Best years for used Toyota Siennas.............?

Question

I am in the market for a Certified Used Toyota Sienna & am looking for no more than 35,000 miles on it.

I read in Consumer Reports that the '05 Sienna is one of the top rated used " years " but considering that I have seen Sienna's advertised with no more than 35,000 miles on models from '02-06.....are there certain " years " for used Sienna's ( such as '05 ) that are considered better than others ?

What are the best used years ?

What are the worst used years ?

Answer 1

We own 1998 SIENNA XLE with 105,000 miles that we have been quite pleased with in general.  It is one of 5 Toyotas we bought brand new incl latest was 2005 HIGHLANDER 6 cylinder AWD SUV now 35,000 miles that my wife insisted on she needed for safety just like her sisters (4) so 1993 CAMRY LE with 211,000 miles sat idle.

If I were in Your Shoes, (i) I would change my parameters and purchase between years 2004 and 2008 that reflect new body style bec if you intended to keep forever, you would only be sorry to buy 2002 or 2003.  (ii) you might also want to increase above 35,000 miles as it would leave only 1000 miles to an original owner (3 years or 36K miles) but then again since one factor is CERTIFIED USED TOYOTA now you restrict yourself to Toyota dealer lots and should maybe consider removing CERTIFIED USED and taking chance on say CARMAX etc.  

The key to lasting forever is knowing Good Quality Mechanic and using genuine Toyota parts, changing oil every 5000 miles and having Toyota ATF Type T-IV fluid drained/service every 25K to 30K miles.

Best of Luck and Enjoy!

Answer 2

2005 and newer is your best bet. 2004 was the first year of this design. Generally, you should avoid first year models even if they are known to be reliable. Every year Sienna is pretty good but the '04 and newer design is roomier- especially behind the third row seat. If you do buy a pre- 2004 model consider getting a can of engine flush at least once a year to add to your engine. Because of the head design (which Toyota designed for emissions purposes), they are prone to engine sludge. Not all have developed the problem, but you can prevent it by using a $10 can of engine flush every once in a while.

Don't even consider Car Max because they aren't any better than a Toyota dealer. Car Max is just a gussied up used car dealership that is a franchise chain. It's no different from a small independent dealership outside of appearance.Trust me on this. Buy from people who truly know what they are selling. Even an original private party owner would be a better bet than Car Max. Also, while keeping your car well maintained is the way to extending your vehicle's life, you don't need to buy Genuine Toyota parts or have it serviced at the dealer. Just get a good mechanic who uses good quality parts-whether OEM or not. Remember, Manufacturers don't make their own parts. The parts are made but the same aftermarket places most of your auto parts stores get their parts from. They just get a stamp or tag stating they are genuine parts- which is why we tend to cost more.

Buy the way, most new cars sold have Pennzoil in them from the factory-including Toyota.