Previa 2005 or Innova V 2007

**jvnj** · November 26th, 2018 09:50 AM

Hi Chiefs,

I'm currently on a look out for an upgrade on my humble ride which is an old 2007 Avanza G AT. We are six (6) in the family, and given that my children are growing fast, it is painful to see that my current ride struggles to carry us during our out of town trips, especially with our all stuff. I use my ride as a daily driver and so far I have no regret with its performance, its just during those trips that I wish I had more space, power and carrying capability. I still would like to replace my ride with an AT car, gasoline engine, with captain seats (for easier ingress / egress on the third row). My humble budget is only 400 to 450k. Here are my thoughts for the two vehicles:

INNOVA V 2007
- Maintenance and parts is a plus as compared to the Previa
- More fuel efficient than the Previa as it has a 2.0 engine vs 2.4 of the Previa? (This I honestly do not know)

PREVIA 2005
- More comfy and more space than the Innova
- More power
- Upscale stance and presence vs the Innova
- More thirsty than the Innova
- Maintenance and parts might be higher and difficult than the Innova?

I would like to go with the Previa, but are discouraged with the (not so sure) negative aspects as discussed above. Practicality, Innova is the way to go.

I have considered a van, but given my humble budget, I wont be able to purchase an automatic.

Some of the vehicles I considered before are as follows:
- Kia Carnival 2007 - This car looks great, but are wary of the possible maintenance and parts problems in the future?
- Hyundai Starex CRDI 2007 - Space is great. Longevity and maintenance wise, im also not so sure. Bigger stance may also pose difficulties in parking areas

I hope you can share your thoughts on this, Chiefs!

Thank you!

**GTi** · November 26th, 2018 10:18 AM

Pareho naman silang matakaw, might as well go with the more comfortable and powerful option. So Previa it is for me.

We have a 2010 Carnival. Agree that maintenance is not cheap, though parts are readily available due to its long production run (phased out only last 2015). 2.9 engine is also rather thirsty (4-5 city 9-10 highway). But this has got to be one of the most spacious and comfortable vans you can get for your money. 8 passengers plus everyone's luggage for a Baguio trip is no sweat.

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**dr. d** · November 26th, 2018 10:21 AM

what about a used hi-ace or urvan?

**jvnj** · November 26th, 2018 10:50 AM

Originally Posted by dr. d

what about a used hi-ace or urvan?

Hi Sir Dr. d,

Thank you for your suggestions. I actually like these vans considering their space, but given my preference to automatics, they do not offer this. Though the Grandia has one, but my humble budget won't allow me yet to purchase one. Plus, I think it is already too big for me, as I will also use this as my daily ride.

Thank you, Chief Dr. d!

**jvnj** · November 26th, 2018 10:46 AM

Originally Posted by GTi

Pareho naman silang matakaw, might as well go with the more comfortable and powerful option. So Previa it is for me.

We have a 2010 Carnival. Agree that maintenance is not cheap, though parts are readily available due to its long production run (phased out only last 2015). 2.9 engine is also rather thirsty (4-5 city 9-10 highway). But this has got to be one of the most spacious and comfortable vans you can get for your money. 8 passengers plus everyone's luggage for a Baguio trip is no sweat.

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Chief GTI, thank you for your comments. In terms of fuel consumption, hindi ba nagkakalayo? If yes, Previa is the way to go nga. Though parts might also be an added issue.

Yes, I was amazed by the stance and space of the carnival, it looks like a "Town and Country" for me, with a diesel engine! I might take a look at it once more.

The Avanza really serves its purpose, except for the hauling part. Its maintenance is superb, 3 liters of engine oil, 1.5 liters of AT fluid and cheap parts. But with my growing family, I really have to upgrade.

Thank you for your thoughts, Chief GTI!

**GTi** · November 26th, 2018 12:01 PM

Originally Posted by jvnj

Chief GTI, thank you for your comments. In terms of fuel consumption, hindi ba nagkakalayo? If yes, Previa is the way to go nga. Though parts might also be an added issue.

Yes, I was amazed by the stance and space of the carnival, it looks like a "Town and Country" for me, with a diesel engine! I might take a look at it once more.

