Back in November 2024, I was able to examine the Estima a bit more. I saw a few things I wanted to address. The main issues is the thermostat needs to be replaced. Even while there, the van idled properly and didn’t get too hot. I knew that I was going to ask to have the cooling system changed, which included the water pump, coolant hoses and even the radiator. I also mentioned a tune up which was changing spark plugs and oil change. The brake pedal was soft, so fluid needed to be added or changed. I then also asked if the brake pads and rotors could be changed as well. When we looked at the engine, I also wanted the timing belt and alternator changed and A/C system recharged. That way when the Estima comes to Canada, it’s pretty much good to go with fresh tune up and parts.
My friend Hiruma-san said he will order parts and take care of the maintenance. He gave me this list and I just sent the money over to them.
Just the short period of time I was with the Estima, I saw things I wanted to replace or install. That being the navigation and drop down dvd screen being gone. I want to have this van as complete as possible when it arrives to Canada. I want the entertainment system take cared of as those OEM parts are more plentiful in Japan than here in the North America. So I started getting some of these parts. I ordered the drop down screen for an Estima.
I know that some stuff is cheaper used in Japan, so I decided to look into Roof storages. I’ve seen some for pretty cheap and in decent condition. I found this one near Suenaga-san’s place, so I sent money for him to pick it up.
Inno BRU 45: Size- 2000 x 830 x 315 (mm) Capacity 300L, Maximum loading capacity 50kg
I will also have to buy a mounting system. The Estima doesn’t have a roof bars to attach anything on to it. What I found on my research is that there is a system that has a bit of a hook.
Estima 30/40 series H13.4-H18.1 Normal/Twin moonroof car carrier model-specific set INFR + INB117BK INNO
■Set product composition
● Stay: INFR
● Bar: INB117BK
● Hook:
● Required parts:
■ Compatible models: Estima
● Model year: H13.4-H18.1
● Model: R30W, R40W
● Note: With normal roof, twin moon roof, and roof rails
An alternative is Terzo’s Mounting Kit EH233
One final item I really want to add is getting new wheels and tires. Currently it has OEM wheels with one flat tire and others with low air. I plan to find good 18″ tire and since it’s coming to North America, I have to get DOT marked tires. That way at customs/inspection, everything is taken cared of.
I am looking for aftermarket wheels to fit the lowered stance too. With Japan having a lot of options for cheaper prices… it only makes sense to have it swapped and brought over complete.
While I am not anticipating anything to paint right away, I do have a couple pieces that I might have painted. I do have a cowl spoiler, it is already white, but if I need to have it painted, my friend Aki-san in Vancouver BC can paint it.
I don’t have this piece.. but I want to see how far the Estima gets done and I might try to order this mid wing:
I’m on the fence about it because the Estima just looks so good as it is.
If I decided to get this wing, I would have Aki-san paint it and install it. It does look like it would cover the Toyota emblem though.
While I feel most things will be taken cared of, it doesn’t hurt to have it checked again once it comes to Canada. I want this to feel like a fresh car and any issues were addressed. Depending on the time it arrives, I hope I can do some small checks and maybe parts change if I really need too. But everything should be addressed while in Japan.
If I get the Estima in North America in time, I will take it to Toyotofest in LA (June) and then bring it back to Vancouver BC as we are planning road trip to Banff. Depending on timing, I might not make Toyotafest as much as I want to.
The biggest thing is the road trip to Banff. It is going to be a long drive, but it is a family trip with many of us and the Estima will do great to carry a few of us. After all, it is the main reason why I wanted this van in Canada. We often go there and we always have to rent a car and when we get everyone together, we have to have multiple vehicles since nobody has a van.
This is the current state as of February 4th 2025. I’m constantly looking at things for the Estima as I want it equipped and ready once it touches ground in Canada.
