima. In Europe it was called the Previa (it was to be a ‘preview’ of all Toyota’s new technology) and the Tarago, for some reason, in Australia.

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The first model was affectionately known as The Egg for its ovoid design. In accordance with an early-1990s Japanese obsession with acheiving a perfect weight ratio, the first generation was mid-engined, meaning it handled quite nicely and it could float for half a minute if you drove it into a pond. But you also had to change the spark plugs by pulling up the carpet beneath the passenger seat to get to its workmanlike four-cylinder block.

 

This was not, in the end, considered a preview of the future of motoring (and maintenance tended to get oil all over the front seats), and so its second generation saw a complete redesign in 2000. It became a lot more sleek and sensible, and much more reliable, if a bit less cute.

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The third generation, available from 2006, is where the Estima really came into its own, with the sort of bomb-proof reliability we’ve come to expect from Toyota, plus adaptive headlights that can see around corners and a very distinctive devil-eyed front end modelled on the Bullet Train. This one wasn’t sold in any European market, and this is an oversight we try to fill at Devon JDM.

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Nothing quite matches the Estima in terms of passengers plus luggage capacity. The third row seats fold seamlessly into the floor to leave a huge space for cargo. When needed, they fold out leaving a vast underfloor cavity that can hold a couple of suitcases. The ride is very comfortable and the acceleration is astonishingly brisk for a car of this volume.

 

Most of the cars we source come with ceiling-mounted TVs for the back seat passengers, and a handy passenger mirror shows you what the kids are up to back there. Most have two or three parking cameras.

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The Estima is a top choice for taxi drivers who do airport runs – there’s no better machine for getting five or six passengers plus luggage to a flight in comfort. But it’s just as good for large families or folks who often take their extended family on trips.

The Estima has a hybrid version that’s a better bet around town and for school runs, whereas the petrol-only Aeras model gives better economy for long runs. The hybrid is a 7-seater whereas the Aeras can be 7 or 8 seats (we usually try to source the 8).

 

When buying an Estima: Check the front spoiler as it’s quite low to the ground and can suffer curb rash. This is the most often replaced panel on imported models! Check that it has a spare wheel as it’s located mid-body and easy to miss.

ALWAYS ASK TO SEE THE AUCTION SHEET
Private sellers may not have it, but an importer/dealer should ALWAYS have retained this in order to prove the vehicle's grade, along with any other important documents. We sell only 3.5 (good), 4 (very good) and 4.5 (excellent) grade imports. Be aware that anything rated RA has been repaired, and that anything rated R or unrated is equivalent to UK grades A,B,C or D (scrapped, insurance writeoff or what used to be known as class N).

 

A vehicle's history is effectively erased upon export, but most of it is there on the auction sheet. Make sure you see it, and ask for a copy if required. A dealer/importer reluctant to let you see the auction sheet on request should be a red flag!

Insuring your Estima: Estima Insurance has been offered by the following companies, but your circumstances will affect what you’re offered so shop around: Churchill, JustKampers, Aviva, Adrian Flux, Mark Richard, Admiral, LV, Lancaster, Tesco

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Battery: The Estima takes an L005 12V battery of 51 Ah or greater, right-hand positive terminals

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Parts: Parts for the third-gen Estima are some of the easiest to source of all Japanese imports and many can be found on Ebay, though you may need to check back regularly. Most filters, bearings etc are standard Toyota and can be swapped out by any mechanic. For model-specific parts try Toyodiy or Croooober. Also Amayama serves Japanese Toyota models in Europe.

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Tax: The Aeras petrol Estima is taxed at the PLG rate of £325 a year

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Communities:  On Facebook the Toyota Estima Owners Club UK is very knowledgeable and friendly and can assist with pretty much any conceivable issue. The Estima is one of the best-supported Japanese Imports.