THE MOST RELIABLE USED MINIVAN FOR FAMILIES ON A TIGHT BUDGET

Cars are expensive. According to statistics, the average cost of a new vehicle in the United States is $47,010, while the average household cost is $80,610. The cost of purchasing and fully paying off a new vehicle is compounded when the average nuclear family needs something reliable to transport everyone from point A to point B.

Toyota

Toyota is a Japanese automaker founded in 1937 that has developed a reputation for reliability across a multitude of segments, from sports cars and family sedans to pickup trucks and off-roaders. Famous models from the brand include the Hilux, Land Cruiser, Camry, Crown, and Corolla, the latter being the world's best-selling vehicle nameplate, with more than 50 million Corolla-badged vehicles being sold since it was first introduced. Toyota typically competes in the mainstream market, but is also famous for launching Lexus as a luxury sub-brand to take on Mercedes-Benz.

However, there is a plethora of viable options on the used market. If you're looking for a minivan with a reputation for reliability won't break the bank, then there is no better choice than a Toyota Sienna.

We've selected an example of the Toyota Sienna from the mid-2000s with the best reliability scores, which was offered on the used market for less than $10,000.

One Of The Best Minivans Of The Last Two Decades

Engine

3.3L naturally aspirated V6

Horsepower

215 hp @ 5,600 rpm

Torque

222 lb-ft @ 3,600 rpm

Fuel tank

20 gallons

MPG (city/highway)

19/46

The Toyota Sienna is the second-oldest minivan moniker in the United States and, since its introduction, has garnered an excellent reputation, and is synonymous with the Toyota tradition of reliability, as long as you avoid the 2004 and 2007 model years, which aren't as good as the rest. Toyota produces the Toyota Sienna model mainly for the North American market and, in the last decade, has accumulated over one million sales. It was Toyota's Previa minivan and, for its first generation, was relatively the same size as the model it replaced, smaller than the models it competed against.

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However, its dimensions grew when Toyota introduced the second-generation Toyota Sienna in 2003. The model we've highlighted as a perfect option for those looking for a reliable used minivan to accommodate their family lifestyles is part of the second-generation Toyota Sienna's life cycle. For the 2006 model year, Toyota introduced a new front fascia, side molding, and lights alongside an expansion of the model's technological offerings, which included a power-folding third-row seat.

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The Toyota Sienna's cargo space and overall volume increased from the first to the second generation. 148.9 cubic feet of cargo volume is offered in the space behind the front row, which decreases to 94.5 cubic feet with the middle row in use. While these are respectable figures, they were smaller than what was offered in the Honda Odyssey. However, Sienna's appeal to the family lifestyle by way of the front row, side torso, and side curtains made it a standard feature for Sienna.

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It is important to note that while the 2006 model year is a reliable offering with a better reputation than some of the other model years, it is a vehicle that was produced more than a decade ago, with a significant number of miles clocked on most of the surviving examples, which would mean it's more than likely that this example will need some repairs and components to be replaced. Some of the common issues associated with this model year include:

  • Problem with the door mechanism in the electric sliding doors
  • The oxygen sensor might fail
  • An evaporative emission system fault can trigger the Check Engine light
  • Sludge buildup on the engine caused by infrequent oil changes

The Toyota Sienna doesn't have much that would cause worry when picking it up from the used market, but you can significantly improve your chances to get a sound one by making sure it's been maintained according to its maintenance schedule.

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The Used Market

While the example we've showcased in this article would be a fitting choice for a family seeking a reliable minivan, other examples of the 2006 Toyota Sienna available on the used market might be worth considering. Depending on the condition of the Toyota Sienna being sold, prices can vary between $3,000 and $8,000, depending on the trim level, the number of miles that specific example has, any damages, etc.

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The 2006 Toyota Sienna model range consisted of nine derivatives. The entry-level offering was the Toyota Sienna CE seven-seater, but there was also an eight-seater variant, although both were offered at an MSRP of around $26,000. The CE derivatives were surpassed by the seven and eight-seater LE trim levels. At the top of the model range was the Limited AWD derivative with a $38,080 MSRP, with a seven-seater XLE derivative positioned just below. Some of these trim levels can be found for a good price on the used market, but the ideal picks, like the Limited AWD, will fetch close to or over $10,000.

Other Model Years To Consider

This example of the 2006 Toyota Sienna is an option that would satisfy most, but other generations are worth considering. The Toyota Sienna range is not without its black sheep, but the model years that are worth looking at in the used market:

  • 2002: This model year has the highest safety rating of the first-generation Toyota Sienna, resulting from its use of side torso airbags and a Vehicle Stability Control system. Unlike the second-generation model we've covered, this generation has a 3.0-liter V6 engine, and the exterior is characterized by its two-tone colorway in some trim levels.
  • 2017 -2020: The Toyota Sienna has been through several recalls since the 2017 model year was introduced. However, the issues that affected previous model years, like the problems with the electric sliding doors that plagued the second generation, were fixed. This model year also featured a more modern 3.5-liter V6 engine with a higher output than the second generation and a better transmission.
  • 2021—present: The fourth generation of the Toyota Sienna was introduced in 2021 and, after decades of refinement, is one of the best minivans on the North American market. The latest offering is equipped with a suite of safety and driver-assistance systems, such as pre-collision warning, full-adaptive cruise control, road sign assistance, and more. Toyota also retired the V6 engine in favor of a hybrid powertrain consisting of a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated engine that offers a combined 35 MPG.
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Looking For A Sienna Rival?

What if the Toyota Sienna was not what someone would be interested in? Well, two worthy alternatives deserve some of the spotlight. These are the:

Honda Odyssey: This is one of Toyota Sienna's biggest competitors, offering an excellent formula for years now. An example from the 2006 Honda Odyssey model year would cost less than the Toyota Sienna. A newer model on the used market would be offered between $30,000 and $39,000 on average, while models from the early 2010s would teeter between $10,000 and $15,000.

Kia Sedona: The Kia Sedona was introduced to the North American market in 2002 and stayed in production until 2021. Kia would replace the Sedona minivan with the Kia Carnival model. More modern examples of the Kia Sedona are easy to come by on the used market for impressive prices, with some 2016 models being offered for less than $7,000.

Sources: RepairPal, Toyota, Cars.com, Honda, Kia, Statista.

2025-01-14T08:43:49Z