A Friend's Grandparents Are Selling Their Van

[BigGirlLilVan]

My friend knows I'm looking for a van and she said her grandparents are looking to sell their van... It's coincidentally a van I've been looking for... Does this sounds like a good deal?

"2006 Toyota Sienna
Silver
About 140k miles
Everything is good on it and it's in good condition. The only thing it needs is a power steering rack and a tune up. It's $1,200 of work that my uncle was going to do at Toyota, but my nana and papa just want to get this of it as it's just sitting.

$2,500 obo

My mom said they can get all the work done for you before you pick it up and you can just pay them back"

Any feedback is appreciated!

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[John61CT]

If you would be buying a Sienna anyway, go fo it.

But do have it well checked out by your own mechanic before you commit, maybe $100 or two.

Confirm the timing belt has been done, how many miles ago.

Rust? Emissions?

 

[Doubleone]

Well, if you're asking for opinions there are some very positive things here that make it worth serious consideration.  First, it's a Toyota and they are very reliable.  I'm a former ASE master auto technician and I own mostly Toyotas.  If the owners are older folks, they generally take good care of their cars.  It's also relatives of your friend, and they will likely tell you the truth about the history of the van.  Knowing the history is a big plus.  $2500 seems like a really good price for a 2006.  I'd shop prices at independent mechanics and get the work done for much less than the dealer.  Rack and pinion is a fairly easy swap and rebuilt racks are plentiful ($180-240 Amazon).   It would need a couple hours labor (at $60-80/hr) and an alignment after the rack is installed.  I'd guesstimate about $200-240ish for labor with alignment would be reasonable. 140K miles isn't bad at all.  I'd make sure to change the transmission fluid if it hasn't been done recently, also have the brakes checked, and check if the coolant is fresh to avoid future problems.  Tune up can likely wait unless it's running poorly, because they come with long life spark plugs. If the van isn't all torn up, smoked in, flood damaged, or pet damaged, it seems like it could be a real good deal.  Let us know how it turns out and post some pics if you get it... :shy:

 

[BigGirlLilVan]

Thanks for the opinions! I am going to go check it out in the coming weeks. I'll keep everyone posted!

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[BigGirlLilVan]

So I just got some pictures of the van. It looks pretty decent besides some dents on the back (see pics). Overall, I think it could be a good deal.

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[John61CT]

Yep looks good.

But focus on the mechanicals, if you have expensive fixes required soon (before any big trips) you want to at least know about them before committing.

Road chemical in some places can destroy underbody suspension long before the drivetrain has issues.

Etc

 

[bonvanroulez]

It seems odd that somebody's grandparents would replace the stock wheels and tires on a Sienna with the "tuner" or "ricer" rims and undersize tires shown in the picture. Rims like that are usually seen on Honda Civic street racers.

Google images:  tuner rims

 

[highdesertranger]

yeah I am no fan of those universal fit all rims and low profile tires. if it were me both of those would have to go. highdesertranger

 

[BigGirlLilVan]

It seems odd that somebody's grandparents would replace the stock wheels and tires on a Sienna with the "tuner" or "ricer" rims and undersize tires shown in the picture.

I don't think they were the original owners LOL I don't mind replacing them.

I also want to say that I am grateful for this platform because I would have not even thought about something like that

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[BigGirlLilVan]

yeah I am no fan of those universal fit all rims and low profile tires. if it were me both of those would have to go. highdesertranger

I don't mind replacing them eventually. As long as they work for now, right?

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[Firtree]

Need to check weight limits on those wheels/rims and tires. You plan to live in this and carry weight at all times. These rims and tires may not be up to your needs. Buying new rims and proper tires could be a huge cost, yet not having the proper rims and tires could be dangerous driving.

 

[Doubleone]

From the pics it looks pretty decent. You might check if that little love tap in the back causes the door gasket to leak air. I echo the others on those rims, the look kinda sketch. Interior looks good, nothing that some deep cleaning can't handle. Good luck!