Just bought new Tarago...or is it? Advice much appreciated.

[Tarago_owner]

I just bought a second hand Tarago from a big dealer in Perth. The paperwork lists it as "Toyota Tarago ACR30R GLi 2.4L 4Cyl". (It has a 6 cylinder engine, so I am guessing this is not entirely accurate.)

The import tag on the vehicle lists it as "Toyota Estima Campervan". It is definitely not a campervan (normal seats inside), but I am guessing it is some kind of Estima?

I just had a bunch of questions, and any input or answers would be greatly appreciated. (Or links to pages that might explain some of this would be great. I can probably find most of the answers myself, but my first few days of web searches did not result in very much at all, perahaps because it is an import model?)

The vehicle has central locking, but no remote was provided. I am hoping to install a remote. I thought there may actually be a remote module already in the car and that I may just need to buy a new remote and pair it? I found these connectors beneath the steering wheel. Are they related? Could anyone point me to the wiring manuals or where I could get them? (I am not experienced at doing such things, but I am good at slowly reading things through and working them out.)

There is this camera or sensor at the rear. Can anyone shed any light on what it is?

At first I thought this box under the passenger seat was a cd changer, but it has "Toyota Navigation Computer" and a bunch of various computer connectors on the rear (none of them connected). I am guessing it is an old GPS unit or equivalent.

A toll card reader is installed...

The stereo is brand new...I'm guessing the Japanese ones don't work here.

This strange device is fitted to the rear-vision mirror.The only markings on it state "Super Cat me-3". I thought it might be a radar detector, as it shouts "Be careful. Slow down" whenever I drive past shopping centres, but I can't find any kind of sensor on it (unless it is for the backing sensor?).

The engine. Seems very new. Any comments appreciated.

Finally, I know it is probably being paranoid, but should I, or do I need to check, that the vehicle is not affected by radiation? From browsing the net, opinions widely vary from "tin foil hat" to "some highly radioactive vehicles are no-doubt being slipped into out market". I'm old and not worried by dropping dead from such things, but I do have kids so I would rather be safe than sorry.

Also, apologies if I have made any foo-bars or posted this topic incorrectly. I am not a big internet user and am not very used to such things.

Much appreciated,
Mike

[Hiro]

I just bought a second hand Tarago from a big dealer in Perth. The paperwork lists it as "Toyota Tarago ACR30R GLi 2.4L 4Cyl". (It has a 6 cylinder engine, so I am guessing this is not entirely accurate.)

The import tag on the vehicle lists it as "Toyota Estima Campervan". It is definitely not a campervan (normal seats inside), but I am guessing it is some kind of Estima?

I just had a bunch of questions, and any input or answers would be greatly appreciated. (Or links to pages that might explain some of this would be great. I can probably find most of the answers myself, but my first few days of web searches did not result in very much at all, perahaps because it is an import model?)

DSCN4163 (Small).JPG

DSCN4164 (Small).JPG

DSCN4165 (Small).JPG

DSCN4167 (Small).JPG

The vehicle has central locking, but no remote was provided. I am hoping to install a remote. I thought there may actually be a remote module already in the car and that I may just need to buy a new remote and pair it? I found these connectors beneath the steering wheel. Are they related? Could anyone point me to the wiring manuals or where I could get them? (I am not experienced at doing such things, but I am good at slowly reading things through and working them out.)

DSCN4168 (Small).JPG

There is this camera or sensor at the rear. Can anyone shed any light on what it is?

DSCN4169 (Small).JPG

At first I thought this box under the passenger seat was a cd changer, but it has "Toyota Navigation Computer" and a bunch of various computer connectors on the rear (none of them connected). I am guessing it is an old GPS unit or equivalent.

DSCN4170 (Small).JPG

A toll card reader is installed...

DSCN4171 (Small).JPG

The stereo is brand new...I'm guessing the Japanese ones don't work here.

DSCN4172 (Small).JPG

This strange device is fitted to the rear-vision mirror.The only markings on it state "Super Cat me-3". I thought it might be a radar detector, as it shouts "Be careful. Slow down" whenever I drive past shopping centres, but I can't find any kind of sensor on it (unless it is for the backing sensor?).

DSCN4173 (Small).JPG

The engine. Seems very new. Any comments appreciated.

Finally, I know it is probably being paranoid, but should I, or do I need to check, that the vehicle is not affected by radiation? From browsing the net, opinions widely vary from "tin foil hat" to "some highly radioactive vehicles are no-doubt being slipped into out market". I'm old and not worried by dropping dead from such things, but I do have kids so I would rather be safe than sorry.

Much appreciated,

Mike

The import paperwork will say it is a campervan because of an import loophole which allows these style of vans (Estimas, Elgrands, Alphards etc) to be imported as a "special-use" vehicle despite the normal versions not meeting the import requirements (power-to-weight, unique body shape, published in an enthusiasts publication etc) - when they get here and after compliance they have the campervan hardware ripped out and replaced with the normal passenger interior.

