Debating between Tacoma and Sienna...

[myke]

Two totally different vehicles I know... I'm probably the only one to ever walk into a dealership and say I want to check out Siennas and Tacomas...

The Tacoma would be a 4x4, 4-cyl., manual, with a cap; with the Sienna I would completely remove all the rear seats to maximize the space.

Price is comparable (great resale values as well).

MPGs are comparable, but the Sienna would do better on the highway.

Cargo space is somewhat comparable; Sienna would be a bit longer, Tacoma might a be a slight bit wider; headroom in each would be close, Sienna might have slightly more. Still not sure which would have more overall space.

Stealth for each is probably similar as well, mediocre for each I would say.

Big plus for the Sienna would be interior access, big plus for the Tacoma would be the 4wd.

Any thoughts or things I am missing?

 

[highdesertranger]

do you plan on using the 4wd? if so I don't think there is any question. highdesertranger

 

[c_hasbeen]

we have a sienna it is a 2004 year it has had a lot of maintenance and repair over the years to keep it on the road, but we do really like the space and the power it has, it is not to bad on fuel either. it is front wheel drive which is just about as good as 4x4 if you do not need the additional ground clearance.
personally if the road is bad I choose to wait till it clears up.

our van has been off road into places at different lakes and camping locations that you would not expect.

My wife used to have a Honda odasy before this one, and it was the best thing in the mud, she went to town in that thing when the school bus would not even come down the road.

good luck

 

[akrvbob]

The only reason I would chose the Tacoma is off-road ability. If that's not that big a deal, I'd get the van
Bob

 

[masterplumber]

Like Bob said, off road, or more correctly, extremely rough road ability. That's very important to me, and probably the only reason I don't have a van. I think a van, even a small one, makes a better living space, but unless you spend a lot to convert one to 4 wheel drive, they just can't go some of the places I like to go. Every vehicle is a compromise of competing strengths and weaknesses. The key is to know what your highest priorities are, and purchase accordingly.

 

[idn88]

Your not the only one that has such varying tastes, I am the same way.

However I don't think anyone can answer the question for you. There both very good choices, for very different reasons.

 

[Belinda2]

I guess it would depend on the environment that you would be in, so you could maximally blend in.
Soccer mom, schools, groceries, urban, and places with children?
vs.
more industrial areas, job sites, or remote areas where people use 4 X 4's

 

[akrvbob]

Take a look at the variety of shells you can put on a Tacoma. If it were me, no doubt I would get the Tacoma and one of these shells.

http://belairshells.com/wood-n-alum

 

[myke]

Take a look at the variety of shells you can put on a Tacoma. If it were me, no doubt I would get the Tacoma and one of these shells.

http://belairshells.com/wood-n-alum

Thanks! Those do look great... I had found them too and emailed them but never heard back. I'm not near CA so I'm thinking getting one would be difficult.

There are several on there that look really good...

 

[GotSmart]

Sorry, but every time I see this I think of the choice between the Olympic Peninsula vs the Tuscany Valley.   :s