Looking at used low mileage Sienna's

Joined
Aug 17, 2018
Messages
133
Location
TX
My son is looking at minivans and has narrowed it down to Sienna (and maybe a Honday Odyssey). Preferable mileage is 40,000 max.

Any guidance on what years are better, what to look out for? I'm seeing some CPO's available so is it worth it to try to find a CPO?

Somewhere we heard there were issues with 2022 due to chip shortages created by Covid. Is this valid or just internet lore?

Thanks
 
Little Google AI magic says the following.

Years to Approach with Caution (Common Complaints):

2004-2008 (Second Generation Start)
:
The 2004 model has the most complaints, especially regarding power sliding doors, while later years in this range had issues with sliding doors, engine oil leaks (especially 2007-2009), and brake problems.

2011:
Known for oil leaks from the rubber oil cooler line (often fixed with an all-metal part), suspension, and transmission issues.

2017-2018 (Third Generation Update)
:
Prone to premature transmission failure (harsh engagement, whining, codes), which Toyota extended warranty coverage for.

Key Problem Areas by Generation:
2nd Gen (2004-2010):
Sliding doors (all years), oil leaks (2007+), timing cover leaks, and some 2010 transmission hiccups.

3rd Gen (2011-2020):
Oil cooler line leaks (early 2011-2012), transmission issues (2017-2018), infotainment glitches, and some early models had evap system issues (2019).
 
They are all hybrid powertrain starting in 2021, and this provides impressive economy for the size of the vehicle. We have two older ones with the 3.5 V6, a '10 and a '17 (and I bought the Camry due to the luck we had with the '10).

Our '17 has been rock solid, and is currently around 130k. No repairs have been needed - just oil changes, a couple sets of tires (the Siennas do go through them fairly quickly), I believe one set of brakes, and air filters.

The '10 is sitting in the 245k range. It runs like a top. It got a new radio in warranty (stuck CD changer, I think), and had a repair to the VVT system around 100k that became evident due to a check engine light (I think that cost around $1000, but that included replacement of plugs at the dealer - not sure on the actual repair cost). Otherwise, outside of batteries/filters and other misc maintenance, it has had an a/c recharge once, a few miscellaneous suspension parts, and one interior door handle. It currently does have a check engine light that started recently due to an O2 sensor code (it's the most difficult one to replace due to location, so I haven't tackled that yet), but I'm ok with that given the mileage. Factory fill/"lifetime" ATF is still in service, and it still shifts like it always has.

The '17 is a big upgrade in terms of features, interior quality and comfort - despite both being LE models, this one adds auto lights, touchscreen radio, auto 3-zone a/c, power doors, alloy wheels, Homelink/auto-dimming mirrors, and some other niceties. That said, I do prefer the power delivery of the '10 - the '10 has the 2GR-FE and a 5-speed, whereas the '17 has the 2GR-FKS and an 8-speed. The '10 feels much lighter on its feet and quicker, but the '17 still has plenty of power (especially when turning on the "ECT Power" setting - essentially turning off eco mode) which wakes the van up dramatically.

Neither of them have ever used any oil, and MPG is pretty decent for what they are - in the neighborhood of 19-24 on the '10 and several MPG better on the '17. I think they are probably around the best family haulers out there for your dollar. The thing that impresses me most is how well (slowly) they have aged - they seem, to me, to be a relatively better car at over 100k than they do when new.
 
Been in NYC for months now and have ridden in a lot of 2024+Sienna's. All the drivers I asked all told me the Sienna has been trouble free. If I was looking for a minivan that is what I would get. When looking for a cab in Manhattan I always look for Sienna. Since there are tons of them no problem finding one quickly.
 
Been in NYC for months now and have ridden in a lot of 2024+Sienna's. All the drivers I asked all told me the Sienna has been trouble free. If I was looking for a minivan that is what I would get. When looking for a cab in Manhattan I always look for Sienna. Since there are tons of them no problem finding one quickly.
They are snail at altitude or loaded. We were thinking to maybe go that route and rented one from Turo. We had previous version (horrible vehicle). They sorted out suspension, finally added another shock on lift gate to prevent hinges from twisting (a problem that plagued first two generations, and expensive one. Ask me how I know).
But, 4cyl is a dog and regardless of electric engine(s) it is a dog. Add to that very low clearance for aerodynamic purposes, and it becomes useless unless you are using it strictly to school and back. Add bike rack to the hitch or try to visit some national park and see something off the road, you are screwed.
 
My 2025 doesn’t seem doggy. It won’t win races, but enters the on ramp just fine. We are loaded down for Christmas on our first road trip.
 
It becomes tiring. Try some higher altitude mountain passes one after another and you will quickly start wondering about life choices.
Agreed. All Toyota hybrids show degraded pick-up at 8,000+ feet elevation. I realise this is true for all cars, but especially hybrids and this is especially true during cold weather.
 
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