THERE has only been one credible eight seater people carrier available in the UK apart from those based on vans - and that is the Toyota Previa.
The Nissan Serena was also available with eight seats but the Toyota beats it hands down in every possible way.
The Previa has a vast interior in all its guises with seatbelts for everyone, good looking styling and very high quality build and finish.
Engines are either a fairly thirsty 2.4-litre petrol, or a slower but more economical 2.0-litre diesel. Many of the petrols come with a five speed automatic gearbox while diesels all have a manual.
Comfort is excellent in all and, for such a big vehicle, so are handling and road holding.
They hold their value well, making them more expensive than rivals for a given age and mileage but they are worth more when you sell.
Avoid any of the 4WD Lucida imports because spares can be difficult to get. Front wheel drive imports are OK as long as they are immaculate, with plenty of history.
Like all Toyotas, the Previa has a very strong reputation for reliability so, if the history is there, it should not let you down.
Interior
The interior feels spacious and light, there is good legroom for all, equipment leaves nothing lacking and refinement on the move is excellent.
Seats are velour covered and very comfortable and there is more luggage space than in many other MPVs.
FAST FACTS
Toyota Previa 2.4 petrol
Price: Pay £7,000 for an '00 W-reg GS, £9,000 for an '01 51-reg GLS auto, or £12,700 for an '04 04-reg T3 auto. Diesels are worth approx £2,500 more
Mechanical: 154bhp, 2,362cc, 4cyl petrol engine driving the front wheels via 5spd manual gearbox
Max speed: 115mph
0-62mph: 10.6 secs
Combined mpg: 29
Insurance group: 12
Marks: 9/10
Main rival: Renault Espace