Well, a drive for Uber and Lyft and you can't beat the fuel efficiency of this given how massive of a vehicle it is. So the choice was pretty easy. I wanted a big Toyota for my business. Not even the Sequoia can match Sienna's space. Sienna also drives like a car and I love that.
Tell us why you chose a minivan
Rideshare Sienna
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The 3-speed was a masterpiece compared to the 4-speed which had an awful reputation. We lucked out wringing 260k miles with nothing more than 30k mile fluid and filter changes, one solenoid pack and one end plate reseal. I have a soft spot for vehicles for which printed factory service manuals are available.
Sixto
04 LE FWD 235k miles
Sixto
04 LE FWD 235k miles
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When our Previa was getting long in the tooth, I would always rent a van (I hate the "mini" moniker) to drive my daughter 500 miles back and forth to school (Denver to Seward NE). One time Enterprise failed and had to give me an Expedition. They gave me a big discount due to the rotten gas mileage I would get. I decided to bring the softside cartop carrier just in case, although I never needed it with the van. Sure enough, there wasn't enough room and the carrier saved me. It proved the point that SUVs are useless haulers. mainly just being lifted station wagons. I have never understood why the obsession with SUVs anyway. Soon after all of that we bought our '14 Sienna. I have never looked back (except when driving).
Hmm...why did I buy my Sienna? Well, first off I never buy a big ticket item unless there's something wrong with it I can easily fix. So cheap it can sit unused without regret. Just dumb luck it's been so useful and sound the last six years. Looks like the next six years will be the same. Sure it's old, newer would be better, but don't underestimate the value of owner repairable. Besides, newer Sienna's aren't as pretty..
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The Ruby looks better than I thought. My wife and I just bought a moonlight and it is kind of dark.
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Honestly, my f-i-l... an old school engineer who liked to do things like calculate the optimum oven time and temperature for baking pies in a 9" pan vs. an 8" pan, paised minivans over SUV's and trucks. Lower cost, better milage and use of space. He loved station wagons for the same reason. We just bought a new Sienna and rather than sell our 2012 Sienna; I kept it and got rid of my 2011 Nissan Cube despite it having 60,000 less miles. That Sienna, if maintained.. should last quite a while. I work from home and drive it maybe 20 miles a week. The clincher was when I saw one being sold at auction with 600K miles on it.
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Actually, it was a lesson I learned with SUV's. A while ago, I had a Chevy Trailblazer... specifically so I could use it to take the family off road and go on the outer beach where only 4WD's were allowed. I had my mechanic add diamond plate under the transmission and engine to protect it from off-road debris. I used it a few times, once I got stuck in the sand because I didnt air down enough. Right after I got off the beach, I stopped at the car wash to get the undercarrige clean. I asked myself one day.. is this worth it? I could've (and it was reccomended to me) to get a jeep just for going off-roading and it would've been less time and hassle. Who buys an expensive truck/SUV and then takes it off-road? I learned my lesson then.. no more off-road. The thing died at 100K miles anyway...
Bought it with 5k on the dial in December of 2005. Traded in a 1998 Blazer that was beginning to require continual care. I always loved the practicality of a van but was outvoted the first time around. 162k on it now and plan to keep it until I am forced to make a decision otherwise. We enjoy the road trip comfort, spaciousness, and decent mpg for this size vehicle even with bikes racked. I am willing to stay at 65mph to keep the mpg at its best. Surprisingly very little rust for a 19 year old car, but I really should do something about the rims and they are flaking pretty bad. Probably time for some suspension love as well. Unfortunately I also missed the recall of the dashboard splitting, but I can live with it as long as the frame and engine remain healthy and strong.
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I have a 2004 and plan to keep it as long as possible. I like it because of the sliding power doors that prevent dinging your other cars parked in the garage. It is also much easier to get in and out of the rear seats. When the 3rd row is folded down, I can carry multiple bikes without having to use a bike rack. Friends who don’t own a van often had to borrow it to carry bulky stuff. Definitely more versatile than an SUV.
