Hello, I have a 94 Toyota Previa, It usually runs really well but lately it has been having some hard starts and spills out white smoke only at start-up, but the smoke goes away after driving for a little bit. It also will shake a little at stops, it hasn't had any problem with dying though. After the hard first start-up it is usually OK, except for running a little harder then usual. Any Ideas?

-Nate

Classic symptoms of coolant entering the cylinders: failed head gasket.
Coolant will pool on the piston tops when the engine is off. Once started, the engine will cough and sputter until the coolant is burned off. The rugh run is likely due to the plugs becoming fouled from the coolant residue that has contaminated the spark plug(s) over time.

How would I go about fixing a problem that serious? Am I going to have to just replace most of the engine? Should I start looking for another car because I'm not sure it would be worth the extensive fix...

Warped head, blown head gasket, and damaged valve repairs run $2,500 or more.

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Originally Posted by Natedvg

How would I go about fixing a problem that serious? Am i going to have to just replace most of the engine? Should I start looking for another car because I'm not sure it would be worth the extensive fix...

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Most of the engien?

Mainly, only a gasket or two, or so (see above post!) and some fluids, hopefully!
Check to see what they charge for labor. This van can get costly in that regard due to it's design you know.

Worth it?

The actual answer would be relative to the car you're driving.
It's intrinsic value and overall condition would come into play.
What are you driving and what else do you think it will need in addition to that repair?