Hello,

I have wanted a previa for the last 10 years. I am finally in a position where I can buy one.

Just looking for some advice.

Is there anything inpaticular that I should look for when buying a previa. Something common that could be costly?

thanks

Jake

My Friend,

Previa's are the best most versatile minivan ever, I've owed three still have two and had to retire one last year after getting over 300k miles. My experience is that they are typically VERY reliable if properly maintained even when bought used. Transmission are pretty solid but the Previa do leak oil so be prepared to change the valve cover gasket and Distributor o-ring and the oil level sensor gaskets. The engines also can take a lickin but not neglect or excessive abuse

Check the following before plunking down your hard earned cash....

1) Engine cylinder compression between 160-170
2) Have any check engine light diagnosed and those items repaired especially ANYTHING related to the EGR circuit. A faulty ERG on a Previa will lead to all sort of other problems and cost you more buck if not fixed immediately. a faulty EGR will cause your Catalytic converter to clog and fail and could possibly blow the head gasket. EGR are tricky to change but are a DYI project.
3) Jack the front wheels up and check the tires for any type of wobble (Top to bottom, /side to side) which will indicate that you may need to replace the lower ball joint or hub bearing. Ball joint replacement is definitely a DYI but wheel bearing are a MOTHER and required special tools and a press.
4) Bounce the front of the bar up and down to determine if the struts are in good shape. After a hard bounce the car should NOT continue to bounce and should level out immediately. If strut replacement doesn't bother you then the best advice I can give you is NEVER by cheap struts. I've been down that road....:)
5) Make sure the AC and Heat really works
6) Make sure that the Antifreeze is not discolored or has a brownish tint which would indicate a failing head gasket. You can check this by taking a using a turkey baster and take a sample of fluid from the overflow container.

If all of these things are solid then run and don't walk to fork over you money for this van especially if it has less that 150k miles on it, you won't regret it will love it!! I also LOVE the All Trac 4 wheel drives. They provide the most stability and control in ALL types of weather

Best of Luck!!!!!:D