Faults:

VVT-i solenoid failures: It becomes fouled due to debris accumulation or missed oil changes, triggering the "Check Engine" light (codes P0010 to P0013).

Metallic noises when cold: A rattling or knocking sound upon starting the engine in the morning often indicates wear in the timing chain tensioner.

High oil consumption, especially if the piston rings or seals are worn.

Small leaks or lapses in cooling system maintenance can cause overheating.

General Comments:

I would define it as a good, very refined minivan, with great ride comfort and mechanical durability.

Ride comfort is quite good; the suspension absorbs road irregularities very well, and the ride is extremely quiet on the highway. The engine is quite smooth; thanks to the use of balance shafts, and the 2.4-liter block eliminates vibrations excellently, mimicking the refinement of a V6.

The 156 hp output makes it feel a bit lackluster for a heavy van like the Previa, yet it performs quite well on the highway. Its natural cruising speed, with a light touch on the throttle, hovers around 140 km/h, and the ease with which it approaches its top speed demonstrates just how spirited this engine's horses are. This is all the more impressive considering they are hauling over a ton and a half of weight and dealing with transmission gearing that is far from short; the fact that third gear stretches to 150 km/h and fourth doesn't even hit the rev limiter says it all.

As I mentioned, the suspension is good, though not particularly sophisticated, featuring MacPherson struts up front and a torsion beam at the rear. However, its superb tuning and wide footprint (a 2.9-meter wheelbase and tracks exceeding 1.5 meters) allow for impressive cornering speeds. In fact, it takes a leap of faith to trust the vehicle's capabilities when tackling mountain road curves at well over 100 km/h from such a high seating position. Understeer is moderate, and when it does occur, simply lifting off the throttle allows the rear end to correct the attitude. While this behavior is commonplace in a sedan, it is far from typical for large MPVs.

As for the interior design, it is very versatile, featuring a flat floor and ample capacity for both passengers and cargo. I’m not familiar with every model out there, but I believe it is the largest MPV—though I’m not sure if it’s the most comfortable.

Fuel consumption is very high; being a heavy vehicle with a naturally aspirated gasoline engine, city consumption is extremely high, and highway consumption also spikes if you drive it above 120 km/h. This vehicle definitely needed a turbodiesel engine.

Another downside worth noting is that, although it responds well at mid-range RPMs, it lacks agility when traveling with all seven seats occupied and a full load of luggage.

It is a large, spacious vehicle with nice finishes, but don't expect high performance, that’s not what it’s built for.

Faults:

Recently I replaced the following, luckily all covered by a warranty when we bought the car.

+ Water pump

+ Clutch on aircon unit

+ Rocker cover gasket.

I would not consider any of the above by no means serious, things unfortunately do wear-out.

General Comments:

+ PERFORMANCE - it is no racing car, but then would you drive it like one? Our petrol powered Previa is very strong and very refined.

+ RIDE & HANDLING - For such a large car, it rides extremely well, also coping with poor road surfaces with ease. The smooth ride is not at the expense of town driving, or decent handling or motorway stability.

+ REFINEMENT - One would expect the large nose would generate wind noise; this is far from the truth. We have found it to be amazingly quiet, even above motorway speed limits. The engine is very smooth and quiet - being hardly audible, though it can make itself heard if you use the kickdown.

I fitted new wipers - the drivers blade should have really had a spoiler, it does not. The wind flutters around the blade - this faint noise spoils the amazingly quiet Previa cabin!

+ BEHIND THE WHEEL - All the controls are easy to reach, the clocks/dials are also easy to read. The driving position is excellent, leg room is absolutely fine.

+ SPACE AND PRACTICALITY - This is one of reasons we wanted a Previa - The boxes marked SPACE + RELIABILITY have a big tick. Many so-called seven seaters have little or no boot space. This car really does have an abundance of space, the Previa's boot is massive, even with the 6 + 7 seats in place, our double buggy will fit in with ease. Remove the middle and rear seats and you have a van, though they are heavy - it is a two person job.

+ EQUIPMENT - Our T Spirit has a good list of toys; privacy glass, climate control, and even 2 sun roofs. The rear ceiling mounted AIRCON + HEATING controls with vents to all rear seats is very effective at keeping rear chilled and such a good idea, not many MPV's have such a system.

+ BUYING AND OWNING - If you can find a Previa with low miles with a FULL HISTORY (a must) without breaking the bank, then good luck. Considering Toyota stopped making Previa's in 2006 - they are hard to find especially good ones - it took us 8 months to find ours!

Running the Previa is expensive anyway, but if you like to pull away fast and fly around, and dash around like a bat out of hell, then purchase a small sports car and make the kids walk.

Because your leaded foot will DRAIN your bank account... you'll pay for your "lead" foot, at the pumps. One tank of fuel is app £70 - £80 it's one very heavy car tipping the scales at over 2300kg - you'll soon learn that feather weight footing is needed.

That rarity though will pretty much allow guaranteed resale, like I said it took me 8 months to track one down. Every Previa I found over the net had been snapped-up, before I had chance.

+ QUALITY & RELIABILITY - Being a Toyota, it is very well put together, the Previa is a quality piece of kit; even the doors close beautifully, but why cannot Japanese manufacturers do soft plastics?

Reliability, well it is a Toyota, and if looked after and serviced correctly, they are pretty much bomb-proof. Every review I have ever read about the Previa it scores very highly. Personally I have no cause for concern that it will ever let us down.

If your looking for a reliable, spacious, family car, really don't look any further. I for one can reliably guarantee a Toyota Previa will fit the bill. Just on looks alone especially in T Spirit trim with privacy glass, the very shape of it, it is one cool looking people carrier. But if you don't need an 'AUTO' (we do) go for the diesel (non auto) it has a little better MPG and that all important diesel torque.

I hope you like my review

Kind regards