Estima Vs. Hiace...

[peas]

Doing some research for my brother who is keen to sort out a camper thing over the winter for the summer. He wants a van obviously and would prefer Toyota. He was set on a Hiace then I suggested a Estima (or one of the million variants!!) and wondered if they had any weaknesses. The L series diesels are prone to head problems so I hear but what should we be looking at in the Estimas?

[Mr Revhead]

the older ones? 10 and 20 series? gettign pretty old and worn out now....

check for:
water pumps and cams belts. bastard of a job
worn accessory shaft joints
rear suspension upper link arms (boomerang shape ones)

[Sh0ckwave]

My parents had an Estima a few year ago. Pretty sure it had the 2.4L 2TZ-FE engine. it was $&#$% thristy and was heaps less roomy inside than a Hiace

[Mr Revhead]

yeah thats a very good point... much less room than a hiace
and way way way less resale value

[rollaholic]

seen older steam ships sell for under 3k

[MR2BOY23]

Coolness factor

Estima loses

[alimac]

not to mention the fact that they are pig ugly. I think thefact that some of them are called an Enema says it all

[sergei]

Don't buy an estima/previa/lucida it is a dog.
Hiace is much better vehicle.

[peas]

Sweet as just what I needed to hear. Hiace it is!