Mid 90's Toyota Previa/Lucidas

frobisher

I've decided to by a mid 90's Previa/Estima/Lucida/Emina (all variations of the same bus). The 2,2 diesel 8 setear is the model I'm chasing.

Anyone driven or worked on them got any tips on buying/maintaining? I'd also be interested to hear from anyone that has pulled a trailer with one.

Saab Ed

I know very little about them except that body parts are hard to get for them. Although they look the same as a Previa , they are infact 6 inches narrower than a Previa. Here's one that a friend of mine is selling....

http://www.rathcoolemotorcompany.ie/viewanad.php?ad_id=528869

andyeire

Had one for a couple of years blew head within 6 months got that fixed and 18months later blew engine. It was well serviced and looked after. A friend is running a 97 at the minute has had it for 4 years had to replace engine 2 years ago and it is now displaying same problems. Ie coolant loss difficulty starting etc. I know 4 people who have owned one and blowing heads is something to expect. Look on web for previa owners club in UK read that and if you are still up for it go for it. When they are running they are great but I would never get one again.

frobisher

andyeire wrote: »

Had one for a couple of years blew head within 6 months got that fixed and 18months later blew engine. It was well serviced and looked after. A friend is running a 97 at the minute has had it for 4 years had to replace engine 2 years ago and it is now displaying same problems. Ie coolant loss difficulty starting etc. I know 4 people who have owned one and blowing heads is something to expect. Look on web for previa owners club in UK read that and if you are still up for it go for it. When they are running they are great but I would never get one again.

Ouch! Did you put a recon Jap engine in as replacement? That sounds pretty unlucky.

You gotta watch for heads alright. But I'm hoping that with careful inspection I wont be unlucky. Although I know I'll have to keep an eye on it as time goes on. IVI Engines said that a mid 90's 2.2 diesel supplied and fitted is about €1900 for a low mileage engine in from Japan with new filters etc Not cheap.

andyeire

I got rid of mine after engine blew. My friends ,97 lucida, he got IVI engine and less than two years later has started losing coolant. Have you looked at the owners club in the uk ?Don't get me wrong I think they are great car. I had the seven seater with the captains seats loads of space great drive. I loved driving it I just think they are on there last legs by the time they get to that age.

Max_Damage

Isn't it the same 2.2L diesel engine that's in the JDM Camry's that are popular with taxi men?

There is alot of them used as taxi's so they can't be that bad.

frobisher

Max_Damage wrote: »

Isn't it the same 2.2L diesel engine that's in the JDM Camry's that are popular with taxi men?

There is alot of them used as taxi's so they can't be that bad.

I'd be very interested to hear more about this.

andyeire

It is the same basic engine. The cooling system is different. It is also mounted at an angle. Any major jobs mean taking front seats out adding to labour costs. Engine is a far bit back two small acess panels under front seats. The head seems to be the major issue coolant getting in to cyclinders can cause problems.

andyeire

Have a look here www.estimaowners.com
Do a google search on overheating previa ,lucida, estima if after Reading all this you are happy go for it.

frobisher

I saw one this weekend that was at the age where the head could be a problem, but all tests showed it to be okay. A discount by the dealer tempted me. But then I saw copper flecks in the coolant which hints at a sealent put through to hid problems. That could have been a close waste of 2200 euro.

JHMEG

I had a loan of one for a while. Fantastic size of a yoke. Managed to fit a couch-bed into it. Some odd stuff went on that I couldn't explain, like engine cutting out at 60 mph and mysteriously restarting. Fuel economy also wasn't great, I'd say around 30 mpg.

frobisher

JHMEG wrote: »

I had a loan of one for a while. Fantastic size of a yoke. Managed to fit a couch-bed into it. Some odd stuff went on that I couldn't explain, like engine cutting out at 60 mph and mysteriously restarting. Fuel economy also wasn't great, I'd say around 30 mpg.

I'm getting one for the space, not the economy. If I was after economy I'd stick with what I have. My VW Vento runs on the mere mention of the word diesel. But it won't fit a band and guitars!

JHMEG

frobisher wrote: »

I'm getting one for the space, not the economy.

Then I'd recommend you go for the petrol model.

frobisher

JHMEG wrote: »

Then I'd recommend you go for the petrol model.

I'm not saying economy doesn't matter, it does. But it's not my primary motive for buying. Are the petrol'sless troublesome?

JHMEG

frobisher wrote: »

Are the petrol'sless troublesome?

Yes, as is always the case. Petrol engines are far simpler (no turbo, no dmf, no particle filters, no swirl flaps...)