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The tarago specifically was removed from their lineup simply due to the success of the Kia Carnival, Toyota was just selling next to nothing compared to the Kia so they cancelled it altogether
Compared to the North American only Sienna, this was small. Think Mazda 5, but maybe slightly bigger. The Kia Carnival is about the same size as the Sienna, which usually means more interior space compared to the Previa.
I have a 2008 V6 Estima, just like the one in the video and it is the best financial decision my family has ever made. One thing you missed is that the middle row captain seats can slide all the way back like a private jet when the 3rd row seats are folded away. That was a massive bonus for us. Great video!
Same here... we have the V6 in black, it looks just like this one. The versatility is unbelievable and lol my kids love to slide the middle row in and back. It's just like the Alphard/Lexus LM then!
@@andrewmihaleff I know i am jealous of the kids, luckily the v6 keeps entertained... mine has 215km and i havent had any problems other than fuel prices
Sister went from V6 espace to a 3.5 estima. Didn’t have the euro gloss she wanted, dosent ride anywhere near as well, but she loves how it dosent run away with a bank card every time it needs a service or repair
overseas i had an espace for a short while, not the v6, except the fancy interior trim, the estima does everything better (and for the interior trim i like the simple, easy clean toyota)
A couple of years ago I rented a car through a 'cheapie' car rental place. I got an old VY Commodore that had a radiator leak the first day. They replaced it with a 15 yr old Tarago with 300,000k on it and I wasn't looking forward to driving a 'heap of junk' around for a week, even though I had no experience with them, I had a pre-determined idea. Well was I wrong??!! Totally changed my view of what these things were like. Went well, drove car like, not a squeak or rattle anywhere, I was absolutely amazed and impressed! Toyota just keeps making brilliant vehicles!
We had a 2001 Tarago. Beautiful car. So fun to drive. That car lasted to 400,000 kms, and twice it actually towed a caravan up a steep hill (the hill as you are leaving Lakes Entrance and driving back towards Melbourne) without any oil inside of it. Revs went a little high, so at the top of thebhill ee stopped, noticed no oil and just simply refilled it. Worked like a charm and stull lasted another 4 years. Amazing car, and I really miss it even tho we replwced it with a brand new Kia Carnival Platinum in 2019.
@@mdazli3833 Yeah stfu, I live in Australia, and no Kia or Hyundai has ever gone up in flames suddenly here, that only happens in the USA. And it's my mum's car and it's literally one of the best cars on the planet.
@ezy.from.now.on. what's a kia on top of a hill ? A miracle ! What about 2 Kias ? It's a mirage !!!! Mine is a 2016 2.4 l , 8 seater Tarago. 2 years ago , a kengooroo hopped onto my Bonnet at midnight . I was given a free Kia Carnival , brand new , of 2020 , but it would not get close to my Tarago in driving comfort . Plus after going from reverse into Drive , the maps on head units would not come up for another minute or two , but it would show the reverse footage :))))
I remember when I went into foster care they had one of these, I think it was an 08/09. We went everywhere in this thing, From Roadtrips from the bottom of Tassie to the very top to cruises to restaurants and all sorts of stuff. The interior isn't exciting but they certainly can cop quite a flogging. It must of racked up 200-300km easily. My trip to school everyday was an hour to and from. The doors were full of change to, I remember one day me and a couple of other boys got curious had a look and it was just a shit load of coins in every pocket. By the looks of it the interior hasn't changed all that much.
I have an 05 3.0 V6 ... One of the most reliable, versatile vans you can get ... I sold plenty of cars over the years but the Estima is still in the family after 7 years ... we've gone long distance, dog beach runs, Bunnings runs, shopping runs you name it ... just regular maintenance & they are DYI friendly ... you do have to shop around for insurance but that's about it ... absolutely love ours ... 🥰
I bought a RB1 Odyssey as my first family car, as I wanted something more wagon than van. After a couple of years of ownership, I can see the benefits of the Estima and similar vehicles, and I think I'll end up in one at some point in the future. Some (small) issues I have with the Odyssey. - The low roof line (lower than my GK5 Jazz!) is great for looking more like a car than a van, but if you're tall, loading a child into the back seat means a lot of bending which is even worse when you're parked by a gutter. The same for the boot. The tailgate is long and it can impact access to the rear cargo area if you are tall. - The lack of sliding doors at the rear, again, looks much like a normal car but access can be impacted when parked in a shopping centre or near a wall. - The K24 isn't very powerful and struggles up some hills on the freeway, dropping back multiple gears regularly especially when driving with cruise control on. - Access to the third row isn't as easy as in the Estima and similar vehicles. Lower roof, second row doesn't move out of the way as easily and the seats being very low themselves makes for some interesting body contortion if you aren't a small, agile child. - Otherwise, great car and a good entry into people moving! Hopefully this is some help for the new mum and dads chasing a family hauler.
Parents brought a previa new back in 2010 ($65,000) it was a beast/reliable/quick for an 8 seater. Both my siblings and our all used it for school 😂. We sold it last year May for $5000 with 308,000kms on…. Surprisingly I miss it!
We have a 2.4 2009 NZ NEW Previa 8 seats. Ex rental had 197,00km on it now 313,000. It’s been amazing. I never wanted a van / people mover. Had tidy a VY commie wagon before thought I would miss the pulling power but the Previa really surprised me, tows 1.5 ton with out to much fuss. So practical for a family vehicle. Cheap servicing cost, comfortable. Just did a 200km drive with 6 people 3 adults 1 teen and 2 primary kids with luggage on windy country roads, it just works, yes boring as dead goldfish but we love ours. Only other vehicle I would consider is a Honda odyssey.
