I understand that Previas with bucket seats in the middle row have the split fold-up/out rear bench seat, while Previas that have a middle bench seat have a non-split rear bench seat. (Is that correct?)

If I get a Previa with bucket seats in the middle row, would it work to get a middle-row bench seat from a wrecking yard (used car parts), remove the middle-row bucket seats, and swap in the middle-row bench? In other words, do the two types have the same floor connections? Or do they have different floor connections that each only works with their own type of seat?

I like the rear split fold-up/out bench seat for the floor space, but with two small children in child-restraint seats, a bench in the middle works better than buckets because they can keep toys, etc. between them on the bench. We could put them in the rear bench, but then they're harder to monitor, and cargo space would be split between rear and middle.

By the way, can the middle-row bucket seats be easily removed when the space is needed for cargo?


Thanks,

Greg

Glad you brought this up.. I was wondering this myself.. I actually asked a dealer a few weeks ago and his response was "Hm.. Well I guess we'd just have to see about that".. Not a very informative dealer.. maybe someone here can answer us... Guys we need to know! :)

I've never heard of a car salesperson who would take the time to find the answer to a question like that.

Greg

Greg - I owned 2 Previas - one with the captians chairs and one with bench in the middle - both have the fold up split rear seat. Advantage of the bench middle is, once it is removed, you can fold up the back seats and load full sheets of 4X8 plywood until you hit the folded up back seats (about 8 inches) and still close the rear door. Loved both the vans - lost one to a wreck (totaled the front end) and looks like I may lose the other to a damaged engine (daughter was driving - engine overheated - looks like it ruined the head - water in the cylinders).

Yup, well this time it cost him a sale.. You would think that being as how they get paid a proportion based on what they sale that they would at least try to help customers.

I would be interested to see how you got on with this enquiry. I am doing something that needs similar information, I have captain's seats and want to move them back a few inches for more space for the passengers. I've had a look down under and there don't seem to be any extra holes visible for other seating configurations, though there are chassis members which have holes for the existing seats inside them (and invisible from below), so there could be others there. Did you manage to get any technical help or diagrams of the floor pan?

GregL,

while looking on ebay b4 I got my previa, I noticed that w/ either a bench or capt chair mid-row, they all have split rear seats that fold up against the side. As far as dealer inquiry, I also noticed most younger teach don't really know much about this older vehicles. 'hope that helps