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The Toyota Previa's reputation was already well established by the time the second generation model appeared in 2000, the earlier more curvy version having been on sale for fully ten years. With a reputation for design innovation and high equipment levels to live up to, the second generation model didn't disappoint. If you need a genuinely spacious full-sized MPV people carrier, the Previa fits the bill very well, offering space age styling and a dazzling array of standard equipment.
It's a good deal bigger than the Sharan, Galaxy and Alhambra models that have dominated the market, being closer in size to models like the Renault Grand Espace and the Chrysler Grand Voyager. Both engines on offer have something to be said for them and the Previa's reliability means it's a far less risky used punt than many of its rivals.
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What you get
All versions feature those four airbags, digital climate controlled air conditioning, electric windows all round and a tilting steering column. Safety features such as anti lock brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution and brake assist haven't been skimped on and two ISOFIX child seat mounts keep the young ones well clamped in if the worst comes to the worst. Remote central locking, electrically heated door mirrors and front armrests complete the picture.
Trade up to T3 level and you'll find roof rails, five spoke alloy wheels and the air conditioning features separate controls for the rear of the cabin. Cruise control is a welcome feature on long continental trips. The range-topping T Spirit adds rear darkened privacy glass, front and rear sunroofs and DVD satellite navigation with built-in Electronic Traffic Avoidance. It's a very capable piece of technology. The advantage of offering DVD-based systems is that the disc can store as much information as thirteen CD-ROMs. Leather upholstery can also be specified.
Whichever version of the Previa you opt for, you'll find three rows of seats, with those in the middle and at the rear being benches that recline and slide back or forth to alter the amount of leg and luggage room. Opt to order your car in seven-seat form and two individual seats replace the middle bench.
Though like the individual seats, the two split-folding benches are removable, they do have three disadvantages. The first is weight: even the basic chairs aren't light and the benches require a real workout. The second is the Previa's need to have somewhere to store the things should you take them from the vehicle. In the old model after all, the rearmost seats folded up into the side of the cabin: even better, some rivals allow you to store them under the floor. Entry to the rear of the airy cabin is easy thanks to two huge sliding doors. Once inside, there are no fewer than 18 different storage compartments, including a split-level glovebox and deep front door bins. All of which ought to be useful should you decide to take up the option of folding the seats into a makeshift double bed.
Thanks to a longer wheelbase (and suspension that no longer intrudes into the cabin), there's a more spacious feeling in the latest Previa - for passengers at least. As ever with vehicles like this, luggage room with all the seats in use is a different story. And as ever, if you plan to regularly use the car to capacity, paying a bit extra for a roof box will probably prove to be money well spent. Start to remove those seats of course, and you quickly arrive at van-like levels of carrying capacity (103.4 cu ft with two seats in place).
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What to look for
The Previa is a strong but extremely heavy vehicle, so brake discs, pads and shock absorbers will have had a hard life and may be in need of replacement. For the same reason, it really is worth having your potential next family car checked over by a specialist. Two tonnes (and that's without occupants) of people carrier will put quite a strain on the clutch or automatic transmission torque converter, even with 'normal' use.
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Replacement parts
(Based on a 2000 2.4 GS) A full exhaust system will be about £395. Brake pads front and rear are about £70 a set, a starter motor is about £190 and an alternator around £350. You'll pay around £40 for a new door mirror, roughly £190 for a radiator and about £170 for a replacement windscreen.
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On the road
The engines are both worthwhile although if you're talking petrol power, combined fuel economy is substantially better in the 5-speed manual model (30.1 mpg as opposed to 26.9 mpg for the 4-speed auto). Sales data shows that relatively few petrol Previa buyers have chosen the stick shift. Most appear to feel that the automatic better suits the smooth, unruffled characteristics of the astonishingly refined VVT-i engine. Rest to sixty occupies 10.9s on the way to a maximum of 115mph, though acceleration figures through the gears reveal a more leisurely performer. With the D4-D turbo diesel version, you can expect to see nigh-on 40mpg with a restrained right foot. Rest to sixty occupies 13.6s on the way to a maximum of 109mph. Either way, ride and handling characteristics are well controlled, without ever encouraging you to venture near the car's limits.
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Overall
The Toyota Previa offers a beguiling combination of design flair and engineering reliability. Both engines are excellent units and it's difficult to point out many key flaws. Find one that hasn't been too abused by the demands of family life and you'll have an MPV to be proud of.
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