Here's Everything You Should Know Before Buying The 2005 Toyota Sienna In Nigeria

In parts of the world like North America, people would rather not buy a minivan if they don't have to. You see men griping about having to get a Dodge Caravan when they could've used that money for an F-Series Ford or Mustang. 

In 2005, the US Census Bureau revealed that a little over 7.1 million homes in America consisted of five or more persons, translating to roughly 6.4% of the country's population who supposedly have no choice but to buy a minivan. What better vehicle to move many passengers and cargo at the same time? In Nigeria, the dynamic is a little different. Here, minivans like the Toyota Sienna aren't just a necessity but the preferred, reliable, and efficient people and cargo mover. 

The Sienna's reputation for reliability, great fuel economy, and impressive safety and technological features quickly made it a favorite of long-distance transport companies as well as families who need a spacious vehicle for school runs, shopping trips, interstate travels, and daily driving. 

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

Why Buy A Sienna?

^{Photo credit: Kevauto via Wikimedia}

America is mentioned here because the Toyota Sienna, introduced in 1997, was designed for the North American market. It's named after the Italian city of Siena and developed to replace the Previa van, adopting a front-wheel-drive layout and sharing the Camry’s platform. 

Toyota redesigned it in 2004 to match its competitors' dimensions, with notable improvements by chief engineer Yuji Yokoya, including increased volume, cargo space, and a flat-folding third row. The second-generation Sienna, where the 2005 model belongs, was unveiled in 2003 with seating for up to eight passengers in some trims. 

The '05 Sienna leaned a little too much when turning corners and the cabin isn't the best at shutting out wind noise on highways, but the vehicle's undisputed smooth ride quality, robust V6 engine, and fold-flat 60/40 third-row seat are just some of its great qualities. 

If you're considering the 2005 Toyota Sienna, keep reading to find out everything else - good and bad - you should know. 

Is The 2005 Toyota Sienna Reliable?

^{Photo credit: IFCAR via Wikimedia}

Kelley Blue Book notes that the 2005 Toyota Sienna earned an average consumer rating of 4.5 out of 5 overall and a 4.6 for reliability. These are above-average figures that show owners thought the vehicle is very reliable. 

RepairPal scored it 4 out of 5 for reliability, which ranked it an impressive 8th out of 32 for all car brands. Why should you care about these rankings? 

Product evaluation and data research entities like Kelley Blue Book and RepairPal are trusted resources for insightful information about new and used car values. 

For example, RepairPal measures vehicle dependability by combing through an extensive proprietary database for the cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance. 

In the case of the 2005 Toyota Sienna, RepairPal says the minivan's 4 out of 5 ranking is based on an average across 345 unique models, as well as other factors such as the frequency of visits to repair shops. 

The Sienna averaged 0.3 visits to a repair shop per year and a low 12% probability of a repair being severe. With Toyota's reputation for reliability, you can expect the '05 Sienna to cross 200k miles without needing a serious repair. 

In fact, many owners have reported crossing the magic 300k mile mark with the original transmission. If you buy a decent “foreign-used” Sienna in Nigeria, you can expect to get at least another 200k miles before the vehicle writes you a retirement request letter. 

What Are The 2005 Toyota Sienna's Common Problems?

Based on Consumer Reports' subscriber survey, the 2005 Toyota Sienna has three trouble spots you should know about: 

1.  Exhaust Issues - affecting the "muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, leaks." 
2.  Steering and Suspension - affecting the "shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension." 
3.  Body Parts - affecting the "windows, locks and latches, doors or sliding doors, tailgate, trunk or hatch, mirrors, seat controls (power or manual), seat belts, sunroof, convertible top, glass defect." 

RepairPal recorded hundreds of complaints about the electric siding doors, cracking dashboards, training oxygen sensors, and EVAP system. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, approximately one-third of the reported 1,121 complaints about the 2005 Sienna pertain to structural issues. 

Another 135 complaints involve latches and locks, with a recurring problem of doors unexpectedly opening and refusing to close. It's noteworthy that there have been no official recalls addressing this particular concern. 

A separate structural issue involves the cable supporting the spare tire beneath the vehicle, prone to rusting and causing the spare tire to dislodge onto the highway. This issue was subject to a recall in 2010. 

If your Sienna was never sent back to have these issue fixed, you should probably store the spare tire in the cargo hold to avoid stories that touch the heart. 

