sienna's without kids???

My buddy just bought a sienna SE the other day and he is single with no kids.......



It baffled me why he would do this, and he said so he can haul around his bikes, dog, and anything else he needs to move. I said why not get a truck or SUV but he said he likes the drive of a minivan. He is 26 and I think he will remain single for awhile now (unless he finds a cougar with some kids to date)



Which brings me to my question...... How many people on here own a sienna and have no kids?? why did you choose a van over something else?

Reply 1 : sienna's without kids???

My first 'car' was an 88 dodge caravan, I was 17, used it for moving for school, odd jobs like landscaping / snow removal with a blower and shovels, etc.



The main plus is that the the things you haul, like bikes and tools are hidden from view, and kept out of the weather.



Low operating costs also, easy to fix, insurance?

Reply 2 : sienna's without kids???

My wife and I have a 2011 Sienna LE AWD and have no children in the house.



We haul road and mountain bikes in the back, kayaks on top, and still have plenty of room left for camping gear. The new sliding/folding second row seats allow for quick changes from gear hauler to people mover. Our third row seat hasn't seen the light of day since we purchased the van.



I think Toyota greatly underestimates the number of Sienna owners who use the van for activities other than hauling the kids around.



With all the usable space and available all wheel drive, give me the Sienna anytime over the SUV's available today.

Reply 3 : sienna's without kids???

We are over 70 and just bought a sienna 2011, xle so my husband can haul his mobility scooter around with remote lift, etc. You know we love it already - remote doors, nice ride, xm radio, those lounge seats, etc. Easy for us seniors to drive, see (love that camera) and the AWD sill be wonderful here in the snow later on. Only problem I have is getting in as my knees are not that great and I am 5 ft. but the handle inside makes it ok. I slide right out!

Reply 4 : sienna's without kids???

Quote:

Originally Posted by S-works I think Toyota greatly underestimates the number of Sienna owners who use the van for activities other than hauling the kids around.

Hmmm, I'd be pretty curious on the numbers. I think minivans are the right vehicle for many people, but most people without kids opt for small SUVs or sportwagons. Having had a minivan, I now realize their inherent usefulness, but if I never had kids, I'm pretty sure I'd have stuck to sportwagons and the like.

Reply 5 : sienna's without kids???

Quote:

Originally Posted by randomone Hmmm, I'd be pretty curious on the numbers. I think minivans are the right vehicle for many people, but most people without kids opt for small SUVs or sportwagons. Having had a minivan, I now realize their inherent usefulness, but if I never had kids, I'm pretty sure I'd have stuck to sportwagons and the like.

thats what I was thinking. Our other car is a passat wagon TDi and it has plenty of room to haul stuff in. And you can't beat the fuel economy of the diesel! ($60CAD for 1100km city and 1300km hwy). Don't get me wrong, now that we have the sienna I wouldn't trade it for any truck or SUV out there.......but I have 3 kids.....I always assumed like randomone, most ppl without kids wouldnt look at a minivan.

Reply 6 : sienna's without kids???

I only have 1 kid and got the Sienna SE, its a lot of car for the money, and its probably cheaper to maintain than a truck or SUV in a long run.

Reply 7 : sienna's without kids???

I think the Sienna and Odyssey both have a number of buyers that don't fit the "young family with kids" mold. I see a lot of older folks driving them.



Some people just buy what they like regardless of that others might think. I like that myself.

Reply 8 : sienna's without kids???

http://www.wald.co.jp/english/catalo..._bb/v20bb.html



Wald is a company that customize cards, the vellfire is made by the Toyota Japan, sorta like the SE of the sienna, the vellfire is a more sporty looking alphard (luxury minivan)



judging from the modification potential, I don't imagine the people who buys the vellfire or that particular modification kit had the intention of hauling kids around, maybe making babies inside the van but definitely not just for transporting kids.



this is the stock version for comparison http://toyota.jp/vellfire/index.html

even at stock level it is like a limited and SE had a baby together, its goodness

Reply 9 : sienna's without kids???

Wow, those are nice! I really wish we could buy any worldwide vehicle for easy import. Europe has always had a better variety of sedan and compact options, and Japan has all kinds of random cool shit.

Reply 10 : sienna's without kids???

If you need the most room, a minivan will beat any SUV of the same size, such as Tahoe, Expedition or Sequoia and get better MPG.

Reply 11 : sienna's without kids???