Our 04 Estima has hit 385k, We live in the mountains so every drive is a trek, We regularly go bush as its 4WD, the kids named her Bonnie. We are going to buy another one as Bonnie is getting tired, the information on the oil consumption was fantastic and confirmed what we had observed. This car does at least 50klms on punishing gravel roads daily best car I have ever owned.
Love having my E-Steamer, I use mine as a tradie van, it was easier to bolt a toolbox in the back of it than make a Hiace more comfortable, and thanks for the battery tip Ive just ordered Panasonic batteries.
Bought a near new condition example and it's been perfect. Bought just prior to Covid, Areas G 2006 model with 75,000km's for $15k. All Aus Tarago's were way more $ for higher km and povo spec. Insurace is virtually the same price as Tarago and Hayman Rease towbar bolted up no problemo (different bumper cutouts though). Beige to drive but awesome V6 grunt and comfortable, plus Toyota reliability. My kids love it too
My parents had the 2006 Estima V6 G since 2016 (imported to Australia then). The car had so many features such as dual electric sliding doors and electric tailgate, keyless entry and start, auto headlights/wipers, front side and reverse cameras etc. The car was really good and the only major issues we've had was an alternator replacement, and replacing the brake pads throughout the 7 years we had the car. Service it regularly and it'll last forever. Only issue other than that is insurance costs more and getting parts take so much longer (our estima got hail damaged once and it took over 10-12 weeks to get the parts and repair the car as many exterior panels are not interchangeable with the local Taragos).
In my opinion, this has a higher coolness factor than the Tarago. You can also increase its coolness factor on these by installing lower profile wheels, lowered suspension, darker tints, a mad sound system and maybe exhaust.
I'm on my second Estima and could not recommend them more. One of Toyotas best vehicles ever. I always throw all the seats out for my gardening tools, and a single bed for sleeping in when working out of town. My first oneblew a oil pump at around 325,000 kms, my second one is just under 300,000 and still running sweeeet.
My aunty used to own a Tarago and she still wishes she still had that but my uncle traded it in on a shitbox ASX. After seeing this review and previous experiences with them I'd absolutely buy one of these if I needed one and a couple of people I know may be interested in this video for buying a new car with kids. Absolute suprise that this was today's review car but so glad it's been done now. Brilliant video guys and as always keep up the good work and look forward to next week's videos as per usual 👍.
@@mrgarrison3516 still under warranty and the A pillars, fire wall and any area with glass basically started having the structural integrity of wet spaghetti on top of all the other issues she had with it and the car they got to replace it is another ASX though no major issues with it yet that I know of. Hence the ASX is worthy of the Bits a Missin' moniker lol.
Sold Toyota's from 2010 to 2013 and could count on one hand how many of these i sold, and had no idea why. The V6 Ultima was a properly great car. For the time, super luxury. Captains chairs in the back. DVD players, sunroofs, 20,000 speaker stereo, and went like a cut cat. Drank fuel for fun, but that's about the only negative on it. Would have one in a heartbeat.
have had 4. even have 2 now. love the moon roofs and overall charm. does the family well. Dogs love it too. just hate changing light bulbs on them.....luckily its once in a blue moon..
Comment problems for 2.4 Litre Estima are: 1. Steering column (gear replacement) at the power electric steering pump. 2. Balance Shalf replacement that cause serious engine oil consumption and noise & gasket burn if you ignored it. 3. Power sliding door noise This is what the technical mechanic did not highlight it.
Just bought one and recommend my friend and he also bought one. Best work horse in the market at affordable price. If you want anything not boring go find something else, just look at the price reliability and all else. Two third the price of a tarago with twin electric doors what can you say!
Until about four years ago I had the very similar '08 Toyota Innova E (TGN40 model) in the Philippines. Mine had the 2-litre petrol motor, teamed with the auto 'box, rather than the much better 2.4-litre diesel, but was still a very competent vehicle, though I didn't like the blind-spot created by the thick front pillars. The only failure it had was when the rear aircon died, but that was a very easy and straightforward fix. I'd probably buy another Innova if they were available in Oz.
The 2AZ-FE engine is the 4 cylinder engine with the oil consumption issues found in corllas, camry cars and the rav4 models. Probably best to get oil change every 5,000km's.
Getting a Tarago to show you've had plenty of horizontal fun, is still noob levels. My brother, due to his and his Mrs' amount of horizontal fun, require a Toyota Hiace Commuter, that's right a 12 seat 'bus' :) Hmmm now that would make an interesting video.
You read my mind. I am in the market to either buy the Estima or the Odyssey. But no one has done a review on the Odyssey like they did with the Estima. I am swinging towards Honda.
Why on earth would you buy a merc v class! This is excellent. Aftermarket rims, aftermarket infotainment system bring this car to unbelievable life! Adam.... What a car! This is brilliant
When we had three kids in car seats we decided that the Commodore just wasn't cutting it for space and looked at everything on the market. I shy away from imports like the Estima's just cause don't want to deal with the little extra hassles you get with them and just about every imported Estima seemed to modified to some degree. Looked at the Tarago and compared it to the same age Kia Grand Carnival. The Tarago design then was well dated and more modern van's like the Grand Carnival beat it easily for practicality functions and the Kia was significantly cheaper. We're on our second, now, Carnival and both have been reliable as heck (just regular servicing), no interior issues and my 6"2' son fits in the third row as with all the comfort to easily do a 8 hour drive back there. If Toyota had discounted the Tarago years ago and made a right hand drive Sienna, that thing would dominate the van market in Aus. Toyota got lazy and gifted that market to the Carnival.
