How reliable is the 1st gen Previa?

Hi guys
  How reliable is the 1st gen Previa? some are telling me it's nothing but problem, but some are saying it's a Toyota, it will last forever, just stay away from the supercharged one...  not really going to mod it, but mainly for hauling stuff and maybe occasionally people...  Found a few of them on Craigslist for around $1500 or so, what do you guys think?

i havent had any problem with mine yet. just regular oil change and keep and eye on the coolant. i have seen some goes up to 300k.  what are you gonna haul anyway????

the reason people say they have so many problems, is because of the engine position. where you basically have to lower the engine to change belts. thats what i heard from a mechanic when i was gonna get one

Well this engine is a timing chain so you dont have to worry about it unless it snap, which that case is rare, Not like the  sienna which is timing belt

so what do I need to look out for when I am checking out the car?

the only thing that i can advise to you is that ask the seller for the services history and bring it to your mechanic for an pre-inspection purchase.  other than that is kinda hard due to the age of the vehicle.  main thing is that it doesnt overheat and had an  blown head gasket. check for any leakage special coolant, see how the oil is, if it has a cream or milky like  residue on the oil cap or the oil is properly has an crack head or an blown head gasket.  how the engine sound, any white smoke coming out of the tail pipe. take  it to the freeway and  test drive it. push the sh....t out of it or you can have your mechanic do that. hope this help u out

[QUOTE=nine1twoinc;402050]Hi guys
  How reliable is the 1st gen Previa? some are telling me it's nothing but problem, but some are saying it's a Toyota, it will last forever, just stay away from the supercharged one...  not really going to mod it, but mainly for hauling stuff and maybe occasionally people...  Found a few of them on Craigslist for around $1500 or so, what do you guys think?[/QUOTE]

Compared to other Vans in it's era, Previas are more forgiving to those who doesn't maintain their cars.  If you take care the scheduled service and preventive maintenance,  it's very reliable.  

What to look for:  Special Accessories Drive Shaft  bushing is an expensive repair.  You can tell it's start to go bad when the car is on Drive, the A/C is on and you see your side mirrors vibrating.   Get a flash light, look under the front side of the sliding door and you can partially see the valve cover gasket.  Look for leaks.

Very helpful tips guys...thanks! Been having my eye on one as a low key daily. Are the 4 bangers really weak to climb hills, slow acceleration etc..???

I have only had mine a couple months and i love it.  it was a little beat up and had 275k on it when i got it but i got it for a $grand.    i have put 3000 on it since i have owned it and it runs like a top.

[QUOTE=RSpyder;404568]Very helpful tips guys...thanks! Been having my eye on one as a low key daily. Are the 4 bangers really weak to climb hills, slow acceleration etc..???[/QUOTE]

not at all

we have a 93 dx that we use for daily hauling.

In the past, we would take frequent vacations with all 6-7 passengers packed with crap and it climbs hill fine.

mileage is about 180k+, all original engine and tranny.

the only thing that we replace mostly are the brakes due to the stop and go with load.

the other issue is the sliding door track b/c we open/close it alot-wear and tear item. We only replaced it once though.

How about the 5-speed manual Previa, I would think those are a little more reliable?  I was thinking about picking one up for a work van.  It's really just an excuse to buy a Previa though..

My all-trac has almost 200k on it, and the only things that have broken are things that resulted from my abuse... like clowning in the snow and attempting a 4-wheel burnout/neutral drop... LOL. Doh! (It won't do it, for the record.)