Looking to Buy Sienna: Thoughts - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

CarryMeBF · 12-14-2011, 03:23 PM

Hello, I am an owner of a 01 Camry, growing family means buying a van. We are looking at getting a 2005-06 Sienna. What are your guys' thoughts on this van and year? Common problems? Any fun thoughts would be great to help me better prepare.

piste · 12-19-2011, 09:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CarryMeBF

Hello, I am an owner of a 01 Camry, growing family means buying a van. We are looking at getting a 2005-06 Sienna. What are your guys' thoughts on this van and year? Common problems? Any fun thoughts would be great to help me better prepare.

This has been covered in numerous threads in the past. In summary...don't walk away...RUN away from any 2nd gen Sienna. The higher end the model (e.g. XLE Ltd) run faster.

CarryMeBF · 12-19-2011, 09:49 AM

Could you be more specific? My friend has one and seems to have treated him fine so far.

piste · 12-19-2011, 10:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CarryMeBF

Could you be more specific? My friend has one and seems to have treated him fine so far.

I and many others already have in a number of threads. Try some searching herein...then feel free to come back with any followup questions.

bill_toyota · 12-21-2011, 07:12 PM

I own a 2007 sienna limited and absolutely love it. I got it a little over a year ago and have had no problems. Unlike the above poster, I don't think the higher end models should be avoided. If you can swing it, get a 2007+ van. It has the bigger engine and more power than the older siennas. Plus, the newer engine has no timing belt to replace.

***sharkinstx*** · 12-24-2011, 04:01 PM

We have a 2008 LE, and we like it. We just bought it six months ago, and we bought a four-year extended warranty (it had 83k miles on it when we bought it) that covers the powertrain, a/c sealed system, and ABS system. I would agree with bill in buying a 2007 or later, as it has the 3.5l with the timing chain, but if you don't mind keeping up with the belt replacements (it's what, every 90k miles?), a 2004-06 would be okay.

The only complaint I have is that I can detect what I think is some piston slap when the engine is cold, but apparently it's pretty common.