Description
This is my second Toyota of this type. I still own my first UK Previa and it has been en excellent work horse for many years. I bought this Estima import as its replacement, but it seems sacrilege to put a tow bar on it and use it as a parts carrier for my rusty car bits. This Estima has covered about 60k miles and apart from a few marks on the bumpers is in exceptional condition. Everyone who's driven the original Previa agrees they are quite amazing vehicles, safe, trustworthy and capable. Easy to maintain and can be used for almost anything. This one benefits from having the optional four wheel drive gearbox and transfer box, meaning it has a front to rear prop-shaft to the independent rear suspension. Ideal in ice and light snow and when towing for course. It all works well at the switch of a button on the dash.
I've changed the engine oil and filter and replaced the wipers, but not much else. I'd intended on changing the Japanese stereo for one with car-play and getting an mph dashboard to replace the kph that's in there currently, but not had the chance to do so - yet.
I'm the second UK owner, it having been bought by someone intending to make it a day camper, but it sat for a long time before being traded back to the importer for the bigger Alphard. I drove it down from Glasgow the day I bought it and it was perfect. I worked out the consumption as being close to 40mpg at a sedate 68mph - Japanese cruise control stops working at 70mph anyway.
The Estima does have the electric opening and closing sliding doors, but I've switched them off. Who needs them?The interior and exterior are very, very good for a 2004 vehicle. It's clear when you drive it that it's done hardly any miles since it was created. I love the reliability of Toyota and the availability of parts. The UK Previa's suffered from rust in front of the rear axle mounts, but this one is absolutely sound coming from Japan. Cheap, reliable motoring without too many electronic gizmos to go wrong. I'll get another 12 months MOT done prior to sale.
