First Time Buyer

[the bodger]

Starting to look round for a Lucida 8 seater depending on price it will probably between a K to P plate.

Just a couple of questions if any body can help

1. Any known problems with them that I should look out for?

2. Are service items/spares easily obtained?

3. What performance, economy etc is the norm?

[Gareth B]

Welcome to the club Bodger. Sorry you haven't had a response up to now.

A. Known problems that I am aware of, although i'm sure others will respond eventually, if they are not well maintained there can be issues with overheating and head gasket problems. I would recommend a thorough test drive making sure the temperature sits just below half way and don't even consider getting one without a warranty.

B. Service items are easily obtainable from www.bbcspares.com and parts are very reasonable.( Have a look on that site) Also remember it is a Toyota with exceptional reliability records.

C. This is not a performance vehicle. However, I have a 2.2tdi auto 105bhp which carries my family of 5 (sometimes 6) and all of our camping gear cruising at 80mph on the motorway and feels like it would tow a house. They are suprisingly responsive off the mark. Fuel consumption obviously varies but I would say average 30+mpg on a run 25-28mpg around town depending how heavy footed you are.

In summary I would highly recommend these vehicles if you are looking for an mpv. No other mpv comes near it for options and versatility, reliabilty and build quality.

There are lot's of different specs out there and varying prices. Have a good look around I have an N -reg with 60,000 miles with all the extras i need for £4500.

Do your homework, demand a warranty set your spec list and budget and you can't go far wrong.

Happy hunting and ask more questions if you are unsure of anything.

[Treuno]

Starting to look round for a Lucida 8 seater depending on price it will probably between a K to P plate.

Just a couple of questions if any body can help

1. Any known problems with them that I should look out for?

2. Are service items/spares easily obtained?

3. What performance, economy etc is the norm?

First of all why the hell wud you want to buy that piece of ****!

Get a Previa!!!!!

Jap imports are always unreliable!!

[jaggarudus]

yup lucidas suck when compared to a uk previa,previa has loads more luggage space and legroom compared to lucida(has no legroom in front or rear seats), better handling cos it has independant rear suspension,stronger shocks and wider stance than a soggy lucida,better brakes with disks all round and ABS (lucida brakes ****ty disk and drums and solid rear axle)smoother 2.4 petrol engine and as far as fuel economy goes mine is lpg converted just did a trip to newquay,560 miles on £35 of lpg at 29 pence per litre cruisin at 95 to 110mph (very heavy right foot)..........oh and btw trueno nice ae86 mines been sitting on drive for 6 years but will restore it when i get round to it.

[Gareth B]

I feel the need to defend my piece of **** which apparently sucks is soggy and has ****** drum brakes.

We are all entitled to our opinions and I cannot defend the fact that the suspension on a UK Previa is superior to the jap spec.

However, other comments are not factual. I would argue the reliabilty issue with Jap imports from my own experience although I recognise that others may have been unfortunate.

Also to say that Lucidas brakes are in some way inferior to the Previa is incorrect as my Estima Emina has discs all round and ABS although I am aware this is not the case with all of the Jap spec models.

The Jap spec models all come with a far more extensive spec list than any of the Uk previas and are generally in far better condition.

All said and done we all have our own tastes and opinions but choose to voice them in different ways.

Respectfully

Gareth B