2008 Toyota Sienna XLE Limited 3.5
Summary:
Highly recommended
Faults:
Trouble free.
General Comments:
The most comfortable, versatile vehicle I have owned.
The "Limited" is loaded with options. JBL Synthesis stereo leaves little to be desired.
Heat reflecting glass - a must option.
Great turning radius.
Engine is like F1; burns tires easily.
Automatic climate control is the only problematic item, it does whatever it wants, not you.
Noticed, that on colder days (below 15C) it gets worse gas mileage. Replacing the thermostat did not solve the issue. When warm at 100km/h, sometimes get 7.8 L/100km.
Comparing to my BMW 330, whose craftsmanship is top notch, the Sienna sports a lesser quality interior. I had to smooth out stitches on the leather steering wheel, as they were cutting into the fingers.
Otherwise, the Sienna is awesome.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 29th March, 2011
14th Jun 2016, 20:53
After 65.000 miles.
Kid was able to shift out of Parking, while the vehicle was off. It rolled downhill and squeezed a person between two cars, damaging a knee.
Shift out of Parking was repeated few times. There is a recall. Hope Toyota will handle despite the fact that the vehicle is from the USA.
10th Nov 2017, 07:34
WARNING!
At 75,000 miles. Engines external oil pipe with rubber insert feeding VVT-i system sprung a pin hole leak. Oil trail all over the city, noticed it just before the final drops.
3.5L (2GR-FE) engines have external pressured oil pipes with rubber inserts and they all seem to develop sudden leaks while you drive (check the web). This is a major design FAIL on Toyota's part.
Replace it ASAP, or you will lose an engine!!!
There is a recall/extended 10 year warranty on the issue. My local dealer went hysterical trying to get rid of me. If the engine failed he would be stuck for another 6-9 months waiting for reply from Toyota's EU headquarters.
It took 9 months to get approval for a parking lever solenoid replacement under recall.
I had to pay 350€ to have the pipe replaced. Dealer installed another OEM part with the same rubber insert, while aftermarket is offering a full metal replacement.
14th Oct 2021, 11:08
Any updates?
I’m hunting for a Sienna, mainly looking for the cam chain version, but also considering the 06 3.3. I see loads of those with huge mileage.
30th Sep 2013, 15:25
4 years and 45,000 miles later:
Rear brake caliper was jamming due to rust buildup in the cylinder - bought an OEM repair kit; reassembly and cleaning was required.
Front oxygen sensor died - sourced as original from Denso, but updated part number. It's half the Toyota's 300 Eur price.
Automatic sliding door cables jammed. Gave up trying to repair it. Cut the cables, and the doors are now manual. It seems that all Siennas have the same door cable problem.
Still enjoying it.