regretting my estima purchase

[andy86]

Hi all .

My wife bought a 2011 Toyota Estima Japanese import a few weeks ago and I'm really considering getting rid of it.

There was no English manual (I eventually found one on eBay but it's not perfect), the head unit can't be changed from Japanese language, same with the dashboard, the power doors stopped working after a few days, it pulls to the left, the built-in TV doesn't work etc. 

I want to like this car as it's so much hassle to change it, but I'm struggling. Halfords couldn't replace the head unit so I need to take it to a specialist but does anyone know if it's actually possible? It's a 2011 Aeras if that helps.

Any idea what might be wrong with the doors? I've checked the fuse - doesn't seem to be that.

Has anyone been able to get the TV to work? It will power on and I can change brightness but no other buttons are responsive.

Thanks in advance and sorry for the moan!

Andy

[Akash87]

Hi Andy, 

I am a new owner (Estima 2009) myself and I agree the car only came with Japanese handbook. 

For the headunit mine was swapped with an android headunit. See eBay item number. 165307765433. If you are thinking of swapping it then same time ask someone to look at the cables running to the drop down screen. What i found is the cable was snipped behind the A piller. However the light comes on with the doors opening but screen is blank. I will see the wiring over weekend and see if anything can be done. 

With the fuse box, in my model there are left and righ side fuse boxes under the footwells of both passenger and driver side. Did you check the corresponding sides? 

Also, there is a relay if i remember correctly which may need checking for the power door. (what i understood using the google translate on the manual). 

BR, Akash

[FROSTYBALLS]

1 hour ago, andy86 said:

There was no English manual (I eventually found one on eBay but it's not perfect), the head unit can't be changed from Japanese language

The Estima was never officially exported to Europe after 2006, and the car was built for the Japanese Domestic market, so Toyota wouldn't have produced an English owners manual. Again the head unit is for the Japanese Domestic market, so no need for it to have other languages as an option.

[RUToyota]

Sorry to hear that Andy..there's usually very few "complaints" about Estimas.

I don't really understand why buyers are suprised by a vehicle made in Japan for the Japanese domestic market (and never officially exported) has a manual in Japanese or a Japanese head unit..?

Did you buy it from an importer or private sale.?

All those issues can be sorted surely....hundreds of Estimas must have had their head unit changed...including mine..it requires no specialist. Depends what you want from it I guess.

Did mine 7 years ago and IIRC it was pretty much plug n' play....but it was a very simple unit that I use for bluetooth/telephone.(Android)

I'm not big on ICE.

The pulling to the left clearly needs checking so why not take it in to a trusted garage and let them have a look...no reason why it shouldn't be fixable.

Was it pulling to the left when you bought it..?..I assume a good test drive was had.?

If you search then you will find answers to your doors I'm sure...it wouldn't be a first and peeps usually sort it.

My MkII only has soft close so not an issue for me.

[andy86]

34 minutes ago, RUToyota said:

Sorry to hear that Andy..there's usually very few "complaints" about Estimas.

I don't really understand why buyers are suprised by a vehicle made in Japan for the Japanese domestic market (and never officially exported) has a manual in Japanese or a Japanese head unit..?

Did you buy it from an importer or private sale.?

All those issues can be sorted surely....hundreds of Estimas must have had their head unit changed...including mine..it requires no specialist. Depends what you want from it I guess.

Did mine 7 years ago and IIRC it was pretty much plug n' play....but it was a very simple unit that I use for bluetooth/telephone.(Android)

I'm not big on ICE.

The pulling to the left clearly needs checking so why not take it in to a trusted garage and let them have a look...no reason why it shouldn't be fixable.

Was it pulling to the left when you bought it..?..I assume a good test drive was had.?

If you search then you will find answers to your doors I'm sure...it wouldn't be a first and peeps usually sort it.

My MkII only has soft close so not an issue for me.

Thanks. I realise that this one was for the Japanese market so am not blaming Toyota for lack of manual, just bemoaning my decision to buy it! My fault for not checking in advance (though I wasn't there when my wife bought it - she's a bit more impulsive than me).

I'm hoping I can solve some of these problems so I don't have to resell it immediately, but I accept it's my fault for buying an import.

Strange about the head unit. Halfords were adamant they couldn't fit one for me (and they did look into it fairly thoroughly). So they referred me to a specialist place. Do you know what model you fitted?

Frustrating that the ICE doesn't work - kids were excited and now disappointed but again, that's on us for buying an import I suppose.

