Everything You Should Know Before Buying A Used 2010 Toyota Sienna In Nigeria

The Sienna minivan is so popular in Nigeria that many mainstream transport companies have adopted it as their vehicle of choice. The same is true for families and even small businesses that need to move people and cargo frequently. With all the versatile seats folded away, the 2010 Sienna offers a maximum cargo capacity of over 148 cubic feet. Even with just the rear-most third-row seat folded, you still have an ample 94.5 cu-ft of cargo volume available for your storage/hauling needs. 

Depending on your transportation needs, you could choose the base CE model with bench seats or higher trims with available captain chairs. The vehicle can accommodate up to eight adults comfortably and, though heavy (4,270 lbs dry weight or 5,690 gross weight), is essentially a Camry with elevated ride height (6.9-inch ground clearance). Riding on an extended version of the Camry’s XV20 platform helps the Sienna capitulate on the sedan’s blend of comfort, power, and reliability. 

It’s not without some flaws, such as the subpar rear-impact score from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and impaired handling when speeding on highways with the windows wound down, but Sienna's undeniable strengths, coupled with Toyota's renowned resale value, overshadow its flaws and makes it a compelling choice for Nigerian auto shoppers looking for a reliable and capable multipurpose used car. Below is what you need to know before buying the 2010 Toyota Sienna, the final 2^nd-gen Sienna. 

See also: How Much Is The 2023 Toyota Sienna? – An Unbiased Comprehensive Review 

Is the 2010 Toyota Sienna Reliable?

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The US News and World Report scored the 2010 Toyota Sienna #2, immediately after the Honda Odyssey, in its minivan rankings for the 2010 model year. US News affirmed that Sienna's second-place position corresponds with its score of 9.2 out of 10, based on 41 evaluated pieces of research and data elements from various sources. 

As for JD Power's consumer rating, the Toyota Sienna is no less than #1 for MY2010 minivans, with an overall score of 80 out of 100 and 78 out of 100 for quality and reliability. 

What all this means in English is that the 2010 Toyota Sienna is a dependable transporter with an intact reputation after more than a decade. The vehicle has been around long enough to prove its exceptional durability. 

Easily surpassing 300,000 miles and enjoying an impressive Vehicle History durability score of 10/10, the 2010 Sienna easily outlasts competitors like the American-made Dodge Grand Caravan. 

For lack of reliable data in Nigeria, CarEdge shows that with a $5,814 estimated cost of repairs and maintenance of the 2010 Toyota Sienna in its first ten years of service, the vehicle’s cost of ownership is cheaper than the industry average for minivans by an impressive $3,517. 

Our recommendation to anyone looking to invest in a 2010 Toyota Sienna with over 100,000 miles of service is to be prepared to replace parts like the purge valve, brake hose, and A/C blend door actuator. 

Furthermore, most minivan shoppers in Nigeria are commercial long-distance transporters and families, so how a vehicle fares in case of an accident is particularly important. 

The good news is that Sienna's high dependability equally underscores its crashworthiness, earning an overall rating of 4 stars in US government crash tests, including 5 stars in the side impact tests and 4 stars in the rollover risk. 

We mentioned in the intro that the 2010 Sienna returned a poor rear-impact score from the IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety), but it got “Good” scores in the front, side, and moderate overlap categories. 

If you're wondering which Sienna model year you should buy, Vehicle History notes that shoppers are better off skipping the 2006 and 2007 models in favor of the 2008 up to 2020 MYs. 

See also: Top 10 Fastest Selling Tokunbo Cars In Nigeria (And 7 Factors To Consider When Buying A Used Car)

What Problems Do The 2010 Toyota Sienna Have?

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Based on Consumer Reports' subscriber survey, the 2010 Toyota Sienna has three trouble spots you should know about: 

• Brake problems – comprising "premature pad/rotor wear, pulsation or vibration, antilock system, parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, squeaking, brake failure, and regenerative braking.
• Body part issues – comprising "Windows, locks and latches, doors or sliding doors, tailgate, trunk or hatch, mirrors, seat controls (power or manual), seat belts, sunroof, convertible top, and glass defect."
• Climate system – comprising AC compressor, blower (fan) motor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate system, electrical failure, and refrigerant leakage.

RepairPal recorded hundreds of complaints about problematic electric sliding doors, failing oxygen sensors, excessive oil leaks/loss of oil pressure, and dashboard cracks. However, note that these issues weren't exclusive to the 2010 Sienna, as other MYs, ranging from 2007 upward, experienced similar issues. 

Furthermore, the 2010 Toyota Sienna’s common problems include unintended acceleration, A/C system leaks, and a worn steering boot. Despite these challenges, Sienna’s issues tend to be less severe compared to other minivans of the same year, and repair costs are generally more budget-friendly. 

