1992 Toyota Previa Review

310,000 miles and still reliable!

Written by: WBR on 03/07/2009

Vehicle

1992 Toyota Previa 2 Dr LE 4WD Passenger Van

Review

An amazing Minivan. At over 310K, we have had only one major fix. Around 180K we had to replace the front driveshaft for a little more than $2,000. Everything else has been wear and tear: brakes, lights, lights in dash, turn signal, springs in door locks, radio, bearings in sliding door, gas shocks on the back hatch, recharging the A/C. We have gone on numerous long, long trips. It's always reliable and safe. Great visibility, drives like a nimble car and the all wheel drive has taken 6-7 skiing many times. When the ice and snow hits, we always make it to work. I bought it used after reading a Consumer Reports eval on used vans. The Previa was rated number 1. I can vouch for that now.

Favorite Features

Reliability. Leg room. Roomy. I can lay a sheet of plywood in the back flat with the bench seat out. The rear seats flip up and out of the way.

Suggested Improvements

I should have gotten the tow package. The hubcap paint wears off after about 5 years. Get nice wheels instead, it's cheaper in the long run. The dash lights and door lock springs should be easier to change. I've done each once.

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350,000 and just needed work

Written by: mama1948 on 08/01/2008

Vehicle

1992 Toyota Previa 2 Dr LE 4WD Passenger Van

Review

I bought the Previa because all four boys could sit in the car comfortably. Nobody's head touched the ceiling in the back. There were shoulder seat belts for three in back. The seats would fold down so the boys could nap comfortably. Its tough for a 6 foot teen ager to be comfortable sleeping sitting up. The seats folded together to make a bed. There was plenty of hauling space. I was comfortable while driving. The car was up high enough to see over most cars. I have never had any trouble driving in ice and snow. We've driven from Olympia, WA to Pasadena to watch the Huskies play in the Rose Bowl every year they played. Drove down to visit family in San Diego and Phoenix a bunch, too.

Favorite Features

Reliable, lots of room, reliable, handles well, reliable,seats the whole family and oh, yeah, its reliable.

Suggested Improvements

Possibly, in reading the other reviews, the front end crash could be a bit dangerous. Is that why they stopped making them? Couldn't they have done something else to toughen up the front end other than to stop making them? or were they too reliable and we weren't back buying more often enough?

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Can't beat it, my trusty friend

Written by: none on 06/10/2008

Vehicle

1992 Toyota Previa 2 Dr LE 4WD Passenger Van

Review

Bought this from 1st owner in 2003 with 125K miles on it. Previous owner had a 10 year/100K mile warranty on it, took it in for every hiccup, kept meticulous records on it. I instantly fell in love with it. I didn't know that it typically needs a new front differential (I have an LE AllTrac) at 130K miles. That was $2400 at the dealer to repair. Oh well, my only repair so far. This van has taken 24k miles per year with next to no problems, except brakes. They seem to wear out fast. I get fantastic gas mileage. My kids can beat it up & I don't worry. This is the true workhorse van, SUV, truck combined, and I will never part with it. I want to be buried in my Previa. LOVE YOU BABY!

Favorite Features

Toyota durability, reliability, a true, loyal, reliable workhorse that never whines or complains. Captain's chairs to separate kids! Spacious, great gas mileage.

Suggested Improvements

Make them again. Why did these beauties go off the US market? That was a dumb move for Toyota.

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"Money in the Bank"

Written by: Big Mac on 05/01/2008

Vehicle

1992 Toyota Previa 2 Dr LE Passenger Van

Review

Our family purchased the 92 Previa Le, 16 yrs ago. No more hauling kids around, they all have drivers licenses. Tires, brakes, starter, battery, shocks, one of the rear a/c blowers quit, repaired it, one minor oil leak, repaired it, in 16 yrs. We have 199000 original owner miles on it. Original muffler, catalytic converter, the interior still looks brand new, garaged it, the ride is still a sweet ride! The more we hold on to this jewel, 20 mpg, seats 7 people, low cost insurance, it's like having "Money in the Bank!"

Favorite Features

Still drives like a brand new car! Cup holders, captains chairs, privacy glass, last row seats fold up and out of the way for storage, rear wheel drive (for towing!), 20 mpg,Toyota craftsmanship, Toyota reliablity.

Suggested Improvements

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Still driving it

Written by: RPDQ on 09/07/2007

Vehicle

1992 Toyota Previa 2 Dr Deluxe Passenger Van

Review

Vehicle only required minor wear and tear maintenance over the years. The air conditioner went out 3 years ago. Just replaced the catalytic converter and the exhaust past that point. Very reliable even in cold regions. Still get 21 MPG city/hwy avg.

Favorite Features

Handling in tight turns.

Suggested Improvements

Wish they still made them.

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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