Ask an expert

We have just had a narrow escape getting our money back on a 2002, 3 litre Toyota Estima that turned out to have an engine sludge problem and needed a new engine.

We want to buy another similar model - should we be concerned about this problem being repeated?

There seems to be a lot about Toyotas and engine sludge on American websites, including class action lawsuits against Toyota and all sorts of horror stories, but Toyotas seem to have a great reputation here.

Are you aware of this being a common problem with Estimas and what's the best way to avoid the problem?

Jo

From the "Ask Jack" archives

Engine sludge is a problem mainly resulting from poor maintenance and not uncommon on used imports (on a variety of makes and models) from Japan going back a number of years.

History would strongly suggest regular maintenance is not a huge priority for many cars in Japan. The end result is sometimes a replacement engine sometime down the track as you have experienced.

If you were to buy another Estima you may well have no problems at all provided the car had been well serviced and you continued with regular servicing and good quality oil during your ownership.

For me a Toyota Previa (same vehicle) sold new in NZ with a proven service history is a far better buy. Or go to your local Toyota dealer and have a look at their Signature range of vehicles.

While some of the Signature range are used imports, they do undergo a full servicing regime prior to sale and carry the backing of Toyota NZ.

Don't believe everything you read on Web sites. From my experience you will find major problems with every make and model of car ever made.