Toyota Sienna owners -

[rae519]

We are considering a new minivan to replace our Montana - if you own a Sienna, could you drop us a line and let us know if you recommend it?

Thanks!

Rae and Tom

 

[mudnuri]

I don't have one personally, however my neighbor does. It is beautiful! I'm not a "minivan mom" type....I prefer trucks, however that said. If I was to buy a minivan, it would be the Siena. My neighbors recently traded in their 1998 Sienna for a 2003, and the only thing they did to their 99 was oil changes, and 1 time front brake pads.

I've riden in it, and it's very comfortable, and roomy.

Check consumer reports, they have very unbiased reviews, and also please check the Insurance Institute for Safety, and see how it did in crash tests, I'm not up to snuff on that stuff.


Brandy

 

[keenercam]

Hi, Rae!
We have a 2000 Sienna and love it as much today as when we bought it. As a matter of fact, even with more than 70,000 miles on it (many trips to Hilton Head DVC and WDW), it is still in nearly new condition, mechanically. We just invested in a hitch and bike rack, knowing we will be keeping the van. I even drive it (I have a vision impairment so am leery of driving anything "big") and love it-- it drives like a car! When we bought ours, we got the captain's chairs so the kids would have their own space and can sleep on our long trips. We also got the luggage rack, which was a very smart thing to do.
An even better endorsement, however, is that my partner, a very prestigious attorney who is an incredibly savvy consumer and who could buy whatever he wants and who's kids are in college and almost finished high school, just bought a 2004 sienna. He did so much research and test-driving and absolutely loves it. I think you will find it can not be matched for safety and comfort and driveability.
Whatever you decide, congratulations and good luck!

 

[rae519]

Thank you both.

We lost our daughter in 1994 in an auto accident and have been so very safety conscious about our vehicles since then. We just read that the vehicle we now own (1999 Pontiac Montana) has been rated the LOWEST of all the minivans in crashworthyness.

Well, this will not be in our possession for much longer and I did read a lot about the safety of the Toyota Sienna - but hearing about it from owners and reading about it from government agencies are two different things!

So thank you both for answering - I think I will start my shopping and bargaining pretty soon!!!!!

By the way, the Montana was bought new and has had SOOOO many major problems (most covered under warranty and within the first 30 days of ownership) - I do NOT recommend it for anyone.

Again, my thanks and a very Merry Christmas to all!

Rae

 

[MOMTOMOOTOO]

We are on our second Sienna. Traded in the 2000 for the 2004. I'm not the minivan type either, but it is just such a necessity with 3 kids! I just love it. It drives like a car and the new one is a lot more roomier. I think its a good choice.

 

[Angel717]

I have a 2004 Sienna and love it! I have 5 kids and safety was a big concern. I bought it before the safety ratings came out, but was reassured when the Insurance Institute rated it as a "best pick" (I did expect it to do well). Ours has traction control, skid control, daytime running lights, side air bags... I could go on and on, but let's just say I'm very happy with our decision.

Take a look at the IIHS crash tests here http://www.hwysafety.org/vehicle_ratings/ce/html/summary_passvans.htm and have fun test driving them!

 

[rae519]

You know all your satisfied owners should get together and have a commercial made for the Sienna! So good to hear these reports - going down to look at the LE AW 5 speed Automatic with LE Package #12 either tonight or tomorrow night.

Saw that it would be a little over $30,000 - but not to preach about this, but there is NO amount of money that could ever bring my Kayla back and no amount of money that I wouldn't spend for safety while we are in another vehicle.
So, that really isn't upsetting me, but right now I'm nervous as heck in that Montana!!!!

Hugs to all and a very Merry and Blessed Christmas to all,
Rae

 

[lodgelady]

Hi Rae! Just had to chime in as I LOVE< LOVE my 2000 Sienna!!! Bought it new in Summer 1999 and have not regretted it for one day! Now my only problem is new model envy!!!

 

[Snowysmom]

We have a 2004 sienna and so far we really like it. We drove it from Massachusetts to Florida and back and it was great. We did research on safety issues and it is one of the best. It is also supposed to be reliable. Our neightbor has a 2000 Sienna and they like theirs too. We got the Sienna after our 96 windstar blew it's head gasket and become extremely unreliable even after being fixed. With a son 2 hours away at college, we need reliable and safe transportation. It is well worth looking at.

 

[rae519]

Okay, Sienna lovers - do I really need that Option 12 package?!

You are all making me want to run down and buy this right now!!!!

Thanks sooooo much!

Rae

P.S.
Lodgelady!!!! Hugs!!!!!

 

[Lanshark]

I own a 98 Sienna that has about 93,000 on it. It has been the most reliable vehicle I've ever owned. I would not hesitate to buy another one. I believe we only had a few options added; the roof rack and upgraded stereo CD.

 

[Deb & Bill]

Toyotas are the most reliable vehicle on the road. We have a 2000 Sienna and love it. The 2004 has some added features that we'd love to have. When we replace it, we will either get another Sienna or a Highlander (we only have three in our family, so we don't really need the room, we just love having it).

