Yota Previa All-trac...

[logans]

Any opinions on the previa all-trac? I've been looking real hard at this jewel for some time. I don't plan on doing any hard core 4 wheelin with it, but would like to venture off the beaten path a little. Have thought about putting a rooftop tent on it as well and save the interior for space. Tell me what you guy's think?

 

[mhiscox]

You may want to consider whether the engine's location under the floor might make it too vulnerable for your use. Or it might be just fine. You'll also have to decide if you're too constrained on tire choice.

Fuel economy isn't great, especially given the modest power (135 hp, IIRC), but you did get a lot of room and good build quality.

I had both a new 1992 Previa and a 100K-mile 2004 Astro and I liked the Astro quite a bit better, but a lot of that is the low power in the big Previa. The later supercharged ones were somewhat better.

Also, there seems to be some difference of opinion about whether Previa's are brilliant drivers or not. There's a little bit of discussion here:

http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/23558, posts 29-31

 

[Crenshaw]

My family has beaten on a number of previas through the years and I can't hardly say a bad thing about them. Get the s/c version if you can and the power is better, not great but better.
The location of the engine makes some simple jobs hard. Plugs, belts, water pump, etc...are no longer quick and easy jobs. Luckily you can practically ignore and neglect the thing for years and not run into any problems. The rear hvac system has given problems in the past but not a deal breaker.

Unfortunately most of the previas out there are really starting to get beat. They really attract the kind of dirtbag camper/mtn biker/paddler type that can really trash a vehicle. (no offense, I am one) The last few we had ran well into 300k miles with no major problems and were still sold for ~1k to happy new owners.

I say go for it if you can find one in ok shape for a good price.

 

[Martinjmpr]

Seems like a waste to get a van and then put an RTT on it. The whole point of a van, IMO, is that it gives you all that space inside that is sheltered from the elements, wind-proof, and "stealthy" as well (makes stealth camping in parking lots easy.)

I didn't realize until a few years ago that Previas were RWD. Not sure what kind of AWD drive train they have but I don't think it can be the same as the All-Trac on the Corollas and Tercels, can it? Both of those vehicles were FWD with a transaxle sitting over the front wheels while the Previa is a more "conventional" layout with a front engine and rear drive.

In any case, I'll echo the above WRT the kind of condition you generally see Previa's in these days. They seem to have become the modern equivalent of the 60's Hippie Van. Still, a nice Soccer-mom driven example would make a decent light ExPo vehicle IMO.

 

[toyotech]

Previa has the same 8inch rear as trucks. the front an IFS 7.5 diff. the engine is the in the middle and the front drive shaft is longer than the rear. gearing and lockers wont be an issue if thats what you need. the issue is fender clearance for larger tires. even lifted, the fender opening is tiny!! it would be find for camping if your driving on dirt roads. not sure how the roof will handle the weight. the engine being in the middle can be an issue if you get high centered... armor is an option

 

[toyotech]

working on one was too bad. 1st time doing a tune up and resealing on one

you get to the other side of the engine under the drive seat. mainly just to fill it up with oil and i think you can see the throttle body a little
this one was a 4 cylinder supercharged.

 

[bjowett]

Let's see, mid engine, supercharged, AWD.... :Wow1: The engine is essentially a 2.4L 2RZ from the Tacoma, but layed down on it's side.. I always wanted to play with one, up the boost, 2.7L 3RZ internals, etc. Swap in a low range t-case with the manual transmission. Check out the dual sunroof models if you can find one.

 

[washington taco]

I like the van previous to the Previa! They have a real transfer case low range and all. I have seen a few lifted and fitted with bigger tires. SAWEET!!!

 

[JCMatthews]

Nice one in Utah

Not mine no affiliation blah blah blah. This one is AWD and Super Charged http://www.ksl.com/auto/listing/9946475
This one looks really clean for a '93 http://www.ksl.com/auto/listing/9537043

 

[Petrolburner]

Looks pretty roomy with the seats folded to the walls