Faults:

Having bought it with only 139,000 miles, I felt like it was NEW. I got from the original owner, and it was loved and well taken care of. No pets, non smoker, etc. Basically spotless, in the desirable dark green, perfect for camping, you just fit right in.

I have had 4 VW vans before this, ending up with a very nice Vanagon weekender for 4 years.

This van, being almost 2 tons and having a 4 cyl (with almighty supercharger) BLOWS THE DOORS OFF A lot OF CARS, let alone trucks. They race them all over the place; as you know the balance is excellent. Stuff some alloys and rubber under there, and go have yourself a blast. Throw them into a tight curve and just smile. You will love the day-in, day-out, good friend they are. They will steal your heart.

This one was obviously garaged, as I do whenever I can. I had to get under it the other day (for the first time in 5 years) and it was dry as a bone, everything tight, connected solidly, no loose anything. Factory fresh, though you need to get under it to do any real work. I've seen taxis with with 414,000 miles, and they ran like tops!

Let's face it, like everything else (food!), parts are kinda expensive compared to an old Chevy straight 6 cyl. But compared to a lot of new cars I've researched parts for (water pumps, etc) they are cheaper than other cars. I say if you can find a sweet one, and drive it, you'll buy it, or wish you had. They are extremely well built for the long haul, fun to drive, a true friend to own, just tricky and a little spendy labor wise to work on, but I'm comparing that to cars you probably wouldn't want to own, even if you could find one. Those days are over. So have some fun, go find a good one. You'll be glad you did, and welcome to the family. They're the new "cult" van.

Faults:

Nothing really, just small stuff. I replaced the cruise control switch because the previous owner broke it. Also, I replaced the distributor shaft seal (which is really just part of preventive maintenance).

General Comments:

I love, love, love my Previa!

In November of last year I was looking for a minivan, since my wife and I were expecting another child. My budget was $3,000 to find and purchase an MPV.

I looked at the first generation Honda Odyssey, Toyota Previa, Mazda MPV, and Chevrolet/GMC Astro/Safari.

When I was in middle school, a good friend of mine's mother had owned and loved two Previas. Once I read all the info available on the internet, and actually drove one, I was sold.

Dead nuts reliable, starts and runs perfect every time I need it to. Ice cold air, plenty of power with the S/C for me, my wife, and our three kids plus all the kids' gear. I am even contemplating a second Previa just to have.

Do not hesitate to buy one of these if you find one. Great value, excellent reliability.

Faults:

Engine belts had to be tightened.

Windshield wiper assemblies needed replacement.

(The previous owner maintained it very carefully.)

General Comments:

Reliable transportation for a song -- $2000 US. No car payments. :)

Although more than a decade old, runs and feels like a new car, and almost looks like it too.

A wonderful drive-line -- an eager and smooth engine, coupled with a very responsive transmission. Really effective brakes.

Comfortable seats, plenty of interior space, a supple but well controlled ride, with fine maneuverability, including stable cornering. Wonderful visibility.

One additional door on the left side would be really helpful. The engine is fairly difficult to work on.

It is probably one of the 2 or 3 best cars I have ever owned during the past five decades. Try it, you will like it.