Family MPV

As written in my previous post titled Car Shopping, my family is letting go the family MPV and replace it. I realized that I have not reviewed this family car before on this blog before and before it leaves the family, it would be appropriate to do a review on it. This 2001 Toyota Estima L has been in the family since 2006, serving for 6 years. The family golden MPV is a 7 seater model with 16" rims and Aeras body kit. Not much luxuries and accessories (only 2 vacuum doors) comes with the car, almost like a basic model. The engine used is a 2.4l 2AZ-FE engine with 156 bhp mated with a 4 speed automatic transmission. 

The Estima along with Toyota Alphard and Toyota Vellfire, are advertised as really comfortable car suitable for long distance traveling. I have got to say this is really a comfortable car suitable by the whole family on an outing and definitely a good passenger car where you can stretch and sleep easily. Having say this, in my opinion it is definitely not driver car for me. The seat just could not be adjusted to a comfortable position and it is hard to see the entire car as it is wide and long. Handling is completely a different style as taking any corner at high speed would cause high body roll and the risk the car rolling and overturn. Hard braking also cause weight to shift to the front a lot and hard to maneuver.  

Having list out the downside of this MPV,  you have to understand that driving an MPV is not the same as driving a regular car. You have to consider the weight, height, length and the type of car it is. What I do like is when you are driving alone, the 2.4l engine really pulls away and can reach a high speed on a highway. You got to admit there is power this big car as it is meant to pull 7 person with some baggage.  My mum really loves the idea of an MPV where the whole family could be together in comfort when going out.

In a conclusion, as a car and a MPV it is a very good choice. The car although long and tall, it is just the right size compared to the square Alphard or Vellfire. It is comfortable for all 6 passengers and has the power to pull all the weight. The downside is the lack of huge space for luggage if passengers want to sit comfortable and is not a car that someone that have no experience with MPV could drive easily. Many adjustment needs to be adjusted to one's driving style especially for a guy like me.