Minivan drivers

[nittanyfan333]

What do you have (year, make and model), how long have you had it and what are your thoughts? Did you shop and test drive multiple models?

Wife and I are looking at upgrading from our 2016 highlander. So far we looked at and drove the sienna and loved it.

 

[1000_OaksLion]

I have a 2007 sienna. Love it. I bought it 2 years old from the local Toyota dealer. 116K miles, never 1 mechanical problem. I've hauled tons of stuff. Lumber, fence posts, dishwasher, I could go on and on. Very comfortable for long drives. I'd by another in a heartbeat. The only downside is the factory sound system. Sucks. I test drove a Honda Odyssey at the time I bought the sienna. Similar but I thought the sienna handled better as far as minivans go.

 

[Cletus11]

Toyota is the most comfortable seat and best drive.

Honda is the best value as can get about $2500 lower for equivalent model.

Don’t waste time looking at the others other than to know the above two are light years ahead.

 

[84Lion]

We have a 2004 Toyota Sienna and really like it. Comfortable, decent power for a minivan. My son has become an expert at folding/removing the middle seats and we haul his dirt bikes and all kinds of stuff. At the time we bought it we also looked at the Honda Odyssey but thought the Sienna was more comfortable and overall better appointed. My wife is a big Toyota fan and I have become one as well.

I would like to keep our van as long as possible.

 

[androcles]

...I have a 2003 Honda Odyssey with 288,000 miles on it - the best car I have ever owned...
...when I first bought it in the summer of 2002 my mechanic told me the engine was the best in any car at that time - and said it would last for 300,000 miles... he was right...

 

[BobPSU92]

SOCCER. MOMS.

 

[Cincinnati Kid]

What do you have (year, make and model), how long have you had it and what are your thoughts? Did you shop and test drive multiple models?

Wife and I are looking at upgrading from our 2016 highlander. So far we looked at and drove the sienna and loved it.

Wife still drives a 2003 Toyota Sienna, 120k miles. Only two problems she had with it was the rear handle to the tailgate broke and a valve near the gas tank which was causing a gas odor needed to be replaced. Also just replaced the oil pan gaskets as they were starting to leak.

 

[OhioLion]

SOCCER. MOMS.

I would like to summon the board monitors on this and possible @Tom McAndrew.

At 10:43 this morning your post topic was ladies in short shorts and yoga pants parading in your Starbucks. Now you mention soccer MOMS. Neither of your posts include a photo.
I truly question why you are permitted to continue posting on this forum with no penalty regarding your lack of photographs. Just a sad state of affairs we live in today. Quite disappointed in you Bob, and others (more technologically talented than I) who have not picked up the flag.


OL

 

[MontereyLion]

We own and bought a new Odessey van in 2000. It now has 198,000 miles on it and is being used as our third car. I keep it as our people and thing mover.It has moved so many things. We really couldn't do without it. Has not leaked a drop of oil yet. Great dependable van.

 

[massimoManca II]

It’s been quite some time since I peeked seriously at minivans, as my kids are 16 and 19... but even as fuggly as the front fascia is on the current Sienna, the vehicle is exponentially better looking that the current Odyssey... what MESS... plus, it will be awhile since I look at any new Hondas... they’ve got a ton of issues to work out ... As much as I’m leery about anything FCA, the new Pacifica is a smart looking vehicle... the reviews have been good ... i’d look at a Pacifica before i consider an Odyssey

 

[A2Nit]

Why do I see Sienna’s without hubcaps all of the time? Anyone else notice this? Two family friends included...

 

[81b&w]

Why do I see Sienna’s without hubcaps all of the time? Anyone else notice this? Two family friends included...

Cause women drive them often

 

[BobPSU92]

I would like to summon the board monitors on this and possible @Tom McAndrew.

At 10:43 this morning your post topic was ladies in short shorts and yoga pants parading in your Starbucks. Now you mention soccer MOMS. Neither of your posts include a photo.
I truly question why you are permitted to continue posting on this forum with no penalty regarding your lack of photographs. Just a sad state of affairs we live in today. Quite disappointed in you Bob, and others (more technologically talented than I) who have not picked up the flag.


OL

Here is a SOCCER. MOM. for your personal enjoyment:

 

[mnuccio2]

I have a 2007 sienna. Love it. I bought it 2 years old from the local Toyota dealer. 116K miles, never 1 mechanical problem. I've hauled tons of stuff. Lumber, fence posts, dishwasher, I could go on and on. Very comfortable for long drives. I'd by another in a heartbeat. The only downside is the factory sound system. Sucks. I test drove a Honda Odyssey at the time I bought the sienna. Similar but I thought the sienna handled better as far as minivans go.

 

[massimoManca II]

Why do I see Sienna’s without hubcaps all of the time? Anyone else notice this? Two family friends included...

Probably proper winter/ice tires on black steelies

96% of Sienna purchases are LE and XLE’s which have alloy wheels...

 

[mnuccio2]

Bought a 2019 Honda Odyssey in February. Nothing but problems. Main electronic console broke and had to be replaced first week. Transmission slipping between 1st & 2nd gear. Rear passenger door motor jams and sometimes doesn’t open. Bluetooth acts up. Total nightmare. Trash...

 

[mnuccio2]

EX-L w/ Nav & rear entertainment systems trash vehicle

 

[Jovialgent]

I would like to summon the board monitors on this and possible @Tom McAndrew.

At 10:43 this morning your post topic was ladies in short shorts and yoga pants parading in your Starbucks. Now you mention soccer MOMS. Neither of your posts include a photo.
I truly question why you are permitted to continue posting on this forum with no penalty regarding your lack of photographs. Just a sad state of affairs we live in today. Quite disappointed in you Bob, and others (more technologically talented than I) who have not picked up the flag.


