hi everyone,if you had £5000 to spend on a new car which would you all go for please a lucida/estima or a uk previa i know the previa is petrol where the otheres are diesel but that doesnt bother me and i know that the imports have a higher spec im just wondering what you lot would do if you had the choice please help me decide with one to go for,please do not suggest any other models as these are the ones i want.

- (#7559) gavin, 6 Jan 04 15:02

I'm biased as I own an import already & have the advantage of working in the trade, so parts are easier for me to come by, but I would go for the import any day of the week, higher spec, more choice, and better value for money that the UK spec vehicle. And if you look hard enough you can find 2.4 petrol Lucida/Estima/Emina imports, there is even a Supercharged 2.4 petrol, which must be rocket ship fast!! But the 2.2 diesel is good & frugal for it's size, manuals are also about, but most are auto. Best bet is look at loads, I looked at thirteen vehicles before I bought our one.

Good luck, regards Rob.

- (#7559) Rob Drinkwater, 7 Jan 04 17:42

Another thing to consider is that the imports have hardly any mileage on them. (or is that Kilometerage?)
When I bought my 1996 N-reg Estima back in July, it had only 43000 kms on the clock! Indeed, my 1992 K-reg Liteace now has 104000 kms and I have had this for nearly four years now!

- (#7559) Al BIckley, 8 Jan 04 05:24

On the import or not view, I'd go for import. It should be noted that the insurance may be higher or harder to get, and that the low mileage hides the fact that many a Japanese vehicle has spent hours ticking over in traffic jams! You do get an almost rust free, used car/van/bus/camper/off roader/whatever, for you money so it is likely to last longer if cared for.
Have a look round, and see is you can have a look at the inspection reports (RAC etc.) that some dealers use, then you will see the imports come out on top.

- (#7559) Clive (Bristol), 8 Jan 04 09:47

hello everybody. i own 1993 toyota lucida estima x. it's got a 3c 2.2 liter diesel engine (non-tirbo), was wondering if anyone knows where i can get an owner's manual for it? many thanks

- (#7559) albert (philippines), 1 Feb 04 04:18