I came so close to buying one of these things 12 months ago it wasn't funny. I was aiming at around a 2015 give or take and at the time they were just outside my price range and I ended up with a 2016 Honda CR-V VTI-L. I love the Honda but I would still consider an Estima in a few years time if the reliability is as good as you say they are.
Pros - infinite coin supply stuck in the backseat adjustment rails/channels, world's best tourer for road trips, feel like you've got the emergency exit seat with all the extra legroom every time you drive it. Cons - combersome to drive through the maccas drive thru, you'll be shipping the whole under 10s basketball team + ref, the bloke in the Alphard at the school pick-up dissing your ride.
I got the same one with all the same functions 2010 model 2.3L, You forgot to mention one more thing. The rear two seats could be moved sideways, to make more space for the middle row.
We own a 2013 2.4 ltr Estima and honestly say that Toyota Australia do not want to know about them. They don't/won't service them, nor do they supply parts for them either. It's a comfortable van to drive, but I dred if or when something goes wrong with it.
Thanks for the video, am on the lookout for an Estima in Sydney. I think what needs to be mentioned in this video perhaps is that a very big percentage of Estimas in all various spec Do NOT have curtain airbags (at all). You get heaps of other extra kit vs the local tarago though. The local tarago sacrifices all that kit for more safety..... frustrating! Happy to be corrected if I'm wrong though!
I'm currently looking for estimas- a heads up for those with safety in mind.. the 9 airbag package with the 2nd and third row curtain airbags is NOT common, it is very rare. I've just enquired at multiple yards and in the 60 cars in stock, I have found (and driven) ONE that has the rear curtain airbags.
Amazing timing with this video. A couple weeks ago i started looking at these for a tradie van option which has more car-like dimensions and driving dynamics. Drove a V6 and was sold. Still on the hunt for the right one. Would love to hear from other owners with the V6 - what's your average fuel consumption like? And those with AWD models, any common issues? I looked at one and the rear diff was covered in oil.
The AWD transfer cases seem to be pretty reliable in my experience and my Estima V6 doesn't use as much petrol as you'd think (converted from km/l to l/100km) it does roughly 10l/100km, these cars are absolutely bulletproof and if you spec up to one of the G specs or an E-Four G you can get stuff like PCS, radar cruise, LKA, AFS, Parking Assist, curb and front cameras, auto headlights and wipers, even more even for some of the older 2006 model years. Amazing car and will outlast me (i wouldn't recommend any lower spec ones such as the S edition or the X trim level or any without the v6 because the 4 cylinders are gutless and i would really seek for one with the 3 zone climate control rather than the rear blower, the sunroofs could possibly leak but the dual ones in mine dont really, the electric 3rd row folding seats in mine work fine as well)
Oh the irony seeing this. Just replaced the sunroof seal myself on a 2007 Ultima. Couldn’t get the part from Toyota in a timely manner though! Used 3rd party glazier glass seal - see how we go. It’s not a too bad of a job if you are patient, and have 2 decently tall people to lift the glass off and on the roof - reckon its about 20-30 kegs and awkward Anyhow, doing all this work as kids (10,12) wont let me get something else that is less emasculating! Type wear on the front is not good - learning to slow down more! 3.5 is a great donk though (yes, is thirsty around town but honestly not really worse than the 2.4 I had previously - maybe driver issue!)
i can tell you now that the AC condenser is in a very vulnerable spot right at the front grill, easily damaged. They can fail easily. The only other real issue is finding a good media screen. Get the hybrid if you can, fuel consumption is really high/fast
If you can find one, toyota noah/voxy is an interesting minivan similar to this but more like a smaller toyota vellfire/alphard. Looks good for city slickers
Love seeing you lie down in the boot of all these vehicles. With your extensive experience lying prone in boots, approximately how many corpses would this particular model fit in its 4 seater configuration? Also, can you put kids seats in second row?
@@wazblind yeah unfortunately i've had to put 4 kids and 2 grand parents in the tarago, other than the fight for the captain chairs it was pretty breezy (even getting in and out of 3rd row)
These only came with 2 airbags as standard from Japan and had to be optioned by the buyer when new Most of the imported examples here will only have the two front airbags We were fortunate enough to get one with 9 (including driver's knee airbag)
Hello, Thanks for the great video on the Estima people mover. However, the one issue these people movers have in common. Is that no spare wheel is supplied. Therefore if you have a flat tyre while driving, you would be stranded especially on a country road. Thanks Martin 😢😮
That's not true. I have a V6 that is otherwise identical to this one. As long as it's not hybrid you will get a space saver, it's under the second row left side
I am sold but l have no use for a people mover l have two adult children they have left home but this is probably the pick of all five Toyota JDM people movers they are very common and l can see why also they come in a welcab just a great people mover
Toyota stopped making/selling that van ...as the Previa here in the US decades ago! And was mid- engined. The engine under the drivers seat. We never got THAT design here.
Please do a review on the 2021 to 2023 Toyota Prado (the one with the 500NM motor), the only redriven episode is one pre the mid year 2020 engine upgrade!
@redriven I’d really love a compilation video just of the moment Adam says “i’m not a qualified mechanic, but Jim is!” Always gives me a chuckle seeing the slightly different way you do it each time. Oh and I’d probably buy a Carnival over one of these.