The Australian paperwork saying that it is an ACR30 Tarago is technically wrong, but probably says that because the import version doesn't exist in the system so it just got classified as the closest Australian equivalent (which is bad practice as it can lead to rego headaches down the path). The car is technically a MCR30 (JDM versions did come with the V6) Estima (the Tarago is an Australian name, but unlike the previous model I think there is no longer the distinction in body-width between the narrow Estima and wide Previa/Tarago).

The steering wheel has obviously been changed at some point (no other reason for a Lexus badge to be on a Toyota wheel)

I can't say if the engine has been changed or not, fairly sure (but not 100%) that the Estima got the non-VVTi version of the 1MZ but cam covers/engine covers can often be changed without affecting what is beneath

The headunit has probably replaced some kind of EMV which would have combined a Japanese navigation unit (hence the drive under the seat), possibly even TV and the reversing camera, which means that these units probably no longer have functionality.

Super Cat Me-3 is a radar detector, wouldn't surprise me if it is picking up interference due to different wavelengths used in Aus compared to Japan

[Tarago_owner]

Thanks so much. That helps heaps.

[ToyotaFreak]

To be exact what you have is a pre-facelift Estima L (Recognized it from the blue front emblem.) 3.0 G (Wood trim, single side power door, 15 inch alloy wheels & xenon headlights.) with an AERAS (Basically the Estima equivalent of a Camry Sportivo.) front & rear bumper (Probably added by the dealer in Australia. Side skirts are missing.).

Apparently, The second-gen Estimas are imported & complied as a four-seater camper van, then have the original seating capacity added back in by an engineer after compliance (Under a loophole, thanks to Australia's strict importation laws..) or complied as a mobility vehicle (DIsability package, if built as one from the factory.).

Since you have the top-spec G-grade it should come with two three-button (Lock, Unlock & PWR Door.) remote keys & one spare immobilizer (From April 2001 production.) or two spare metal non-immobilizer keys (Produced before April 2001.). Below is a photo of what the key should look like.

The connector could be for a remote start device or the factory camera? The factory option Navigation system also has the option of a rear view camera with steering angle indicator (Assist lines move according to the steering angle, pretty handy with the factory option sonar sensors.). I could also be wrong though, as Toyota (And every other car manufacturer in Japan.) also offer a number of dealer fit Navigation & Camera packages.If it is a Toyota camera, chances are it uses a unique connector, which means requiring a convertor if you plan to connect it to an aftermarket headunit.

The toll card reader is for the Japanese ETC (Electronic Toll Collection System) lanes. Can be disconnected & removed, turning it to a useful storage compartment.

For the radio, you can try sourcing a pre-2012 Aussie spec Genuine Toyota navigation unit & computer if you want to keep things factory-spec. The Japanese navigation computer will not work outside of Japan. Otherwise, you can also try sourcing a Japanese-spec Multi AV Station (There are two types, non-HDD & HDD.) from Asia, and have it connected to a touch screen-based FM frequency convertor/ media player box + Garmin black box navigation computer. Have yet to see shops offering somehting similar here in Australia, but is a common modification where I'm from.

The mirror is an aftermarket item with an in-built radar detector.

Also of interest is the black coin holder, in ours it's a grey switch blank. Being a G-grade, fog lights were not fitted as standard, unless equipped with the AERAS or the other dealer fit body kit (Can't remember the name, but has round foglights & large smiley face-like front bumper opening.) where an independent fog light switch will be installed.There is a possibility that the fog light switch was removed & replaced with the coin holder during compliance or the previous owner replaced the light stalk with one containing a fog light switch.

PS: Try to pull off the oversized non-factory Lexus emblem (Most likely stuck on with double sided tape.). Behind that is a nice & glossy Toyota emblem. ^_^

EDIT: Forgot to add, the 1MZ-FE in the Estima indeed has VVT-i, same engine as the Lexus ES300 of the same year/ generation. The engine produces 220 horspepower at 5,800 RPM & 304Nm at 4,400 RPM.

Specs (In Russian.): http://catalog.drom.ru/toyota/estima/24308/

Edited January 6, 2014 by ToyotaFreak

[Tarago_owner]

Thanks! That's super. I've just added some comments in the quoted text below. (In caps, to help it stand out, not because I'm shouting) =)

To be exact what you have is a pre-facelift Estima L (Recognized it from the blue front emblem.) 3.0 G (Wood trim, single side power door, 15 inch alloy wheels & xenon headlights.) with an AERAS (Basically the Estima equivalent of a Camry Sportivo.) front & rear bumper (Probably added by the dealer in Australia. Side skirts are missing.).

SOUNDS SPOT ON...EXCEPT FOR THE POWER DOOR...MINE HAS NONE. =(

Apparently, The second-gen Estimas are imported & complied as a four-seater camper van, then have the original seating capacity added back in by an engineer after compliance (Under a loophole, thanks to Australia's strict importation laws..) or complied as a mobility vehicle (DIsability package, if built as one from the factory.).

Since you have the top-spec G-grade it should come with two three-button (Lock, Unlock & PWR Door.) remote keys & one spare immobilizer (From April 2001 production.) or two spare metal non-immobilizer keys (Produced before April 2001.). Below is a photo of what the key should look like.

