1998 Toyota Sienna: Good, Bad?

We are considering purchasing one of these mini vans, and would appreciate any and all comments about them. We know absolutely nothing about them.

Before buyng any Toyota model year 1997 - 2002, I would get it checked for sludge. Serious problem with these engines. Do a Google.com websearch for Toyota Engine Sludge Problem and check out all the problems. A good resource before buying a new car or van is http://autos.msn.com. Check their reliability ratings. These come from independent mechanics who spend their days with their heads inside engine compartments, not some survey that can be trashed by Toyota employees giving "great" customer reviews. All the models covered under the Toyota engine sludge policy, including the 98 Sienna are rated as having significant engine problems.

Don't let that scare you though. Just do a history research, make sure whoever you are buynig it from can give you detailed maintenance records (Toyota will fix the engine for free only if you can prove maintenance). Don't buy one from someone who does their own oil changes, even though this may be better maintained, you have no documentation.

We are considering purchasing one of these mini vans, and would appreciate any and all comments about them. We know absolutely nothing about them.

We bought our 98 Sienna a couple years ago and I can't say enough about this car. It is by far the best vehicle we have ever owned. Ours now has 105,000 miles and runs just like new.