Not Another Prepurchase Thread! - Please Help Though

[Pr3via]

I'm looking at the Previa tomorrow!

Hi, All:

I did try to search for other pre purchase threads but just can't find the answers I'm looking for.

I've been wanting a Previa for years now. I just love the way they look, and can never get over it even if I thought I'd move on.

I finally have a chance to look at a 96 tomorrow with about 160k miles and RWD. Bench seating, not captain chairs. Cloth seats. Pretty simple, but clean.

Asking price is $3k. Looks to be well maintained but I doubt the owner has any maintenance records.

$3k seems high. I'm thinking about $2k-$2,500. Thoughts?

1) Are they fairly simple to work on? I'm competent with working on cars but I think you have to take out the middle seats to access the motor, right? And is the space extra cramped because it's a mid engined car?

2) I'm not sure if I'll have time to take the car apart and inspect the S/C tomorrow or even check the oil. If it has not been maintained, and the S/C is dead, will I hear any noises or simply feel a lack of acceleration?

3) Are these motors pretty much "bullet proof?" Are there any particular weak spots such as H/G, cooling systems, etc? How about the tranny/diff? Suspension issues? Shock mounts, etc?

4) What's the difference between a DX and LE? I searched..didn't find the info.

Please tell me what some of your issues were during your years of ownership.

This will not be a daily driver, but I can't afford to invest in another money pit. I hope they're as reliable as I've heard!

Also, if you know of any good prepurchase/common issues thread, please help me find the link.

Thanks in advance!

Cheers,

[BFG Previa]

I can only partly answer some of your questions...partly.

1. The motor is accessed under the front (not middle) drivers/pass seats. From the very little basic amount of work I've done on my van, the access to what is necessary to work on has been reasonable. It's no mid 80's V8 under the hood of a 'Burb, but it's not crazy tight like some imports can be.

2. I have no experience with SC.

3. The achilles heel with these motors are the head gaskets. My understanding (and I am in no way an expert on this) is that if you (1) overheat the engine and/or (2) do not regularly change the coolant (every two years) then the engines are susceptible to head gasket issues. I have 400,000kms on my original engine and it has been serviced it's entire life at regular intervals and runs like a top and the temp needle always rises to exactly halfway and stays there. Many Previas have less than 200k's and have had head gaskets replaced...I can only assume that one of the above criteria were neglected. Basically what I'm saying is try to buy a van with a solid and honest mechanical history by the previous owner.

4. DX & LE? Not sure. I have an LE and it is loaded (except leather). Fridge/Ice box, dual a/c, all power group, etc.

As far as price goes, I'm not sure, but I'm currently asking $3000 CAD for mine and think it's worth it based on the above criteria. I would be very cautious if the history of the van is unknown. There are some "checks" that can be done to test head gasket issues but I'm not sure which threads they're under...sorry.

Good luck with finding the right one!