Hi all,
I’m debating between a used 2017 Toyota Sienna LE with 65k miles priced at $22,500 and a brand new 2025 Sienna LE for $45k. I want to keep this car for around 20 years. Do you think the 2017 would hold up well as it approaches 200k miles, or would I be better off paying more for the new one?
Thanks for any insights!
Honestly, that’s a bit steep for a 2017 with 65k miles. Plus, it’s a generation older. If it’s within your budget, I’d lean toward getting a new one.
For a used car, I’d try to get a higher trim than just the LE.
Check out ‘Edmunds True Cost to Own’ for a rough idea on the 2018 and 2024 Sienna models; it gives a good sense of 5-year ownership costs. I just sold my 2017 LE with about 100k miles to get a new 2024 XLE. In my opinion, a new LE is worth it, especially with the safety and convenience updates.
If you’re able to swing it, upgrading to the XLE gives you nice extras like parking sensors and rear cross-traffic alert, which are great for bigger vehicles and when kids are in the mix (my wife backed into a parked car once because our kids were yelling in the back).
Plus, the 2017 models reportedly have potential transmission issues. My 2017 had some rough shifting at low speeds, but no major issues. Long-term, the hybrid engine in the new ones should also be way more fuel-efficient. We only got around 17mpg in our 2017, though we did a lot of short trips.
@Emory
Mind if I ask how much you got your XLE for?
Over 200,000 miles, the newer gen 4 will save around $12,000 in fuel costs if gas stays at $3/gallon. That brings the price gap down to about $10k. I’d go with new.
New.
Definitely go with the new one, especially if you’re planning on keeping it long-term. My older minivans all eventually had transmission issues, mostly with the torque converter. The newer hybrid transmission is much simpler by comparison. And just FYI, 2017 models have been known for transmission problems. If you’re serious about the used one, check if it qualifies for the TSB/warranty extension. I switched from a gen 3 to a gen 4, and I’m loving it so far.
Look into the 2017’s transmission issues. Our new 2024 averages around 34mpg, compared to the 21mpg we were getting in the older model.
If you’re keeping it for 20 years, definitely go with the new one. I just bought the 2024 AWD XLE and get around 36.4 mpg. The monthly payment might be a bit higher, but you’ll save on gas and have all the extra comfort features. Plus, you won’t have a car payment for most of those 20 years and will be loving the mpg savings.