The Toyota Estima, which is popularly referred to as the Toyota Previa, is an impressive vehicle.
Designed as a multipurpose vehicle otherwise known as a minivan, it is particularly sought after for its expansive interior and decent performance.
In this article, we discuss the Toyota Estima’s longevity.
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Here’s the short answer to how long Toyota Estimas last:
A Toyota Estima can last 300,000 miles with no major issues if you maintain the vehicle properly and use it conscientiously. That means the vehicle can serve you for 20 years if you drive an average 15,000 miles per year like most American drivers.
How Many Miles Can You Expect From a Toyota Estima?
You can expect an Estima to last from 270,000 to over 300,000 miles.
The minivan can last way longer once given the required maintenance and the engine type. Estimas can have gasoline or diesel engines, with the later cheaper to maintain and longer lasting.
How Soon Should You Expect Rust on a Toyota Estima?
We didn’t find a lot of rust-related complaints about the Toyota Previa.
However, considering the decrease in material strength, older model units of the vehicle may have more rust issues in certain areas. Places to look out for include the exhaust pipe, frame, and the under-body.
With proper servicing and overall maintenance of your minivan, rust will most likely stay off for a pretty long time. Garaging your vehicle, regular washing and after-market rust-proofing products can help delay corrosion and keep your Estima in top condition.
How Long Do Toyota Estimas Last Compared to Similar Vans?
Many automobile manufacturers offer minivan models like the Toyota Estima. Check out how well the Estima fares against them.
Toyota Estima vs. Honda Odyssey
When properly maintained, the Honda Odyssey can stick around for an average of 250,000 to 300,000 miles. This is quite similar to the Estima, which can last an average of 300,000 miles.
The Odyssey is reliable and offers luxurious seating for up to eight. This is higher than the Estima, which is a 7-seat minivan. However, both the Estima and the Odyssey are comfortable cars.
Read more: How Long Do Honda Odyssey Last? (Solved & Explained!)
Toyota Estima vs. Chrysler Pacifica
The Chrysler Pacifica has a life expectancy of about 250,000 miles. The Estima undoubtedly bests the Pacifica.
On top of being the least lasting minivan among the pair, the Pacifica is more expensive. However, its high-tech features cannot go unnoticed. The interior design is spectacular, and it is packed with advanced automotive gadgetry.
Toyota Estima vs. Nissan Quest
Unlike the Estima, the Nissan Quest can last at least 200,000 miles or more with adequate maintenance.
The Estima also has lower maintenance costs compared to the Quest, which makes it the better choice between the two vehicles.
From the above comparisons, the Estima is no doubt one of the longest lasting minivans in the world.
How Reliable Is a Toyota Estima?
RepairPal gives the Toyota Estima a 4.5 out of 5 for reliability. This translates to above average reliability compared to other vehicles in its class.
And the vehicle’s long lifespan and generally positive reports from users testifies to its dependability.
Related: How Long Do Kia Sedonas Last? (9 Important Facts)
The Best and Worst Years for Toyota Estima
Car Complaints reports that the worst year for the Estima was the 1995 model year, with the worst complaint being sudden unintended acceleration.
The 1995 model records the highest problem rate for the Toyota Estima. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety rated it poor and declared its cabin structure unstable and unsafe.
There aren’t a lot of complaints reported for the Estima.
However, car owners have listed the 1992 Estima to be one of the most impressive model years. They definitely got value for their money.
Keep an eye on our article which explains about 3 Most Common Problems With The Toyota Estima
What About Recalls for These Models?
The Toyota Estima has quite several recalls as recorded by the NHTSA. However, there isn’t a lot of information concerning recalls for more recent models.
In the following table, we outline associated problems and detailed description about the recalls. It covers the 1992 model year to the 1997 model year.
Model Year | Number of Recalls | Reason for Recall |
1992 | 3 | Fuel problem: car not speeding up
Electrical problems: won’t start, wiring harness melt down
|
1993 | – | – |
1994 | – | – |
1995 | 12 | Airbag, brake relay, engine, wheels/hub, exhaust system, interior and exterior accessories, windshield/windows, body/paint, and fuel system problems. |
1996 | 9 | Airbag, brake relay, fuel system, body/paint, suspension, engine, windshield, electrical and interior accessories problem. |
1997 | 7 | Airbag, fuel system, brakes, suspension, exhaust system, engine and miscellaneous problems. |
Toyota Estima Model Year List
The Toyota Estima has three generations and has been in production since 1990. The second generation, however, seems to be better than the first.
- First Generation: 1990-1999
- Second Generation: 2000-2006
- Third Generation: 2007-2020
Related: How Long Do Toyota Sienna Last? (Solved & Explained!)
Are Toyota Estimas Expensive to Maintain?
On an average, the cost to maintain the Toyota Estima is $374 annually, according to RepairPal.
Note that this is not constant, as the cost of maintenance will depend on usage, mileage, age, environment, and location. With passage of time, the cost of maintenance may vary.
How Long Do the Brakes Last?
Toyota brakes last long since they are likely to cover up to 70,000 miles and more. Many factors can increase or decrease lifespan of your brakes.
Few people ever mention that rust on your rotors can make your brakes wear faster. The rotors are also more likely to be affected by rust. This is because it is in the under-body of the van.
How Long Do the Tires Last?
You can expect an average life cycle of 60,000 to 70, 000 miles for your tires.
There are no set rules when you should change your tires or how long it lasts. However, there are some measures you can follow to ensure a smoothly running tire.
Regardless of how many miles covered, inspect the tires regularly. Ensure you replace them before or at 6 years after their production.
Other factors likely to affect the duration of tires include the terrain, frequency of car usage and speed.
How Long Does the Transmission Last?
The Estima’s mid-engine rear wheel drive makes the Toyota C transmission a suitable match for it.
For manual transmissions, it is advisable to change the fluids every 45,000 miles.
While some Toyota’s automatic transmission can last up to 200,000 miles, others go only up to 100,000 miles.
How Long Do the Spark Plugs Last?
While there really is no definite duration for this, you can change spark plugs after 60,000 miles. Refer to the user manual for proper handling and maintenance of the spark plugs.
Considering the importance of a spark plug (without which the engine cannot start), it is important to take it seriously.
What About Insurance Cost?
According to Pretected, it costs an average of $43 to buy standard insurance for a 2021 Toyota Estima.
Your age, location, vehicle age and mileage, and driving history are some factors that affect the price of insurance premiums.
Tips to Prolong the Life of Your Toyota Estima
Here are ways to ensure your Toyota Estima lasts longer:
- Regular change of oil is necessary to avoid slush in the engine. You should change oil at 10,000 mile intervals for efficiency.
- Many often forget other fluids in the car. Just like the oil, it is important to check the fluids after moving on snowy terrain. Even in hot conditions, too.
- Fix a problem as soon as it occurs. Most times, delay causes more damage.
- Rotate your tires every 7,500 miles.
- Replace spark plugs every 60,000 miles.
- In frosty weather, lubricate your door hinges to avoid freezing.
- Use trash cans, cup holder line, wet wipes, etc. to keep the interior design in good condition.
- Following the maintenance schedule of the Estima should also help cut down a lot of cost of repairs.
Resources
Toyota Previa | carcomplaints.com