Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
We're looking for a 2nd car, a pre-owned van from 2014/15/16, and we just test drove a 2014 Sienna XLE/Limited. Wow! I'm a little apprehensive, because I liked it sooo much! It checked all the points on our list, and it handled beautifully. So I'm asking for a reality check!
It has great features, in addition to good handling and reliability: moon roof, rear window screens, lots of cargo space when the 3rd row seats are folded down, 2nd row seats are removable (although we may never actually use that feature), backseat has climate control, and apparently contrary to the 2013 model it comes with a spare tire; it has a roomy console, room for a purse in front of the console (!), lots of extra spaces for do-dads, tons of cup holders, USB post is easily accessible (try to access the USB port in the 2015 Forester--your fingers will be tied in knots for days!), side mirrors are placed right (as opposed to the Rogue. Don't get me started on that!). It just seems very well designed. It has FWD, but our Forester already has AWD and we only need one vehicle with that feature.
Am I missing something? I'm used to driving a CRV and the Forester, not a van, but it didn't feel uncomfortable in any way, and I'm not a big person. It will not be my primary car, but I will be driving it from time to time. Does anyone have a 2014 Sienna and wish they'd gotten an Odyssey or another type of van, or another roomy vehicle? Autotrader gives it high marks, but the Odyssey gets slightly better reviews.
On the downside it is under an open recall, apparently that sliding door lock issue. But that seems to be an easy fix, by any Toyota service department.
SoCal and Idaho. I thought it was only the AWD that eats tires. The tire issue could be important, because we drive back and forth on a regular basis, 1300 miles each way.
Thanks! We pulled the trigger on the XLE 2014. A great ride at a great price, super comfortable, FWD. Gas mileage seems to be lower than expected, though. We test drove an Odyssey 2015, and it felt more sloppy on the road than the Sienna. We hope we made the right decision! Two years ago I spent 3 months researching SUVs and ended up with a new Forester. Major buyer's remorse, as some of you may have read about in the Subaru forum. It's not a bad car, but it has quirks... I may be trading it in for a Rav4 or a Highlander next year.
Thanks again for the input.
Please register to post and access all features of our very popular forum. It is free and quick. Over $68,000 in prizes has already been given out to active posters on our forum. Additional giveaways are planned.
Detailed information about all U.S. cities, counties, and zip codes on our site: City-data.com.
Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