I totally agree about the convenience of the minivan outweighing the "utility" over an suv. This is why I would not go back to an suv. I had a lexus GX before, and with the 3rd seat down, storage is pathetic.

To get about the same storage space, you would need a suburban or expeditions.

I was one of those that "will never ever get a minivan" b/c it is not "cool"

but now a convert



NO OFFENSE to anyone with SUV: Unless people who are actually going to go offroading or towing something heavy, suvs are just status symbols and mall cruiser

Quote:

Originally Posted by WISHYWASHY http://www.wald.co.jp/english/catalo..._bb/v20bb.html Wald is a company that customize cards, the vellfire is made by the Toyota Japan, sorta like the SE of the sienna, the vellfire is a more sporty looking alphard (luxury minivan) judging from the modification potential, I don't imagine the people who buys the vellfire or that particular modification kit had the intention of hauling kids around, maybe making babies inside the van but definitely not just for transporting kids. this is the stock version for comparison http://toyota.jp/vellfire/index.html even at stock level it is like a limited and SE had a baby together, its goodness

unfortunately, modding the minivan (esp. siennas) in the US isn't as big as Japan (the origin).

Only the Previa (Estima in Japan) and the odyssey has been modded here in the US due to the aftermarket support in Japan.



This is why I wanted the SE (not xle or limited), since it came with a body kit already

(I can always add leather, nav, or the 2nd row captains chair later on to my likings)



Now, I'm on the hunt for some wheels.



For those who are adventurous:



http://vipstylecars.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=19

Reply 12 : sienna's without kids???

This all boils down to buying what like that fits needs. So many people buy something based on what they think others will think but are never really happy because they didn't buy what they really wanted.



Then you have the crowd that buys one thing and talks bad about anybody who doesn't do exactly as they do. We have a few of those of those site too.



I just buy what I want. You should too!

Reply 13 : sienna's without kids???

Quote:

Originally Posted by gs3tek I totally agree about the convenience of the minivan outweighing the "utility" over an suv. This is why I would not go back to an suv. I had a lexus GX before, and with the 3rd seat down, storage is pathetic. To get about the same storage space, you would need a suburban or expeditions. I was one of those that "will never ever get a minivan" b/c it is not "cool" but now a convert NO OFFENSE to anyone with SUV: Unless people who are actually going to go offroading or towing something heavy, suvs are just status symbols and mall cruiser unfortunately, modding the minivan (esp. siennas) in the US isn't as big as Japan (the origin). Only the Previa (Estima in Japan) and the odyssey has been modded here in the US due to the aftermarket support in Japan. This is why I wanted the SE (not xle or limited), since it came with a body kit already (I can always add leather, nav, or the 2nd row captains chair later on to my likings) Now, I'm on the hunt for some wheels. For those who are adventurous: http://vipstylecars.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=19

http://www.el-dorado.jp/collection/c...ype/index.html

http://www.el-dorado.jp/collection/c...ire/index.html



the looks on these vans are amazing, too bad it is not practical for the north east weather with a body kit that low



i think for the moment i am planning to stick to the stock rims for now, will spend the money on a set of nice winter tires first before I move on to 20's

Reply 14 : sienna's without kids???

I'm married, no kids. My 2011 Sienna is my work truck. I got it home, and ripped the rear seats right out, put a hitch in the rear, and put seat covers over the front's so that i won't trash them with my work clothes. I turned off the automatic rear doors, so that I can whip 'em open quick, toss my tools in, slam 'em shut, and be on my way.

I looked at large vans, but they're too big, no rear driver's side door, probably get crappy milage, and are probably quite uncomfortable compared to the sienna, I'll bet. Personally, I just don't get pickup trucks! why haul your stuff OUTSIDE?? I can get full sheets of plywood, drywall, etc. in it, and CLOSE THE DOOR. Refrigerators? stoves? No problem, laid on their backs. A heck of alot easier loading too, I'll bet! Vinyl siding? 12'-16' boards? No problem, just wrap a tie down around the passenger seat base, then a second one from that to the back door(remove plastic hand-grip insert) to hold it closed- as far as it will. 1000 lbs. of bricks/concrete? I've got three doors to load and unload 'em from.

Would I rather be driving a Mustang? GTO? Absolutely! ('66)GTO's were my daily drivers for 20 years, but now, a minivan is a NECESSITY. I can no longer use a "small" car, and would NEVER buy a pickup!