I have an 8 seater 2016 Tarago GLX. It does not come up with many features : I don't have power doors , the 2nd row chairs don't have footrest , but there are 2 armrests , and the mid seat had a built on cup holders if there are only 2 occupants , 3rd row seats don't collapse flat ad in video but fold down and forward. It has a nice 5th tyre in the boot section, plus I can hide plenty of staff next to the tyres. The reverse camera is in the reverse mirror, but my dash is so booooring , the only info I get is trip a and trip b , though there is a special button in AC block for outside temperature 😂😂😂 . My Holden Commodore of 2002 would provide me more information like voltage , amount of fuel in tank both in Litres and Kms to cover, the average fuel consumption and so on . The only thing that I really hate in this car is the headlights and how hard it is to accecc them if you need to change the bulbs . I am very disappointed with Japanese : my wife's Nissan Micra has 10 times brighter lights and so easy to change the bulbs. I drive my car for Uber on Weekends and I can easily carry 7 adult passengers . The car drives fantastically , very quite , ( 2.4 l engine ) even though I have the cheapest tyres as I do around 30 000 kms per year. And I love how high is the car ,it's very rear that I scratch the kirbs when front parking . In short , best people mover !
Hi Jim,,, any idea what the oil consumption on a later model (2016 +) 4 cylinder non hybrid is like please mate? I know the 2016 model was a new series, wondering if the oil ring issue was addressed!
Great car let down by the totally unnecessary electric sliding doors,trying to fix them is a nightmare.THEY ARE NOT easy to fix .And placement of the fuse boxes x 4!in the footwells.Trackrod ends are an expensive repair and try to service the V6(Like mine)wish you luck.You need to remove the battery to service the air filter.Why is it so difficult to incorporate good design in placement and access to service items and an easy manual override on auto doors etc.
absolutely 2nd this.. I have been tossing and turning over a D5.. I just thing the D5 looks great - but I've been a toyota person most of my life. I look at the Estima's but that lip at the back (I want to roll an escooter in) puts me off.
I have a 2004 Sienna in Chicago, is this the Toyota substitute for it? 20 years old, 200,000 miles, its needed a new wheel bearing, and boots for the steering rack, thats all outside of regular Maintenace.
Have it's smaller sibling, the Toyota Avensis Verso, an oh my how handy vehicles like these are. Such a useful space, a perfect vehicle for life. But let's be honest, how many people purchase new cars using their brains?
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My Polynesian friends were outraged when they no longer selling Tarago in Australia.
HAHAHAHAHA
Honestly don’t know why they don’t sell the heck out of these things. SUVs just don’t cut it for the masses.
The tarago specifically was removed from their lineup simply due to the success of the Kia Carnival, Toyota was just selling next to nothing compared to the Kia so they cancelled it altogether
Image. People want to look big and tough, not like they got married and gave in.
They were sell for about the same price as the Prado spec to spec, and we know what Australian preferred.
Toyota shafted Australia with low spec expensive models and Kia took them to the cleaners
Compared to the North American only Sienna, this was small. Think Mazda 5, but maybe slightly bigger. The Kia Carnival is about the same size as the Sienna, which usually means more interior space compared to the Previa.
I have a 2008 V6 Estima, just like the one in the video and it is the best financial decision my family has ever made. One thing you missed is that the middle row captain seats can slide all the way back like a private jet when the 3rd row seats are folded away. That was a massive bonus for us. Great video!
Same here... we have the V6 in black, it looks just like this one. The versatility is unbelievable and lol my kids love to slide the middle row in and back. It's just like the Alphard/Lexus LM then!
@@andrewmihaleff I know i am jealous of the kids, luckily the v6 keeps entertained... mine has 215km and i havent had any problems other than fuel prices
@juki6377 they just don't miss a beat! This is my second Estima, I had the 8 seat version with previous body. It was also a fantastic vehicle
Yep.. agreed.
My Estima just ticked over 185,000kms and it's got zero mechanical issues. I absolutely love this car
What type of litres per 100 are you getting out of the 3.5 V6?
Sister went from V6 espace to a 3.5 estima. Didn’t have the euro gloss she wanted, dosent ride anywhere near as well, but she loves how it dosent run away with a bank card every time it needs a service or repair
Renault makes very unreliable cars
overseas i had an espace for a short while, not the v6, except the fancy interior trim, the estima does everything better (and for the interior trim i like the simple, easy clean toyota)
A couple of years ago I rented a car through a 'cheapie' car rental place. I got an old VY Commodore that had a radiator leak the first day. They replaced it with a 15 yr old Tarago with 300,000k on it and I wasn't looking forward to driving a 'heap of junk' around for a week, even though I had no experience with them, I had a pre-determined idea. Well was I wrong??!! Totally changed my view of what these things were like. Went well, drove car like, not a squeak or rattle anywhere, I was absolutely amazed and impressed! Toyota just keeps making brilliant vehicles!
We had a 2001 Tarago. Beautiful car. So fun to drive. That car lasted to 400,000 kms, and twice it actually towed a caravan up a steep hill (the hill as you are leaving Lakes Entrance and driving back towards Melbourne) without any oil inside of it. Revs went a little high, so at the top of thebhill ee stopped, noticed no oil and just simply refilled it. Worked like a charm and stull lasted another 4 years. Amazing car, and I really miss it even tho we replwced it with a brand new Kia Carnival Platinum in 2019.
