1996 Toyota Previa Review

They Don't Make 'em Like This Any More

Written by: Mark Flick on 07/06/2009

Vehicle

1996 Toyota Previa 2 Dr LE Sprchgd 4WD Passenger Van

Review

I bought this Previa used with only 12,000 miles on it. I now have over 216,000 miles and maintenance costs have been minimal. Word of advice: do not ignore the "CHECK ENGINE" light. I did and a blocked catalytic converter caused the head gasket to fail. I live in Colorado and the AWD is a big help in winter. I've stopped buying snow tires. The supercharged engine still has plenty of power even at this mileage. I suspect the Amsoil I use in the van has contributed greatly to the longevity. The van may not have all luxury appoints of a millenium van, but it's still dependable and looks pretty good too. Toyota makes great vehicles.

Favorite Features

The room this van provides is amazing. I have taken out the center bench seat, revealing a big, box shaped space I can really load up. Also, the engine: supercharged with spirited performance. I appreciate how all the fluids (except transmission fluid) can be checked from under the hood.

Suggested Improvements

I would change the design of the seats. They are not very adjustable compared to the electrically operated seats in more modern vehicles.

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Big Van in Small Body

Written by: opsofficer on 07/05/2004

Vehicle

1996 Toyota Previa 2 Dr LE Sprchgd 4WD Passenger Van

Review

Nothing comes close for sheer usable space. Visibility and handing are great. At 170000 miles, it needed a drive shaft but a good independent garage made that a $400 repair instead of the $1000 the dealer wanted. Hope it goes another 170000. If you can find one for $10K get it because Previa owners alone know just what a gem these are. Hard to work on, but needs work so seldom: caution Toyota parts cost a bunch and no one else offers parts. Replaced the muffler (a generic) for $70 when Toyota wanted $300. Wouldn't hesitate to drive it across the country in winter. AWD gets 26 mpg on the highway. Gets a 9.5 overall.

Favorite Features

Folding rear seats making refonfiguring a snap. Leather seats look new after 8 years. Handles like a small car, so easy to park, and fits in a small garage--something the new Sienna won't do.

Suggested Improvements

The spare tire is exposed to the elements and is hard to access, but no different than many vehicles.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Been a good vehicle

Written by: mjm1 on 09/16/2003

Vehicle

1996 Toyota Previa 2 Dr LE Sprchgd Passenger Van

Review

We purchased this vehicle used (2yrs Old) with 33K miles on it. It now has 120K miles on it and still going strong. We've had no major problems, but quite a few problems that go along with age. Shocks, rattles, sensors, ...etc. Nothing major, but it seems to always need something these days that cause it to go into the shop.

Favorite Features

Power Moon Roof

Suggested Improvements

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Well worth the money

Written by: HM173 on 08/25/2003

Vehicle

1996 Toyota Previa 2 Dr LE Sprchgd Passenger Van

Review

This is the kind of car that gives Toyota a good name. The Van seats my family o f6 comfortably, we just got back from a 2,000 mile road trip, spending 40hrs in the car and all of us has a Blast. The ergonomics are great, and the leather seats are a must if you have kids!

Favorite Features

leather, capt. chairs, dual air, folding seats

Suggested Improvements

improve the exhaust system

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nice van, dealers suck!

Written by: Mhotopp on 10/06/2002

Vehicle

1996 Toyota Previa 2 Dr DX Sprchgd 4WD Passenger Van

Review

I bought this van in Oneonta NY from Royal, the local toyota dealer. He told me that it was his wife's car, and it had 42,000 miles on it. I asked to see the service records, and he let me, but wouldn't let me have copies. Should have known. The car had had an accident he didn't acknowledge, probably nothing serious, but I noticed the paint overspray after I got it home, and when I called him on it, he acted as if he was shocked that I was questioning his integrity. Buy the van, and skip the dealer.

Favorite Features

Cavernous interior, compared to Sienna. AWD is nice. Swivel captains chairs, toyota reliability

Suggested Improvements

Fix dealership problems, produce more in USA so folks get used to working on them, and the cost of parts and labor comes down. Otherwise, great van.

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