1994 Toyota Estima Emina review from Australia and New Zealand

85,000 throttle sensor.

140,000 thermostat & seal.

150,000km axle bearing & seals.

170,000km auto transmission, rear differential, axle bearing and collar - secondhand replacements, but job cost still NZD 2,700.

200,000 driver seat split on outside seam due to wear from getting in & out of vehicle - the seat is quite high, so tends to rub over the edge.

220,000 headlight assembly, drive-shaft coupling.

260,000km tailgate gas struts, front sway bar bushes, rear brakes.

With eight in the family this was an inspired choice:

- The kids are a long way behind us in the third row. In a smaller vehicle it is way noisier.

- Middle row of seats can be turned around to face the third row.

- Loads of room.

Good load space and great for shifting furniture, though not as good as a pure van.

High vehicle, so sways around corners and in high winds, but has a good view of the road.

Visibility seriously obscured by large front and rear pillars.

We use 10l per 100km on long trips with an average speed of 80km/hr, due too many small towns. Around town we use 15l per 100km.

Maintenance is more expensive, due to the engine being under the middle.

Air conditioning is essential, as the rear windows only open a few cm.