Toyota Sienna CE good entry model?

There is a good deal at my local Toyota dealer on the entry level 2005 Toyota Sienna CE. Is it a good entry model? Or should pay a couple thousand extra for the next level? I am not into power everything. A friend told me to skip the Toyota Sienna CE, and pay a couple extra thousand and get a 2005 Honda Odyssey LX. But again, I am going a bit beyond my budget. Any comments appreciated on the entry level Sienna.

Reply to
snow
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When it comes to cars and trucks we all go a bit crazy at times, but remember you go around only once. When it's over it's over......

You'll get plenty of stuff on a CE. I'm not a gadget person either and when I bought my LE with a power side door option off of the dealers lot I thought it is something I don't need, but it came with the vehicle. Now after over a year and a half of using the power sliding door I would not be without one. They are so handy when you have your hands full of lumber or anything and to have the side door already open when you get to unload is great especially in the winter. I'd go for a LE but not further. However the CE will get you a fine vehicle anyway you look at it.

I've never owned a Honda ody, but I'm told the ride is a bit more sporty, LOL. I myself like a more refined ride and I don't want to feel every crack in the road. The Sienna has a very nice ride. You might want to check out the Sienna club, do a google, lots of good info on the Sienna there. Also if you're interested in the Honda Ody there is the Ody club, do another google. Both are fine vehicles.

Treat your family to a new Sienna.

Good luck

Reply to
Dbu~^

I have a 1998 Sienna and one of my co-workers, upon my recommendation purchased a new 2004 Sienna. Some days after his Sienna problems he barely speaks to me. I am not real happy with my 1998. The body Integrity is really bad. It's our road car and only has 29,000 miles...but squeaks and groans in town. Even though I have changed the oil every 3,000 miles I worry about the infamous Toyota sludge problem!

I'd buy the Honda!

Reply to
Jim Simonin

In that case I'd buy a Honda. Good luck.

Reply to
Dbu~^

Did you buy the 1998 Sienna new? We have a 199 and it is great! If the body seems to have problems and it is used, I might suspect it was in an accident. If it is new, you might have gotten a lemon. More details on the noises and symptoms would help. Don't worry about the sludge problem if you change the oil every three thousand miles. I still have a 1982 car that is running strong with no engine work - oil changes every 5,000 miles.

As for recommending a 2004 Sienna based on you 1998 model . . . They changed the body and engine/transmisson, so your Sienna is different from your co-worker. You did not describe your co-worker's problems, but it sound like you got the better vehicle.

Back to the original post. We got the base model Sienna and we are happy. It is your money and your decision. People will say the LE will have better resale value, but are you thinking about resale or do you run your vehicles until they die? We did not let re-sale enter the decision because we run out cars into the ground.

My wife wishes she got the sun roof, but that can be a double edged sword. I had a Camry with a sun roof and a tree fell on it. The car was totaled because the cost of the sun roof repair was included. I asked if they could replace the roof with a plain roof and the insurance company said no. The doors opened and closed, all of the power items worked, except for the sun roof and it was drive able. It was also the last of the V6 Camry with a manual transmission. The sun roof added $800 to the value of the car, but over $2,500 in repair cost (according to the insurance company). So, do you really want a sun roof???

Reply to
ma_twain

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