I don't think anybody has mentioned so far the bang-for-the-buck factor...on an MSRP basis in any case.
In 2004 and again in 2014 I needed a vehicle to tow a boat and haul stuff. In comparing Sienna LE both times to comparably equipped Highlanders the Sienna won out on MSRP price by a couple $1,000, yet the Sienna was of course larger and posted equal or better performance stats, 0-60 and skid pad. It was a head scratcher. I don't recall the 2004 Sienna purchase details, but the 2014 was about 10% off MSRP, 0% for 60 months financing, no junk add-ons, no trade. Those were the days.
That remains the case today--sort of. While the 2025 Sienna LE AWD and 2025 Highlander LE AWD are comparably equipped at a nearly identical MSRP, the Sienna hybrid drivetrain is a more costly feature than the Highlander 4 cyl. turbo. It's not possible to compare hybrid-to-hybrid at the LE trim level since the Highlander hybrid base starts at the XLE trim. However, if there was a Highlander hybrid LE trim it would be a couple $1000 more than Sienna LE considering the Highlander XLE hybrid is about $3500 more than the turbo XLE.
That's MSRP. We're getting closer to that bang-for-the-buck factor as Sienna selling prices have come back to join Highlander at MSRP or below at some dealers depending on trim.
In 2004 and again in 2014 I needed a vehicle to tow a boat and haul stuff. In comparing Sienna LE both times to comparably equipped Highlanders the Sienna won out on MSRP price by a couple $1,000, yet the Sienna was of course larger and posted equal or better performance stats, 0-60 and skid pad. It was a head scratcher. I don't recall the 2004 Sienna purchase details, but the 2014 was about 10% off MSRP, 0% for 60 months financing, no junk add-ons, no trade. Those were the days.
That remains the case today--sort of. While the 2025 Sienna LE AWD and 2025 Highlander LE AWD are comparably equipped at a nearly identical MSRP, the Sienna hybrid drivetrain is a more costly feature than the Highlander 4 cyl. turbo. It's not possible to compare hybrid-to-hybrid at the LE trim level since the Highlander hybrid base starts at the XLE trim. However, if there was a Highlander hybrid LE trim it would be a couple $1000 more than Sienna LE considering the Highlander XLE hybrid is about $3500 more than the turbo XLE.
That's MSRP. We're getting closer to that bang-for-the-buck factor as Sienna selling prices have come back to join Highlander at MSRP or below at some dealers depending on trim.
Totally agree with you, my Sienna is a lot of vehicle for $34,000 that I bought it.
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08 & 17 owner. I am 6’4”, Minivans are more spacious, better fuel economy. Luggage / cargo behind 3rd seat is laughable in all SUV’s, sans Suburbans.
Well, besides the utility, my 01' is so dang comfortable! Especially after spine/nerve damage.
I have owned a lot of trucks and cars, years ago I had picked out a gold Previa for my folks, that was a great van, 96' I think, super comfortable.
Wanted another, waited a while, finally got back to a Toyota van last year.
The van is just a cool comfy practical utility machine, my body likes it. Oh, and what they said ^
I have owned a lot of trucks and cars, years ago I had picked out a gold Previa for my folks, that was a great van, 96' I think, super comfortable.
Wanted another, waited a while, finally got back to a Toyota van last year.
The van is just a cool comfy practical utility machine, my body likes it. Oh, and what they said ^
Just met a Coyote Mustang at the gas station. After telling him how cool his Mustang was, I told him there's just one vehicle out there that is cooler than his Mustang, and that's the Toyota Sienna minivan. And he agreed 😁
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51 Posts
Great job! Just think of the mountains of car payments you're missing. I just got a 25, but miss the ability to carry lumber due to the gussied up console.
I recently sold my 2004 just because a 2010 fell in my lap. After 10 years, and moderate expenses, (timing belt , brakes, exhaust) sold it for $1400 less than I paid for it. It was still doing fine too.