Do you prefer the Carnival?
Park the Carnival outside your garage ,as recommended by KIA. Also i won't park my cars near to KIA or Hyundai .
@@mdazli3833 Yeah stfu, I live in Australia, and no Kia or Hyundai has ever gone up in flames suddenly here, that only happens in the USA. And it's my mum's car and it's literally one of the best cars on the planet.
@ezy.from.now.on. what's a kia on top of a hill ? A miracle ! What about 2 Kias ? It's a mirage !!!! Mine is a 2016 2.4 l , 8 seater Tarago. 2 years ago , a kengooroo hopped onto my Bonnet at midnight . I was given a free Kia Carnival , brand new , of 2020 , but it would not get close to my Tarago in driving comfort . Plus after going from reverse into Drive , the maps on head units would not come up for another minute or two , but it would show the reverse footage :))))
I remember when I went into foster care they had one of these, I think it was an 08/09. We went everywhere in this thing, From Roadtrips from the bottom of Tassie to the very top to cruises to restaurants and all sorts of stuff. The interior isn't exciting but they certainly can cop quite a flogging. It must of racked up 200-300km easily. My trip to school everyday was an hour to and from. The doors were full of change to, I remember one day me and a couple of other boys got curious had a look and it was just a shit load of coins in every pocket. By the looks of it the interior hasn't changed all that much.
In 1986 we owned a 1983 Tarago GL it had velour interior a sun roof and moon roof both electric
Such a joy watching your videos exciting and comedic 😅 thank you for sharing x
I have an 05 3.0 V6 ...
One of the most reliable, versatile vans you can get ... I sold plenty of cars over the years but the Estima is still in the family after 7 years ... we've gone long distance, dog beach runs, Bunnings runs, shopping runs you name it ... just regular maintenance & they are DYI friendly ... you do have to shop around for insurance but that's about it ... absolutely love ours ... 🥰
Same i've sold quite a few cars over the years, until i stumbled across Estima by chance. Once you go estima, you'll never go back lol
Where are you to in the world? I have a 3.5 V6 too, in the UK, love it!
I bought a RB1 Odyssey as my first family car, as I wanted something more wagon than van.
After a couple of years of ownership, I can see the benefits of the Estima and similar vehicles, and I think I'll end up in one at some point in the future.
Some (small) issues I have with the Odyssey.
- The low roof line (lower than my GK5 Jazz!) is great for looking more like a car than a van, but if you're tall, loading a child into the back seat means a lot of bending which is even worse when you're parked by a gutter. The same for the boot. The tailgate is long and it can impact access to the rear cargo area if you are tall.
- The lack of sliding doors at the rear, again, looks much like a normal car but access can be impacted when parked in a shopping centre or near a wall.
- The K24 isn't very powerful and struggles up some hills on the freeway, dropping back multiple gears regularly especially when driving with cruise control on.
- Access to the third row isn't as easy as in the Estima and similar vehicles. Lower roof, second row doesn't move out of the way as easily and the seats being very low themselves makes for some interesting body contortion if you aren't a small, agile child.
- Otherwise, great car and a good entry into people moving!
Hopefully this is some help for the new mum and dads chasing a family hauler.
Just picked up the Tarago (Ultimate) based on this review. Bloody fantastic. Thanks for the review mate.
Parents brought a previa new back in 2010 ($65,000) it was a beast/reliable/quick for an 8 seater. Both my siblings and our all used it for school 😂. We sold it last year May for $5000 with 308,000kms on…. Surprisingly I miss it!
We have a 2.4 2009 NZ NEW Previa 8 seats. Ex rental had 197,00km on it now 313,000. It’s been amazing. I never wanted a van / people mover. Had tidy a VY commie wagon before thought I would miss the pulling power but the Previa really surprised me, tows 1.5 ton with out to much fuss. So practical for a family vehicle. Cheap servicing cost, comfortable. Just did a 200km drive with 6 people 3 adults 1 teen and 2 primary kids with luggage on windy country roads, it just works, yes boring as dead goldfish but we love ours.
Only other vehicle I would consider is a Honda odyssey.
thats my second favourite wagon...solid, more thirsty, builder finish. But smaller on the inside by far.
Estima's are perfect size for the family.
Our 04 Estima has hit 385k, We live in the mountains so every drive is a trek, We regularly go bush as its 4WD, the kids named her Bonnie.
We are going to buy another one as Bonnie is getting tired, the information on the oil consumption was fantastic and confirmed what we had observed. This car does at least 50klms on punishing gravel roads daily best car I have ever owned.
Great review and lots of love from Kenya🇰🇪. Please review Honda Oddessy the same year
Love having my E-Steamer, I use mine as a tradie van, it was easier to bolt a toolbox in the back of it than make a Hiace more comfortable, and thanks for the battery tip Ive just ordered Panasonic batteries.
My daughter bought one in Perth for the kids ... i got to drive it and was really impressed
Bought a near new condition example and it's been perfect. Bought just prior to Covid, Areas G 2006 model with 75,000km's for $15k. All Aus Tarago's were way more $ for higher km and povo spec. Insurace is virtually the same price as Tarago and Hayman Rease towbar bolted up no problemo (different bumper cutouts though). Beige to drive but awesome V6 grunt and comfortable, plus Toyota reliability. My kids love it too
😊in Mount Druitt (Sydney) there known as the Samoan side loader
😅😅😅
What a fantastic review!
Thank you mate!
