Confused Toyota Newbie

[filrock]

Hi,

Just been searching boards and found yours, great site.

Just become a father and what with work etc need a bigger vehicle, thus after much searching we've decided on a Previa.

Can someone please help a Toyota newbie understand the difference (if there is one) between then Previa, Lucida and Estima models. Our local dealer doesn't seem to know to much.

Many Thanks.

[Gareth B]

The previa is the UK spec with a 2.4 petrol engine. The Estima and Lucida are the jap spec and have a 2.2td engine. They come in many different specs but mainly the X spec which is a 8 seater or the G spec whiich is a seven seater with 2 captain seats in the middle row There are many variations e.g. X-Luxury, X-Limited etc which all have different equipment levels.

The main difference between the uk and jap spec, other than the engine, is that the jap spec is slightly narrower due to the taxation laws in Japan.

Don't be put off by an import as parts are plentiful and reasonably priced, check out www.bbcspares.com for a list of spares and prices.

[Uncle Bob]

Hi,

Just been searching boards and found yours, great site.

Just become a father and what with work etc need a bigger vehicle, thus after much searching we've decided on a Previa.

Can someone please help a Toyota newbie understand the difference (if there is one) between then Previa, Lucida and Estima models. Our local dealer doesn't seem to know to much.

Many Thanks.

←

Hi and welcome to the club,

The Previa is a UK model only, if it don't say Previa on the boot lid, then its a grey import.

Both the Lucida and Estima's, look diffrent from the UK vehicle, and are sold as petrol or diesel both with auto or manual gearboxes, some of them are even 4 wheel drive.

The Lucida or Estima ( not sure which one ) is 8" thinner than the other, to meet Japanese home regulations.

As for which one you choice, its a bit of a mine field, The UK vehicle will be cheaper on insurance but more expensive to buy, and the grey imports will be more expensive to insure but cheaper to buy.

Your notice that most of the grey imports look diffrent, lights ,bumpers trim etc, these can be more difficult to buy as Toyota have more agro gets parts for imports.

My own opinion is buy a UK vehicle ( if money allows you),

hope thats some help :) ,

Bob.

[Tatra 603T2]

Gareth and Bob are both right in most respects. The whole range is sold as the Estima in the home (Japan) market. The wider body only comes with the 2·4 petrol engine and in some markets is available with a supercharger. It's sold inside Japan as the Estima and outside Japan as the Previa or Tarago.

The narrower body (only 4" difference) comes with all engines including the 2·2 turbo diesel and is only sold in Japan. It comes badged as the Estima Emina or Estima Lucida, the differences being mainly in the lighting - the Emina has 4 headlights. There are also "facelift" models from '97 with separate headlights.

The significant difference in the Japanese models is the equipment level but for a more complete run-down visit the UK Toyota Estima Site http://uktoyotaestimasite.tripod.com/ Options are almost endless but the sat-nav / TV system does not work in the UK other than with a portable DVD player switched to NTSC output.

Higher insurance rates is no longer a problem. LifeSure and several others have good rates and this topic has been discussed at length on the Estima SmartGroup http://www.smartgroups.com/groups/Estima

The diesel engine is more economical than the petrol, around 32mpg, but needs more frequent servicing which offsets the savings to some extent. They are prone to cylinder head cracks if the cooling system is not properly maintained so have a good long test drive and thrash it up steep hills to make sure the needle never rises above just below half way - ours doesn't even when towing! Also get a good warranty. For reccomended dealers again visit the SmartGroup.

Parts are no-longer a problem, there are many specialists and Toyota can usually get anything within 3 days. In some parts of the country there are almost more Estimas than Previas!!

[Uncle Bob]

Some good web sites above, i'll go have a read, and come back and try to be 100% correct with my answers in future :D :D :P .

[filrock]

:D

Thanks everyone, really helpful insight and info.

Thanks very very much. Will have a browse over xmas and new year.

Thanks to Gareth B, Bob & Tatra for their help. HAPPY CHRISTMAS ALL.

[Gareth B]

Point taken I was just trying to be brief. Agreed insurance is cheaper now I am through Lifesure and the Toyota costs less than a Mondeo to insure.

Parts are easily available and very reasonably priced.

If you haven't seen it www.bbcspares.com is worth a look just to check out the prices of secondhand and new parts.