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Well played.
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Great question and some delightful and thoroughly technical answers. Now for a gushy one...
My first new car was a 1986 Toyota Cargo Van in white. I was graduating from a 1972 Fiat 4-door sedan in avocado green. I've never been exactly fashion-forward in style. Once I had that white cargo van I discovered that when I hung a long pillow out of each front window, a short pillow out of the liftgate, and fishing rod whiskers and a pink pillow on the front bumper, that little van made a passably cute bunny rabbit for our local Halloween parade.
My best friend went with me to shop for a small truck but when I saw the van I guess that part of me that grew up wearing Birkenstocks in Santa Cruz, CA said no to the truck and gimme gimme to the van. Never mind that my legs and the rest of me sat in the car crash crumple zone.
It was the Spartan trim level, meaning it had no bells or whistles, no rear anything over the steel drum walls, and no passenger seat. That's what I could afford. On my first oil change the dealership installed a passenger seat for free. That was a welcome surprise and one my mother appreciated. She had been sitting in the well where there should have been a passenger seat, over the engine (precursor to intentionally heated seats), and even with a Scheherazade stack of pillows the arrangement did not suit her at all.
Then a road trip to San Antonio, TX where my brother and I did the obligatory insulation, wood paneling, and carpeted the ceiling. In the mid '90s the distributor died. I couldn't afford even the remanufactured ones and '86 was an expensive repair job because everything was packed like a lunch box under the front seats. So I removed the distributor, unwound and rewound the copper coil, and reinstalled it. Fortunately the pantheon of gods who oversee starving artist engine repairs were with me and it worked.
Long after I sold it that cargo van is still showing up in my dreams for new and weirder adventures. Jump ahead almost 30 years, a few cars, and the good fortune of marrying well above my economic station... Our Subaru Outback had turned in its resignation and we needed a vehicle that could tow at least 3,000 pounds, preferably a hybrid, with enough climate control that my sweet bride and I could ride together comfortably at different temperatures. The big vans were out because their ground to floorboard height was more of a climb than we could see ourselves aging with.
When I found a 2022, low mileage, dark blue, brown leather interior, Platinum Sienna up in Seattle, WA we made the drive from Portland to bring it home. My wife has no end of fun teasing me about the visible glee I drive this with. Since my wedding vows included "love, honor, and amuse...", my Toyota Sienna helps me fill a pivotal duty in my capacity as CEO of "HappyWife Industries".
It readily tows an 8x12, single axle, enclosed cargo trailer with my woodworking materials and tools and on many days the cavernous van cargo capacity means I don't have to tow the trailer at all. At the suggestion of this chat we installed an Ecohitch and we've made a date with Kendall Toyota in Bend, OR for a 3 inch lift.
The way I figure it, my collection of Carhartt bib overalls and my Sienna van will never land me on the cover of any fashion trend magazines, but they will always be handsome enough, very comfortable, and exceptionally useful. Given my ambitious honey-do list, useful is the most important to me. Still, I'm happy to take that with a side order of visible glee.
I look forward to reading more chats about you and your minivan love stories.
My first new car was a 1986 Toyota Cargo Van in white. I was graduating from a 1972 Fiat 4-door sedan in avocado green. I've never been exactly fashion-forward in style. Once I had that white cargo van I discovered that when I hung a long pillow out of each front window, a short pillow out of the liftgate, and fishing rod whiskers and a pink pillow on the front bumper, that little van made a passably cute bunny rabbit for our local Halloween parade.
My best friend went with me to shop for a small truck but when I saw the van I guess that part of me that grew up wearing Birkenstocks in Santa Cruz, CA said no to the truck and gimme gimme to the van. Never mind that my legs and the rest of me sat in the car crash crumple zone.
