How reliable is the Toyota Previa?

2005 Toyota Previa 2.0 diesel. How reliable is this car?

Gerry Doran (Dublin)

May 2013 Filed under: reliability

---

Expert answer

Hi Gerry,

This being a Toyota, you'll not be surprised to learn that there are, thankfully, very few major issues with the Previa. Really, the only engine checks you have to make are that the timing belt has been changed on schedule (every 60,000 miles) and the engine oxygen sensor is working right - if the engine management light stays on after you're started the car that's usually the sign of an issue.

On the inside check for floppy arm-rests. Seriously, apparently the adjustable arm-rests do wear out and refuse to stay in place, which must be annoying.

Underneath, rear track control arms on the suspension can be out of alignment (listen for knocking noises) and if you feel a juddering brake pedal you may need to budget for replacement discs. And apparently they eat tyres - big heavy cars tend to do that.

Hope that helps

Neil Briscoe - Complete Car Adviser
@neilmbriscoe