Why the 1999 Toyota Sienna XLE reminds me of the good old days..

$1,750 Toyota Sienna LE

[@TheSonicSegaNerd]

I'm still driving my 1998 Sienna with just shy of 250k miles. My parents bought it used in 2001 with 60,000 miles on it when I was 3 years old. The car runs flawlessly, and I've taken such obsessive care of it that it shows almost no signs of aging. The same car that drove me to preschool, is driving me to university for my master's degree.

[@guys_garage]

What are the nice things about driving an older car in California is the vehicle registration tax is a lot lower

[@TheSonicSegaNerd]

@@guys_garage Yep, the vehicle registration is a lot lower, but what I enjoy most is just the comfort. Something about 80s/90s cars just feels right haha

[@metubeslave]

@@guys_garage the registration on my 99 sienna used to go down every year but suddenly from around 2015 it started going up

[@Snail_Shell]

I have this van. 1999, green. Just packed to the brim and hauling 2 bikes for over 1800km during a winter storm without a problem. Good van. Changing the spark plugs on these is not easy.

[@meskobe]

Just picked up a one-owner 2002 Sienna with 240K miles for $1700! Super stoked that a vehicle this old has a power sliding door that works!! 🙌🏼

[@junbox618]

These 1st gen siennas are among the best buys on the planet. Can fit in tight spaces and roomy for 6. Want one

[@gregorysmith1134]

The 3 liter Sienna has a water hose that runs underneath the lower intake manifold, connecting the radiator filler neck with the thermostat housing and beyond. This hose should be replaced every 75,000 to 100,000 miles. When the times comes, this hose will rupture. Most owners don't even know it is there.

[@eliash3990]

Hi , do you happen to know the toyota part number for this hose ?

[@gregorysmith1134]

No I don't know the parts number, but just explain to the parts store what you're looking for and where it is located. They will be able to pull a picture of it up on their computer.

[@ThaiNguyen-zo1eo]

I just purchased my 1999 Sienna XLE with 177,000 miles for $3500 I will be turning it into my Huntington Beach weekend surf wagon. Since I stored my surfboard inside my vehicle I was very specific in buying an XLE because of the sunroof feature that allows cool air to enter my vehicle to prevent the surf wax from melting. Also, I like to take periodic day naps in my XLE, and having a sunroof is great when I roll all my car windows up.

[@guys_garage]

runroof is legit

[@vwbug1975]

I love my 1999 Sienna with almost 250K miles. Updated the headlights, front corner lights, grille, and tail lights to the 2003 style. Also did custom plastic welding to move the radio location from down low to up top, and it now h as a 10 inch Android touch screen with navigation, backup camera, voice activation, streaming music apps, and emulator video games. It now also has a 10 inch powered subwoofer hidden under the driver seat. ... However, everyone always forgets the old rear-engine, air-cooled VW Bus as the first minivan.

[@guys_garage]

wow, what kind of maintenance on the engine have you done?

[@vwbug1975]

​@@guys_garageOil & filter changes, new strut assemblies, sway bar links, ball joints, new rear shocks, inner and outer tie rods/ends, new alternator, new CV axles, belts, new radiator, polished the exhaust manifold heat shield and used high temp clear coat, new exhaust from the manifold back, new 5 spike wheels, new Orion component speakers all around with an amp under the passenger seat for them, front and rear dashcams, LED bulbs all around, and I'm about to replace the power steering rack.

[@metubeslave]

The vw's used to break down a lot and Japan has very old vans too, dated before vw's, and motor homes too, with mini fridges, double sunroof, mid body engine and battery, and they would run over 400k miles

[@slacker_DIY]

For those trying to find out how many miles this has, it has 176,000. For $1750 it's a good price. You can find a body shop to pull out the dent, but it won't look perfect. If you are going to leave it the way it is, at least paint the metal so it doesn't rust.

[@knightmareking1342]

I just bought mine today a beautiful burgundy 01 XLE the pwr door doesn't work but it's okay for 2k I'm happy I do have to replace the passenger door and fender and mirror since it's dented but it's fine it'll look nice! Works perfectly well real silent and fast but the 2nd row seats have to go and maybe 1 rear seat

[@1usArmySniper]

You're mostly right. The Sienna (and Avalon) is based primarily on the Camry chassis.

