2008 Toyota Sienna XLE Limited 3.5 from Lithuania

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

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.

In reply to 30th Sep 2013, 15:25

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.

In reply to 10th Nov 2017, 07:34

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.

2008 Toyota Sienna XLE FWD 3.5V6 from North America

Summary:

Great family and kiddie taxi!!

Faults:

Was recently inspected, and trouble free.

General Comments:

Oh my gosh. Where do we begin with saying about this vehicle? Compared to our troublesome 2004 Chevrolet Venture that we had, this Sienna is fabulous!! Our Sienna is silver shadow with grey leather interior.

When we bought it back in April of 2008, we were ever so glad to drive something so safe for our kids. The interior of this Sienna is remarkable!! Every surface that you touch has that upscale quality feel to it that you would expect from Toyota. The seats are so comfortable. Ours has the sunroof and entertainment system in it. The cargo area is tremendous!! It puts our Venture to shame!

This Sienna rides absolutely beautifully on the highway. And it is pretty quiet, too. It is very quick as well. Sometimes it does not feel like it is going as fast as you think it is.

We do have to say this about this vehicle. We absolutely adore it!! Our 3 kids absolutely love it, too, and so does our 5 year old beagle. A few our neighbors also have one of these, and they love theirs as well.

We strongly recommend this vehicle!! If you are looking for a safe, quick, very reliable, and long lasting minivan, you truly have to take a look at one of these. They are great family minivans, great kiddie minivans. Perfect for family road trips, too.

We love it to death!!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 1st August, 2010