Buying estima

[jonathan gram]

Hi all,

 

I'm looking to purchase an Estima. Just wondering what things to look out for? I have heard the hybrid systems can be unreliable? 

 

Also wanted to change to a decent head unit with DAB radio as seen a few and don't have this function- any recommendations?

 

Thanks you in advance 

[Stephen29]

See some comments in 

I though there was another, more detailed post somewhere, but cant find one.

Points to consider
1. Age:  pre 2009 model or 2009 and later ('mk3') model  (also a facelift at about 2012/2013)
2. seats - 7 or 8 seats   (or 7 with motorized 'disabled' seat, with is an amazing option for those that need that functionality).
I personally like 8 seats

3. Petrol or Hybrid
(2.4 petrol or even LPG conversion)
V6 3.5  (but rare to find a later model available)

petrol is 'less complicated' and cheaper and still does 30mpg or so
Hybrid can usually get 34-36mpg but whether that saving out ways the complexity, weight and extra initial cost is debatable 
I went Hybrid, as with the two electric motors and 4WD it should in theory have a performance advantage (on the occasions when you need it). However the theoretically higher overall HP numbers are actually limited in practice by the amps the HV Battery can push out [which is also constrained by Battery state and what the wiring can take].
 

[Stephen29]

Hybrid: There is some debate about what the state of a 10+ year old HV Battery would be for a model of that age.
And no easy way to test   //will add a link to a post I made somewhere
But many people have models of that age still going well
But also others that have had to have HV Battery repairs or replacements (not cheap, but also not unreasonable  ie £1-2K)

[Stephen29]

from a facebook posting

Is there any way to check the health of the Estima Hybrid Battery before purchasing?

 

 

Active

 

Stephen Cole

Top contributor

The general answer is no, without going to a specialist.

If its a later model with EV button, could note the current HV Battery level then drive round slowly (<20mph) in EV mode and confirm how long it lasts till HV Battery drops below 50% and EV mode beeps and goes back to petrol mode. But even a reasonable battery only gets a minute or so in pure EV mode. Then see how quickly the battery level builds up in normal driving (but again still wouldnt be able to see

any noticeable different between a good battery vs an ok one and a not so good one).

If you had a bluetooth OBD and the DrPrius app, you can see the balance of the voltages on the cells, and the important internal resistance. And has a way to do a charge/discharge test.

https://www.toyotaownersclub.com/.../220498-estima.../


In normal variable speed and stop-start driving the battery meter (under the speedo) should show period of electric power out, and periods regeneration back to battery (especially under braking), and the battery level gauge should go up an down around the middle ie 4-6bars (should never go down to 1-2 bar, nor above 9)  

[Cyker]

The hybrid systems tend to be as reliable as any of Toyota's hybrid systems; The main problem with the hybrid is, if your country didn't sell it (i.e. it's an import), then finding someone to service and maintain the hybrid side can be difficult.

The main advantage of the hybrid model is it can option AWD, but other than that it's heavier and doesn't really have any really noticeable mpg advantage. I've always suspected the hybrid system was added just to lower CO2 for tax reasons.

TBH, if you're buying an Estima and worrying about mpg, you're probably doing it wrong - It's a big heavy luxury land boat, it's not going to have good mpg.

If it were me, I'd get the V6 3.0 just for some decent motorway grunt.

The stock headunit will be in japanese, but over here at least a lot of importers offer a generic Android touchscreen headunit replacement.