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Buying guide

Toyota Estima 3rd gen (2006 to 2019): buying guide, problems and NZ numbers

The Toyota Estima 3rd gen was built from 2006 to 2019 as a van or wagon, with an automatic gearbox, front wheel drive or all wheel drive and petrol or hybrid power. Chassis codes: ACR50, ACR55, GSR50, GSR55 and AHR20. Redline has a curated guide to its 8 most reported weak points, from owner club and specialist sources.

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Key facts

Years
2006 to 2019
Chassis codes
ACR50, ACR55, GSR50, GSR55, AHR20
Body types
Van, Wagon
Gearboxes
Automatic
Drive
FWD (front wheel drive), AWD (all wheel drive)
Fuel
Petrol, Hybrid

On NZ roads

Counting every one on the NZ register. The first look can take up to 15 seconds.

Known weak points

Curated by Redline from owner club and specialist sources Commonly reported by owners and specialists for the Toyota Estima and Tarago XR50 (2006 to 2019). Not every car has these; check this one.

  1. 2.4 oil consumption

    The 2AZ-FE 2.4 is reported to burn oil, put down to a piston ring design fault, and new rings only help a little.

    Where to look
    The dipstick, and the oil top up history
    How to test
    Check the oil level and ask how much it uses between services. Look for blue smoke on a hard pull up a hill.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    High cost engine work if consumption is heavy

    Sources: bestpeoplemovers.com.au (opens in a new tab)

  2. 2.4 head bolt stretch

    Stretched head bolts on the 2.4 lead to coolant loss, overheating and a blown head gasket, and the fix is new bolts and rethreading the block.

    Where to look
    The coolant level, the temperature gauge, and the joint between head and block
    How to test
    Check the coolant level cold and watch the temperature gauge on a long hill. Look for coolant crust at the head joint.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    High cost thread repair and head gasket work

    Sources: bestpeoplemovers.com.au (opens in a new tab)

  3. 3.5 V6 VVT-i oil line and timing chain

    The VVT-i oil return line on the 2GR-FE 3.5 can leak, and the timing chain can stretch and its tensioner fail.

    Where to look
    The rubber section of the VVT-i oil line at the back of the V6, and the front timing cover
    How to test
    Look for wet oil at the back of the engine and ask whether the all metal line has been fitted. Listen for chain clatter on a cold start and persistent ticking at idle.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    Medium cost cheap line; a chain job costs more

    Sources: bestpeoplemovers.com.au (opens in a new tab), carsales.com.au (opens in a new tab)

  4. 3.5 V6 idler pulley

    A squeal when the air conditioning runs can mean the idler pulley is seizing, which the specialist warns can start a fire. It is often blamed on the belt or compressor.

    Where to look
    The idler pulley on the accessory belt at the front of the V6
    How to test
    With the engine running, switch the air conditioning on and off and listen for a squeal from the belt area.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    Low cost a pulley and belt

    Sources: bestpeoplemovers.com.au (opens in a new tab)

  5. Automatic gearbox

    The early 4 speed auto can be harsh and shudder under full throttle, clunk on downchanges and be slow to upshift. The U660E 6 speed is reported to fail suddenly, and its fluid can be changed despite sealed for life claims.

    Where to look
    The gear selector and the transmission fluid records
    How to test
    With the gearbox warm, select Low, roll a few metres, stop and select Reverse. Engagement taking more than 2 to 3 seconds is a warning. Ask when the fluid was last changed.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    High cost gearbox repair or replacement

    Sources: carsales.com.au (opens in a new tab), bestpeoplemovers.com.au (opens in a new tab)

  6. Power sliding doors

    Power sliding doors can stop working, scrape or shudder, and a button near the centre console turns the power doors off.

    Where to look
    Both power sliding doors and the tailgate, and the power door switch near the centre console
    How to test
    Open and close each door from the key, the button and the handle. Stand beside it and listen for scraping or shudder, and check it latches and locks.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    Medium cost door motors and cables

    Sources: carsales.com.au (opens in a new tab), bestpeoplemovers.com.au (opens in a new tab)

  7. Sunroof leaks

    Sunroof leaks on the 50 Series are put down to poor factory silicone, and the fix means removing and resealing the sunroof.

    Where to look
    The headlining round the sunroof and the tops of the pillars
    How to test
    Look for water stains or sagging headlining round the sunroof and feel the carpets for damp.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    Medium cost sunroof out and reseal

    Sources: bestpeoplemovers.com.au (opens in a new tab)

  8. AWD rear diff bushes and front bushes

    A clunk from the rear of AWD V6 models usually comes from worn rear diff bracket bushes, and noises from the front passenger corner are often worn bushes.

    Where to look
    The rear differential mounts under the back of the car, and the front suspension bushes on the passenger side
    How to test
    On the drive, take off and stop sharply and listen for a clunk from the rear. Listen for knocks from the front left over bumps.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    Medium cost the whole rear bush unit is replaced

    Sources: bestpeoplemovers.com.au (opens in a new tab)

General guidance from owner and specialist sources. Check the specific car with an independent inspection. Researched 4 November 2026.

What the cost bands mean
  • Low: a small job. Typically a few hundred dollars or less at an NZ workshop, often a DIY fix.
  • Medium: a proper workshop job. Typically several hundred to a couple of thousand dollars.
  • High: a major job. Typically several thousand dollars or more, enough to change what the car is worth.

Service items

  • Engine oil: 10,000 km is the interval the guide mentions, and it says this can be too long for short trip use. Clean oil matters on both engines. (carsales.com.au (opens in a new tab))

Questions to ask the seller

  • Is it the 2.4 or the 3.5 V6, and is it 2WD or AWD?
  • How much oil does it use between services?
  • When was the transmission fluid last changed?
  • Do both power sliding doors and the tailgate work properly?
  • Has the sunroof ever leaked?
  • Do you have the Japanese auction sheet or export certificate?

New Zealand notes

  • Most NZ Estimas are Japanese imports. Body panels are shared with the Australian Tarago, but body kits, lights and trim may not be.

An Estima suits a family that wants a roomy 7 or 8 seater, ideally the V6, and will check the gearbox and power doors.

US recalls

Looking up US recall data.

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