Thanks for all the replies - appreciate the input.

 

Andy

[JohnGW]

Halfords, come on what do you expect, bunch of fitters for Wiper Blades and batteries.

Plenty of android units out there and take a look on YouTube if you are not sure, BTW if stuff has stopped working I would go back to the seller first.

What's actually not working on the power doors, won't close, won't move?

 

[RUToyota]

Andy...Buying on impulse always has it's risks..as with ANY car.

There is nothing wrong with buying an import so long as you do your homework and inspect the car as best you can.

If you didn't buy it from an importer where you would have had some degree of protection/warranty then you are probably on your own...and you would have been able to give it a good road test.

Can't remember which head unit I bought...Chinese jobby, but it's been fine for 7 years.!. I was never gonna spend a fortune as I'm not that interested in ICE...I prefer to listen to the tune of my V6...lol.

Halfords obviously just couldn't be bothered.

The Estima is a sound, reliable vehicle generally. I hope you can get these things sorted and enjoy it. I still love owning and driving mine after 7 years and it's been faultless thus far.

[flash22]

It is a JDM car, any entertainment is in Japanese the radio and tv are also tuned for Japanese market, manuals are in Japanese

Any double din radio will fit with the correct fascia - fascias are not easily available in the UK - most places will not touch imports when it comes to radios - Halfords, leave them to change wipers and bulbs

 

Doors not working, make sure you haven't hit the off switch on the right side of the dash just in front of the stalk (marked PWR Door Off)

Pulling to the left, get the car 4 wheel laser aligned on a rack like a John bean or hunter, avoid the big chains and run a mile from quick fit

 

 

[Cyker]

For some reason there seem to be a lot of importers that specialize in the Estima along the A12 in the Romford area, and some offered a headunit swap as part of the sale when we were looking at Estimas, so it might be worth speaking to some of them if you don't make any progress.

 

[andy86]

Thanks all. Appreciate the advice.

In their defence, Halfords were pretty helpful. They took the fascia off and showed me the wiring etc, and the security bolts that prevent theft (they weren't able to get them off). They spent well over 30 mins trying to work it out but eventually gave up, not for lack of trying. But point taken - I'll go somewhere else in future.

And yes, buying impulsively is always a risk. Not my decision and I can't fix that now. Just frustrated by all the little annoyances. Another example - cruise control doesn't seem to go over 67mph. Not the worst thing but just irritating.

Doors seem to have fixed themselves, possibly a loose fuse that I've repaired by taking it out and putting it back but unsure.

Anyway, if I can sort the head unit and the TV screen that'll be half the battle. Garage for the pulling to the left and hopefully that's a simple fix.

Cheers all - helpful advice from all of you.

[RUToyota]

IIRC cruise control is factory set at 70mph...why would you want more.?

[andy86]

33 minutes ago, RUToyota said:

IIRC cruise control is factory set at 70mph...why would you want more.?

Because I want to drive (slightly) faster than that, especially on long empty drives on the continent. No other car I've owned has been restricted like that. Driving at 67 is pretty slow.

[JohnGW]

52 minutes ago, andy86 said:

Because I want to drive (slightly) faster than that, especially on long empty drives on the continent. No other car I've owned has been restricted like that. Driving at 67 is pretty slow.

Its the same for me Andy, over in the EU a fair amount and would much prefer to be able to extend the cruise control. I have looked on the internet and it seems some with other vehicles can view the data file using Rom Raider software, outside of my comfort zone but its probably just a number in the program, just need to find a real technician who knows this stuff. If you find anyone I would be grateful, same for anyone else on the forum.

[RUToyota]

I guess that EU driving makes a difference.

I drive only in the UK so 70mph would be more than adequate for me.

My MkII Estima is a G edition Areas V6 and surprisingly doesn't have C/C...which I always found somewhat disappointing to some extent as I'd love to have it on my longer drives up to North Yorkshire.

But I forgive it...lol

[Akash87]

I agree with John. I frequently visit Netherlands where speed limits in good time is 130km/h. Bit frustrating but I love the size and shape of the car. And with LPG conversion I make good return (I know some indivduals may not like it). In Europe LPG is widely available. 

I am looking into the cruise control. According to Toyota EPC 88240 ECU should be controlling the speed. I am currently searching for that control module to see what it looks like inside. (I could be completely wrong). But if any one know where the speed control ECU located in Estima ACR50 let me know. 

