Hi Scotty., i recently bought a 2002 Toyota Sienna XLE for $4,500 from a neighbor. The car almost always been parked on the street since 2017 (when my neighbors husband died), only drives it once in a while. Reason why the mileage is at 131,000 only. As someone that barely knows about car., where should i start to make sure it will last me long? All fluids have been done except for the transmission. Rotors/brake pads were replaced together with brake drum (paid $1,100 to Pepboys). I feel like ill be ripped off/will be charged extra for labor because i dont know anything about cars and a female. Please advise.
First, find an honest independent mechanic.
About the maintenance, follow the owner's manual. If you do not have it, you can download it from below:
https://www.toyota.com/owners/resources/warranty-owners-manuals.sienna.2002
For the transmission, it should be inspected first (Check the FAQ in this website), but most likely you should be good if you do the drain and refill, do not flush it.
Find out if the timing belt has been done or not. If not, change the timing belt, water pump,....
At this mileage, you should change the spark plugs as well.