My parents had the 2006 Estima V6 G since 2016 (imported to Australia then). The car had so many features such as dual electric sliding doors and electric tailgate, keyless entry and start, auto headlights/wipers, front side and reverse cameras etc. The car was really good and the only major issues we've had was an alternator replacement, and replacing the brake pads throughout the 7 years we had the car. Service it regularly and it'll last forever. Only issue other than that is insurance costs more and getting parts take so much longer (our estima got hail damaged once and it took over 10-12 weeks to get the parts and repair the car as many exterior panels are not interchangeable with the local Taragos).
In my opinion, this has a higher coolness factor than the Tarago.
You can also increase its coolness factor on these by installing lower profile wheels, lowered suspension, darker tints, a mad sound system and maybe exhaust.
I'm on my second Estima and could not recommend them more. One of Toyotas best vehicles ever. I always throw all the seats out for my gardening tools, and a single bed for sleeping in when working out of town. My first oneblew a oil pump at around 325,000 kms, my second one is just under 300,000 and still running sweeeet.
My old workplace had a fleet of 50 Previas. Good vehicles and rented one for a few days for family back in 2011.
My aunty used to own a Tarago and she still wishes she still had that but my uncle traded it in on a shitbox ASX.
After seeing this review and previous experiences with them I'd absolutely buy one of these if I needed one and a couple of people I know may be interested in this video for buying a new car with kids.
Absolute suprise that this was today's review car but so glad it's been done now.
Brilliant video guys and as always keep up the good work and look forward to next week's videos as per usual 👍.
Yeh those ASX (Mitsubishi's) are shit💩, only people who get sucked into the long warranty fantasy buy them 🤔
@@mrgarrison3516 the first one basically rusted out under them and it was a new car.
@@TwistedDonners
The ASX rusted away?
....wow, they are worse than I thought 😮
@@mrgarrison3516 still under warranty and the A pillars, fire wall and any area with glass basically started having the structural integrity of wet spaghetti on top of all the other issues she had with it and the car they got to replace it is another ASX though no major issues with it yet that I know of.
Hence the ASX is worthy of the Bits a Missin' moniker lol.
Sold Toyota's from 2010 to 2013 and could count on one hand how many of these i sold, and had no idea why. The V6 Ultima was a properly great car. For the time, super luxury. Captains chairs in the back. DVD players, sunroofs, 20,000 speaker stereo, and went like a cut cat. Drank fuel for fun, but that's about the only negative on it. Would have one in a heartbeat.
Have a 2012 Estima Four X hybrid. Best car we've ever had. Endlessly practical, comfortable, cheap to run and I reckon, quite good looking.
have had 4. even have 2 now.
love the moon roofs and overall charm. does the family well. Dogs love it too.
just hate changing light bulbs on them.....luckily its once in a blue moon..
Comment problems for 2.4 Litre Estima are:
1. Steering column (gear replacement) at the power electric steering pump.
2. Balance Shalf replacement that cause serious engine oil consumption and noise & gasket burn if you ignored it.
3. Power sliding door noise
This is what the technical mechanic did not highlight it.
Estima's are not exciting mpv's but they're cheap to buy and popular with taxi companies here in the UK.
Just bought one and recommend my friend and he also bought one. Best work horse in the market at affordable price. If you want anything not boring go find something else, just look at the price reliability and all else. Two third the price of a tarago with twin electric doors what can you say!
Any chance you can measure the height of the opening in the back? Im considering one of these if I can get the kids motorbike in there.
What is the fuel consumption of the car. Please share
Until about four years ago I had the very similar '08 Toyota Innova E (TGN40 model) in the Philippines. Mine had the 2-litre petrol motor, teamed with the auto 'box, rather than the much better 2.4-litre diesel, but was still a very competent vehicle, though I didn't like the blind-spot created by the thick front pillars. The only failure it had was when the rear aircon died, but that was a very easy and straightforward fix. I'd probably buy another Innova if they were available in Oz.
👍 nice review
The 2AZ-FE engine is the 4 cylinder engine with the oil consumption issues found in corllas, camry cars and the rav4 models. Probably best to get oil change every 5,000km's.
These are 2ar not 2az
Just the right video at the right time. I've been looking at these as a family camping car.
We had a Nissan Elgrand 2010 for a while and it was brilliant, now have an aussie delivered honda odessey 2019 on lease and will likely keep it
Getting a Tarago to show you've had plenty of horizontal fun, is still noob levels. My brother, due to his and his Mrs' amount of horizontal fun, require a Toyota Hiace Commuter, that's right a 12 seat 'bus' :) Hmmm now that would make an interesting video.
😂😂😂😂😂
You win the internet! Fair dinkum, I know a guy who had 11 kids and did exactly the same thing, had a HiAce when kids were small!
😂😂😂😂
Great review. Would love to see your take on the Honda Odyssey and Stepwgn! 👍
You read my mind. I am in the market to either buy the Estima or the Odyssey. But no one has done a review on the Odyssey like they did with the Estima. I am swinging towards Honda.
Go for the Honda for the cool factor, but way less boot space
Fantastic review mate. So good I bought one.
Absolutely best car I’ve owned. Awesome video redriven guys
Why on earth would you buy a merc v class! This is excellent. Aftermarket rims, aftermarket infotainment system bring this car to unbelievable life! Adam.... What a car! This is brilliant
Love mine. 3.5 v6, 0-60 just over 5 Seconds. Great specs for its age. Love it.
Very helpful, Mate. TY
Love the import people movers!
