Hello Scotty
I am looking to buy a minivan, I would prefer a Sienna. I don't want to spend $40k in a 2021 model though. Which year and trim would you recommend? and which years to avoid?
Do not buy the first model year. That engine is known for oil sludge issues. The 6-speed automatic with the four-cylinder in the 2011-2020 model years has transmission issues. Buy with a V6 only.
That's what I was looking for, 2011 - 2020 generation Sienna, I am also hearing that they leak coolant and oil, is that something I can avoid with specific years?
If that particular model leaks coolant and oil, then I would avoid that as well.
@kesterpaul62 where is your source that 2011-2020 with the I4 engine have transmission issues? We don’t want to lead OP astray. Certainly 2012-2014 Camry’s had that issue, but where are you getting 2011-2020 Sienna’s from? We don’t want to unnecessarily condemn a whole generation of Sienna.
My source is here. What frustrates me about Toyota's is that they have made more engines and transmissions than I can count them.
https://www.truedelta.com/Toyota-Sienna/transmission-problems-275
Just out of curiosity, if that transmission is having issues on the Camry, then wouldn't it have similar issues if it's on a heavier car?
It’s not clear how often people are changing their transmission fluids especially when Toyota says “lifetime”, and just as important to use the correct fluid. I am not condemning the 6-speed AT in all Toyota’s ever made, only the 2012-2014 Toyota Camry.
My former neighbor had one with the same engine and transmission as listed about; took care of it and it fell apart at around 140,000 miles.
Realize from 2011-2020 over 1 million Toyota Siennas have been sold in the US (per Wikipedia: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toyota_Sienna) and I guarantee we would have heard about it from Scotty and others if it was a prevalent issue. I don’t even see it on carcomplaints:
https://www.carcomplaints.com/Toyota/Sienna/
Why are you using Wikipedia as a source? Realize that Wikipedia that be changed by literally anyone.
@kesterpaul62 still over 1 million: https://carsalesbase.com/us-toyota-sienna/
@ejduque7 Please see my post above and I would strongly consider the 2011-2020 Sienna generation. Be sure to have an independent, trusted mechanic look it over before buying: also make sure the transmission fluid has been religiously changed on those vehicles (ideally every 40,000 miles, but at the very least no later than every 60,000 miles).
Sales can say one thing about one car. Seeing experience can also say something else. I'm not saying that the Toyota sienna is terrible; the V6 is fine but the four cylinder in my opinion is underpowered.
Being underpowered and having transmission issues are 2 different things. I am looking at your initial claim above that 2011-2020 (I4 engines) had transmission issues.
I only bring up sales figures to point out that if it was a systematic issue - we would have heard about it by now, especially from Scotty. 1 million vehicles is a lot, and it would have been well known to stay away from them especially since the early ones have been out for over 10 years. If it was my vehicle I would change the transmission fluid every 40,000 miles with only the Toyota fluid.