[@damilolaakanni]

The Sienna was Toyota's third attempt to respond to the Chrysler minivans. They had the Toyota Van in the 80's, and the Previa in the 90's, both of which were mid engined and as a result couldn't fit a V6 like the Chrysler vans had. Eventually Toyota knew they had to come up with a completely different design to compete better with the American minivans, so they came out with this in late 1997. As for this being based on the Avalon, you're technically correct, as the Avalon was based on the Camry platform. However, the 3.0 V6 came directly from the Camry. The Avalon had that engine tuned for a bit more power (about 200).

[@jamesjames7889]

I love my 1999 Toyota Sienna 160k miles, AC and heater work great !!

[@guys_garage]

Right on

[@RobertoLake]

Who's have in 24

[@daveomoruyi4716]

Sienna is beautiful. Unfortunately, I am in Nigeria. Importing it will cost a fortune. Nice walk around.

[@ytpremium7649]

There's one on Craigslist right now with 50k miles for $11,000

[@guys_garage]

😲

[@Lilchris1678]

I already have one the newer one but the old version of the sienna reminds me of the Toyota Previa

[@victormathias2430]

I would love to buy one

[@jjhart59]

Love my 1998 Yoda bulletproof!

[@gcam12000]

IMHO I will not trade it in coming from a 99 XLE van owner. Mine has 120k runs like a champ the engine is non vvt-I 1mz-fe built like a tank no problem, never had a check engine. I notice that the driver seat has tear no worse than mine. My wife will never trade it in even with Highlander. I’m gonna refresh it with another 3k call it a day, everything about that van compare to the new one screams value. Since 99 the major components I did was radiator, cv axle, timing belt, alternator, starter,shocks and struts. For an insane money they want for a new one to me is stupid but then that’s your call. One caution though is that the engine was involved in a class action by owners back then for oil sludge but later turned out that owners are not changing their oil regularly always do 5000 miles/6 months whichever comes first. I’m planning on driving our van across the US next year when I retire. My relatives wanted to buy it from me I always refer them to my wife and she always says no. Good luck.

[@vj9988]

Just picked up an 01 LE with 85k miles. Super stoked. Gonna be a perfect beater/commuter/hauler/camper. I will take good care of it and be diligent about maintenance, it will last me a long, long time.

[@guys_garage]

Right on!

[@CanadianMapleleaf]

Love my 98

[@guys_garage]

When did you buy it?

[@cuddlesanddaisy]

I also love my 98. Comfortable and reliable. 182k miles.

[@lanesaarloos281]

Got a 02 Sienna Symphony 130000 miles recently from a estate sale. Perfect condtion. Great sound system. Mechanic says its built like brick outhouse. I have a Adventure van now in addition to a BMW Adventure bike.

[@guys_garage]

One thing I really didn’t consider when buying a new Toyota sienna was the registration fees in California. We pay like $450 every year! I heard Oregon does every two years and it’s like 100 something dollars

[@greatdaneacdc]

Sienna ❤

[@outoftime788]

awsum. but one thing id b concerned with is the timing belt. 2007 n up hav timing chain. i hav an 09 its the best lol. only probs i had was the alternator died last yr n changed spark plugs

[@guys_garage]

good call

[@jaredbryant8297]

1998 - 2000 have non interference engines. Interestingly, the VVT engines on the 2001 to 2003 are interference engines

[@outoftime788]

@@jaredbryant8297 wats non interference? the engine wont get damaged if the belt breaks?

[@MrTarzan2day]

I bought a 02 from my neighbor for $1000. 251k still running strong.😊

[@guys_garage]

woww

[@andrewjunk687]

also! its a non interference engine. So if the timing belt breaks, just slap a new one on, get it in time and your good to go!! no engine failure :-). Best van ever hands down.

[@andrewjunk687]

when it comes to rugged reliability for a decent price ... anyway... lol

[@guys_garage]

Thanks for the tip! I might get another one because I already sold this one

[@cuddlesanddaisy]

One reason I bought my 98.

[@OE-jy6yt]

Is the 2002 non interference engine as well?