SADLY, MY KEY LOOKS LIKE THAT, BUT WITH NO BUTTONS ON IT AT ALL. i only received a single key.

The connector could be for a remote start device or the factory camera? The factory option Navigation system also has the option of a rear view camera with steering angle indicator (Assist lines move according to the steering angle, pretty handy with the factory option sonar sensors.). I could also be wrong though, as Toyota (And every other car manufacturer in Japan.) also offer a number of dealer fit Navigation & Camera packages.If it is a Toyota camera, chances are it uses a unique connector, which means requiring a convertor if you plan to connect it to an aftermarket headunit.

The toll card reader is for the Japanese ETC (Electronic Toll Collection System) lanes. Can be disconnected & removed, turning it to a useful storage compartment.

YES, I THINK I'LL PULL IT OUT EVENTUALLY.

For the radio, you can try sourcing a pre-2012 Aussie spec Genuine Toyota navigation unit & computer if you want to keep things factory-spec. The Japanese navigation computer will not work outside of Japan. Otherwise, you can also try sourcing a Japanese-spec Multi AV Station (There are two types, non-HDD & HDD.) from Asia, and have it connected to a touch screen-based FM frequency convertor/ media player box + Garmin black box navigation computer. Have yet to see shops offering somehting similar here in Australia, but is a common modification where I'm from.

The mirror is an aftermarket item with an in-built radar detector.

Also of interest is the black coin holder, in ours it's a grey switch blank. Being a G-grade, fog lights were not fitted as standard, unless equipped with the AERAS or the other dealer fit body kit (Can't remember the name, but has round foglights & large smiley face-like front bumper opening.) where an independent fog light switch will be installed.There is a possibility that the fog light switch was removed & replaced with the coin holder during compliance or the previous owner replaced the light stalk with one containing a fog light switch.

THE FOG LIGHT SWITCH IN MINE IS ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE STEERING WHEEL, DOWN LOW.

PS: Try to pull off the oversized non-factory Lexus emblem (Most likely stuck on with double sided tape.). Behind that is a nice & glossy Toyota emblem. ^_^

YES, I HAD A LOOK AND THE EMBLEM CAN PEEL RIGHT OFF. THANKS!

(see comments in the quoted text)

[dirty hands]

if it has been sold to you as a tarargo but is not really what it actually is

looks like lots of bits missing etc

do you want to take it back for a full refund

if you keep it may be hard to sell later

[legless1]

I just bought a second hand Tarago from a big dealer in Perth. The paperwork lists it as "Toyota Tarago ACR30R GLi 2.4L 4Cyl". (It has a 6 cylinder engine, so I am guessing this is not entirely accurate.)

The import tag on the vehicle lists it as "Toyota Estima Campervan". It is definitely not a campervan (normal seats inside), but I am guessing it is some kind of Estima?

I just had a bunch of questions, and any input or answers would be greatly appreciated. (Or links to pages that might explain some of this would be great. I can probably find most of the answers myself, but my first few days of web searches did not result in very much at all, perahaps because it is an import model?)

DSCN4163 (Small).JPG

DSCN4164 (Small).JPG

DSCN4165 (Small).JPG

DSCN4167 (Small).JPG

The vehicle has central locking, but no remote was provided. I am hoping to install a remote. I thought there may actually be a remote module already in the car and that I may just need to buy a new remote and pair it? I found these connectors beneath the steering wheel. Are they related? Could anyone point me to the wiring manuals or where I could get them? (I am not experienced at doing such things, but I am good at slowly reading things through and working them out.)

DSCN4168 (Small).JPG

There is this camera or sensor at the rear. Can anyone shed any light on what it is?

DSCN4169 (Small).JPG

At first I thought this box under the passenger seat was a cd changer, but it has "Toyota Navigation Computer" and a bunch of various computer connectors on the rear (none of them connected). I am guessing it is an old GPS unit or equivalent.

DSCN4170 (Small).JPG

A toll card reader is installed...

DSCN4171 (Small).JPG

The stereo is brand new...I'm guessing the Japanese ones don't work here.

DSCN4172 (Small).JPG

This strange device is fitted to the rear-vision mirror.The only markings on it state "Super Cat me-3". I thought it might be a radar detector, as it shouts "Be careful. Slow down" whenever I drive past shopping centres, but I can't find any kind of sensor on it (unless it is for the backing sensor?).

DSCN4173 (Small).JPG

The engine. Seems very new. Any comments appreciated.

Finally, I know it is probably being paranoid, but should I, or do I need to check, that the vehicle is not affected by radiation? From browsing the net, opinions widely vary from "tin foil hat" to "some highly radioactive vehicles are no-doubt being slipped into out market". I'm old and not worried by dropping dead from such things, but I do have kids so I would rather be safe than sorry.

Also, apologies if I have made any foo-bars or posted this topic incorrectly. I am not a big internet user and am not very used to such things.

Much appreciated,

Mike

V6 motors and 4CLY were out camrys in late models. campervan was a model thay built overseas. google it