Vehicle needs have changed - opinions on these?

[slacktide_bitog]

The 2008-2010 Siennas are the second (previous) generation. The second generation is what I own, it has been VERY reliable and durable. They only used a V/6 engine in the second generation.
DO NOT buy a 4-cylinder in a third generation 2011-2012 Sienna! I rented one for a week. The van is too heavy and WAY underpowered with a 4-cylinder. Not only that, they don't get any better gas mileage than the V/6 because the poor little engine has to work so hard. Having said that, you can get a deal on one with the 4-cylinder because nobody wants them.

The 4-cylinder Sienna has the same power-to-weight ratio as the Transit Connect. It also has the same amount of power as the 3.8L pushrod V6 used in the Caravan of the time. It might have sold better if Toyota made an effort towards the commercial market; a 4-cylinder minivan would be great for business/fleet use. 2.7L isn't exactly tiny, either.

Most importantly, most minivans are impossible to work on. The 4-cylinder Sienna is one of the rare exceptions. You can actually see the entire engine under the hood!

 

[CKN]

Having run a fleet of 400 Sprinters, and talking with MB techs that maintain Sprinters, this would be a no if it was my money.
Just stay away.

Same thing here. My Son maintained a small fleet of these. Those things are absolutely garbage.

 

[MattPersman]

Sienna is going to be the most quiet. The little commercial vans you have listed are noisy as heck and are tin cans.

get the sienna if you can swing it, it will likely be the most reliable but also have the Best and easiest resale down the road and will come with three rows of seats when You purchase it

 

[wag123]

Most importantly, most minivans are impossible to work on. The 4-cylinder Sienna is one of the rare exceptions. You can actually see the entire engine under the hood!

I can see your point here, but, this would only be a big issue if the Sienna's V/6 were unreliable, which it isn't, and needed constant repairs, which it doesn't. Regular service/maintenance items are easily accessible, I have not had any problems working on mine.