Friend is interested in buying a Toyota Previa

the culture of deference

Anyone here have one.
Any stories what he needs to look out for when buying.

He is looking at a diesel Toyota Previa auto 2.2, 7 seater over 10 years old.

He has a 10 year old diesel auto car (value 500) and is getting 35mpg.

The tax will be 800 ish
what mileage should he get ?

Thanks

WeightierDisc

Make sure he gets one with a pussy magnet

TestTransmission

WeightierDisc wrote: »

Make sure he gets one with a pussy magnet

Insightful input right there

the culture of deference

Anyone at all.

colm_mcm

The 2.2 mid engined ones have a bit of a rep for cooling problems. Also consider a liteace Noah or Limo import model (front engined, same engine)

Nissan doctor

I don't know exactly but don't expect great mpg, old tech diesel engine, auto box and big heavy van are not a good economy combination.

andyeire

I had one and loved it. But the engine is prone to overheating and blowing heads. I had the head gasket done on mine and blew engine at a later date. Of 3 other people I knew who had One all 3 had to replace engine. Do a google search on Estima and Lucida , there japanese name. There is an owners club in the UK with a lot of good info.

the culture of deference

He thinks it will do 40mpg but I cannot see that.
30mph seems to be more likely.

The Auto 2.2 models are imports too. Manuals seem to be 2.0 D4D engine.

colm_mcm

The 2.0 is only on the newer front engined model.40mpg is optimistic even on these. Not a hope on an auto 2.2

E39MSport

See here http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toyota_Previa

1990's ones are Jap imports afaik. I have a manual 2.2TD 3C-TE 4WD version.
It gives c. 32 mpg. Did 36 with Dipethane.

Can't complain about it at all for the money. Massive inside, handles very well for the size of it (mid mounted engine). Doubles as a van with the back seats up. Sticking some winters on it for the coming season.

If I could change anything I would give it a 6th gear and quieten it down a bit. I only drive it when I have to.

Common problem is the aux drive shaft coupling which I had to do. Pita to do with a 4WD but should be okay with 2WD. Engine mounts go on the diesel. Mine are shot.

Check out teoc.ws and estima-motoring.co.uk

Easy to work on (aside from the aux shaft for 4WD). I did my first timing belt on this bus. As andyeire says, others have had head gasket and head problems but mine is humming. They need regular oil changes.

Fierce ugly yoke though

Here's the inside of mine (not very indicative but all I have for now - she doesn't pose very well )

the culture of deference

Thats a great pic, my mate wants the 7 seats, but he wants to use it for gigging too and as a bed if necessary.