Thinking of buying a Previa

Well as the topic says i am thinking about purchasing a previa. I've been doing some research and checking around craigslist for a while. The other day i finally found one that could be a possible candidate. Its a 1995 LE/SC Silver on grey cloth with 160,000 miles. I went and checked it out today and cosmetically its up to my standards only minor things like the slider door doesn't stay open that well, maybe someone could tell me how you can make it stay open better. No rust or body damage though. The a/c is ice cold the carpets really clean the dome light needs to be changed but again very minor. Also a noob question would be i couldn't figure out how to turn the volume down on the radio :pat: maybe i was just having one of those moments. But onto my main concerns/questions about the mechanics of it because that's the only reason i didn't buy it today. Not that i have reason to believe its not mechanically up to par but i just want to see what you guys say and check it over again before i make my final decision. I did test drive it for about 20 minutes and it was fantastic the best ride ever. Power steering felt amazing, brakes perfect, suspension perfect, idle consistent, temp consistent and cool, i checked over and over for any leaks or smoke and didn't ever see any sign of either. I opened the hood and checked what i could and checked all underneath the car as well. However i couldn't seem to locate the dipstick? May be blind but could someone please let me know of the location. As well do you guys feel i should take out the seat and really inspect it fully or could i inspect it enough without doing that? Continuing...no lights were on like the oil or engine lights. The shifts were very very smooth. There was no noises that alarmed me except a bit of belt squeel at first and when i hit the gas hard, but the car had also been sitting for a few weeks and i had the a/c on full blast and didn't give it much time to warm up so im not sure if thats something to be concerned about or not. I am just really wondering about any specific things i can look for to make sure that this car will be reliable as much as i can. Also ways i may check that the s/c is in good condition if there really is a way to make sure its in top shape like the oil and everything. Well sorry for the very long post but i greatly appreciaite any and all input. Thanks a lot guys. :dance:

-jake

how could i forget heres a pic.

<a href="http://s463.photobucket.com/albums/qq360/jakepwnshard/?action=view&current=IMG00140.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i463.photobucket.com/albums/qq360/jakepwnshard/IMG00140.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

well i linked the wrong code and can't figure out how to delete or edit my post so sorry for spam posting if someone could let me know how to fix it please let me know.

[IMG]http://i463.photobucket.com/albums/qq360/jakepwnshard/IMG00140.jpg[/IMG]

You will find the Dipstick under the Driver's seat.  Not sure why they felt that was the best place to put it but nevertheless it is under there.  If you look in the "owner's manual" it should be listed there.  There is a "level", just pull on it and it will release the seat.  Flip up, and lift the carpet.  There is a "knob" you twist and you will be looking at the Dipstick.  Also don't trust the "Oil Level" under the hood.  Always check the Dip stick under the seat.

As for checking the SC, no real way....just got to make sure that there is Oil in the Super Charger so it don't freeze up on you.

The squealing is probally because the belts need to be replaced.  It there are squealing, it is just best to go ahead and change out all the belts.

Hope that helps.

Sukoshiyoshi

Thanks for the reply yoshi. I was wondering how do i check the super charger oil though? As well can you think of anything else i should check before purchasing it? I did carfax the car and its records were very clean never any accidents only 2 previous owners. Thanks again for the input.

I believe that the only way to access the Supercharger Dip Stick is from under the Vehicle (not sure, my friend who is a Tech at Servco did it from me).  I believe that as long as there is still Oil in there and you "Top it off" after you purchase it you should be alright.

Often times it is the "Oil Leaks" that is a good way to check, but as you already posted there seem to be no Oil leaks.  If you do end up picking up this Egg it will probally be a good idea to do all the Maintenance items, Spark Plugs, Wires, Oil Change, etc.  If the Radiator has not been changed it would probally be a good idea to flush the system.  Being that it only has 160,000 the Radiator "should" still be alright.  But if you got the funds and want to play it safe replace the Radiator and Thermostat.  Already had my 1st Egg blow a Head Gasket so for my second Egg I played it safe and changed mine out.  But then again my Ver 2.0 Egg already have 230,000 miles.

Another option is, if the car sales lot is willing to have you take it to a Mechanic (2nd opinion)before you purchase that may be a good idea.  That way you don't get stcuk with a Lemon (like I did).

Good luck with what ever you decide to do.

Sukoshiyoshi