Toyota (buy, sell) has commanded the heavyweight end of the people carrier market with the Previa since the early Nineties, but the Picnic midi-MPV only arrived in 1997. It's a competent car whose six- or seven-seater layouts provide a practical solution for the family that's too big for a medium estate car or a Megane Scenic. It was discontinued in 2001, and now looks dated against current models.

There are two engines, a 2.0 litre petrol and a 2.2 litre turbo-diesel and are both ideally suited to the Picnic. They are lively, although the petrol needs to be revved hard. 60 mph arrives in just over 11 seconds in the 2.0 litre and takes more than two seconds longer for the diesel. Both are quite refined though.
The soft ride means that the Picnic can quickly reach its limits on a very windy road. However it is difficult to upset because of its low centre of gravity and very car-like behaviour. The handy size of the Picnic means that it is less of a worry to park, or manoeuvre in built up areas.

One of the few cars which seats six in some comfort. That is because all the seats recline and are two abreast. The centre seats slide up and down and even fold into a table, but only the rearmost pair can be removed. Good head- and legroom; plastic trim looks rather cheap.

Adaptable seating layout, but load space is restricted when all six seats are in use; rear seats are removable, but not the centre row. A number of interior cubby and door bins.

All models are well specified: the GS has two tone paintwork, tinted glass, RDS radio/cassette audio system and moquette seat trim; the GL adds roof rails and integral fog lamps, and the GX has alloy wheels and twin sunroofs. The range was revised in August 98, when GS models became seven-seaters, and the higher-spec versions were rebadged GLS, with optional seven-seater layout and dual sunroofs.

Centre console is easy to use, with everything falling easily to hand. However, you may need to hunt around for some of the other switches. Good driving position, although visibility (especially rearward) can be restricted when all six seats are in use. 

Driver and passenger airbags are standard and the GL also has ABS brakes. In the back everyone gets a three-point seatbelts. It was tested in 2004 and awarded a four-star rating by Euro NCAP. Remote locking, plus engine immobilisers and an alarm amounts to a comprehensive security system.
It's an ageing design, but owners still report few problems, so long as it's correctly serviced. Very good build quality; petrol engine is proven in RAV-4.

Car check problem points
Body: No faults reported as yet

Engine/Gearbox: No faults reported as yet

Other: Damage to interior from load-carrying, children or animals.

The Picnic is not a cheap used buy and as befits a vehicle which is part car and part MPV, the pricing falls somewhere in between. Reasonable levels of equipment and the fact that this is unique type of six-seat vehicle help justify the price.
People carier market remains buoyant. Six seats are more useful than five and less bulky than seven, which attracts buyers. Toyota (buy, sell) reliability is always a bonus.

Similar service and parts costs to the 1994-2000 RAV-4. Insurance group is a reasonable 10, while fuel consumption is 31 mpg for the petrol rising to over 36 mpg for the diesel. Despite its age, Picnic continues to command quite high resale values, because it's roomy, reliable and well equipped.

Servicing: Every 9,000 miles

Warranty: Mechanical 3 years, bodywork 6 years