Ask an expert

I am considering buying a used Toyota Estima, Year 2000 or 2001. I am unsure whether I should go for a 2.4L or 3.0L model?

Ordinarily the vehicle will be used by only one person to go to work within Auckland. During weekends the family of three adults and a child of eight years may also ride. We may occasionally take it outside Auckland and very rarely it may be used with all the eight seats occupied and for long distance travel within North Island.

It's on such occasions, we aren't sure the 2.4L will be sufficient. Wondering whether going for a 3.0L may always mean higher fuel consumption, or is it only when the vehicle is loaded? Your advice will be very much appreciated.

Thanks,

Narayanan

From the "Ask Jack" archives - 4 December 2007

You have to accept some compromise here. The Estima (or Previa as the new New Zealand versions are known) will prove to be an expensive vehicle to run as a daily driver for just one occupant when compared to say, a good-sized family station wagon.

If your requirements demand more space however, the people mover is the next best solution.

A 3.0 litre V6 version will be more expensive to purchase, to run and to maintain over time but it will deal with the heavy loads better than the 2.4 litre engine.

The 2.4 will use a lot of fuel when carrying a full load of passengers or weight, however, if you only carry seven passengers on the odd occasion this in my view is a fair trade off for the less expensive day to day running.

By opting for the 2.4 Litre I suspect you'll be able to look at a comparatively newer model than a similarly priced V6, I believe there was a model change between 2000 and 2001 with distinct visual revisions. The later version will offer better resale opportunities to you too.

Both the 2.4 and the 3.0 litre engines have a proven reliability record in both Previa/Estimas and also the popular Camry.