[@andrewjunk687]

@@OE-jy6yt all 1MZ-FE engines are Non interference. All 1st gen Siennas have the 1MZFE engine. 1st gen siennas range from 1998-2003. Your 2002 Sienna is not a Interference engine. However you should be more worried about oil gelling. Make sure you change oil periodically every 3-5000 miles. If you ever floor the van at all and reach consitant high rpms, change the oil every 3k miles. Also, it is imperative that you ONLY use synthetic oil. ILSAC GL6A approved oil ONLY. This is pretty much all synthetic oils. you can check on the back of the bottle for the ILSAC GL6A badge. Synthetic blend, conventional, and high mileage oils do not go through the same strenuous test as the synthetic oils with GL6A badge. Meaning they are QUITE INFERIOR.

[@user-qn4fy3no1b]

Keep the old school

[@guys_garage]

i wish i would have! I bought a brand new 2023 Toyota sienna and I pay about $450 a year in registration fees out here in California. The newer, the car, the more the fee.

[@greatdaneacdc]

I want to lift my first gen Sienna any ideas what works thanks

[@guys_garage]

Not sure. sounds like a project!

[@jD-ny1ln]

Hello i have a 1999 toyota sienna. I had a question is the 3rd row seat removable?

[@guys_garage]

I think so

[@OE-jy6yt]

i need to recharge the AC on my 2002 smh anyone know where the fuses for the ac are on a 2002 sienna?

[@guys_garage]

There’s two different fuse boxes. There’s one under the hood and there’s one under the dash.

[@OE-jy6yt]

@@guys_garage i saw the one under the hood i will check and see where the one inside is…i am also trying to find where i can hook up the ac refill bottle to make my AC blow colder again

[@nayumeponferrada7403]

How much is the mileage when you got it

[@guys_garage]

140,000 i think. Then i sold it a year later for the same price i got it for!

[@bigstillow91]

I wonder if there wheelchair friendly

[@1usArmySniper]

They definitely can be. The problem you'll have with 1st gen Siennas ('98-'03) might be headroom, if your in a chair, as they're a bit smaller than most vans of the era. That said, they're probably the most dependable of all Siennas. If you can spring for a newer one, hold out for a 2009-'17 or so. Anything after '03 is significantly larger. Avoid 'the '04-08 like the plague!

[@Network126]

​@1usArmySniper I might buy a 1998

[@tonylinh3791]

Pdr the qtr

[@victormathias2430]

Is it for sale?

[@guys_garage]

not anymore!

[@metubeslave]

...try to keep this van, i got the feeling that the new siennas, besides being extra ugly, are never going to be like they used to....

[@guys_garage]

I really regret selling this

[@1usArmySniper]

Newer ones are very problematic. I have a '00 and a '23. The '23 is always @ the stealership, plus it cost me almost $50k.

[@metubeslave]

@@1usArmySniper the newer Toyotas are not japanese anymore, they break down, burn more gas, are less practical, cost much more and they getting uglier by the year

[@1usArmySniper]

@@metubeslave The Gen 1 Siennas weren't built in Japan either. They were built in Georgetown, Kentucky. All subsequent years/generations ('04-current) are built in Princeton, Indiana. Model Year 2021 was the first time the Sienna was ever made in the US and outside the US and Canada. Now also made in Taiwan and available in Mexico (built? Dunno).

[@metubeslave]

japanese designed, assembled all over, like ford made in mexico...previous toyota vans, before siennas, will last forever... @@1usArmySniper

[@MichaelTule-em7vp]

cuman allredy angelo dicaprio

[@enriqueb4412]

Good luck with that $60 EBay Radiator. 😂

[@guys_garage]

it actually worked really well

[@colinj2908]

Great van Looking at buying a similar one. Hope you move out of California! 😂 Joke

[@guys_garage]

I know there are so many negatives, but there are some positives living in California

[@colinj2908]

@@guys_garage I live in British Columbia, The California of Canada lol

[@C3LM4RFG]

You should buy a fm transmitter, fix the dent (Mickey's style), discard the 500$ deposit and you would have one of the best cars. You already have children and a mate, why would you want a nice looking car? :p

[@guys_garage]

i regret sellllling :(