Time for an updated Elgrand video on the 52!
When we had three kids in car seats we decided that the Commodore just wasn't cutting it for space and looked at everything on the market. I shy away from imports like the Estima's just cause don't want to deal with the little extra hassles you get with them and just about every imported Estima seemed to modified to some degree. Looked at the Tarago and compared it to the same age Kia Grand Carnival. The Tarago design then was well dated and more modern van's like the Grand Carnival beat it easily for practicality functions and the Kia was significantly cheaper. We're on our second, now, Carnival and both have been reliable as heck (just regular servicing), no interior issues and my 6"2' son fits in the third row as with all the comfort to easily do a 8 hour drive back there. If Toyota had discounted the Tarago years ago and made a right hand drive Sienna, that thing would dominate the van market in Aus. Toyota got lazy and gifted that market to the Carnival.
I came so close to buying one of these things 12 months ago it wasn't funny. I was aiming at around a 2015 give or take and at the time they were just outside my price range and I ended up with a 2016 Honda CR-V VTI-L. I love the Honda but I would still consider an Estima in a few years time if the reliability is as good as you say they are.
Pros - infinite coin supply stuck in the backseat adjustment rails/channels, world's best tourer for road trips, feel like you've got the emergency exit seat with all the extra legroom every time you drive it.
Cons - combersome to drive through the maccas drive thru, you'll be shipping the whole under 10s basketball team + ref, the bloke in the Alphard at the school pick-up dissing your ride.
most vans have fold to the side rear seats but I like these ones that just disappear
I got the same one with all the same functions 2010 model 2.3L, You forgot to mention one more thing. The rear two seats could be moved sideways, to make more space for the middle row.
We own a 2013 2.4 ltr Estima and honestly say that Toyota Australia do not want to know about them. They don't/won't service them, nor do they supply parts for them either.
It's a comfortable van to drive, but I dred if or when something goes wrong with it.
It's a shame they discontinued it in Australia. Now the choice is a "tarted up van".
They should give us the sienna.👍
Thanks for the video, am on the lookout for an Estima in Sydney. I think what needs to be mentioned in this video perhaps is that a very big percentage of Estimas in all various spec Do NOT have curtain airbags (at all). You get heaps of other extra kit vs the local tarago though. The local tarago sacrifices all that kit for more safety..... frustrating! Happy to be corrected if I'm wrong though!
Adam, you are so funny and such a good presenter. There are so many moments where you make me laugh. 😂
This is the soccer mums budget car
I'm currently looking for estimas- a heads up for those with safety in mind.. the 9 airbag package with the 2nd and third row curtain airbags is NOT common, it is very rare. I've just enquired at multiple yards and in the 60 cars in stock, I have found (and driven) ONE that has the rear curtain airbags.
Amazing timing with this video. A couple weeks ago i started looking at these for a tradie van option which has more car-like dimensions and driving dynamics. Drove a V6 and was sold. Still on the hunt for the right one. Would love to hear from other owners with the V6 - what's your average fuel consumption like? And those with AWD models, any common issues? I looked at one and the rear diff was covered in oil.
The AWD transfer cases seem to be pretty reliable in my experience and my Estima V6 doesn't use as much petrol as you'd think (converted from km/l to l/100km) it does roughly 10l/100km, these cars are absolutely bulletproof and if you spec up to one of the G specs or an E-Four G you can get stuff like PCS, radar cruise, LKA, AFS, Parking Assist, curb and front cameras, auto headlights and wipers, even more even for some of the older 2006 model years. Amazing car and will outlast me (i wouldn't recommend any lower spec ones such as the S edition or the X trim level or any without the v6 because the 4 cylinders are gutless and i would really seek for one with the 3 zone climate control rather than the rear blower, the sunroofs could possibly leak but the dual ones in mine dont really, the electric 3rd row folding seats in mine work fine as well)
@brianvan1446 thanks so much for your reply and info! Really appreciate it.
most dangerous probs for estima is the BALANCE SHAFT .... need to be replace before reach 100,000 km .... and the stearing rack ....
Best car I've ever bought.
Oh the irony seeing this. Just replaced the sunroof seal myself on a 2007 Ultima. Couldn’t get the part from Toyota in a timely manner though! Used 3rd party glazier glass seal - see how we go. It’s not a too bad of a job if you are patient, and have 2 decently tall people to lift the glass off and on the roof - reckon its about 20-30 kegs and awkward
Anyhow, doing all this work as kids (10,12) wont let me get something else that is less emasculating!
Type wear on the front is not good - learning to slow down more! 3.5 is a great donk though (yes, is thirsty around town but honestly not really worse than the 2.4 I had previously - maybe driver issue!)
i can tell you now that the AC condenser is in a very vulnerable spot right at the front grill, easily damaged. They can fail easily. The only other real issue is finding a good media screen. Get the hybrid if you can, fuel consumption is really high/fast
If you can find one, toyota noah/voxy is an interesting minivan similar to this but more like a smaller toyota vellfire/alphard. Looks good for city slickers
Love seeing you lie down in the boot of all these vehicles. With your extensive experience lying prone in boots, approximately how many corpses would this particular model fit in its 4 seater configuration? Also, can you put kids seats in second row?
We have a nz new one and yes kids seats in second and even out side of the 3rd row is no problem at all.
