Date:         Fri, 26 May 2000 18:12:16 EDT
Reply-To:     BenTbtstr8@AOL.COM
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Benjamin Tan <BenTbtstr8@AOL.COM>
Subject:      Re: Thinking about a Previa, anyone owned both Vanagon and Previa?
Comments: To: Volksiebus@netscape.net
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII"

I've owned a '91 Previa since new in 1990. 2WD, auto trans, 2.4
non-supercharged. I don't believe they came with a turbo (atleast not in the
US). Power windows and locks, all seats recline. Rear most seats recline and
fold sideways flat against the walls for cargo. This things was fabulous to
drive and relatively trouble free.

I know four other people w/ Previas. Everyone complains of squeaky dashes
after the second year. Otherwise, they're good vehicles. They do have a
tendency to consume front tires. The trade-off? Good car-like handling.
Windshield wipers are extremely expensive but dealers will sell just the
rubber part of the blade for economy. Works fine. Getting to the oil filter
is nearly impossible without a lift or lack of some kind.

I could go on and on and on. Pmail me if you need to know more. The Previa
now has over 200,000 miles on the odometer without any major mechanical
breakdowns.

Lastly, let me liken the experience of owning a Previa vs. a Vanagon as
follows:

(I paraphrasing here) I read about this doctor who owned a Ferrari, a Porsche
930, and an Acura NSX. He said he owned the Ferrari out of passion for it,
owned the Porsche for shear driving pleasure, and the Acura NSX because he
needed a commute car which was reliable and cheap to fix.

BenT
San Francisco