My parents are getting on a wee bit and as a result don't get out of the house much, my dad especially. So we often take them out with us, but although we have a large estate car, it can be a bit of a squash to take 4 adults and a child. So anything over an hour is not the most comfortable.
Therefore, we've decided to look for a cheap MPV, preferably under £2k if at all possible. Even if it only does us for a year or so for taking parents out and about, and possibly also for towing, that would be fine. We'd just sell it on for a few hundred and buy another. Far cheaper than the £200+ a week for occasional rentals!
I've had a look at Autotrader and there are a couple of Estimas in our area.
1. 1995, 70k miles, 2.2 td Auto, MoT Jan 10 Tax Jun 09, 7 seater GSpec, new tyres, alloys, A/C, twin sunroofs, captains seats, towbar excellent condition £1800 ono.
2. 1993 Estima 2.2td Auto, 8 seater, 72k miles, one uk owner, 2 x sunroofs, electric windows/mirrors, power steering, new brake pads, very clean no rust, full year MOT, tax till April. £1300.
Would either of these be worth looking at and what do I need to look out for on these cars? Or can anyone recommend any other makes of MPV?
The reason for the tight budget is we commute 50 miles a day so need to keep our current car as it's very economical with fuel. Also, if the other car doesn't have a towbar we can still tow with our current car.
for more advice have a look here there are also members of this site who have estimas for sale but do read the write up on heads before you go out and buy one you could also talk to the chairman of the estima owners club who is the no 1 guru on these cars
dont like them one bit. as mentioned they have a trait for headgasket problems, and are a absolute dog to work on the engine is under the front seats going back into the passenger area so to work on them is a nightmare lots of garages shy away from them
Have a look at these i think for the price there is no other 7 seater to beat them. all three are the same vehicle. just rebadged.
The 1.9tdi is a volkswagen diesel. it will runs forever.
You can pickup a year 2000 for under £2000
VOLKSWAGEN Sharan 1.9 TDi
FORD Galaxy 1.9 TDi
SEAT ALHAMBRA 1.9 TDi
Thanks for all the advice, will maybe go and have a look at the estimas this weekend as they are fairly close by. If no joy, will look at the other cars mentioned although there are none of this age within about 100 miles of us just now.
Does anyone know if the AA can/will do a mechanical check (their usual pre purchase inspection) on these cars?
Estima?, loved mine for several years, as have many other owners on here. They do have issues with the heads, and that is the thing which finished mine off, but I don't regret it for one minute.
It's important that you go the extra mile to get a good one, the Estima clubs, such as the one mentioned by Sugolly have excellent buyers guides (I know because I helped write them). These are essential reading before you buy. The Guru is Bob Murphy (Buffalobob) at www.rcmvr.co.uk, and the bestest supplier is Mark Allen at www.tapajencars.co.uk. Two of the most honest people I've met in the motor trade, I'm sure they will advise (at least their websites will!)
Also make certain the cambelts have been changed.
Expect about 30mpg when not towing, low 20's when you are.
They aren't that difficult to work on despite the engine being under the seat
For towing they handle 1300kg vans quite easily, although you need to make sure the radiator is in good condition to avoid overheating.
Have a look underneath, one of the strengths of these is that they rarely suffer from corrosion, they don't use salt in Japan, where they normally spend 50000miles before being imported. Very important on cars this age.
There are 10's of thousands of these about, so getting them serviced can't be (and isn't) an issue, but for peace of mind find a local one to do it before you buy. Anyway normal servicing is so easy my wife could do it (perhaps! )
Hi, we have an Estima Emina 8 seater, 2.2dt automatic, we have owned for over 2 years now, I absolutely love driving it, it has the smoothest auto gear box you will ever experience, air con, privacy glass, curtains all round, front and rear parking sensors, loads of boot space even with all 8 seats being used, 33mpg normal driving, ours tows our caravan 1200kg with no probs at all. The middle row of seats swivel around so six of you can sit facing each other whilst having a picnic in the rain!!! Side sliding door is very good if you have children as they all have to go in and get out the same side which i think is safer. The only gripe i have with mine is the middle seat in both rows are only lap belts, but this is due to the seat configuration.
As far as servicing, my husband (car mechanic by trade) does not have a problem with servicing the engine under the seat and passenger seat just lifts up when you need to check oil etc.
Some insurance companies will not insure these as they are imports, but i have never had a problem.
I will not be getting rid of mine in the forseeable future as they are just such a good large versatile car that is so easy to drive.
Thanks again for your comments. Janette & Tykey, I am really coming round to Estimas. I am worried now that if I go and see these two this weekend, and at least one is sound enough to get dosh handed over (following various advice from your links Tykey), in a year or so I will be contacting Mark or Bob or someone similar and seeing about an import! Our Skoda is a European import (RHD), so importing is not an issue for us.
We have talked for a while about having a separate tow car so that if, or when, we change our current caravan, weight will not be such a restricting factor as it is now. We have an older van, so it is lighter, but soon there won't be many of those left. Also, our Skoda is getting on a bit but has plenty of life left in her (touch wood), and I think we could extend that for as long as possible by keeping her solely as a commute and day to day car.
I drive and tow with a 1995 Previa which is more or less the same. It's bomb proof. Not the quickest vehicle and does drink petrol like it's going out of fashion (2.4 Litre auto) but it is comfortable and more than capable. I won't trade it until absolutely necessary.
A day of all things motorhome and campervan. The show is held both in the main indoor arena and across the grounds. Catering, hot drinks and food options are available. Easy access to the site and free parking included. Win one of five pairs of day tickets
Topic: Estima/MPV help, please
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