Some backstory: I picked up a used minivan a little over a year ago for cheap from the shadiest used car lot in Cleveland. I knew it would not be perfect, but I wanted to see if the minivan life was for me. I have made several updates and repairs to our Kia Sedona and we are convinced that we are vanners. Recently, the torque converter started crapping out, it needs 2 cats, the rear A/C needs love...it needs more than its worth. So we decided to trade in the Sedona (get rid of it actually) and donate my wife's car to our daughter as a graduation present, and go to 2 cars for a while. (OK, I may keep the XJ)
That means that we needed a van to replace the Sedona. My wife suggsted a 2019 - 2021 Sedona, in blue of course. But she wanted the leather, power everything, heated seats and other niceties of her Buick, so that meant an EX. Hmm, that's getting pricey, in the range of my dream van: the Toyota Sienna Swagger Wagon. So, I found a '19 in the grey color I want, with low miles, and $6K less than anyone else is asking. All applications and such are done online and it is ready for pickup. I am about to own my dream van! Should be in teh driveway now, but...
My son's school calls yesterday and informs us that he was exposed to a student 10 days ago who has just tested positive for COVID. He is under quarentine until Sunday night. Which means so are we. Sure, I could try contactless pickup, but I want to get the whole handover experience and tour of the dealership, so Monday after work it is. After many years of lusting after this thing, I guess a few more days won't hurt. I hope to report on the awesomeness of a 295 hp sports-minivan soon.
Duke
MegaDork
1/22/21 2:58 p.m.
Congrats! I'm glad to hear your deal is just on hold, not in jeopardy.
In reply to pinchvalve (Forum Supporter) :
Did you look at Avis Car Sales?
Recently they had a lot of 2020 Siennas for about $25k w/ 25k miles.
Hard to find anything but Dodge on the rental car sites, no SE Siennas for sure. I checked Avis and Enterprise and they had nothing in the country, let alone close. The few LEs they had were higher miles and more expensive.
I did find a Sedona XE in blue (for my third blue Kia people-hauler) that was an AMAZING deal this weekend, but went for style and sportiness of the Toyo. Plus:
I never thought I would hear the phrase " my dream van " on the GRM forum!
In reply to triumph7 :
Oh, I have a dream version of most things...
triumph7 said:
I never thought I would hear the phrase " my dream van " on the GRM forum!
I think the grm forum is the only place I'd hear that phrase.
Well, it all worked out and we brought her home at last:
She's a 2019 Sienna SE with 22K miles on the clock. We skipped AWD because it is hard to find on the SE models, and it seems to add more to the price than its worth, especially because it hurts MPG. It's nice to have in PGH, but I have not needed AWD here in years so $ saved will go to snow tires. Its not the Premium, so no rear DVD player which I do not miss, but no power rear pop-out windows, remote start, or memory seats. My wife had memory seats and remote start on her Buick, so that will be missed, may add an aftermarket starter. We could have done a fly-and-drive on a Premium model with sunroof, but we were already pushing the budget and the local dealer offers free inspections, oil changes and other stuff so that made it worth it. The van was also owned by the daughter of the dealership owner, so it was well cared for.
The only issue I have found is a that the front splitter took a hit at some point, barely noticeable unless you are me. The 8th seat, the middle jump seat, was also missing, but in true GRM fashion, I bought one on Ebay a week before I closed on the van. Now I have to spend a few hours learning the entertainment system, the book for it is thicker than any owner's manual I have ever had!
In Jan of 2020 we rented a LE for a 4 adult and 1 child, 10 hour drive to Atlanta. It was fantastic.
Car for car, your Toyota is much nicer but the Grand Caravan at giveaway prices really spoke to my inner, cheap-sob, self.
Nice van, Congrats! I recently sold my fun car ('01 Mustang GT) to pick up a minivan, so I definitely get the love for vans. The space and utility are unmatched, and anything that gives my four boys more space so they don't argue is a big plus in my book!
Now that I have some miles on Van Wilder (yes, I have given the van a name and have the custom plate) I thought it was time for an update.
Short version: IT IS FREAKING AWESOME.
Long version, I love having a vehicle with bells and whistles. Power everything, including the doors, it a real convenience. Having an infotainment system that extends beyond AM/FM cassette is great. This is not specific to the Sienna, I just have not had a really nice car in a long time. The 2014 Fiesta was new, but its not exactly a luxury car.
Minivans are the ideal family vehicle. I have used all 8 seats for people. I have used all cu/ft for hauling stuff. I have used the roof rack. I have towed with it. I have made long road trips in total comfort. I never worry about having the room for anything I want to do, and can bring the dog whenever I want.
The SE model is the shiznit. The SE was the brainchild of Chief Engineer Kazuo Mori (an avid autocrosser) who reportedly had to overcome opposition to get the SE equipment package included in the line-up. The changes are more than cosmetic, the steering is better and the suspension is sporty for a minivan. The result is a vehicle that is solid and planted in the twisties, but rides smooth at the higher speeds that nearly 300hp bring. It's not for the 'Ring or Dragon, but its not a wallowy pig either.
Toyota quality seems to be a thing, so far no issues and the dealer experience has been excellent.
Dislikes? The rubber pad on the e-brake popped off and the front lip is low enough that is can hit things. That's about it.