The Avanza really serves its purpose, except for the hauling part. Its maintenance is superb, 3 liters of engine oil, 1.5 liters of AT fluid and cheap parts. But with my growing family, I really have to upgrade.

Thank you for your thoughts, Chief GTI!

The gasoline Innova is rather lacking in torque, which means more effort is needed for acceleration. For both cars, I'd expect FC anywhere in the vicinity of 4-6km/L city, depending on route and traffic conditions. If I'm not mistaken, the Previa shares many components with the Camry, so most parts shouldn't be hard to find...

Carnival is very sensitive with regards to its maintenance. One has to be very religious with stuff like belts and fuel filters. I learned that the hard way when at 28tkms mileage (fuel filter should be replaced every 20tkms) the check engine light came on upon hard acceleration all the time, bringing the car to limp mode. Then I snapped a drive belt at 70tkms (recommended to be replaced every 60tkms), and ended up having to have the car towed. If properly maintained though, it will serve you well. Performance, handling and stability are actually really good, and more than a match for midsize SUVs of the same era.

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**jvnj** · November 26th, 2018 12:19 PM

Originally Posted by GTi

The gasoline Innova is rather lacking in torque, which means more effort is needed for acceleration. For both cars, I'd expect FC anywhere in the vicinity of 4-6km/L city, depending on route and traffic conditions. If I'm not mistaken, the Previa shares many components with the Camry, so most parts shouldn't be hard to find...

Carnival is very sensitive with regards to its maintenance. One has to be very religious with stuff like belts and fuel filters. I learned that the hard way when at 28tkms mileage (fuel filter should be replaced every 20tkms) the check engine light came on upon hard acceleration all the time, bringing the car to limp mode. Then I snapped a drive belt at 70tkms (recommended to be replaced every 60tkms), and ended up having to have the car towed. If properly maintained though, it will serve you well. Performance, handling and stability are actually really good, and more than a match for midsize SUVs of the same era.

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I guess the Carnival is a good option. I live in south of Manila, do you think parts will be a problem for me? Thanks Chief GTI!

**jut703** · November 26th, 2018 11:16 AM

Any reason why you're not considering an Innova diesel?

In terms of pulling power for full loads, the Innova diesel is much, much better than the gas fed Innova.

By design, diesels have more linear torque that's available at a lower rpm which makes them more suitable for hauling heavy loads.

Upfront price of the diesel might be slightly higher than the gas Innova but you can recoup it in a year or two because of the cheaper cost of diesel.

Maintenance is higher but isn't a nightmare, just a few more liters of oil per PMS.

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**jvnj** · November 26th, 2018 12:11 PM

Originally Posted by jut703

Any reason why you're not considering an Innova diesel?

In terms of pulling power for full loads, the Innova diesel is much, much better than the gas fed Innova.

By design, diesels have more linear torque that's available at a lower rpm which makes them more suitable for hauling heavy loads.

Upfront price of the diesel might be slightly higher than the gas Innova but you can recoup it in a year or two because of the cheaper cost of diesel.

Maintenance is higher but isn't a nightmare, just a few more liters of oil per PMS.

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Hi Chief Jut,

Thank you for your suggestion. An Innova diesel is definitely and truly a welcome option (I would say, the best option!). But given my limited budget, I wont find a good unit that will fit in it. I also do not want to burden myself by borrowing more money just to buy the "better" option. That is also the reason I don't buy brand new units. Sadly, I just have to be contented with what I can buy, for now.

Thank you, Chief Jut!

**jut703** · November 26th, 2018 12:14 PM

Originally Posted by jvnj

Hi Chief Jut,

Thank you for your suggestion. An Innova diesel is definitely and truly a welcome option (I would say, the best option!). But given my limited budget, I wont find a good unit that will fit in it. I also do not want to burden myself by borrowing more money just to buy the "better" option. That is also the reason I don't buy brand new units. Sadly, I just have to be contented with what I can buy, for now.

Thank you, Chief Jut!

You'll spend more money maintaining a Previa than the higher cash outlay for an Innova diesel. Same with the Innova gas - whatever you save on initial acquisition cost, you'll be spending on fuel later on especially if you travel long distances.

There are a lot of Innova diesels in your 400-450k budget.

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