2006-2008 Toyota SIenna's

[Huie83]

If any of you have been following my posts, the Mrs. and I have been looking at new and used minivans. We have finally decided on going for a 2006-2008 Toyota Sienna. I have found 5 to choose from that I am going to look at tomorrow, all have between 76 and 94K miles. 2 2006 models, 2 20007 models and 1 2008 model (this one is AWD and the one the wife is most interested in).

I know that both have their positives and negatives as outlined below, but I was looking for some feedback if any of you have owned a Sienna of this vintage.

2006:
- 3.3 needs a timing belt @ 90K. ($6-800)
- Power steering rack seals are known to blow resulting in needing a new rack. ($800)

2007-2008:
- The 3.5 has a chain so no TB to change.
- The vvt-i rear bank hose as well as the oil cooler lines are known to blow. All metal ones are available. ($150 if I do it, $500 if I pay a shop)
- Water pumps seem to be a issue around 80-100K, not easy to change on the 3.5. ($5-600)
- 07-08 3.5's are known to have some pretty nasty piston slap in the colder climates. ( cant fix this...)


Any other positives and negatives you can think of? Even though the 3.3 s a little down on power, from what I have read in the forums, it doesn't seem to have so many little issues. I am kind of leaning towards one of the 06's. The wife wants the 08 with AWD, not sure how I feel about that with all he issues the 3.5 seems to have plus the maintenance of the AWD system, no spare tire etc.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Hokiefyd]

We looked at the same thing a number of years ago, to replace a minivan of a different brand we owned at the time that was not reliable. We went a different route, but I offer my opinion regardless, because I looked at some of the same things you did.

Like you, I tended to prefer the 3.3L engine. I do not share the high regard that many have for Toyota's 3.5L engine. To me, it feels coarse and makes a decent racket, even inside a new Sienna, ostensibly with good sound insulation. The 3.3L is well-known as a super smooth and quiet little motor. Apparent in my signature, I'm not afraid of a timing belt. It's something that you address only once or twice over your ownership of the vehicle. To me, the benefits of a smoother and quieter engine far outweigh doing a timing belt job once or twice over a few hundred thousand miles. Opinions certainly vary, though. In either case, both engines are pretty durable, and I wouldn't have any reliability concerns with either.

Keep in mind that the AWD models have, at one time or another, used runflat tires. The spare tire is normally placed in the center of the van (similar to Mopar vans), and the propeller shaft to the rear differential slices right through that area. Owners of Honda Odyssey Touring models, originally equipped with Michelin's PAX runflat tires, sometimes buy conventional wheels and a spare and "de-PAX" their van, possible because the spare tire in an Odyssey is mounted inside and the room is there for it. I don't know if Sienna owners have the option of adding a spare tire to an AWD model if they don't care to use runflat tires. Living in North Carolina at the time, there were ZERO AWD Siennas available, anyway, and it wasn't a point of research that I had to consider.

 

[Sluggo0018]

I am the original owner of a 2006 Sienna LE AWD. It now has 205,000 miles. I have performed almost all of the maintenance myself. I changed the timing belt at 140,000. Also changed the tensioner, idler pulleys, water pump and hoses at the same time. It was a big job, but turned out well. There are a series of YouTube videos that helped a lot. Radiator started to leak and that was replaced as well.

Overall, the vehicle has been very reliable. This big problem now is rust on the under body. The van is now in need of a replacement engine cradle/sub-frame due to rust. It is almost completely rusted through. That is too big of a job for me, so the local garage will handle. He says that used sub frames in good condition are hard to find and more expensive than anticipated, indicating that this is a moderately common problem for this vehicle. My estimate for parts and labor is $1,500. I would put any used vehicle up on a lift or ramps to look carefully for rust, especially in a northern climate. Look closely at front half shafts, drive shaft, control arms, uni-body, etc.

