Used Vehicle Review: Toyota Sienna, 2004-2010

[CD_Editor]

Though it's one of two minivans recommended by Consumer Reports, the second-generation Toyota Sienna does have its faults:  notably, in 2007-through-2009 models, a leaky oil hose in the 3.5-litre V6 engine; and power sliding door failures.

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[new age group]

Nowadays vehicles are so complicated, with so much technology put into it, and cannot increase the price, failure in certain area is expected.
FOr a Sienna with 268 HP and all the power doors, AWD etc...,  if Toyota need to make it with perfect quality, it will have to use Lexus's level of materials and QA control, and the price for the van will be in in the 50K (for the base model) to 70K range for the top model.  

They need to save cost,  so they cheap out with a rubber hose to carry hot engine oil  to the dual VVT-I, use a cheaper motor in the power doors etc.. .....  to save a few bucks here and there.

Too bad that we can no longer buy a basic vehicle that will last a long time, like the 90's corolla. Even today's Corolla gas pedal failed. My colleague family owns a 2000 Sienna XLE, with a power sliding door, the door never failed, engine is running fine (no VVT-I), millage is also 200K-km already. We will never see this happen again on a 2007 or newer Sienna.


 

[shenyyc]

The sliding door mechanism is a true piece of sh!t. Mine failed as the cable frayed and jammed up the mechanism so that the door would no longer open even though the motor was functioning fine.  It is a very cheap and poorly designed component.  The dealer wants upwards of $2k to change out the entire system.  This was basically extortion so I took my sidecutters and snipped the cable.  Problem solved for $0.  Unfortunately I have lost the power feature and the van is considerably less valuable if I decide to sell it.  Funny thing is I was looking at a 2011 model and the cable is exactly the same.  It is hard to believe they have not upgraded the cable to a chain or belt.  I guess toyota cannot afford to spend an extra $10 on the parts and would rather have the customer face huge repair bills later.  thanks toyota!