Mid-life Crisis

[moosaca]

As a newby to this Forum I would first like to say, Toyotas are awesome!!!!!!

Now to the Nitty-Gritty: I own a 97 Previa GS, first owner etc. I have raised four kids and have moved X number of times with the 'Moosemobile'. I am over the moon with this vehicle:

belted for 8 passengers.

Plus enough storage space for the baggage from those 8 passengers.

Cool Box for the 6 pack of juice for those long journeys.

The seat position that allows me to drive forever and still get out of the car upright

able to do a megabuy at IKEA and load the lot into the back without having to leave; 1. seats behind, 2. family behind.

I now find myself in a mid-life crisis. The wife calls it the 'rust-bucket' (although all it needed was a !Removed! good clean). I find myself with a windfall (Insurance pay-out for a Heart attack). I feel that the Previa body shape is still cool after over a decade!!

I have looked at some of the mods done by individuals in USA or Japan and find that with a set of alloys and the body kit would put a bit of 'Ummph' back into the lady! The vehicle plays a central part in our extended family, every time we need to go somewhere as a family+ I can step up and transport most of them. I am thinking of removing the middle seat row and laying new carpet through-out. Add to that a new multi media concept incl. satnav and DVD combo.

I would like to hear from other Previa owners who have either completed the leap of faith or have a Point-of-view on converting this MPV (First Generation) into a 5 seater. I will keep the forum up-to-date with 'before-and-after' shots.

Respect to one and all

Moose

[Bizarra]

Not the same thing, entirely

I have an old and much loved car & did a poll on whether I should get rid of it or spend some on it to bring it up to as good as new. The overwhelming vote was "If you love the car & it is in good nick, spend the money" I could end up with newer & worse.

I would give you the same advice.

& welcome to TOC> I hope you enjoy our company :D

[moosaca]

Thanks for that.....

The other half seems to be leading towards down-scaling to an estate - I like to have room for the shopping and added extras!! However I am really pleased with how mine has stood up to the riggers of time: OK 12 years isn't a lot in the grand scale - but the thing is like a Tank!!!! The usuals require attention but overall there is 'potential' I just love the unusual shape. I have seen a slack hand-full of 91-97 shape but very few new ones. Why???