1997 Toyota Previa GLX 2.3

Summary:

Great for summer months only

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.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 17th May, 2012

1997 Toyota Previa GS 2.4

Summary:

Best people carrier by far.

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..

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 31st January, 2003

27th Sep 2004, 08:43

What is wrong with an Automatic? One 1996 Previa I have driven in particular that had done 101,000 miles and the Automatic gearbox jerked when stationary when you selected drive or reverse, but nevertheless on the move it felt fine.

22nd Dec 2007, 03:45

All automatic gearboxes notch whilst shifting between the neutral gate and drive / reverse. That's not a fault.

16th Jan 2008, 15:02

I own a 1991 Previa LE 160,000 miles and a 1993 Previa S/C DLX with 216,000 miles and love them both. The mid-engine design is a superior feat of engineering. Both are very dependable and use no oil. I am looking for the AWD model to round out my collection.

1997 Toyota Previa GS 2.4

Summary:

The best MPV on the market

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.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 17th October, 2001

6th Dec 2009, 19:12

You are so right about the fuel consumption, it's about 24 mpg. I bought one converted to LPG and it really makes a difference on running costs.

17th May 2016, 14:18

How's the miles per gallon after conversion to LPG?