Looking for advice… We’ve got a one-year-old and twins on the way! My wife is all for getting a new car, but I think a 2020 model with about 30,000 miles for around $31-32K could make more sense financially. What do you think?
I couldn’t see the point in paying almost new prices for a used car, so I decided to buy new.
Delilah said:
I couldn’t see the point in paying almost new prices for a used car, so I decided to buy new.
Same here!
I drive a 2020 Sienna with over 120,000 miles on it. The fuel efficiency isn’t the best, but it’s more powerful and spacious than the newer 2021 models. On long trips, I get up to 30 mpg, which is great for a 6-cylinder engine with almost 300 horsepower. The engine has been known to last over 350,000 miles, so with the mileage you’re talking about, it’s basically like buying a new car. If you’re looking for all the extra features in the newer 2021 and beyond models, you’re going to pay an additional $15,000 at least. I personally don’t think it’s worth the extra cost, but that’s just my take. I also have a 2025 Camry for city driving and use the Sienna for trips and hauling. Just sharing my thoughts.
@Joss
It’s not that big of a jump for the 2021 models… I found these two examples:
2020 XLE with 71,000 miles for $27,000
2021 XLE with 96,000 miles for $29,000
So if you’re looking at a 50,000+ mile option, the price difference is closer to $5,000, not $15,000.
@Beckett
I agree with this. The higher-mileage 2021+ models (60,000-90,000 miles) are closer to the price range you’re considering. For example, here’s a 2021 Toyota Sienna XLE for $29,999: [link]. There’s definitely a lot to like about the newer models, especially the hybrid drivetrain.
@Joss
120,000 miles in just 4 years! We’ve got a 2015 model with 110,000 miles on it .
I was in the same boat recently: a 2-year-old and a newborn, looking for a ‘diamond in the rough’—a 2020 or older Sienna with fewer than 50,000 miles. They are tough to find in my area (Midwest), and when I did, the price was about $35,000 for mid-to-upper trims.
But then I found a 2021 Limited with 48,000 miles for just under $40,000. It’s been a great purchase so far! We’ve already taken a 600-mile trip, and it was super comfortable with all 6 passengers, plus the gas mileage was impressive.
I was initially hesitant about the hybrid model (had never owned one before), and I thought I wanted the V6 engine, but after testing the 2021 model, I felt it had plenty of power. After researching, it seems that the A25A powertrain has great reliability and can last well over 200,000 miles.
There’s probably a middle ground between buying an overpriced older V6 model and paying full price for a new one, especially if you’re after a higher trim level.
Good luck with your search! All the Siennas are great if they’ve been well maintained.
We’re in the same stage of life—6-year-old, 3-year-old, and a 6-week-old. We bought a 2015 XLE with 155,000 miles for $12,000. These vehicles last a long time, which is why we were okay with the higher mileage. We love it. My advice is to buy used, save the money, and the van will serve you well for years.
For about $8,000 more, you can get a car that’s 5 years newer and has 30,000 fewer miles, plus it comes with a hybrid option and wireless CarPlay.
I recently bought a 2025 Sienna, and its lack of depreciation made me decide to go for new.
@Themech
This is exactly why I’m leaning towards buying a 2025 tomorrow.
What trim are you looking for? All-wheel drive or front-wheel drive?
Unless you really don’t like hybrids, I bought a 2022 XLE with 40,000 miles for a bit more than your budget. It’s been great.
We considered used 2022-2024 models but ended up going for a 2025 Platinum to get the newer tech. We’ve got a 3-year-old, a 1-year-old, and another on the way. The used hybrids in good condition around us were priced so close to new that it made more sense to buy new.
It really depends on your financial situation. We’re in a good spot, so we didn’t have to finance much after a trade-in and down payment.
I got a certified 2019 XLE with 42,000 miles for $29,000 back in 2021, and I couldn’t be happier. I plan on getting another one, but this time with AWD. Honestly, I thought about getting a truck, but the Sienna is the best family vehicle.