For example, the frequently reported unintended acceleration typically starts around 70,000 miles due to floor mat and throttle concerns prevalent in Toyota vehicles from that era. Typically, removing the floor mats resolves the problem. 

As for the A/C system/refrigerant leaks, the issue typically cropped up around 65,000 miles due to a vulnerable line in the charging system. You can fix this by replacing the line and recharging the system. 

The worn steering boot typically occurs around 100,000 miles, as the rubber boot deteriorates with vehicle aging. You’d need to replace the boot to prevent grease leakage. 

The fact that owners experience these problems not until tens of thousands of miles into the vehicle’s lifespan speaks positively of the 2010 Toyota Sienna’s durability. This MY Sienna experienced 8 recalls, on par with other minivans of the same year. 

Of the eight recalls, the “worst issue” had to do with the shift lever assembly, posing a risk of the Sienna sliding out of Park and rolling away. Toyota addressed this by replacing the shift lock in affected vans. The other recalls were over minor issues, including spare tire concerns and load-carrying labels. 

Key Features Of The 2010 Toyota Sienna

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Performance And Fuel Efficiency: All 2010 Toyota Sienna models got motivation from a 266-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine paired with a five-speed automatic transmission. This harmonious duo could propel the AWD version of the XLE trim from rest to 60 mph in 8.0 seconds. 

Concerning the engine’s efficiency, the 2010 Toyota Sienna’s fuel economy is commendable for a V6 powertrain. While some owners in Nigeria notice higher fuel consumption, especially in slow city traffic, the 2010 Sienna received an EPA-estimated 17 mpg city/23 mpg highway and 19 mpg combined fuel economy for front-wheel-drive models, while AWD versions are rated at 16 city/21 highway and 18 combined. 

Safety Features: The 2010 Toyota Sienna’s standard safety features on all models include antilock disc brakes, stability control, traction control, and a comprehensive airbag system, encompassing front-seat side and full-length side curtain airbags. 

The Limited model also includes front and rear park assist, optionally available on the XLE. Opting for the navigation system adds a rearview camera for enhanced safety. It’s up to the shopper to look out for these options or you could find a fully-loaded model at an affordable used price without searching too hard. 

Driving Experience: The 2010 Toyota Sienna's automatic transmission prioritizes fuel efficiency without compromising performance. The V6 engine offers spirited acceleration with a smooth, unobtrusive power delivery. 

While the ride quality is great, the Sienna tends to exhibit minimal steering feedback and noticeable body roll during cornering. Braking distances are competitive, though the brake pedal feels somewhat soft. 

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Interior Comfort: The 2010 Sienna's cabin design looks good. Even the lower trim levels featured high-quality fabric, while the higher models used leather and faux wood. The Sienna’s user-friendly controls, ample storage space, and soft seats contribute to its comfortable interior. 

In seven-passenger configurations, you could adjust the second-row captain's chairs to form a bench seat. The eight-passenger version utilizes a 40/20/40-split second-row bench that can slide 13 inches closer to the front seats for convenient access. 

The 2010 Sienna is one of the most practical minivans thanks to its cavernous 149 cubic feet of maximum cargo capacity. The Limited trim feels as luxurious as any premium car of its time. 

See also: The Completely Redesigned 2024 Toyota Tacoma Is Ready For Nigerian Roads, But You Have To Pay More

2010 Toyota Sienna Complete Features at a Glance 

The 2010 Toyota Sienna Trims And Options

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Unveiled at the Los Angeles Auto Show, the redesigned Sienna marked a significant shift in its design philosophy. Developed at Calty Studios and engineered at both the Toyota Technical Center in Ann Arbor, Michigan and Toyota Motor Corporation in Japan, the new Sienna made its debut at dealerships in February 2010. 

In the United States, the third-generation Sienna came in five distinct trim levels: base grade, LE, XLE, Limited, and, for the first time, the SE trim. 

Introducing a sportier variant, the SE featured redesigned bodywork, clear tail lamps, 19-inch (480 mm) wheels, a firmer suspension, and adjusted steering tuning for an enhanced driving experience. 

In fact, avid autocrosser and Toyota chief engineer Kazuo Mori was said to have fought tooth and nail to convince the company's decision-makers to let him bring the SE sport-oriented equipment package into the Sienna lineup. 

The result is what AOL Autos described as a seamless blending of sports car elements into a minivan. However, Toyota restricted the all-wheel drive to the V6 engine, exclusive to the LE, XLE, and Limited trims. 

2010 Toyota Sienna Models and Extra Options 

How Much Is The 2010 Toyota Sienna In Nigeria?

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Pricing for the 2010 Toyota Sienna in the Nigerian automotive market currently ranges from around N6 million to N12 million, depending on the trim, mileage, equipment, and overall vehicle condition. 

If you choose to import from the USA, you can expect to pay around $6,000 to $25,000 (excluding logistic costs), although the mileage can be as low as 37,436 miles for the pricier models.