Other problems that I have encountered include the clicking door hinge stop on the drivers door that eventually broke. This is a common problem and Toyota has issued a TIA for it, but won't fix the problem despite acknowledging it. See Siennachat.com for more details. I live with it as is. Also, the power door mechanism for the passenger side no longer functions. I simply removed the cables and use it as a manual door. Rear hatch struts needed replacement, but I consider that a maintenance item. Changing spark plugs in the rear bank was a big job and took a while. My differential vent clogged, resulting in leaks at the driveshaft and drivers side half shaft seals. Now I clean the vent annually. Rear wheel bearings started making noise and were replaced. Shocks, struts, strut bearings, end links and ball joints were recently replaced. The engine has been bullet proof and is the primary reason why I am investing in a new sub frame. Doesn't burn any oil and gets a steady 23 mpg. Not too bad for a big, heavy van. I use snow tires in the winter for weekly ski trips from NJ to VT and van is unstoppable in snow. Plus it is nice having all that space for gear.

I listed a lot of repairs and maintenance, but the vehicle has never left us stranded. Overall I am happy with it and would consider buying another. Consider some type of rust proofing to prevent the problem I now have.

Good luck.

 

[Sluggo0018]

Originally Posted By: Hokiefyd
Keep in mind that the AWD models have, at one time or another, used runflat tires. The spare tire is normally placed in the center of the van (similar to Mopar vans), and the propeller shaft to the rear differential slices right through that area. Owners of Honda Odyssey Touring models, originally equipped with Michelin's PAX runflat tires, sometimes buy conventional wheels and a spare and "de-PAX" their van, possible because the spare tire in an Odyssey is mounted inside and the room is there for it. I don't know if Sienna owners have the option of adding a spare tire to an AWD model if they don't care to use runflat tires. Living in North Carolina at the time, there were ZERO AWD Siennas available, anyway, and it wasn't a point of research that I had to consider.


Hokiefyd has a good point that I forgot about. All AWD Siennas came with run flats. I hated those tires. They were heavy, stiff, had poor traction, and handled poorly. I replaced with normal tires and take the chance on not having a spare. On long trips I will sometimes put one of the snow or summer tires in the van just in case. Hasn't been a problem for me. Having AAA is not a bad idea.

 

[Huie83]

Great info, thank you guys!

The timing belt is a non issue for me, I have changed 2 in my Subaru's. While the Sienna is more cramped, I think its within my skill set.

All the vans I'm looking at came from Illinois. While the winters are not as severe as MN, checking for rust underneath is a great point.

 

[JMJNet]

As for spare tire, I bought the same size wheel and tire as the one in there and put it in the truck.

Mine is a 04 and it does not have any fancy TPMS.

 

[JC1]

AWD Sienna's are known to eat tires. I would personally go for a FWD Sienna. Also check the power doors if equipped for cable issues.

You already know about the VVTI hose issues. At the age of van check the exhaust. The flex pipe will probably need replacement soon if it hasn't already.


Check siennachat.com for any other issues.

 

[The Critic]

I've worked on both. For your purpose I would definitely buy the 3.3. The early 2gr (3.5) had a lot of issues, including timing cover leaks and coil issues.

 

[VeeDubb]

Watch for blown head gaskets on the 3.5s. my 07 blew one at 135000 miles and I was quoted anywhere between $4000-$7000 to fix. Turns out this is a fair common issue on 07-08s. You should definitely get the vehicle on a lift and check the underside of the engine for pink coolant residue.

 

[HerrStig]

Toyota may still be fixing those oil lines for free.

 

[JC1]

Originally Posted By: HerrStig
Toyota may still be fixing those oil lines for free.


Those fixes were part of limited service campaign, which isn't as good as a recall. It looks like they updated the length of the LSC.

http://www.toyoheadquarters.com/threads/...ak-lsc-90k.400/

As the critic said I would recommend finding the best 2006 Sienna you can with the 3.3l engine and the timing belt and water pump already changed.

 

[Huie83]

Awesome input, all points to keep in mind while shopping tomorrow.

I tracked down a 06 XLE trim with only 78K on it. CLean Carfax with a almost perfect service history.

The only thing I noticed was at 58K they had the trans "serviced" at a Valvoline Instant oil change place. I know that can be a bad thing as they tend to use universal fluids. Do you think its ok? I could swap fluid to Toyota after I get it I suppose....

 

[Hokiefyd]

Originally Posted By: Huie83

The only thing I noticed was at 58K they had the trans "serviced" at a Valvoline Instant oil change place. I know that can be a bad thing as they tend to use universal fluids. Do you think its ok? I could swap fluid to Toyota after I get it I suppose....


That wouldn't stop me at all. The Valvoline place likely used MaxLife ATF, which claims to meet Toyota's fluid spec. Toyota (Aisin) transmissions are also typically pretty durable. A van of that age with so few miles is a great find.

