Extraordinarily CLEAN Durable and Dependable 2.4L Minivan in Excellent Condition

1993 Toyota Previa DX

[BACKGROUND: Toyota Previas are absolutely excellent motor vehicles, especially for long road trips, camping, comfortably hauling people (seating for 6) or cargo (4 seats are removable without tools). They are known to have a reliable Service Life of well over 400,000 miles. I previously owned a 1990 LE (288K miles) when the Previa was first introduced, and latter clocked another 255K miles in a 1994 All-Trac (my all-time favorite snowmobile) that I purchased when I returned to the States from my duty stations in Europe. When I saw this one-owner 1993 Previa DX advertised online for sale in New York - - a time capsule parked in the garage of the original owner - - I could not resist the temptation to own and drive one yet again (ramping up for another interstate relocation of our household).]

My 2022 maiden voyage, from Upstate New York to Virginia, was (as expected) uneventful. The Previa ran absolutely perfectly on six-year-old fuel (albeit the rusted muffler was a bit too loud), with no issues whatsoever (I topped-up the 20-gallon tank with fresh petrol before hitting the road). Upon my return, however, I immediately began the process of more completely inspecting and then servicing the van. Other than catching up on routine maintenance and replacement tasks (fluids, filters, belts, brakes, tires, etc.), all major repairs and upgrades are described in the following narrative:

This 1993 Toyota Previa DX six-seat minivan is powered by a very reliable fuel-injected (FI) 2.4-liter inline-four engine (2AZ-FE) paired with a four-speed automatic transmission with overdrive driving the rear wheels. This unique mid-engine van configuration translates into nearly perfect 50/50 weight distribution whether the vehicle is empty (3,755 pounds) or fully laden.

The 132-horsepower gasoline engine is mid-mounted under the front and second-row seats. The alternator, (new) battery, power steering pump, air-conditioning compressor, radiator fan, and fluid reservoirs, including a two-liter engine automatic oil feed and pump, may be easily accessed under the front hood. Engine oil and transmission dipsticks and fill caps are accessed under the driver’s seat.

The van engine starts and runs AS NEW!

Typical of older Toyota models, there are no fluid leaks of any kind, and there has been no need to top-up engine oil, coolant, differential, or transmission fluid during the past twenty months of highway driving. The OEM Denso A/C compressor has recently been replaced with a factory-new (not rebuilt), numbers-matching Denso compressor, at which time the system was professionally serviced; evacuated and recharged with R134a refrigerant (previously converted by a Toyota service center).

A completely new exhaust system, including direct-fit Magnaflow catalytic converter, O2 sensors, mid-pipe/crossover, muffler and tailpipe has been installed.

The van runs QUIET!

Likewise, complete brake service has been performed, replacing all hydraulic and wearing components, including epoxy-coated brake calipers and mounting brackets.

The van stops QUICKLY!

Known for their durability, this Previa is finished in the original Burgundy Pearl Metallic (3H8) with factory clearcoat, premium gray fabric upholstery, and original blue-gray cut pile carpeting that has always been protected with carpeted floor mats.

The exterior features contrasting gray plastic lower body cladding and bumper covers.Standard equipment includes dual folding power side-view mirrors, a sliding rear passenger door, a rear window wiper, and rear lift hatch. Close-up photos of the body panels, glass, and trim are provided in the gallery below. Original Toyota VIN decals are present on each and every body panel and door, with absolutely no records or indication of collision repair.

The CARFAX report shows no accidents or other damage and lists registration history in Ohio, Florida, New York, and Virginia through the most recent entry in 2022.

The exterior has been professionally compounded, polished, and (Carnauba) waxed, leaving untreated bug stains on the hood and minor door dings on both sides of the vehicle (see video). Factory undercoating is evident, with surface corrosion on small areas of the underbody (as seen in photos provided in the gallery below). There is no significant, structural, or perforation rust.

The van looks GREAT and always attracts attention!

The interior has been professionally deep-cleaned and is in excellent condition. The original owner was a non-smoker and removed the cigarette lighter. The ashtrays have never been used. Until I purchased it, the cupholders had never been used (no food or drink were allowed in the van from 1993 until 2022!).

The cabin is upholstered in the original gray cloth and features front bucket seats, second-row seating (removeable without tools), and split third-row bench seats that fold up for storage (without tools) or are easily removed (two 15mm bolts) for additional cargo space. With second-row seats removed, the van easily accommodates sheets of 4’ x 8’ plywood loaded horizontally. Folded flat, the second- and third-row seats convert to a bed that accommodates two adults, making it double as a great camper van.

The four-spoke airbag steering wheel frames a 110-mph electronic speedometer, cable-driven odometer, and gauges indicating coolant temperature and fuel level. The six-digit odometer is original and bears the factory seal. While the cable-driven odometer and trip odometer are fully functional, the electronic speedometer is not. The diodes require replacement (known issue) and are included in the sale. A digital GPS speedometer with dual trip odometers and high-speed alarm (currently set at 80 mph) has been installed by the Seller. The factory cruise control is fully functional. All other power accessories, electrical devices and systems operate and perform in like-new condition.

Interior amenities include dual air conditioning, rear defroster, a rear overhead console and LED lighting, venting rear glass, and centrally controlled power windows and door locks. These vans were very well-equipped from the factory, but I found some opportunities for improvement:

Upgraded and newly installed equipment includes aftermarket 17” x 8.5” (ET 38) ultra-lightweight, flow-formed wheels by KONIG, 215/55-R17 94V Bridgestone Turanza QuietTrack all-season tires (great in snow), dash-mounted USB charging ports (in original location of the factory cigarette lighter), iPhone docking station (in floor tray), LED interior lighting, modern touchscreen, six-speaker stereo compatible with Apple CarPlay/Android apps, Bluetooth hands-free phone, and multiple voice-command applications (e.g., in-car navigation), which is removeable without tools.

Since acquiring the van in June 2022, I have added 9,000+ of the 205,000+ miles clocked to-date; driving over 2,000-miles on each of three family road trips from the East Coast to the Midwest and back. This Previa is now offered at very low reserve with a set of three keys, the original owner’s manual, Toyota window sticker, maintenance records, Haynes Repair Manual, miscellaneous replacement parts, a clean Carfax report, a no-lien Virginia motor vehicle title, and permanent antique license plates (for Virginia Buyers only).

Antique vehicles are exempt from annual emission testing and safety inspections in the State of Virginia (as well as most other states), and vehicle registration and insurance expenses are significantly lower for an antique than any motor vehicle that is less than 25 years old. The same is true of property taxes.

The costs of ownership and operation are VERY LOW!

Service and replacement parts are readily available for this popular make and model (produced 1990-1997), both locally and online. A complete build sheet is available online (ToyoDIY.com) using the VIN number to generate original 10-digit Toyota part numbers for each and every component. Also included in the sale are replacement air and oil filters, extra 28” wiper arms/blades, security wheel locks/keys, extra lamps, and miscellaneous Toyota fasteners and plastic trim rivets.

FYSA: I live immediately adjacent to Reagan International Airport (DCA) in Washington, DC, so the successful Bidder has the option of taking delivery curbside, outside Terminal 2, and then driving their vintage van back home (as I did in 2022). It's a great experience (i.e., Motoring Memory) that you will not soon forget - - I assure you. There's no place this Previa will not take you - - without issue - - so bidders located anywhere between WDC and Alaska, California, Texas, Florida, and/or Maine may rely upon this Toyota to safely deliver you back at your home, as well as several hundred-thousand additional miles further down the highway.

Post any of your unanswered questions or concerns. I will reply ASAP!

Want to buy? Contact seller!