The condition of the van when I bought it:
Leaking distributor O-ring, number 1 Valve Cover, and oil pan.
Rough idle.
Jerking transmission was noticed when the van came to a near stop.
Gear pattern illumination was out.
Sliding door didn't close properly.
This van is like a person who recovers from sickness when receives proper care.
After I bought a repair manual and went through routine maintenance (which any backyard mechanic can do) :
Oil change 100 mile and 500 mile to clean the engine (without using any engine flush) ; 100 mile and 500 mile transmission fluid change to clean the automatic transmission.
Distributor O-ring and oil pan gasket, valve cover gasket were ordered from Kragen and put on.
Last X'mas we made a round trip from San Francisco to San Diego with four people and stuff on the van. Our lovely Previa averaged 23MPG highway/city and didn't lose a drop of oil or coolant. The engine and the transmission are now in perfect condition, smooth and dry like new.
I believe that if we don't abuse, this quality built machine will last very long.
Last week we bought a 95 LE S/C Previa with 145000 miles and this one runs like a champ, I would say even better than our 2000 Sienna with 88000 miles, probably due to mid-engine design. The torque by the supercharger is very noticeable when power is needed, but I am usually very gentle on the accelerator.
Drive this 15 year old van with confidence:
Within the past two months, this van made one 1500 mile round trip and six 650 mile round trips. Highway mpg was 23 with A/C on at noon, running time between rest areas was three hours minimum, six hours maximum. No sign of any fluid leaks.
NOT a fast van, especially when this doesn't has supercharger. It takes "forever" to get up to 65 mph, but reliability is what I need for long trips with my family.
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