OL

My contribution.

 

[BobPSU92]

My contribution.

Be right back.

 

[Steve G]

What do you have (year, make and model), how long have you had it and what are your thoughts? Did you shop and test drive multiple models?

Wife and I are looking at upgrading from our 2016 highlander. So far we looked at and drove the sienna and loved it.

2003 Toyota Sienna with 200+ K on it. Pretty much indestructible. Took out the middle seats which makes loading and unloading stuff very convenient. Have a large dog and he likes the open space where the middle seats used to be. I play in hobby/ dad bands and can haul drums and PA system without problems. Had a Chrysler minivan which was a total POS. Barely made 80k miles. Had so many things wrong with it, multiple recalls for major issues, including fuel system literally splashing gas on the ground. never ever again......

 

[FJ47]

What do you have (year, make and model), how long have you had it and what are your thoughts? Did you shop and test drive multiple models?

Wife and I are looking at upgrading from our 2016 highlander. So far we looked at and drove the sienna and loved it.

We have a 2014 sienna which is our 2nd one. Took it on a 5700 mile road trip from Pa to Jackson Hole and Yellowstone last August. Got 24 mpg for most the trip even while cruising 80mph on the western interstates. It was a great vehicle for the trip. We're starting to have issues with the power sliding doors which is apparently an ongoing issue with the Sienna as well as other brands.

 

[step.eng69]

I truly question why you are permitted to continue posting on this forum with no penalty regarding your lack of photographs

I'm sure Bob has pics, lining his bathroom walls.

 

[step.eng69]

My contribution.

Have to wonder the little guy is thinking.
"If I could only remember the pick-lines Nittany Ziggy taught me."

....I lost my teddy bear. Can I sleep with you tonight?.....

 

[massimoManca II]

We have a 2014 sienna which is our 2nd one. Took it on a 5700 mile road trip from Pa to Jackson Hole and Yellowstone last August. Got 24 mpg for most the trip even while cruising 80mph on the western interstates. It was a great vehicle for the trip. We're starting to have issues with the power sliding doors which is apparently an ongoing issue with the Sienna as well as other brands.

When I bought my minivan wayyyyyy back in 2000 it was just as powered doors were becoming a “must-have”... never understood that... just like powered tailgates now... unnecessary weight and complexity... as a guy who keeps his cars for 170-200k that’s an accessory that is gonna be a liability in the long run... hell, it’s a liability even in-warranty IMHO ...

Scary thing is all of these stupid touch-screens and electronic nannying devices we see now...

 

[Waste Management Consultant]

2004 Sienna 235k currently. Needs a few things (timing belt, suspension parts, radiator) but not sure I want to sink the $$ into it or not. Has been virtually bulletproof. All maintenance done myself. In for some bs recalls like the spare tire hanger and some switch. Other than ripping off the side door handle because water from snowmelt froze in the door. ( I used a 2” screw to resecure it) and the radio ghost visiting every now and then and the required dent in the rear hatch. From backing into a post or something It has been a great vehicle. My last 4 vehicles have been Toyota’s. I am thinking about replacing it with a TRD Tacoma 4x4 at some point in the near future unless decide to keep it going a bit longer. Can’t go wrong with the Sienna.

 

[fastlax16]

Condolences to everyone participating in this thread.

 

[Waste Management Consultant]

Condolences to everyone participating in this thread.

I am planning to leave the minivan club soon. It has served its purpose.

 

[Achowalogan]

2000 Sienna 212K - routine maintenance - spare tire hanger recall mentioned above - have replaced some factory speakers, door and tail handles - see youtube for how to's and do it yourself - have no plans to replace, works fine. Who wants to pay sales tax, transfers, etc. for a new vehicle?....

 

[massimoManca II]

Condolences to everyone participating in this thread.

Give me a call when are putting child safety seats, a pack-n-play, and an excersaucer in that Golf R

#popcorntime

 

[fastlax16]

Give me a call when are putting child safety seats, a pack-n-play, and an excersaucer in that Golf R

#popcorntime

Sold the R in January because the fiance can't drive stick and she wasn't learning on a ~450 hp vw (and I'd only driven it like 1500 miles the previous 9 months)... but it has a bigger backseat than a new c-class, so I think it'd be fine.

Not replacing it with anything til we move next spring, so if all goes according to plan the child seat will be going into an M2 or an RS3. If all does not go according to plan it'll be another R, if nothing goes to plan, I'll just get an accord/camry and admit that all of my dreams have died. My buddy makes a child seat and stroller work in a 911 Turbo... so where there's a will there's a way.

And this just popped up in my feed and seemed appropriate to share.

 

[BobPSU92]

I'm sure Bob has pics, lining his bathroom walls.

You know me all too well.

 

[PSU Mike]

My contribution.

Not sure about that left calf.

 

[walleye38]

What do you have (year, make and model), how long have you had it and what are your thoughts? Did you shop and test drive multiple models?

Wife and I are looking at upgrading from our 2016 highlander. So far we looked at and drove the sienna and loved it.

I just bought a new 2019 Sienna and love it. Had a 2009 Sienna before that. Loved it also

 

[nittanyfan333]

Thanks everyone very much for the writeups.

I just bought a new 2019 Sienna and love it. Had a 2009 Sienna before that. Loved it also

we just test drove the 19 sienna and REALLY came away impressed. consumer reports were NOT kind to the odyssey at all (rated 5th out of the 5 they tested). We have thought about the Kia Sedona as well, but Toyotas just hold their value SO much... What model did you guys get?