Jack of all trades. Currently (nights) Tesco. Married, 6 children. Coach gymnastics and athletics. ...
Jack of all trades. Currently (nights) Tesco. Married, 6 children. Coach gymnastics and athletics. Interests almost anything. Originally from Liverpool but now living in the sunny Southwest. Degree Recreation, Masters Transport, PGCE in Adult Education.
Member since:01.10.2004
Reviews:8
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There doesn't seem to be a category for the imported versions of the Previa so hopefully, this might act as a comparison.
The review will be in 2 sections. The first will be my interest and experience, the second more technical data. So if you want to skip the Jackonary bit please do so.
Once you've read the review check the following websites they are excellent if you are considering buying and need to see common faults or if you have the vehicle and need help/support
http://uktoyotaestimasite.tripod.com/
http://estimaowner sclub.org/ (register and enter community forum for help/topics)
Story Bit
I first drove the British version of the Previa about 12 years ago as a hire vehicle for 2 weeks over the summer holidays. The normal thing lots of kids, even more activities and far too much traveling. The hire version I think was the GS model, very futuristic, spacious and comfortable to drive.
Many years on we bought a ford Galaxy and it was suitable for our needs and budget at the time. Too much rum punch at the Nottinghill carnival and baby numero six was on the way. My wife with her extensive traveling had blown the head on her BMW so another vehicle was needed tout suite.
Trying to get a reasonably priced Previa at this time was difficult so I looked at the imported versions. I was a little naive at the time and have learned quite a lot about the Lucida I now drive. The Estima which covers the imported range has 2 model types, the Emina which is comparable in size to the Previa and the Lucida which is smaller
especially the X badged version which I have.
The advantages of the Lucida is that they are diesel and usually 2.2l turbo versions. For a big vehicle they accelerate well and have a switch to change the engine revs so that they change gear at higher revs and thus accelerate faster or go up hill without loosing power! A support website suggests that if steadily driven at 60km/hr on the flat mpg can be around 48 mpg. Living in Plymouth this is difficult to gauge because of the hills. I certainly get 30+ mpg. If you drive the vehicle hard then this can drop drastically to more like low 20's.
Other features include 8 seats with the middle row rotating so they can face backwards which is entertaining if you have children. This function loses leg room if you have teenagers or adults but adds luggage space between the middle row and the front seats. The boot is spacious on a par with the Previa and certainly much larger than the Galaxay.
The X model has no sun roof so has air conditioning positioned above the centre of the vehicle. This is essential as the greenhouse effect of the windows causes the car to get very hot in the summer. The small hinged opening windows and two standard opening ones can't really cope. This might have something to do with the wind deflectors/ plastic shrouds that allow the front windows to open without severe drafts blasting in. There is also a cool/hot box situated at the front which can be handy for cold drinks (summer) or keep food warm (one of those trips to KFC etc on the way to pick up the kids).
The down side to the imports is the servicing. The handbook requires a full service every 10,000km (6200miles approx) - speedos and odometers normally metric, with an interim oil change in between. The guy at my local garage said that it shouldn't need the 5,000km oil/filter change if decent oil is used but the technical literate says different? I don't know what the brake wear on the Previa is but the Lucida needs the brake pads changing every 10,000km (well my has) which is a lot more than the Galaxy.
Finally, the head and head gaskets are prone to faiing if the vehicle is a high miler or driven too hard or not serviced correctly. Howver, the body work is excellent and is usually rust resistant for many years. My K reg was fine until I had a few prangs. Even so other vehicles would have crumpled but the Toyota build quality has just left a few large dents.
I would certainly consider buying another or even the petrol Previa. There are now many reasonably priced examples on the market. ebay they range from around £1000 for K reg. Autotrader and locally you can pay anything up to £6000 for R reg. Generally they seem to be a little cheaper than the Previa. The only difference is the rerliability and durability of the diesel engine which you were not able to get in the first generation Previa. Maintenance wise the increased fuel efficency is balanced with greater servicing costs that are normal for a diesel.
If you love your Previa great I'm still a fan this is just an alternative that might appeal to some.
Air conditioning above centre of vehicle. Heating controls for demist, blowing to feet and blowing of air from console towards drive or windows. Rear heating has a feature to heat back of car rapidly, ideal for children or people feeling cold in winter.
Standard model is front wheel drive 4 spd automatic (low, gear 2, Drive and overdrive). Overdrive can be removed to restrict speed especially handy in hilly areas with speed cameras. There are rarer manual versions available.
Reversing mirror comes as standard/older models. New/Higher spec models have parking sensors.
Generally come in 8 seat versions but 7 seats are widely available. Drivers and passenger seat are adjustable backwards and forwards. Middle row is adjustable backwards and forwards. Middle seats split 60/40 so that single seat nearest door folds forwards to access rear seats. Middle seats can be rotated 180 degrees. Rear seats fold flat to floor then lifted to sides to increase large boot space. Middle seats can be folded down to make double bed with rear seats.
Engine is under front seats and across the vehicle which makes it a little noisy under harsh acceleration and speeds over 100km/hr (62mph)
Engine location makes servicing more difficult. Timing belt changing is particularly difficult and cumbersome.
Details in vehicle are in Japanese so a translated manuals is required. Servicing is Oil/filter change every 5000 km (3000 miles) Air filter various on use between 10000km (6200miles) and 15000 km (9400 miles) Fuel filter should be changed at usual/full service interims (10000 km). Brake discs seem to need changing with full service.
Parts are now more readily available locally and via the internet. I would avoid Toyota main dealers as some are not aware of the service requirements and will charge Toyota prices for genuine parts. I've been told Lucidas are heavy on starter motors. Mine failed after about 2 years use (although it well have been the original). The local garage could only source from Toyota who wanted £500. The local recondition centre wanted £180. Finally, I got one from ebay which cost £41.65 including next day delivery. The garage charged £70 to fit it because it took 2 hours, wasn't the exact replacement but was fitted with some adaption.
Fuel consumption is around 34-39 miles to the gallon driven sensibly at 60 km/hr. Performance indicators from support web-site state upto 48mpg can be achieved. If I drive hard around town then low to mid 20's is more realistic.
Fuel is standard diesel although the new bio/eco versions can be used and I know of someone who has driven a Lucida on vegetable oil. At 58p a litre it is very cheap but the down side is the long term effects on the engine especially the gaskets and rubber seals. More seriously is if you get caught by the fuel revenue inspectors then there is a big fine usually relating to the an estimated amount they believe you have used and the revenue on fuel. If you do run you vehicle on vegetable oil and declare the fact the extra in revenue makes the cost at more like £1.10 per litre.
Advantages: Good Looking! Spacious and excellent choice for a family of 2-5 children Disadvantages: Feels really big and sometimes hard to park, especially in London. The Fuel consumption is 14-15 Litres per 100km, quite greedy rider.
Dorjoogongor2 31.12.2003 (31.12.2003)
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