My car was recently written off after an accident. I am looking for what car to get next. I feel that a minivan suits my needs best. Consumer reports suggests that the Sienna is the most reliable minivan. The second generation design works better for me due to a few details. Consumer reports says that the '04, '05, and '09 are their recommended years. I need AWD since it will be used primarily as a work vehicle in snowy Canada and occasionally taken on ski trips. I can't find any '09's in Canada with AWD. My friends say that anything much older is a bad purchase. Is this true? Should I stick with the years consumer reports recommends or would getting an '06 with only 100,000km on it be a bad idea? Please advise! I'm scared of buying a piece of junk.
Consumer Reports is not a reliable source of automotive information. However in this instance they are correct that the Sienna is best if you're looking for a minivan.
You can do research on sites such as carcomplaints.com to get an idea of the problems that might plague specific years.
Personally, I would look into 2007 and up. 2006 and below had timing belts. Nothing wrong with timing belts. Except for the added maintenance. Which probably need replacing by now, if they haven’t been done yet. 2007 and up has a timing chain, TMK. I would even consider a third or fourth generation, if you can find one that checks out in your price range.
Well actually Toyota makes pretty good all-wheel drive systems. For example, my son here in Rhode Island has a year old sienna all-wheel drive hybrid that he loves. But let's face the facts. Most roads are paved. The engine and transmission is in the front and so all that weight on the front tires. Especially if they have snow tires. It's usually good enough for driving in the snow
Yes
Scotty always says that front wheel drive with snow tires is better than all wheel drive with all season tires
Two wheel drive is also cheaper to maintain and uses less gas
Hey Scotty! I’ve learned so much from your videos. I am in the market for a Toyota Sienna. Ideally I would like AWD limited as I drive in snowy Canada and Vermont. I had heard you say that AWD was a waste as they break down more. Do you think it would be worth it considering the type of driving I do? I had thought it was helpful in the snow? I would put snow tires on it regardless. There aren’t many AWD models in the ‘08-‘10 years which is why I’m wondering if I should even be picky about that?
Besides looking at the carfax and having a mechanic safety inspect it, what else do you recommend I look at before purchasing the vehicle? I’d appreciate any advice!
Vanessa