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I have a 2004 XLE that I purchased brand new in 1/04 with 95k on the odometer. I use the van as a truck for hauling things. I know the suspension is going to need repairs just not sure what. My question is what would be a reasonable amount to spend on a van that just turned 19 years old?
 

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I have a 2004 XLE that I purchased brand new in 1/04 with 95k on the odometer. I use the van as a truck for hauling things. I know the suspension is going to need repairs just not sure what. My question is what would be a reasonable amount to spend on a van that just turned 19 years old?
It depends entirely on what it's worth to others, worth to you and what an alternative would cost with the same or better functionality. Worth to others, in current condition, can be found on kbb.com and local listings. Alternative vehicle costs can only be defined when you detail your specific needs and wants. Worth to you can only be defined by you.

That said, literally every vehicle needs maintenance/upkeep. There are 3 main areas which are generally considered life-of-the-vehicle items on the Sienna... Chassis, engine and transmission. If those are good, you can expect a long, long life out of your van. FWD versions can easily last 300k miles and AWD versions typically last at least 200k miles. From that perspective, all the suspension components are normal wear items, which you would expect to replace every 100k miles or so. You would also want to do the timing belt/water pump/seals and probably the spark plugs, rear ignition coils, valve cover and throttle body gaskets. Lastly, check the condition of the vacuum lines (which tend to degrade around 15 years) and consider replacement of all of them, if any are degraded.

So, you've owned the van since new. What is the maintenance record like? Done all the regular stuff (oil changes, alignments, tires, etc.) at appropriate intervals? Any signs of significant chassis/body rust in critical areas (i.e. rocker panel, rear subframe, etc.)? Any other significant deficiencies which might make it unsalable to a potential buyer? With your low-mileage mini-van, assuming no other significant issues, you could expect to get somewhere around $5k (maybe less; probably not more) for it. Could you get an alternative vehicle which meets your needs for that kind of money in your area? How is the cooling system? Any leaks or need to add coolant ever or ever have any overheating? And the transmission/fluid (fluid color, drain and fills and/or filter change done, any wetness around where the fittings enter the radiator)?

In the end, it's probably going to be a personal/subjective choice. Doing the whole front suspension will probably be $1200 in parts and another $1000 in labor. Doing the timing belt will probably be $150 in parts and $600 in labor. Spark plugs, coils and gaskets are probably $400 in parts and another $600 in labor. Dropping the pan and changing the filter will probably be another $100 in parts/fluid and another $50 in labor. Other misc. things will probably be in the $500-1000 worth of parts/labor if you pay someone to do it all and get it reliable and ready to face the next 100k miles. And, with all these projects, you could do one per year and still be ahead of the curve, considering you only seem to put 5k miles on it per year. I would probably do the timing belt now, but everything else could even wait another 20k miles, unless you mentioned suspension because it actually needs it NOW.
 

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There are folks spending $5000 on repairs to these vans KBB says are barely worth $5000. In ordinary times that’s questionable. Unless you have options as BillG said, it might be the cost of having a usable vehicle.

Another consideration is how to address service and maintenance. Should you get Toyota quality parts to last the next 100K miles or lesser quality parts to get you through the next couple of years?

Sixto
‘04 LE FWD 201K miles
 

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cheapest is buy parts and DIY....its not hard.... or let pepboys do it..... Last I heard they were charging maybe $50 labor for each struts and rear shocks probably cheaper....but that was like 5yrs ago.....
changing struts and shocks is a simple job for the mechanics.....not rocket science and any rookie could do it.... most DIY can do it....its not hard....
at low value of the van....you don't put factory parts in.....just slap in autozone or pepboy monroe, Gabriel, kyb or whatever in and be done.... and really don't need front end alignment either if low on budget....

maybe $200 labor and $400 in parts or even cheaper....but these days....seems auto shops labor rates are crazy high....so shop around or hire a friend who is DIY capable..... or yourself.......watch youtube will teach you.
 

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Discussion Starter · #5 ·
It depends entirely on what it's worth to others, worth to you and what an alternative would cost with the same or better functionality. Worth to others, in current condition, can be found on kbb.com and local listings. Alternative vehicle costs can only be defined when you detail your specific needs and wants. Worth to you can only be defined by you.

That said, literally every vehicle needs maintenance/upkeep. There are 3 main areas which are generally considered life-of-the-vehicle items on the Sienna... Chassis, engine and transmission. If those are good, you can expect a long, long life out of your van. FWD versions can easily last 300k miles and AWD versions typically last at least 200k miles. From that perspective, all the suspension components are normal wear items, which you would expect to replace every 100k miles or so. You would also want to do the timing belt/water pump/seals and probably the spark plugs, rear ignition coils, valve cover and throttle body gaskets. Lastly, check the condition of the vacuum lines (which tend to degrade around 15 years) and consider replacement of all of them, if any are degraded.

So, you've owned the van since new. What is the maintenance record like? Done all the regular stuff (oil changes, alignments, tires, etc.) at appropriate intervals? Any signs of significant chassis/body rust in critical areas (i.e. rocker panel, rear subframe, etc.)? Any other significant deficiencies which might make it unsalable to a potential buyer? With your low-mileage mini-van, assuming no other significant issues, you could expect to get somewhere around $5k (maybe less; probably not more) for it. Could you get an alternative vehicle which meets your needs for that kind of money in your area? How is the cooling system? Any leaks or need to add coolant ever or ever have any overheating? And the transmission/fluid (fluid color, drain and fills and/or filter change done, any wetness around where the fittings enter the radiator)?

In the end, it's probably going to be a personal/subjective choice. Doing the whole front suspension will probably be $1200 in parts and another $1000 in labor. Doing the timing belt will probably be $150 in parts and $600 in labor. Spark plugs, coils and gaskets are probably $400 in parts and another $600 in labor. Dropping the pan and changing the filter will probably be another $100 in parts/fluid and another $50 in labor. Other misc. things will probably be in the $500-1000 worth of parts/labor if you pay someone to do it all and get it reliable and ready to face the next 100k miles. And, with all these projects, you could do one per year and still be ahead of the curve, considering you only seem to put 5k miles on it per year. I would probably do the timing belt now, but everything else could even wait another 20k miles, unless you mentioned suspension because it actually needs it NOW.
An update on the service history and a big thank you for all who gave input. In 2018 I had the timing belt replaced, water pump, tensioner, power steering belt and top and bottom hoses. Earlier that year I had the power steering and brake system flushed and serviced ($1152). In 2014 had the front brakes replace and rotors turned. 2013 had AC clutch relay replaced. AC has been great and could not ask for better service from a 19 year old van. Tires are good. At this point we are probably looking at some suspension work, maybe wheel bearing, just not sure until I get someone to look at it. Have a shop I trust but the last time I talked to them they were having trouble getting labor and were backed up. Once again thanks to all who responded.
 

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That sounds like a well-maintained, low-mileage van to me! Make that appointment and get whatever done to the suspension and drive it for another 3-4 years until the next thing pops up.
 

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Tires play a big part in how the van rides and handles. We’re partial to Michelins because they made a big difference over the Bridgestones our ‘04 came with and coincidentally (or not) over the Bridgestones our old Caravan came with, an old MB came with, etc.

I check fluids and have look around the engine bay every week or so. I nursed a coolant leak for months before finding a radiator leak. If you don’t check under the hood frequently, read up second gen Sienna radiator failures.

Sixto
‘04 LE FWD 201K miles
 
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