Used Toyota Previa

What to know before buying: Toyota Previa

From 4 video reviews and 1 forum thread · updated 23/09/2026

What the reviews say

• The Previa II offers 5–8 seats, versatile cabin layouts, plentiful small-item storage and good visibility from its high seating position and large glass area.[1]one source
• The Previa II suspension gives a very smooth ride, but the body rolls in sharp manoeuvres and dives under hard braking.[1]one source
• A 2008 owner praises the soft ride and eight-seat capacity; the third row accommodates an adult, although luggage space with the seats raised is limited.[3]one source
• Owners describe 2001 diesels as stable and economical, while a 2005 petrol owner reports reaching 300,000 km without unscheduled workshop repairs.[5]one source

Typical faults

• On older Previa II examples, check the powered sliding doors. The heavy tailgate struts may wear out after roughly five years.[1]one source
• The Previa II cooling radiator can clog and provoke engine overheating; the source recommends cleaning it at least annually.[1]one source
• Poor-quality fuel can damage the lambda sensors on petrol Previa II engines and the injectors on the turbo-diesel.[1]one source

  petrol, turbo-diesel

• One 2001 2.0 diesel owner reported using 4 litres of oil per 10,000 km and crankcase ventilation sending oil droplets directly into the turbo.[5]one source

  2001–2001 · 2.0 diesel

• A 2008 2.4 petrol owner repeatedly repaired the suspension on poor roads, attributing this to the heavy body.[3]one source

  2008–2008 · 2.4 petrol

• The Previa II front brake discs may warp if water reaches a hot disc after heavy braking.[1]one source
• On a 1997 supercharged Previa with 140,000 miles, coolant leaked from the reservoir seam; worn rear shocks were also found.[2]one source

  1997–1997 · supercharged petrol

Which engine and version to take

• A 2008 2.4 petrol owner calls its engine and gearbox reliable; the Previa II review also rates the petrol engines as reliable and notes their durable timing chain.[1][3]

What to avoid

• Approach the Previa II turbo-diesel cautiously: poor fuel damages injectors, while at 100,000 km the timing belt, tensioner and rollers need replacement and the water pump needs checking.[1]one source

What to check at the inspection

• Test every sliding door, especially powered ones, plus the tailgate struts and lock; a knock over bumps can indicate that the lock needs adjustment.[1]one source
• Inspect the radiator and check for overheating evidence. On petrol cars diagnose the lambda sensors; on turbo-diesels check injectors and timing-belt service records.[1]one source
• On the test drive, listen for suspension and steering-rack knocks, check steering play and watch for braking vibration from warped front discs.[1]one source
• Check 2000–2005 vehicles carefully for corrosion; one 2005 owner called it the principal age-related problem.[5]one source
• On an older Previa, inspect the coolant reservoir, oil and transmission leaks and rear shocks; a 1997 example leaked at the reservoir seam and a sensor O-ring.[2]one source
• Check starting and idle stability: one owner reported surging and stalling that the workshop attributed to exhaust-gas recirculation.[4]one source

Verdict

Sources

1. [1]MasterCarsPro — Toyota Previa 2 Problems | Weaknesses of the Used Toyota Previa II · ▶ video
2. [2]Hoovies Garage — Here's Everything that's Broken on My Mid-Engine Supercharged Toyota Previa (WEIRD) · ▶ video
3. [3]Что происходит? — Review of the 2008 Toyota Previa! · ▶ video
4. [4]Old's Cool Channel — Toyota Previa #47: EGR Issues · ▶ video
5. [5]auto.jautajums.lv — Toyota Previa atsauksmes - Auto, moto · forum

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