Buying An Estima Hybrid

What to look for when buying an Estima Hybrid ( 2002 - 200X )

Model : AHR10W
Dimensions : 4800L 1800W 1760H
Year Manufactured : 2002 - 200X
Petrol Engine  :  2400cc
Electric Motor : 13Kw front,  18Kw rear
Transmission : CVT
Battery : 208.8 volts, 50 Kg
Weight : 1950 Kg
Fuel Economy : 14 Km/L



For those who don't know anything about and have never driven a hybrid - BEWARE.
Buy from a reputed dealer and one who knows and can support this new technology.
A hybrid is a great and reliable vehicle but because the electric motor and the petrol engine have to work together problems in engine side will affect the battery.

The Estima Hybrid is a 4 wheel drive vehicle. The rear wheel is powered by the 18Kw electric motor. Without a strong battery the vehicle will feel very much under powered. You can also damage the CVT transmission and engine if the battery is weak.

The Estima Hybrid is a 7 seater or 8 seater van but fuel consumption is half that of a regular petrol version Estima. There have been 2008 Estimas sold at auction in Japan that have done 600,000 Kms. This shows that when all parts are working correctly they are quite trouble free.

Look for the following
1) Vehicle must have a good reconditioned battery and a Power Jockey Installed.

Hybrid batteries last between 7 - 10 years. By now if the battery has not been reconditioned and a Power Jockey installed, the battery will soon fail and the car will be inoperable.




2) Check to ensure that the vehicle is fully maintained and serviced.
     Spark Plugs : 20,000 Kms if Irridium 100,000 Kms
     MAF Sensor : 80,000 Kms
     Oxygen Sensors : 120,000 Kms
     Service parts wear out and have to be replaced for the vehicle to operate efficiently.
     If possible a scan should be done to ensure that the sensors are working correctly.

If you take care to inquire about these two aspect of the vehicle, you can be assured that the vehicle will work for many years. The Battery Clinic assures us that the battery pack can last the life of the vehicle with the occasional battery repair and cell replacement every 2 to 3 years costing about $400.

The Petrol engine is tough and very reliable. It should be able to clock up 500,000 Kms and still show little wear and tear. For one the engine does not work all the time and it red lines at 4000 RPM compared to a normal petrol engine at 8000 - 12,000 RPM. Wear and tear compared to a standard vehicle is less than half.

The Electric motor will easily last the life of the vehicle. In 6 years of working with these vehicles I have not seen any motor fail.

Spare parts are available from wreckers and are well priced. Don't fall for those astronomical prices quoted for new parts by Toyota dealers. They are priced not to sell.

Buying A Generation Three Prius

What to look for when buying a Generation Three Prius Hybrid ( 2003 - 200X )
Model : NHW20
Dimensions : 4445L 1725W 1465H
Year Manufactured : 2003 - 200X
Petrol Engine  : 76Hp, 1500cc
Electric Motor : 67Hp,  295 Nm torque
Max RPM : 5000, ( 0 - 100 ) 10.5 Secs
Battery : 201.6 volts, 45 Kg
Fuel Economy : 22 Km/L or 4.8L/100Kms

For those who don't know anything about and have never driven a hybrid - BEWARE.
Buy from a reputed dealer and one who knows and can support this new technology.
A hybrid is a great and reliable vehicle but because the electric motor and the petrol engine have to work together problems in engine side will affect the battery.

The Generation 3 Prius is a hatchback. It is a little longer and wider and more powerful than the Generation 2. As the new modular cell packs are used, these are easily available and there is no issues in getting replacement cells for the foreseeable future. The generation three cost a few thousand more than the Generation Two but if your budget can accommodate the extra cost it will be worth it.

As the battery voltage is boosted to 500 volts a weak battery reduces the boost voltage available and increases the current which can damage the inverter. It is important to ensure that the battery is always in good working order.

Look for the following
1) Vehicle must have a good reconditioned battery and a Power Jockey Installed.

Hybrid batteries last between 7 - 10 years. By now if the battery has not been reconditioned and a Power Jockey installed, the battery will soon fail and the car will be inoperable.




2) Check to ensure that the vehicle is fully maintained and serviced.
     Spark Plugs : 20,000 Kms if Irridium 100,000 Kms
     MAF Sensor : 80,000 Kms
     Oxygen Sensors : 120,000 Kms
     Service parts wear out and have to be replaced for the vehicle to operate efficiently.
     If possible a scan should be done to ensure that the sensors are working correctly.

If you take care to inquire about these two aspect of the vehicle, you can be assured that the vehicle will work for many years. The Battery Clinic assures us that the battery pack can last the life of the vehicle with the occasional battery repair and cell replacement every 2 to 3 years costing about $400.

The Petrol engine is tough and very reliable. It should be able to clock up 500,000 Kms and still show little wear and tear. For one the engine does not work all the time and it red lines at 4000 RPM compared to a normal petrol engine at 8000 - 12,000 RPM. Wear and tear compared to a standard vehicle is less than half.

The Electric motor will easily last the life of the vehicle. In 6 years of working with these vehicles I have not seen any motor fail.

Spare parts are available from wreckers and are well priced. Don't fall for those astronomical prices quoted for new parts by Toyota dealers. They are priced not to sell.

Buying A Generation Two Prius

What to look for when buying a Generation Two Prius Hybrid ( 2000 - 2003 )
Model : NHW11
Dimensions : 4305L 1595W 1465H
Year Manufactured : 1997 - 2000
Petrol Engine  : 44Kw, 1500cc
Electric Motor : 33Kw,  258 Nm torque
Max RPM : 4500, ( 0 - 100 ) 13.0 Secs
Battery : 273.6 volts, 52 Kg
Fuel Economy : 21 Km/L or 4.9L/100Kms

For those who don't know anything about and have never driven a hybrid - BEWARE.
Buy from a reputed dealer and one who knows and can support this new technology.
A hybrid is a great and reliable vehicle but because the electric motor and the petrol engine have to work together problems in engine side will affect the battery.

The Generation 2 Prius is slightly roomier and more powerful than the Generation1. As the new modular cell packs are used, these are easily available and there is no issues in getting replacement cells for the foreseeable future. These cost a few thousand more than the Generation One but if your budget can accommodate the extra cost it will be worth it.

Look for the following
1) Vehicle must have a good reconditioned battery and a Power Jockey Installed.

Hybrid batteries last between 7 - 10 years. By now if the battery has not been reconditioned and a Power Jockey installed, the battery will soon fail and the car will be inoperable.




2) Check to ensure that the vehicle is fully maintained and serviced.
     Spark Plugs : 20,000 Kms if Irridium 100,000 Kms
     MAF Sensor : 80,000 Kms
     Oxygen Sensors : 120,000 Kms
     Service parts wear out and have to be replaced for the vehicle to operate efficiently.
     If possible a scan should be done to ensure that the sensors are working correctly.

If you take care to inquire about these two aspect of the vehicle, you can be assured that the vehicle will work for many years. The Battery Clinic assures us that the battery pack can last the life of the vehicle with the occasional battery repair and cell replacement every 2 to 3 years costing about $400.

The Petrol engine is tough and very reliable. It should be able to clock up 500,000 Kms and still show little wear and tear. For one the engine does not work all the time and it red lines at 4000 RPM compared to a normal petrol engine at 8000 - 12,000 RPM. Wear and tear compared to a standard vehicle is less than half.

The Electric motor will easily last the life of the vehicle. In 6 years of working with these vehicles I have not seen any motor fail.

Spare parts are available from wreckers and are well priced. Don't fall for those astronomical prices quoted for new parts by Toyota dealers. They are priced not to sell.