Faults:

Starter motor wore out.

General Comments:

I owned a Toyota Previa for six years or so, and I loved it.

I've got to admit, it did give me one headache called a lambda sensor... It seems on the Previa, there are four of these sensors, and if one goes, they all have to be replaced. There is no guarantee that the problem will go away either.

Sometimes on starting, when the engine is hot and it should start on the button, the engine would not start straight away. Also on acceleration, just as the van hit 80km an hour, you would lose speed, making it impossible to pass another car.

Generally I found my Previa good to drive. I work nights, so coming home in the morning in a very nice comfortable van, this was very appealing to me. My parents loved it, everybody loved it.

I also noticed the van slipped a gear sometimes when starting. I discovered that was low A.T.F. FLUID. Generally the van never gave any trouble; it had little quirks, and I got used to them!

The van itself is stylish, nothing compares to this at all; even the new Previa are rubbish compared to this. The old Previa are more van like, camper like, than car like. They have plenty of pep in them when they drive, and are just amazing to drive in the summer time. Gotta admit, I don't see the logic in a moon roof. We all really want to use these in the searing hot sun as a sun roof, but cannot because there is not tint on them, but they are great for leaving open during the hot summer days to let the heat escape!

However... come winter time, the best place for a rear wheel drive Toyota Previa is on your driveway; it is an accident waiting to happen. It is unpredictable in snow and ice, and even in the wet, can slide out from your grip on the road!

Toyota made a big mistake; they should have produced all of these cars in 2.5 turbo diesel with permanent four wheel drive, and given it harder suspension; it would have been amazing to drive then, and much safer!

The nearest thing to this car is the Nissan Serena, which is a 2.5 turbo diesel with permanent four wheel drive system. An incredible car, but not near to the same spec in comfort as the Previa... I loved the privacy glass and the curtains on the window. Mazda Bongo's have this too, plus a raising roof on some vans too..

I wouldn't buy another Previa today, as I don't like where they have gone. They have turned this van into a car, and the engines are all wrong. The space is gone; it's now an up market people carrier, and that's sadly all.

Faults:

The front brake discs were gone and it had a blown head gasket when we first got it. Repaired under warranty though.

Electrics are faulty - battery goes flat regularly every month or so, even though it's a brand new large battery.

Wheel bearings on both front wheels needed replacing under warranty.

Surprisingly unreliable for a Toyota.

General Comments:

Excellent for space and comfort, but very thirsty and way underpowered. Should be a 3 litre.

Does only 6-7km per litre round town, and struggles on hills, though great cruising on flat roads.

Faults:

The stereo packed up (which was aftermarket, so you can't blame Toyota).

General Comments:

The van handles exceptionally well for a family bus, and is no slouch when you put you foot down.

The interior is well thought out, and easy to clean (a must when you have kids).

The manual gearbox is notchy in use, and will not be hurried through a gearchange. It's still miles better than an auto..

Faults:

Nothing.

General Comments:

I don't like giving 10/10 in reviews, but my Previa deserves it.

The acceleration for an MPV is great.

The handling and road holding are excellent.

Driver vision and interior space are great.

And it is pure luxury to drive.

However is is a fuel guzzler around town and it needs a second rear door because you often need to turn around to make sure that the passenger can get out on the kerb side, which is essential with small children.

Faults:

Well I had to do a tune up because I use it a lot.

It is very comfortable on long trips, plenty of room for 7 or 8 passengers and nothing is wrong with this van.

I was about to get a Sienna, but it was made in Kentucky, I prefer to get a Toyota that was made in japan and on June 26 2001 I'm taking this van to Mexico for a 2 or 3 week vacation.