Toyota Sienna or Toyota Previa?

Question

which one is better and why

Answer 1

toyota previa because it has good mileage and less oil changes and tune ups

Answer 2

Toyotatech is right to a degree. I have a 2002 Sienna and a 1992 Previa. The Sienna is more updated and has more power, but I've had less problems with my Previa.

The driveshaft that he mentioned on the Previa doesn't need to be replaced. The bushings on it wear out and any mechanic can replace the bushings for less than $300 . The bushings can be bought on ebay for around $70. However, being a Toyota tech, the previous answer knows that the dealer replaces the entire shaft for around $1500. Toyota dealers will sell you the bushings for $250 if you want to do it yourself but they wont just replace the bushings. Kinda reminds me of the Camry and Lexus ES300. Same car mechanically, but if you went to Toyota for a replacement Camry V6 alternator and you have the Lexus ES300, they wont sell you the alternator. Also, the same alternator costs you more for the part because it's for a Lexus. Anyway, my mechanic told me that the shaft should only need replacing if it's damaged (ie, an accident). My bushings were replaced once at 258,000 miles.

The A/C on the 1991 models (the first year) had a recall but the other years didn't have problems. I've recharged mine twice and at this time, I'm at 342,000 trouble-free miles on original engine and transmission. I've seen more than a handful of Previas with over 500,000 miles on original engines as well. In fact, I saw one a while ago with almost 800,000 miles!!

My Sienna on the other hand has had the headgasket replaced at 78,000 miles. In fact, a lot of the pre-1995 Siennas had this problem. It was caused by oil sludging. I am meticulous with my vehicles and I still had the problem. Toyota makes you feel like it's your fault that it happens when it is a known head design flaw. Unfortunately, the replacement is the same head, so expect it to go out again if you dont take the extra steps to prevent it- like using engine flush every other oil change. Camrys, Solaras, Highlanders,Lexus ES300, Lexus RX300- all of them have the engine sludge problem. Toyota has a TSB on it, but they don't make it easy for you to get it replaced free of charge. Also. Sienna does have a decent build quality but the Previa looks and feels like it was better built.

Another thing to consider is that the Previa is still being produced. The Sienna is designed for the U.S. The rest of the world gets Previas. The Previa we had was discontinued for the U.S. in 1997, but the rest of the world had them for 2 more years before any redesign. It sold well in Europe and Asia. Check the web and see what the current Previa looks like. My vote will go to the Previa. While it's only a 4 cylinder and isn't exactly mechanic-friendly because of engine location, reliability wise I haven't seen a Sienna that has held up as well as a Previa in the long run.

Answer 3

they are both very good vehicles the sienna has more bells and whistles and they are trouble free but are expensive the previa is a great vehicle but had a few problems they have a aux drive shaft that drive the belts it goes bad and is expensive they also had ac problems but the power trains were very dependable it is very common to see previas with 200,000 miles that are in great shape if you change oil in any toyota ever 3000 miles they will all last forever you cant go wrong with ever you choose all vans have problems with the sliding doors

Answer 4

I have a 94 Toyota Previa AWD...I love it!! Plain and simple!

Answer 5

a previa is just an older model of the sienna, so which one do u think is better? sienna duhh

Answer 6

Compare Odyssey To Siena

Answer 7

well the sienna is definitely a better choice...the previa is very out dated....the sienna is better equiped and very stylish...even if it is a used

Answer 8

previa because it good and better

Answer 9

What about a Honda Odyssey? They're better looking (I think so....)