[flash22]

CC and top speed is limited inline with the Japanese regulations, CC is 117 kph iirc

 

88240 is half a part number - CC ecu is for the older estima pre 2006 with mechanical CC, or the radar control on the GSR50,

ACR50 has standard cruise, if it's wired, just add the stalk (very common part on Toyota's land Lexus)

Stalk - 84632-34011

Avoid the cheap Chinese ones

 

 

[Paulscarbs]

4 hours ago, Akash87 said:

I agree with John. I frequently visit Netherlands where speed limits in good time is 130km/h. Bit frustrating but I love the size and shape of the car. And with LPG conversion I make good return (I know some indivduals may not like it). In Europe LPG is widely available. 

I am looking into the cruise control. According to Toyota EPC 88240 ECU should be controlling the speed. I am currently searching for that control module to see what it looks like inside. (I could be completely wrong). But if any one know where the speed control ECU located in Estima ACR50 let me know. 

From what I read years ago, I think the CC unit is beneath the dash near the steering column.

[Akash87]

3 minutes ago, Paulscarbs said:

From what I read years ago, I think the CC unit is beneath the dash near the steering column.

Thanks Paul. The car going in today for an LPG conversion. Might have a look again on weekend. 

 

3 hours ago, flash22 said:

CC and top speed is limited inline with the Japanese regulations, CC is 117 kph iirc

 

88240 is half a part number - CC ecu is for the older estima pre 2006 with mechanical CC, or the radar control on the GSR50,

ACR50 has standard cruise, if it's wired, just add the stalk (very common part on Toyota's land Lexus)

Stalk - 84632-34011

Avoid the cheap Chinese ones

 

 

Cheers Bob, 88240 That's all the EPC can provide. I know the next 5 digits are different for different model. I have contacted some Japanese Vehicle importers in Birmingham. It was surpirsing they did not knew there is a cruise limit on these imports and one of them trading more then 15 years. 

In a completely irrelevant note, the trader in London I bought my Estima last month forgot to put the fog lamp on the car (even though it was DVLA registered with MOT). My MOT tester picked it up and after complaining their affiliated trader in Birmingham fitted one today with proper fog switch. Surprsingly the fog light connector was there behind the dash board within the factory loom, so it only comes on with when the lights are on. They converted off side reverse light. MOT tester said if have few moments may be just tint it red with some clear lacquer so does not get mistaken (even though the bulb is red).  

[flash22]

10 minutes ago, Paulscarbs said:

From what I read years ago, I think the CC unit is beneath the dash near the steering column.

CC is part of the main ecu on the later cars when they went full EFI with TBW, so don't require an ecu for the CC

[flash22]

@Akash87 pm me your frame number, no issue looking up parts

[flash22]

ACR50 CC

Anything marked #1 is for the GSR50 - radar cruise (click to enlarge)

[andy86]

Thanks for all the advice.

 

While I've got your attention (!) Has anyone replaced the flip down TV screen? It seems beyond repair, at least without an English manual, so I'm tempted to replace it with a new one to keep the kids quiet.

Any ideas?

Thanks again!

[flash22]

It's fed from the radio what controls dvd/tv, iirc it is composite video

im sure i have posted the pinouts before - what radio is in it currently ?

[Kemlo100]

Try Amazon for a manual.  JPNZ do one for Estimas 2006 onwards.  I've got one for my 2012 Aeras and it is a very good starting point:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/186976241X/ref=pe_27063361_485629781_TE_item

For the head unit, there are several car audio specialists around that can deal with JDM imports.  You will be looking at around £250.  For instance, you could try Car Sound Security in Ilford:
https://www.carsoundsecurity.com/index.php?route=extension/module/productsearch/advanceSearchViewPage&model=2006&manufacturer_id=143&year=1044

eBay also does some Chinese imports specifically for the Estima, eg:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/165307765433

My door also stopped working inexplicable, but I found I had pushed the Door Off button (near the indicator stalk) by mistake!

If you can, use a phone camera to translate anything around the car that seems to be important/useful.

I'm very pleased with my Estima Aeras, it drives beautifully!  I've owned two Previas up until now (1995 and 2006 models), but as they are not made for European market any more, I switched to the Estima.

[flash22]

i did chuck a user manual though google recently, this should cover the GSR50 and ACR50

https://www.dropbox.com/s/bfl8d6syyunhdbo/estima_201205-eng-.pdf?dl=0