Convince me not to buy a Sienna

I have a 2017 Siena & it’s very comfortable to drive so I recommend getting the AWD model.

Since it’s only you and your gf, you two can sleep inside very comfortably with an air mattress or something similar. Also, it’s very lowkey. I don’t like the wood platform, it’s more work putting it away. The air mattress can be fold up taking less spaces when storing.

 

People love shitting on mini vans but they are super versatile. I used to work at a indie bookstore and my boss owned a town and country with a trailer hitch and a old style harbor freight trailer. When we had out of store events and expos there would be 4 or 5 of us in the van the rear most cargo area filled with boxes books and the trailer filled with even more boxes of books, I remember one time we loaded a entire 4 foot cube pallet of boxes of books in the van without a problem(2md row seats folded away) and the van drive fine. The only thing for me thats annoying about minivans is they come with v6 engines and hardly any extra room under the hood so repairs are harder then on a truck where there's plenty of extra room.

 

Ziggy says 69.34 % of the folks here don't need a truck, but choose one in an effort to avoid a soccer dad label.

 

Since I’m sure you’re gonna bite on the van. If you look between the seats and crevices of the van (assuming you’re buying used), you’ll probably come up with a free small fry from McDonald’s

 

I've had trucks and suvs all my life, but recently rented a van for a family trip (extended family) and just to throw my .02 cents in. The van was awesome. Everyone loved it because it drove real nice, lot's of space for people and bags, entertainment system for in car movies that everyone used headphones for, etc, etc...

Growing up between LA and San Diego (San Clemente) for a chunk of my life vans were the way to go for surfers becaue of the long boards and changing space. But the folks would also take naps in their vans too. Let's be honest...over 90% of us don't use the truck off road or anything like what we think we need it for. I'm set up for hauling my kayak and self recovery.....and I haven't had to self recover yet! Just pull other folks out.

 

Once you break past the stigma and shame of going the mini van route you'll wonder why you didnt long ago. I own a 6 speed Xrunner and 06 Sienna... Xrunner overeated, Sienna underrated. Hands down Sienna in comfort, mileage, quality.

 

I'd get the Sienna

 

Ahhh, Heck...I got a story about late model 1970s van...and I grew up in LA...making trips to Santa Monica/Long Beach/Redondo/Seal Beaches on the regular.

My dad bought an empty GMC Van...had two front seats, 3 gears on the steering column.

He took it to a Custom Van shop and they put all new seats, carpet, stereo, and a bubble window on each side.

I remember the stereo being awesome because my Dad would play Donna Summer's "I Feel Love" and the STEREO came alive with back and forth sound!

Those vans were cool as can be!



The vans today are versatile and have much more to offer.

My wife and daughters (in elementary school at the time) chose the Honda Pilot over the Odyssey in 2002 when we lived in Hawaii.

We took that Pilot to Ramstein Germany 2003), then Dover, DE (2006)...then Aviano Italy (2008) and then back to Dover in 2011.

The Pilot took us to many different places in Europe...and the kids loved the DVD player on the ceiling of the Pilot.

I'm not against getting a van...heck, that's what I wanted but got out-voted by my family.

Get what you want and what works for you...and enjoy the stories told on this thread.

 

get the Sienna
and then modify it

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ivRj0wa_opc

 

The minivan is the true path. Every vehicle is ultimately a tool to serve a specific purpose.

 

I recently saw a Green Sienna that was lifted with black wheels and ATs , maybe the woodland? Had some broverland stuff bolted on a roofrack, NGL it was kinda cool. IMO minivans are underrated af. Not sure how I feel about the hybrid, would rather have a 2GR in there..

 

You might have to sponsor a kids soccer team, but other than that I think it's a good idea.

 

HAHA!! Remember those custom vans....there were even movies about stuff like that. Free love, surfing, carpet and bed interiors! lol Now I'm thinking one of those camper vans. But I digress, the modern vans whatever make or model are pretty cool and practical. As someone stated....every vehicle has it's purpose. I have a truck, suv and now I'm thinking lexus L500!! Can't take money with ya!

 

Did you end yo getting the sienna? I'm considering trading in the taco as the family keeps growing.

 

I haven’t decided yet, I’m in still considering my options, and I’m lucky enough to have time to wait.

the sienna is still top tier for me. I’m also considering a xc70…

my current plan is to get something for my girlfriend to drive and then eventually get myself a California 4Runner or Tacoma

 

Thank you! Would ideally love to keep functionality of the truck but it's getting harder and harder to justify.

 

I’m changing my vote…get the Volvo!