Toyota Sienna: how are they?

[WhyMe]

i am looking for a van like vehicle for my trip down south to look for a new place to live. I would like a van as i plan to take out all the seats and put living needs in it.

in my budget, the best I could find that are close to what i ma looking for are the 99- 04 Toyota Siennas.

So what do you guys think of them?? are they reliable? Good on gas?

 

[dparm]

The 99-04 was basically a Camry underneath.

 

[BearZDefect]

2004 was a new generation. Larger van with the 3MZ engine that doesn't have oil abuse problems. If you find one well cared for and without excessive mileage I suspect it would serve you well.

 

[gulian]

Siste bought an 04 since new. Starting to ned things after 60k mles. Intermediate shaft, oxygen sensor, heat shield fell off, electrical issues with auto doors. Flip side, strong drivetrain.good economy and smooth ride.that's my 2 cents.

 

[hypervish]

IMO, they are the most reliable of minivans.

 

[Falken]

I personally really like the way they look.

Toyota makes solid stuff.

 

[stockrex]

I had one, ex-wife took it, 100k miles and not issues other than rear hatch shocks and few alignment issues.

pros: engine rocks, I mean I luved it, 2006, mileage was great on hwy.

cons: none in my books,

go for it, just wait till they have inventory sale, I got mine $4k off sticker from west Chicago.

 

[Sluggo0018]

I owned a 2004 Sienna LE AWD for 40,000 miles until my wife barrel rolled it off of a tow truck ramp and totaled it. She walked away safely but the van was done. I then bought a 2006 Sienna LE AWD and I am still using it at 135,000 miles. Runs well and is reliable. I get in the low 20's for mileage. FWD would be a little higher. It's a good vehicle. Not terribly exciting, but comfortable, safe and easy to drive. Holds a ton of cargo, especially without the seats. No significant problems, though I did have to change the three rear differential seals. FWD won't have a rear diff. Also, AWD models don't have a spare tire due to the rear differential and drive shaft. I've read about some problems with the power sliding doors, but mine have been fine. The headlight plastic fogged up as with many older cars, but that was easily taken care or with the 3M headlight restoration kit.

2004 was the first model year for the second generation Sienna. In 2007 they upgraded the engine for more power. Both of mine had the 3.3 liter V6.

You can also get more information on Sienna Chat

Let me know if you have more questions.

 

[HerrStig]

I own Toyota products, though not a van, but I would have to say you might look for a basic stripper tradesman van from the big "3" rather than buy a people carrier and then take the seats you just paid for out. Down side is tradesmen don't usually get rid of a van until it's beat.

 

[JTK]

They are probably the best minivan out there in terms of engine/trans. I know I rented a 2008 or '09 for a week when in Florida. My family loved it. Very comfortable and powerful.

We've had a 2008 Honda Odyssey LX since new. Very few issues with it. They're not as cushy as a comparable Sienna IMO.

Also had very good luck with a used 2001 Windstar we owned from 2003-2008.

Used Toyotas and Hondas will be lots more money than a Dodge/Chrysler.

 

[eugenem]

We own a current generation (2012) Sienna. My wife absolutely loves it, especially compared to our 2010 Odyssey. 22,000 miles in 18 months -- no reliability problems thus far.

Spend some time on the SiennaChat or Toyota Nation forums that are specific to the generation you are looking at. There should be lots of information there.

 

[artificialist]

It is the only minivan I can think of that isn't prone to early transmission failure.

The thing that sucks about the engine is that it uses a timing belt. It might be non-interference, but still, timing belts really annoy me.

 

[DutchBrad]

We have an '03 Sienna CE - bought in 2009. Paid $9600 back then with 63k on it. It now has 93k on it, just had the timing belt done ($812, but included hydraulic tensioner, new water pump, thermostat, drive belts, coolant flush). The 98-00 are non interference, but the 01-03 (VVT motor) are interference. Tires and front brakes are all it has needed so far. Plan on driving it for MANY years. Love it.

 

[jess01999]

You will not go wrong buying a used Sienna that has been maintained. I have an 04' with 208K. We just returned from Orlando and it was the perfect trip vehicle. No major repairs of any kind has been done. We also have an 02' ES300 with the exact same transmission and it has 180K problem free miles.....to take it a step futher we have a 97' Avalon going strong with over 305K.......I just put new Michelin Defender tires with 90k warranty on the Avalon if that tells you how much I respect the Toyota quality. Try to find a one owner that has been well maintained and you should be fine.

 

[rjundi]

The 2004-2009 iteration is vastly superior to the 1999-2003 iteration. If your budget allows 2004+ and make sure to try both.

 

[Tim]

I have owned my '98 Sienna since new.

After 275k miles, I think I can say it has been a great vehicle!


Tim

 

[kschachn]

Only 275,000 miles? Pfft.

Originally Posted By: Tim
I have owned my '98 Sienna since new.

After 275k miles, I think I can say it has been a great vehicle!


Tim

 

[JHZR2]

Were not seriously looking at minivans right now, and the MPGs on the sienna are horrid vs the odessey. If you can get past the AT issues, an odessey might be a good option too... And might squeak a few more MPGs.

I think currently the sienna is 25 while the odessey is 28 MPG highway.

 

[kschachn]

25 vs. 28 qualifies as "horrid"?

Originally Posted By: JHZR2
Were not seriously looking at minivans right now, and the MPGs on the sienna are horrid vs the odessey. If you can get past the AT issues, an odessey might be a good option too... And might squeak a few more MPGs.

I think currently the sienna is 25 while the odessey is 28 MPG highway.

 

[JHZR2]

To me it does.

Driving a box on wheels, operating cost is what it's all about.

1.5c/mile difference over 150k miles is $2250 with fuel at $3.50/gal.

Its all utilitarian and about lifecycle cost. The van with the best lifecycle cost is the best bet. $2250 is >5% of the acquistition cost of the van, just by itself...