I've had a Corona (2 actually, one got hit head on), a Corolla, a Sienna and a Tacoma Prerunner.

 

[mudnuri]

Im looking at kbb.com right now, and I dont see an option #12, it only goes up to 9.....If it was me....and I was getting the "LE" I'd get the following

LE PKG #1....Trip odometer/garage door opener/right rear power sliding door/rear seat audio controls

LE PKG # Includes Package 1, plus JBL am/fm stereo with cd & Cassate, & 10 speakers

LE PKG 5, Allow Wheels

LE PKG 6, 5 plus, Front Side Curtain Impact Air bag Restraints

LE PKG 9, Includes 6, plus Rear DVD Entertainment System...

Then for accessory packages I'd get..

V6- Security System..(Im not sure why this isnt standard..)

TW7 window tint


I can't find this- so Im thinking that the left rear power sliding door is NOT available on the LE model....I would prefer to have that, being that I have kids, and like them to enter the vehicle on the same side as me.

Can't find the roof rack either....

Just remember, do NOT buy a 2003, UNLESS they are going to knock about 10K off the sticker price.....DONT DO IT!!! They are left overs, and not worth anymore than the sticker MINUS 10K..

I really like the deep red color...almost a burgandy...

STOP...IM NOT A MINIVAN MOM....I LOVE MY GRAND AM AND MY TRUCK.....NO MY LEASE ISNT OVER YET....

oops- sorry!

Brandy

 

[FreshTressa]

I absolutely LOVE my Sienna!!! I only wish I had got the automatic side doors. Ours are manual and I am always afraid a kid is going to get slammed in one. It parks on a hill, so it is always a concern.

Good gas mileage, low road noise, roomy, reliable, easy to drive, no complaints so far!

 

[Angel717]

http://www.siennaclub.org/forum/index.php?website

It might help you decide which package is right for you. We decided on #7 (but am kinda wishing we got the DVD player! Oh well, I still love it! )

 

[rae519]

mudnuri and Angel717 - wow! Great advise and great website!
Thanks so much.

I found the LE Package #12 (CO) at the toyota.com site - the local dealer says that it isn't being manufactured - it has the passenger side power sliding door, Home Link, and all the other bells and whistles.

Says they can put in the DVD player later - figure that if we can't order what we want, we will be disappointed.

We want ALL the safety features and comfort/entertainment options. Apparently it would be option 9, plus security and window tint.

So many options and decisions - whew!

Again, thank you all for being sooo very helpful, my husband is overwhelmed by the responses we have received and all the help you have given to us.

I'll keep everyone posted on this!!!!

Rae

 

[mudnuri]

RAE--- STOP....Theres something I've gotta tell you!!!!

The dealer has told you it can't be ordered because they need to get rid of the van they HAVE.....let me guess, they have one on the lot right??....just missing the DVD player...ha...figures! Probably been sitting there since October, and they gotta move it.

DO NOT TAKE THAT ANSWER!!!!!!!!!!!!!...

(I've dealt with enough of these sleazerships.....)

Also- do NOT let them put the DVD player in AFTER....the people that work at these dealerships are not trained to do this..chances are you will be able to tell it's been put in after...you do NOT want to do that..NO WAY!!!.....

My thought is to walk into the dealership say this is what I want...

2004 Sienna LE WITH OPTION 12..(which includes the following options.....add options here.....This is the color I want, and this is how much I want to pay....

If they can't help you, well, WALK OUT.....I can guarantee that they will change their mind and will order you what you want.

On the off chance they wont..well, by golly go to another Toyota Dealership...afterall, they are it's YOU who decides who sells you the van, not them

FYI, they have a dealer locator system...they can go "online" and find you the van you want at another dealership, then they trade vehicles with that dealership. I did this with my Grand Am...I was VERY specific about what I wanted, they didnt have it but within 24 hours it was at the dealers waiting for me.


Rae- you know as well as I do that if you take what they have, and it's not really what you want, each month as you write out that $500.00 check to toyota, your gonna kick yourself in the butt!...

Brandy

 

[Laurarn]

Hi Rae,
I recognized you from the dis-cruiseline boards! (We took our first cruise in Oct.) and are planning our 1st trip to WDW with our inlaws this summer.
Anyway, we bought a used 98 Sienna XLE from a private owner with 80,000 miles on it. We didn't even wink at the mileage. We just sold our Previa (the toyota van prior to sienna) with 156,000 miles on it) and still going strong. My husband has a 93 camry with over 160K on it and plans to drive it til it dies. BTW, it still looks new. We've been very happy with Toyota. Our Sienna's first big trip with us was to Port Canaveral Best wishes and Merry Christmas!
Laura

 

[taylor1293]

We just got our 04 Sienna XLE Limited AWD 7 weeks ago!

I absolutely LOVE it and can't wait to drive it down to WDW next week!!!

I really recommend www.siennaclub.org as the people there know everything there is to know about the Sienna minivan!

Good luck with your purchase

Teresa

 

[crz4mm2]

What kind of gas mileage do you get?
I am considering this van as a replacement to my KIA SUV.
Thanks.
Cathy