@@wazblind yeah unfortunately i've had to put 4 kids and 2 grand parents in the tarago, other than the fight for the captain chairs it was pretty breezy (even getting in and out of 3rd row)
These only came with 2 airbags as standard from Japan and had to be optioned by the buyer when new
Most of the imported examples here will only have the two front airbags
We were fortunate enough to get one with 9 (including driver's knee airbag)
I have the hybrid version...... Awesome on fuel 50+mpg on combined cycle
I have a 2009 8 seater AWD hybrid.
Brilliant cars.
Is it as slow as a wet week though?
We imported one to the uk 5 years ago and now you’ll see them everywhere in the uk
Did yours breed?
Which driving experience did you like better, this or the Vellfire
Toyota Innova was in 2006 in India sell well till 2016 till Toyota crysta arrived and mostly used as passengers vehicles or taxy
Hello,
Thanks for the great video on the Estima people mover.
However, the one issue these people movers have in common. Is that no spare wheel is supplied. Therefore if you have a flat tyre while driving, you would be stranded especially on a country road.
Thanks Martin 😢😮
That's not true. I have a V6 that is otherwise identical to this one. As long as it's not hybrid you will get a space saver, it's under the second row left side
2016 and higher carnival also competes in this segment, as outlined by redriven but not mentioned in this vid
I am sold but l have no use for a people mover l have two adult children they have left home but this is probably the pick of all five Toyota JDM people movers they are very common and l can see why also they come in a welcab just a great people mover
So what's the go between this, iMax, Carnival, Elgrand, Alphard, etc?
Earlier models were Known as the Wombat, as they were roughly the same shape as that antipodean marsupial.
Toyota stopped making/selling that van ...as the Previa here in the US decades ago! And was mid- engined. The engine under the drivers seat. We never got THAT design here.
Please do a review on the 2021 to 2023 Toyota Prado (the one with the 500NM motor), the only redriven episode is one pre the mid year 2020 engine upgrade!
I love my V6 Ultima!
I got 2.5 estima...7 years....only 1 alternator replaced....
@redriven I’d really love a compilation video just of the moment Adam says “i’m not a qualified mechanic, but Jim is!”
Always gives me a chuckle seeing the slightly different way you do it each time.
Oh and I’d probably buy a Carnival over one of these.
I have an 8 seater 2016 Tarago GLX. It does not come up with many features : I don't have power doors , the 2nd row chairs don't have footrest , but there are 2 armrests , and the mid seat had a built on cup holders if there are only 2 occupants , 3rd row seats don't collapse flat ad in video but fold down and forward. It has a nice 5th tyre in the boot section, plus I can hide plenty of staff next to the tyres. The reverse camera is in the reverse mirror, but my dash is so booooring , the only info I get is trip a and trip b , though there is a special button in AC block for outside temperature 😂😂😂 . My Holden Commodore of 2002 would provide me more information like voltage , amount of fuel in tank both in Litres and Kms to cover, the average fuel consumption and so on . The only thing that I really hate in this car is the headlights and how hard it is to accecc them if you need to change the bulbs . I am very disappointed with Japanese : my wife's Nissan Micra has 10 times brighter lights and so easy to change the bulbs. I drive my car for Uber on Weekends and I can easily carry 7 adult passengers . The car drives fantastically , very quite , ( 2.4 l engine ) even though I have the cheapest tyres as I do around 30 000 kms per year. And I love how high is the car ,it's very rear that I scratch the kirbs when front parking . In short , best people mover !
@ReDriven I’m keen on buying a hybrid version, Can this car survive in snowy areas?
Is this same platform as Us Sienna ? 🤔
In Asia, it’s billed as a budget Alphard
Hi Jim,,, any idea what the oil consumption on a later model (2016 +) 4 cylinder non hybrid is like please mate? I know the 2016 model was a new series, wondering if the oil ring issue was addressed!
Great car let down by the totally unnecessary electric sliding doors,trying to fix them is a nightmare.THEY ARE NOT easy to fix .And placement of the fuse boxes x 4!in the footwells.Trackrod ends are an expensive repair and try to service the V6(Like mine)wish you luck.You need to remove the battery to service the air filter.Why is it so difficult to incorporate good design in placement and access to service items and an easy manual override on auto doors etc.
Can the 2nd row seats slide left right?
Always liked these, just not sure if the 2.4 is a good engine due to the oil consumption.
Please guys! Delica D5 please 😊
absolutely 2nd this.. I have been tossing and turning over a D5.. I just thing the D5 looks great - but I've been a toyota person most of my life. I look at the Estima's but that lip at the back (I want to roll an escooter in) puts me off.
I have a 2004 Sienna in Chicago, is this the Toyota substitute for it?
20 years old, 200,000 miles, its needed a new wheel bearing, and boots for the steering rack, thats all outside of regular Maintenace.
The car you buy when you don't have any insecurities.
Hello, just want to ask if the 2nd row windows open?
I wouldn't mind seeing a review of the Honda CR-Z. It's an awesome little car, even though it's a bit rare...
Have it's smaller sibling, the Toyota Avensis Verso, an oh my how handy vehicles like these are. Such a useful space, a perfect vehicle for life.
But let's be honest, how many people purchase new cars using their brains?
What is the difference with the Sienna?
Would love to see your review on an 2013 ford focus automatic
If it has the powershift trans, you won’t like the review…
Thumbs up to Ruby for the great voiceover!
If you want to communicate with the world that you've had plenty of horizontal escapades, but unlikely to have many more, buy this van!
I will go for a Toyota Alphard/Vellfie
Pretty sure many of the Estima imports don't have side airbags. That's the main reason we ended up getting a Honda Odyssey.