 

[Huie83]

Originally Posted By: JC1
Originally Posted By: HerrStig
Toyota may still be fixing those oil lines for free.


Those fixes were part of limited service campaign, which isn't as good as a recall. It looks like they updated the length of the LSC.

http://www.toyoheadquarters.com/threads/...ak-lsc-90k.400/

As the critic said I would recommend finding the best 2006 Sienna you can with the 3.3l engine and the timing belt and water pump already changed.


Thank you, the 07's and 08 I am looking at are covered by the extended campaign. Good to know.

 

[Nick1994]

I just looked on Autotrader in your area. Looks like 2006-2008 Siennas start around $10k.

Then I searched 2013-newer Dodge Grand Caravans. They're around $12k-$13k but don't have a timing belt. Head issues were fixed by 2012. Good on gas, tons of power. Much newer, much less rust.

My grandmother has a 2014. Nice van.

 

[Huie83]

Originally Posted By: Nick1994
I just looked on Autotrader in your area. Looks like 2006-2008 Siennas start around $10k.

Then I searched 2013-newer Dodge Grand Caravans. They're around $12k-$13k but don't have a timing belt. Head issues were fixed by 2012. Good on gas, tons of power. Much newer, much less rust.

My grandmother has a 2014. Nice van.


Thanks for the input, I'll take a second look at them. I looked a few weeks back and 99% of them are rental returns with no service history. That's kind of a gamble in my book vs a older Sienna with a full service history.

 

[Nick1994]

Originally Posted By: Huie83
Originally Posted By: Nick1994
I just looked on Autotrader in your area. Looks like 2006-2008 Siennas start around $10k.

Then I searched 2013-newer Dodge Grand Caravans. They're around $12k-$13k but don't have a timing belt. Head issues were fixed by 2012. Good on gas, tons of power. Much newer, much less rust.

My grandmother has a 2014. Nice van.


Thanks for the input, I'll take a second look at them. I looked a few weeks back and 99% of them are rental returns with no service history. That's kind of a gamble in my book vs a older Sienna with a full service history.
My grandmother's is a previous rental van. Was in immaculate condition, not a mark anywhere. Everything looked good, her's is Certified used too so 7 year/100k power train warranty.

 

[Huie83]

Just wanted to update everyone.

Tracked down and purchased a 2006 Sienna LE trim. It is a one owner with all maintenance records (oil changes at 2.5-3K miles or every 6 months) and only 83K miles. The dealer put new tires on it and replaced the steering rack as one of the seals was leaking, a very common issue for these.

We looked at the 2 07's and the 08 they had on the lot. One of the 07's definitely had piston slap, the other was just too dinged/beat up. The 08 was nice but priced way high and they wouldn't budge on price as it's the only 06-08 AWD with lower miles in this area. It was above what we wanted to spend.

We decided not to go look at that other low mileage 06 xle trim. It was $2K more than the LE we picked up for luxury items we didn't really need/want.

The van just had a oil change but I think I'm going to change it soon. I'm a Valvoline fanboy so It'll probably get a Toyota filter and Maxlife 5w30. I'm contemplating even going synthetic Maxlife but we'll see...

 

[Nick1994]

Originally Posted By: Huie83
Just wanted to update everyone.

Tracked down and purchased a 2006 Sienna LE trim. It is a one owner with all maintenance records (oil changes at 2.5-3K miles or every 6 months) and only 83K miles. The dealer put new tires on it and replaced the steering rack as one of the seals was leaking, a very common issue for these.

We looked at the 2 07's and the 08 they had on the lot. One of the 07's definitely had piston slap, the other was just too dinged/beat up. The 08 was nice but priced way high and they wouldn't budge on price as it's the only 06-08 AWD with lower miles in this area. It was above what we wanted to spend.

We decided not to go look at that other low mileage 06 xle trim. It was $2K more than the LE we picked up for luxury items we didn't really need/want.

The van just had a oil change but I think I'm going to change it soon. I'm a Valvoline fanboy so It'll probably get a Toyota filter and Maxlife 5w30. I'm contemplating even going synthetic Maxlife but we'll see...
Sounds like you picked a good one! Let's see some pics!

 

[Hokiefyd]

Great to hear. I hope it works out well for you.