Hello forum and Scotty,
I am about buying a Toyota Sienna 2005 XLE with 120k miles and the seller has no idea when the timing belt was changed or not.
I look up on the internet and there is a conflict of information on that car's engine. Some of them claimed that it is an interference engine and some say it is not an interference engine.
Would you mind if providing information whether it is an interference engine or non-interference ? And what should I do after I get that car. And can you show me how to use timing light gun to check out the belt. Your video is a good idea but it is not in details :).
This has come up a few times now. The 2005 Toyota Sienna actually has a 3.3L V6 engine, not a 3.5L. I have a 2006 Sienna with that same engine and my mechanic advised me that those engines have a design such that you have to treat it like an interference engine when changing the timing belt - the 3.3L V6 is interference. (Check out this article for evidence https://www.motorreviewer.com/engine.php?engine_id=150) The owners manual recommends changing the timing belt every 90K miles, so just go by that. You said the Sienna you’re looking at has 120K miles so I would recommend you budget in and plan to have the timing belt replaced. Bring this up when you negotiate the price and try to knock off $700-$1000.
https://www.motorreviewer.com/engine.php?engine_id=150
Sorry the link in my original answer isn’t working so try this one.
A Toyota sienna engine is not interference
Thank you Scotty ! I am so happy. I would get the van very soon
3.5 V6 in that van is a non-interference
Nevermind this year has 3.3 V6 check it out: https://autotech912.wordpress.com/2016/04/25/list-of-interference-engines/
It says "3.3L V6 Conflicting information, treat as though interference"
The big question is - are you the kind of person who buys lottery tickets, or the kind who puts money into mutual funds?
If you are the lottery ticket type, go for it. Keep water and blankets in your car, and room on your credit card.
If you are the mutual fund type hundreds on maintenance now saves you thousands later (not to mention hassle and inconvenience).
Thank you all for your feedback. That van is $5500 and the seller said that I could have it for $4500.