2008 Minivans - READ ONLY

Replying to: allez (Sep 09, 2007 4:03 am)

Quote:
"OCTANE RATING
 
Select Octane Rating 87 (Research Octane Number 91) or higher. For improved vehicle performance, use premium unleaded gasoline with an Octane Rating of 91 (Research Octane Number 96) or higher.
 
Use of unleaded gasoline with an octane rating or research octane number lower than stated above will cause persistent heavy knocking. If it is severe, this will lead to engine damage." (end of quote)
 
To Locate this information, look at the index at the back of the Sienna's Owner's Manual in the "F" section to locate "Fuel information" (page 510 of 2006 Sienna Owner's Manual).
 
I have used 85 octane (high altitude) most of the time except when driving below altitude 2,000 feet when I use 91 octane to bring average above 87...and then refill with 87. I have NEVER heard engine knock on my 2006 Sienna. Overall average is 24.8 MPG at 17,603 miles since purchase. Recent 215 mile round trip yielded 31.7 MPG ( 215.2 miles divided by 6.799 gallons. Filled at same pump before and after trip.)

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• hause7 (Sep 09, 2007 10:23 am)
  • hansienna (Sep 09, 2007 12:09 pm)
    • hause7 (Sep 09, 2007 1:29 pm)
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Replying to: hansienna (Sep 09, 2007 7:07 am)

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• hansienna (Sep 09, 2007 12:09 pm)
  • hause7 (Sep 09, 2007 1:29 pm)
  • allez (Sep 09, 2007 2:28 pm)
    • hansienna (Sep 09, 2007 3:36 pm)

Replying to: hause7 (Sep 09, 2007 10:23 am)

Another reason for me to be "LESS than pleased" with the purchase of a 2006 Sienna.
 
Could you quote the page number in the 2007 Sienna Owner's Manual where it says the engine uses regular with no disclaimer than better performance will not be achieved with premium fuel?

Replies to this message:
• hause7 (Sep 09, 2007 1:29 pm)
• allez (Sep 09, 2007 2:28 pm)
  • hansienna (Sep 09, 2007 3:36 pm)

Replying to: hansienna (Sep 09, 2007 12:09 pm)

Replying to: hansienna (Sep 09, 2007 12:09 pm)

Could you quote the page number in the 2007 Sienna Owner's Manual where it says the engine uses regular with no disclaimer than better performance will not be achieved with premium fuel?
 
Sure. Page 388.

Replies to this message:
• hansienna (Sep 09, 2007 3:36 pm)

Replying to: allez (Sep 09, 2007 2:28 pm)

THANKS...I will ask to see a copy of the 2007 Sienna Owner's Manual next time I get the oil and oil filter changed at my friendly Toyota dealership or send an e-mail to my friend who recently purchased a 2007 Sienna.

Replying to: dennisctc (Sep 07, 2007 1:10 pm)

If you haven't done so already, please post a service review! I'm sure your dealership would appreciate a rave review.
 
You can start here: http://www.edmunds.com/dealerships/drr/jump.html

I hate all the egg-shape minivan models, but the new 2008 square-jawed TC and DCX are appealing to me as a man. I demand driving comfort, versatility, value and a great warranty before I spend my money. I test drove a 2008 TC LX with option package 24H that includes most important features to me: Stow n Go, adjustable pedals, and cruise control. Total TC MSRP with these options is over $26K but dealer quoted me $25K for cash sale. 2008 DCX SXT is identical in price and features, but not yet at my dealer for test drive. He also quoted me $27K for TC Touring model which has all above plus power seats and doors, slightly better horsepower (197 HP compared to 175) and is wired for many options I don't need. I prefer manual doors and seats that don't wear out motors after 3-year warranty runs out, so TC LX is fine by me. On same day, I also test drove 2007 TC LX which offers nearly $5K cash discount down to $23K, and 2007 Odyssey LX, and 2007 Sedona EX, both in $25K cost range. Adjustable pedals are available only on TC and DCX minivans for under $30K, and Kia dealer can't find any 2007 Sedona with them in stock. I've read many reviews about "top rated" Odyssey and "best value" Sedona, so I wanted to compare 2008 TC to them. No need for me to test drive 2007 Sienna or 2007 Quest because I would never buy them based on their looks and high cost. A test drive in heavy NYC stop and go traffic is just a swing around the block at less than 30 mph, so this is just my impression of the cars as a typical consumer, not an expert. They all handled fine under these very limited conditions.
I did notice more acceleration power and stiffer steering in Odyssey, but TC LX was Ok too. I'm not a speeder and I don't haul heavy cargo up hills. What I didn't like about the other minivans were the clunky second row seats. I need to push my driver's seat full back and low and also tilt the steering wheel and adjust the pedals away to feel comfortable for long drives or I cramp up. Therefore, the second row seat behind me is useless for any adult passenger for lack of leg room. I would prefer to lower the second row into Stow n Go compartment and let passengers recline in third row seats with limitless legroom. Also, second row seats in other minivans are cumbersome and heavy to fold over and/or remove when I need maximum cargo space Stow N go provides. Some people fuss over the quality and layout of the interior. It's no big difference to me since I have no rowdy family to placate. All these minivans look and operate pretty much the same way and interior finishing details don't override far more important factors to me. The 2007 TC, even with a huge cash discount, was quoted only $2K less than new 2008 TC LX that I really prefer much more in styling. So I will buy a 2008 TC LX, or 2008 DCX SXT if I can bring the dealer down to a lower price than $25K, which is really pushing it on a brand new model, but it's a buyer's market. As for longterm TC reliability that everyone seems to question, my internet research shows that vaunted Japanese and German cars have as many recalls as Chrylser/Dodge over the years, and the Kia warranty is impossible to enforce unless you document all your routine maintenance, even oil changes, with your Kia dealer. Ridiculous! Google Kia complaints and other foreign auto makers to see for yourself. I think Kia and Hyundai will abandon the minivan market as many US auto companies already have. For me, 2008 TC is the right minivan at right price with right lifetime power train warranty. I think it's a keeper.

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• hansienna (Sep 10, 2007 7:38 pm)
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