Convince me not to buy a Sienna

Here me out here.

Recently my '96 tacoma was totaled... no abs, my girlfriend was driving to work.

So now I'm on the hunt for a new daily driver. I had my truck for 8 years, put 100k and change on it. We had a love hate relationship (a lot of time in the garage, it was 30 years old and on the east coast).

I woud love to replace my truck with a 2012 tacoma 6cyl 4x4... something newer and wrenchable but not a computer on wheels. But the price for something that's nearing 20 years old with 100k on it seems steep. 2nd gens with decent milage on it are going for 15k-20k. I got my 96 for $4500 with 120k on it.

So now I find myself looking at other options. Like a Sienna. They have a ton of space (more than a 6ft bed), AWD and COMFORT. An AWD sienna with 100k on it can be found for 10k. I'm also a surfer, and could see myself taking longer trips with several boards and equipment. My 96 tacoma destroyed my back. I'm a tall guy and anything over 1-2hrs was murder on my body. It stopped me taking road trips.

2nd gen owners, how do you feel about your back when you're driving your trucks longer distances? Give me some opinions. I know a minivan is pretty lame, but they have so much space and that comfort factor! The only big practical downfall is the clearance.


A 4th gen 4runner is also in the running (for comfort sake) but god they are also so expnsive

Give me some guidance please!!

 

Buy a Sienna.

 

It’s hard to drive a Sienna on the beach? That’s the best talking you out of it I can do. You already hit all the main pros and cons. Get what you can afford. It’s just transportation. If you’ve got the cash, get the 4-runner. If you don’t get the surf van.

 

I know I failed the assignment above but it’s really hard to argue with the MV practicality.
Be aware that at some point the AWD models were required to run run-flat tires because there was no place for a spare.
And ground clearance…I added Firestone airbags to ours to help with the 4bike 1up rack but the airlines run out the bottom of the coil spring base. Immediately got ripped off.

 

TLDR version: Skip the vanity, get the van.

My first van was a Grand Caravan with stow & go seats, it was better than my daily at the time and was cheap. The seats went in the floor the day I got it and I got some 1/4" bulk rubber mat from TSC, 4' x 8'.

At this point it was just a utility daily, my truck is off the road in the winter.

Then...

I discovered just how useful it was - appliances, furniture, 20 full sheets of drywall, conduit, snowblowers, mowers, car fenders, bagged trash, small engines, on & on. The old van moved it all with ease. 7 years later although it was still reliable as an anvl it was sadly getting way too rusty to squeak through inspection.

The only suitable replacement was another van, this one is an upscale Town & Country that I got super cheap needing some work but it isn't very rusty fortunately.

I carry a lot of tools & supplies, with dark windows nobody sees anything unless they really walk up & look.

Seriously, who looks closely at generic vans - it attracts no attention, is cheap to insure, parts are cheap, fuel economy is surprisingly good, it is supremely comfortable & easy to drive, Mrs Green will even drive it if needed.

 

Logical choice monetarily after reading your post is the Sienna.

 

LOLOLOL

I have a short story...condensed for intrigue.

Stationed in Hawaii/Hickam AFB with wife/2 daughters...looking for new vehicle to take to Ramstein Germany...our next assignment.

Family tests an Odyssey and a Pilot...both 2003.

I think the Odyssey is the right vehicle for us...meanwhile, the family picks the Pilot...we get the Pilot.

Family will never let me live it down that I picked the Odyssey.

We end up having that pilot until October 3, 2018...with 200+ miles...I get in accident and she (Pilot) is total loss.

I look for another Pilot...used of course, but they are all over $10K...which was my threshold...I find a 2010 Mazda CX-9.

Stick with the CX-9 until the timing is right to get my 2021 TRD Sport...the rest is history.

Moral of the story...don't get the van! lol

 

I drove a Sienna for about 12 yrs when twins arrived. I NEVER thought I'd see myself in a "mini van" until I was prodded to go look at one. Always pictured myself as the oversized suv guy.
Long story short the Sienna was awesome. Tons of space with the second row seats removed and third row folded flat for cargo or sleeping. Super comfortable and practical with the sliding doors and such. When we got rid of the Sienna, we got a Odyssey which we still have today. The overall comfort and quality of the Sienna was alot nicer IMHO. Bottom line, if you can get over the "mini van guy complex" I'd say go for it. It would make a sweet surfer wagon too.

 

Don't buy a Sienna.

 

Ok, get the Sienna.

 

Does the sienna you want to buy have the optional lipstick holder?

 

4runner, land cruiser, anything but a Sienna.

 

Talk you out of it look at the nunbers the dealer gives you that's enough for me to pass and look at something else,I don't need a van so that's an easy decision. The Sienna looks like a nice van, and it's still probably less money than an ID Buzz. I don't know why but I noticed a good number of recently bought pre owned Audis on the road latey. I was thinking what is the appeal of an Audi Q5 that's going to be out of warranty soon? I could see if was a RS Wagon, Q5 might be a good car but couldn't you lease a new one for less than buying previously owned?

 

We see them get 40mpg +

It's insane how well they are doing. Very few issues.

 

Just saying hello lol

 

Mini vans are usually the “smart” choice

But damn they are so sad

 

Youngins' don't know the legend of the Swagger Wagon!

https://youtu.be/pUG3Z8Hxa5I?si=bfcLX_iBTxAXZXEL

Siennas are baaaaad (in a cool way)

 

I'm just here for the story on how antilock brakes would've saved the planet.

 

Okay, if you get the sienna, you need to get the vanity plate that says Swagger.