It was the Spartan trim level, meaning it had no bells or whistles, no rear anything over the steel drum walls, and no passenger seat. That's what I could afford. On my first oil change the dealership installed a passenger seat for free. That was a welcome surprise and one my mother appreciated. She had been sitting in the well where there should have been a passenger seat, over the engine (precursor to intentionally heated seats), and even with a Scheherazade stack of pillows the arrangement did not suit her at all.
Then a road trip to San Antonio, TX where my brother and I did the obligatory insulation, wood paneling, and carpeted the ceiling. In the mid '90s the distributor died. I couldn't afford even the remanufactured ones and '86 was an expensive repair job because everything was packed like a lunch box under the front seats. So I removed the distributor, unwound and rewound the copper coil, and reinstalled it. Fortunately the pantheon of gods who oversee starving artist engine repairs were with me and it worked.
Long after I sold it that cargo van is still showing up in my dreams for new and weirder adventures. Jump ahead almost 30 years, a few cars, and the good fortune of marrying well above my economic station... Our Subaru Outback had turned in its resignation and we needed a vehicle that could tow at least 3,000 pounds, preferably a hybrid, with enough climate control that my sweet bride and I could ride together comfortably at different temperatures. The big vans were out because their ground to floorboard height was more of a climb than we could see ourselves aging with.
When I found a 2022, low mileage, dark blue, brown leather interior, Platinum Sienna up in Seattle, WA we made the drive from Portland to bring it home. My wife has no end of fun teasing me about the visible glee I drive this with. Since my wedding vows included "love, honor, and amuse...", my Toyota Sienna helps me fill a pivotal duty in my capacity as CEO of "HappyWife Industries".
It readily tows an 8x12, single axle, enclosed cargo trailer with my woodworking materials and tools and on many days the cavernous van cargo capacity means I don't have to tow the trailer at all. At the suggestion of this chat we installed an Ecohitch and we've made a date with Kendall Toyota in Bend, OR for a 3 inch lift.
The way I figure it, my collection of Carhartt bib overalls and my Sienna van will never land me on the cover of any fashion trend magazines, but they will always be handsome enough, very comfortable, and exceptionally useful. Given my ambitious honey-do list, useful is the most important to me. Still, I'm happy to take that with a side order of visible glee.
I look forward to reading more chats about you and your minivan love stories.
Hello all, new member here. I just bought a 2015 LE in January. I love this thing. The reason I bought it is because my wife has some medical issues and we owned, at the time, 2 Subaru Outbacks. A 2015 and a 2021. The space in the front was really kind of limited, especially the 21 because of the console. She has to have portable oxygen machine and with her pocketbook and such made it really a hassle. The 15, although somewhat the same is more accommodating for her. So, I had been considering getting something else more user friendly and when I took my 15 out to my local mechanic for state inspection back in December he called me when the car was done and said he would come get me so I could get my car. Well, he was driving an older Chevy mini van and when I got in it, it just struck me how easy it was to get in. Flat floor with no high rocker sill in the way, no center console so it had needed space for her stuff and I said aha the search is on for something like this. I like the Toyota over the Chrysler and Honda minivans. I found what I have been looking for in the Toyota. I bought the LE because no dang sun roof which I have no use for. Flat floor with no step in issues. Space between the center console for her stuff. Lesser electronics than the newer cars being built today. Still AWD which I like. Rides smooth and quiet. So I sold the 21 and never shed a tear.
I didn't want anything newer than a 2016 because I'm no fan of Direct Injection. Give me Port Injection anyday. I didn't consider a Honda because they still use timing belts on their V6's. That's so early 2000's.
Since I bought it I've added a remote start kit from Start-X and it is all plug and play. No dealer programming required, no wire cutting and splicing. Works with the factory key fob.
I didn't want anything newer than a 2016 because I'm no fan of Direct Injection. Give me Port Injection anyday. I didn't consider a Honda because they still use timing belts on their V6's. That's so early 2000's.
Since I bought it I've added a remote start kit from Start-X and it is all plug and play. No dealer programming required, no wire cutting and splicing. Works with the factory key fob.
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