1992 Toyota Previa AWD

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Hey guys,

My sister is going through rough times and needs a kid hauler. Thought I'd be a good bro and buy a cheap one for her...

I found a 1992 Toyota Previa AWD, 247K and looks to be in good shape. Only asking $1K for it.

Anyone own one of these? What should I check/look out for?
 
We have one with 240k original everything and like new.

Radiators on Asian cars are junk - beware. Check the guibos on the accessory driveshaft (going forward from the engine to the alternator and stuff under the hood). I'd also check the AT under various loads and conditions at that mileage.

Does it drive straight and true? The shafts holding the rear shocks may be rusted and on the verge of breaking.
 
I would get something simpler, more common and newer. If your budget is 1-$2k, get an escort wagon from the old lady down the street with some snow tires. You won't even have to read the manual to find the engine!
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I can't see a good condition $1k Previa not getting snapped up by someone who is into them.
 
How long does she plan on using it. The mileage looks really high. Will she be willing to pay for repairs if they are more than what the van is worth?
 
My step-mother had a 1994. Drove it to 110k miles, and then got something smaller. Never, ever had a problem with it that I remember her mentioning. I drove it a few times, and I remember really liking the way it drove/felt - great vehicle!
 
Thanks for all the replies.

From what I read online, the 2.4 Toyota engine is near bullet proof. I have seen many Previa's with 400+K miles on them.

Sucky thing is the guy sold it while I was on my way to look at it. The search continues...
 
Originally Posted By: GMBoy
The original Jelly Bean van
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I always think of the Previa as the Speeding Bannana.

Neighbor had one of those fly yellow Previas.

And for some reason, was always going 20-30 mph over the speed limit. With two kids.
 
Was van shopping back in feb. Wound up with a $300 97 olds silhouette van. In that price range was going to likely be either a GM or a chrysler "expresso" 4 cyl, 3 speed automatic, short wheelbase. One picks their poison between the GM IM gaskets and the mopar head gasket... but you can get a 97-99 of either for $1K and benefit from all the "new".

Also look for villagers/quests, apparently pretty nice and underrated (cheap!)
 
Originally Posted By: Huie83
Thanks for all the replies.

From what I read online, the 2.4 Toyota engine is near bullet proof. I have seen many Previa's with 400+K miles on them.

Sucky thing is the guy sold it while I was on my way to look at it. The search continues...


Thanks for looking after your sister during hard times.
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My dad has a 92 Previa with 83,000 miles on it. Aside from A/C problems, it has been a fairly reliable van.

I've heard of S.A.D.D. issues with these vans, so they aren't exactly bulletproof.
 
I'd go for Caravan or Voyager, pre 96 3.0's had mitsubushi motors in them, were quite fuel efficient and reliable as well.

Previa is a great van but it'd be quite difficult to find one in good condition and also it will be more costly to maintain.
 
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Originally Posted By: The Critic
My dad has a 92 Previa with 83,000 miles on it. Aside from A/C problems, it has been a fairly reliable van.

I've heard of S.A.D.D. issues with these vans, so they aren't exactly bulletproof.


S.A.D.D. issues????

The previa is about as bulletproof as anyone is going to find. Yours likely had AC issues because of non-use, seals dry out and start to weep.
 
Originally Posted By: BrianWC
Always liked the Previa for some reason. I miss the boxy Toyota and Nissan vans of the 80s.



Weren't those boxy ones the one's that caught fire?
 
Originally Posted By: Mau
I'd go for Caravan or Voyager, pre 96 3.0's had mitsubushi motors in them, were quite fuel efficient and reliable as well.


You say that like its a feature. Those engines are junk!
 
mitsu 3.0=head gasket failure @ 70K

If you happen to buy a previa, make sure you point out that the wheels are "under and behind you" There is a bit of a driving adjustment to accommodate this fact.
 
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