1994 Previa 2.4gl

[steve_cardiff]

I am going to look at one on Monday, well, two actually, but I think the one got power steering rack issues, steering goes heavy-light-heavy as you turn it.

But I need to know, what are the areas I need to check on the car whilst I am looking.

Much thanks!!

[propnut]

I am going to look at one on Monday, well, two actually, but I think the one got power steering rack issues, steering goes heavy-light-heavy as you turn it.

But I need to know, what are the areas I need to check on the car whilst I am looking.

Much thanks!!

Could just be a slipping steering pump belt. Take the steering wheel to full lock either side and listen for any undue noise. You should year the bypass valve kick in but that's about it.

Look under the car for any signs of steering fluid leaking from either the pump or the rack. Also look in the resevoir and make sure it is full.

Check for ANY signs of overheating such as rusty brown staining anywhere under the front bonnet. If water in resevoir is rusty brown walk away. It should be either green or red with no signs of rust or oil. Check the oil cap and make sure there is NO milky white substance in it and check the oil make sure it is clean and no signs of milky white here either. Take it for a good drive on the motor way. Car should warm up quickly +- 2 miles and the needle should sit and stay at just under 9 oclock. if it stays well down or goes well up walk away.

!

Check under the car for leaks from engine, gearbox and diff. Shocks are also weak so take it into a corner left and right. Body roll is normal but any wallowing or instability = bad shocks. Not expensive but a bargaining chip nonetheless.

Listen for any tapping/knocking noise coming from the middle of the car towards the front. There is an auxillary shaft that runs from the engine to the front and it drive the fan. steering pump and alternator. It has rubber bushes that perish and cause this noise. If present, whilst at idle, turn on the lights and air con (if it has one), if the noise gets worse you have confirmed this, again a bargaining chip.

Check auto transmission oil if dirty brown/black and/or if it smells burn't it could spell trouble looming. Box should change very smoothly with no excessive jerking and make sure all 4 gears are present. The O/D light must off for it to change into 4th.

Car should start and idle smoothly even from cold. Any hesitation/missing can e a sign of a dirty throttle body at best burnt valves at worse.

Check for any uneven wear on the tyres that could indicate a suspension/steering alignment issue.

Other than that check as you would any other car.

Find a good one and these cars are superb, find a bad one and you will have a major money pit.

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!STAY AWAY FROM THE DIESEL IMPORTS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! unless you have money to burn.

[steve_cardiff]

just to let you know, I looked at the one I wanted, apart from the lacquer peeling on the bonnet and a hole I could poke my finger through on the rear quarter, body wise, it was sound......

Shame about the clutch though.... could put the handbrake on, and let the clutch out in fifth and it wouldn't stall. So I walked away.

[propnut]

Don't be put off there are many good ones out there.