2000 Toyota Previa GX 2.4L

Summary:

Superb, ahead of its time and unique. Shame it is no longer produced

Faults:

One of the handbrake cables snapped when pulled hard at 66,000 miles.

General Comments:

Back in 1996 we bought a Toyota Previa GX. We traveled all over Europe in it. It became a work delivery van and it never skipped a beat. We sold it in 2000 as it had become a 3rd car for occasional use.

Since then I have had 4 Spanish built front wheel Mercedes Vitos (okay) and 2 disgraceful Volkswagen T5's. The first T5 had to be taken back and the replacement was worse than the original £28,000.00. So I decided to track down a late model Previa again.

Found a low mileage example from a dealer with full service history at a bargain price. It runs like a dream, smooth & quiet. Automatic gearbox changes almost seamlessly, just like it was new. Has ABS, front A/C, rear roof mounted A/C, front Sunroof, rear electric moonroof, 4 captains seats and one 3 seater rear bench. Handy Fridge/drinks cooler run off A/C. Electric windows, electric heated mirrors, twin airbags and one very cool looking spoiler.

I am as delighted with this Previa as I was with my first, and at under £2,000 I am considering buying one as a spare, should I ever run this one into the ground. However, with some owners reporting a 1/4 of a million fairly trouble free miles, might not need to.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 22nd December, 2008

20th Dec 2009, 14:08

Hello hopefully you might read this, having waited some ten years - seriously; I have finally got my Previa on - 12/12/09.

We could not justify buying a car so big a few years back, but now we can. Having 3 children and another on the way - it was the Previa WHICH ticked all the boxes. In terms of its massive interior space + having read every review on here - the reliability was also a BIG plus point. Nothing even comes close, and all the reviews which I have read all say the same - absolutely fantastic car.

I would not touch a Renault Espace or a Chrysler Voyager - which are TOTAL pants.

My wife actually wanted a Ford Galaxy - I flatly refused, just in terms of size, but the reliability of them is questionable - even the new ones.

It has actually took 6 months to track one down, and having drove a 280 mile round trip to trade our old car and get the "Previa"- I am not disappointed with it. I am not sure when if at all the smile will disappear from my face, I love everything about it; the smooth effortless drive, even how the doors close .... I am very very impressed - well done Toyota.

Regards.

2000 Toyota Previa GLS 2.4 petrol

Summary:

Excellent MPV

Faults:

Air conditioning stopped working after 1 month, new seal & re-gassed by the dealer, now okay.

Petrol lever handle came off, but I have glued it back on.

General Comments:

The car is a pleasure to drive, very comfortable.

On the driver's sun visor there is a mirror with no cover flap. The reflection when driving is annoying.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 8th June, 2001

2000 Toyota Previa CDX 2.4 petrol

Summary:

Improved in all the important areas, a sensible evolution of the original

Faults:

Nothing yet.

General Comments:

Improved over the original model in lots of ways, but still very similar strengths and weaknesses.

The individual seats are a pain to take in and out, but the flexibility is worth it.

The interior is lower-floored, but slightly shorter due to the switch from under-floor engine and rear drive to conventional front engine and front drive, but the extra layout flexibility largely offsets this.

The handling is firmer, but actually more comfortable to ride in on fast A and B roads. Better for drivers and passengers in this respect.

It's definitely a bit faster than before, and quieter with it. In fact it almost needs an LSD as it's quite easy to break traction at the front.

The centre-mounted instruments are odd at first, but are closer to your line of sight and need less refocusing.

The new equipment is welcome (ABS, satellite navigation).

The extra sliding door is welcome, as the old model's single one could be inconvenient.

Basically the same strengths as before, but improved all round, and less of a van to drive.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 26th May, 2001

9th Jun 2001, 14:06

Thank you for this useful information. Looking to buy a people carrier soon and with a large family this information is very useful as we can't afford to get our choice of MPV wrong. Thank you.

10th Dec 2002, 16:45

Very good review.

Your verdict and experience regarding the Previa has sold it for me, we need a LARGE MPV which can accommodate people in comfort, with good luggage space to boot.

We also think the Previa has great futuristic looks allied with Toyota's reliability and longevity too.