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Toyota Sienna 2004+

2995 messages,  Last post on Jan 26, 2008 at 12:55 PM

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What is this discussion about? Toyota Sienna, Van

Messages Page 249 of 300

#2475 of 2995 Re: Sienna AWD Questions? [nymom] by vgrinshpun

May 18, 2005 (8:41 pm)

Replying to: nymom (May 18, 2005 2:04 pm)
I have owned Toyota Sienna AWD since April of 2003. I do not think it is possible to get stuck with this van in any snow or ice conditions. I tested it on unplowed parking lot with 10 inches of snow (measured by tape) and was very impressed. My development sits on a hill, and I never had any issues starting up the hill after stopping at a stop sign. The same stop sign gave occasional problem with FWD Toyota Sienna 1998 which I previously owned.
 
However, I have a word of caution for BRAKING, especially when temperature is below 20 degrees F. Because of the inherently hard compound of RunFlats (I had Bridgestones B380) their low temperature traction is poor. I had never had issues to get going (essentially poor low temperature traction was well compensated by AWD system), but braking is another story. This was one of the reason I switched to regular non-flat tires (Yokohama Avid TRZ) after 42,000 miles on run flats. Yokohama Avid TRZ proved to be excellent tire under all conditions.
 
If I would be buying Toyota Sienna AWD again, especially in Northern NY, I would strongly consider requesting dealer to replace Run Flats with regular tires and a spare. Since regular tires cost about 2 times less, the difference should pay for the spare tire kit.

#2476 of 2995 Thank you for info by nymom

May 19, 2005 (6:51 am)

Thank you to everyone who commented on the AWD version. You have all given me many things to consider. I am hesitant to purchase the AWD sienna for two reasons, 1. the run flat tires, i have heard very many bad things on the boards about them. 2. I really do not want to have to spend the extra money on AWD and then also put on snow tires. Do a lot of people who purchase the AWD version also put on snow tires in the winter? Guess i am just used to my 4WD where i do not have to worry about the tires.
    I really dislike driving in the snow so i am putting a lot of thought into our next vehicle purchase. Need something to carry the family but also need to be able to get through the northern NY winters. Does anyone have experience requesting the dealer to put on regular tires instead of the run flats? Thanks again for all the info.

#2477 of 2995 Help please,Cargo door latch Sienna05 LE by needsienna

May 19, 2005 (12:34 pm)

Is there a way to open cargo door from inside of Sienna 05 LE with BZ package, which dosent have power cargo door?
 
My remote has no button as cargo door is not powered.
If passenger setting in third row seat and want to come out from cargo door, it is difficult to come out from any front door as I have 8 passenger Sienna,
Is there a way to open that door from inside?

#2478 of 2995 Re: Thank you for info [nymom] by heywood1

May 19, 2005 (2:53 pm)

Replying to: nymom (May 19, 2005 6:51 am)
Having 4WD and AWD does not necessarily mean you don't have to buy snow tires. Tires matter. I'd recommend a set of winter tires no matter which Sienna you choose-- especially in northern NY. They're cheap insurance.
 
I have run-flat winter tires for my AWD Sienna, and it's amazing on snow and ice.
 
FWD with winter tires is better; AWD with winter tires is best.

#2479 of 2995 2004 Sienna Gives a "Jerk" slowing down at 40 kph [paul2004] by claires HOST

May 19, 2005 (6:14 pm)

Replying to: paul2004 (May 18, 2005 3:08 pm)
Hi, Paul! This discussion is about the features, attributes, etc. of the Toyota Sienna. You might get an answer from other owners who've had the same problem in the Toyota Sienna Owners: Problems & Solutions (2004+) Discussion.

#2480 of 2995 ques on gas/Sienna by allison5

May 19, 2005 (9:10 pm)

I really like the Toyota Sienna however have not been happy with the fact that the seats are short and don't have very good thigh support. If I can find a good seat cushion for it I am going to look into it again, I have a big SUV at the moment and miss the conviences of having a van. Just want to know if there is a big difference with gas between the Sienna and Sequoia. I know that the Sequoia is a big suv so it will be more expensive but I have heard that the Sienna sometimes doesn't do great on gas either.

#2481 of 2995 Re: Stiffer shocks for towing? [siennabob] by scorpio1947

May 22, 2005 (6:15 am)

Replying to: siennabob (May 17, 2005 10:17 am)
A 04 Sienna is rated to tow 3500 lbs. I would be surprised if you need any spring help at all, unless your also carrying 7 passengers at the same time. Just MHO.

#2482 of 2995 Stiffer shocks... by wwest

May 22, 2005 (10:49 am)

Will still allow the same vertical travel, just as not as fast, resulting in only a harsher ride.

#2483 of 2995 Re: ques on gas/Sienna [allison5] by toyotaken

May 24, 2005 (3:11 pm)

Replying to: allison5 (May 19, 2005 9:10 pm)
There will probably be a fairly significant difference in gas milage between the two models. Most of the Sequoia drivers that I have (Buffalo, NY) are averaging between 14 and 17MPG. Sienna drivers are in the mid to high twenties consistenty with a few in the 30's. You may want to look into the models with the power driver's seat as you can adjust the tilt of the seat to give a bit more support as well..
 
I hope this helps.
 
Ken

#2484 of 2995 Re: ques on gas/Sienna [toyotaken] by heywood1

May 24, 2005 (6:35 pm)

Replying to: toyotaken (May 24, 2005 3:11 pm)
near I think you're being more than a bit optimistic with your Sienna MPG ranges. I haven't read a single post that's anywhere near high 20's-- let alone anything that begins with a '3'.
 
That being said, highway mileage for a FWD Sienna should be in the low to mid 20's-- and that's a whole lot better than one can expect from a Sequoia.
 
My Sienna is AWD, and I get 20-21 MPG on the highway (probably better if I obeyed the speed limit), and about 17 MPG around town.

Messages Page 249 of 300

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