WTB Toyota Previa

[Ginger]

BTW - can I ask why you're not going with an AWD F150, Toyota Pickup, or something like that? I think the market is a bit better with open beds than it is for soccermommovers... but I haven't looked at vans, either.

[Jeff]

I decided there was no reason to take shots at it for its horrible design. Being outnumbered on this forum, I would spend 3 pages listening to Toyota fanbois ranting about how much better it is then mopar for XXXX reasons. But yes, I think it is ugly and even more dated then my 90 Caravan. However I agree that the point is subjective and rather irrelevant to the situation.

I'm not sure how well a bike would fit in my van, I don't own a bike so I have never needed to try it. I say you should come on a long Sunday ride and we can try to toss it in the back of turbovan. All AWD vans will be 3.3L/Automatic and will be of the grand type, which is 18in longer (I think that was the measure) then a SWB non grand van. If it is AWD it will be well optioned as well, it was somewhat rare so they were usually kinda on the fancy side. The 4-speed auto is a slight stumbling point for it though. The 3-speed (like in my van) is more reliable. I have seen the old 4-speeds go a long time though, but if you could find one with a recent rebuild I would call it a serious plus for the operation. From 96+ you are in 3G territory...not so much my specialty. I'm driving a 96 Grand now...it actually makes me think of the Previa in its spaceship-like windshield. The biggest pro I see in Caravan over Previa is how much easier it will be to work on if you would ever have to. At least with a caravan you can open the hood and see the engine and transmission...the Toyota is stuck up under there like a fullsize van. Not to mention I sure the parts are cheaper, always a consideration on these older cars.

[Jeff]

Here is a nice looking 91...and at least the women would always know you've got wood. Don't worry about the A/C...R12 is better anyway!



<!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Dodge-Grand-Caravan-516-755-CARS-1991-Dodge-Grand-Caravan-LE-AWD-ALL-PWR-3rd-Seat-NoRes_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ6194QQihZ011QQitemZ320216374915QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW">http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Dodge-Gr ... enameZWDVW</a><!-- m -->

1994 w/ Gold lace wheels and a fresh tranny rebuild...



<!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Dodge-Grand-Caravan-1994-GRAND-CARAVAN-RARE-AWD-VERY-CLEAN_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ6194QQihZ012QQitemZ220200479162QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW">http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Dodge-Gr ... enameZWDVW</a><!-- m -->

Why are these Toyota vans so cheap? makes me wonder...



<!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Toyota-Previa-1995-Toyota-Previa-DX-S-C-4x4-CD-4-cy-Great-Condition_W0QQitemZ280199859947QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item280199859947">http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Toyota-P ... 0199859947</a><!-- m -->

[Dave]

This is really funny, since a caravan was the first thing that came to my mind when the mention was for a cheap minivan.

I still feel the bigger question is why not an old Toyota truck (4x4 or 2wd) or Taco, or a 4x4 F150. Actually, lets not even get specific; why not a truck at all?

[BLINGMW]

1994 w/ Gold lace wheels and a fresh tranny rebuild...

hmmm... that year doesn't have AWD according to Edmunds, obviously I'll have to do some more digging.

And, I want a van over a pickup because I prefer the covered space. I really wanted a Toyota pickup, but the covered space is really nice to have, confirmed when I was following RJ to the track last time and watched his bike cover blow off and all his stuff getting wet while my bike was warm and dry. Heck, I could sleep in there too! :wink:

[WRXtranceformed]

I see where you're coming from. Because Toyota pickups are so desireable and hold their value very well, by the time you bought a decent one in good shape (even early 90s ones) and bought the covered bike trailer you'd need to have your cover, you're probably gonna blow your budget.

With that said, if I could I would probably spend the extra cash and go that route ('Yota + box-style bike trailer). Every Toyota truck I've owned has been a complete workhorse! I still really miss my old Tundra. They were reliable, extremely strong trannies and engines. The only reason my 2nd Toyota pickup blew up was because it was overheating (probably just a bad T-stat) but I had to get to work to meet inspectors and just pushed it and pushed it until the head gasket warped and the radiator exploded. :lol:

Edit: And I was STILL able to sell it to one of my punchout guys with 245k on the chassis for $400 :lol:

[HAULN-SS]

What about an early 4 runner with the removable top? Not high enough?

[Jeff]

AWD Caravans will have "AWD" with "All wheel Drive" under it in smaller text on the front doors and/or on the rear tailgate handle. The one on ebay has it on the rear but I can't see it on the sides.

[Feersty]

I think a Previa All-trac would be tight. Has anyone tried putting motorcycles in the back of these?

[Ginger]

You can fit a DRZ400 in the back of an Element....

[BLINGMW]

Sweet, just won one on eBay up in Manassas, who wants to meet for a beer up there friday night? :thumbup:

[Jewels]

Normally, I would say sure, since we are already in Manassas. But alas, we will be at VIR. Sorry Chan.

[CaptainHenreh]

Sweet, just won one on eBay up in Manassas, who wants to meet for a beer up there friday night? :thumbup:

Aww...I want to. But I'll be at VIR.

Looks nice though!

[Sijray21]

a guy on 600rr.net actually uses one of these as his track-bike transport:



he actually does bring an air mattress and sleeps in it over night while the bike is under a tent outside at the track. I'll try and find the link to his thread.

the ford econoline wouldn't be a bad idea either

[Evan]

Sweet, just won one on eBay up in Manassas, who wants to meet for a beer up there friday night? :thumbup:

I have tentative plans at snowshoe, but if that falls through Im game. And maybe Ill even remember to bring you your bimmerwhirrled krew shirt.

[Mike]

if you wanna roll in towards the city with your new bling, you can join me for a friend playing at iotaclubandcafe.com.

[ScottyB]

yay, free candy for everyone!

cool purchase Chan, i hope it works out for you.

[Ginger]

Jay, does he actually use the capper lift to load the bike?!

Nice purchase, Chan!

[Mike]

a guy on 600rr.net actually uses one of these as his track-bike transport

and to think, it'll be even more useful when he... okay, i'll stop

[Jeff]

Fags drive minivans.