The good news is that the ‘05 Sienna’s engine is a superstar. Despite the age of this two-decade-old minivan, engine and powertrain issues have been relatively scarce. The most worrisome mechanical issue with the 2nd-gen Sienna is the shift lever assemblies that let the van roll away while in "Park." This issue has led to two recalls, encompassing approximately one million Toyota vehicles in total. 

The 2005 Toyota Sienna experienced a total of 12 recalls recorded by the NHTSA. While these figures is normal for a minivan of its age, they, admittedly, lean towards the higher end of what's considered acceptable. Hence, it's strongly recommended not to overlook the importance of a thorough test drive. 

A thousand complaints may sound like a lot, but for a vehicle that’s been on the road for eighteen years and hundreds of thousands sold each year, that figure isn’t so bad. 2008 and 2009 are generally considered the worst years of the Toyota Sienna. 

If you must buy a 2^nd-gen Sienna, we recommend 2010 because it's the last model in that generation and even got a new trim with extra features. Based on a survey published by FIXD, the 2005 model is among the worst years of the Toyota Sienna. 

However, this doesn't automatically mean the '05 Sienna is bad. Even among the best, there's always the least-performing and the '05 Sienna appears to be on the list of the least. Generally, the 2005 Toyota Sienna is a solid choice among minivans. 

See also: Here's How Much The 2014 Toyota Camry Costs In Nigeria Now 

What's So Special About The 2005 Toyota Sienna?

^{Photo credit: Moto "Club4AG" Miwa  via Wikimedia}

2004 marked a significant redesign for the Toyota Sienna, surpassing its predecessor with a larger and improved model that pushed the envelope for the segment. The new Sienna was better not just because of novel features like power sliding doors, a power tailgate, and a rear-view camera but exceptional performance across the board. 

The new Sienna’s expanded cabin, compared to the outgoing 2003 model, retained a budget-friendly price point even after adding approximately $1,000 (around N803K, adjusted for inflation) to the starting price. 

One of the most interesting features of this 2^nd-gen Sienna is how it could fit more cargo than the significantly more expensive Toyota Sequoia full-size SUV. Considering that the Sequoia cost $10,000 (around N8.1 million) more than Sienna back then, the Sienna was – and still is – a strong value proposition for people and cargo movers. 

It was widely reported that while developing the next generation, Toyota Chief Engineer Yuji Yokoya, accompanied by Program Manager John Jula, rigorously tested the vehicle by driving it across North America, covering 53,000 miles, identifying every flaw of the old Sienna (1998-2003) in the process. 

The most significant update addressed the lack of interior roominess in the previous Sienna, a concern identified by Yokoya during extensive travels. The new Sienna fixed this by being substantially larger, wider, and taller, boasting a 5-inch longer wheelbase and a 4-inch wider track. 

Measuring 200 inches over a 119-inch wheelbase, the Sienna finally matched the size of America’s biggest minivans. The exterior design features bold elements such as prominent headlamps and taillamps, black pillars for an enhanced visual presence, and cleverly hidden sliding door slots for a cleaner appearance. 

The goal was never to build the best-looking vehicle in a minivan parade, but the Sienna does have an attractive profile. 

Inside, the spacious interior accommodates passengers and cargo comfortably, and you could fit 4x8 sheets of plywood in there when the second and third-row seats are folded flat. Entering and exiting the van is simplified with a lower step-in height and power sliding doors that operate smoothly and swiftly. 

Safety features include rear side windows with anti-pinch protection and available sunshades for the second and third-row seats. The driver enjoys a comfortable experience with a well-designed dash, adjustable steering wheel, and excellent visibility through large mirrors and ample glass. 

Trim quality improves across the model range, with even the base CE model featuring good-quality materials. It has plenty of storage space with multiple compartments, glove boxes, and a center console capable of holding 12 CDs. Practical additions like dry cleaning hooks, grocery bag hooks, and a standard 115-volt outlet enhance the Sienna's functionality. 

The second-row seats offer ample legroom, with easy removal and reinstallation, though the captain's chairs may be somewhat heavy. The Sienna's seating configurations vary between seven- and eight-passenger models, with thoughtful features such as lateral repositioning for the second-row seats and a removable center console. 

The third-row seats feature an adjustable rake for improved comfort and a 60/40 split for added versatility. Ultimately, the 2005 Toyota Sienna stands out not for groundbreaking features but for being really good at what it does. 

Complete List of 2005 Toyota Sienna Trims And Standard Features 

See also: Most Luxurious Toyota SUV: The 138 Million Naira Century Is Immortal, But Not For Nigeria’s Billionaires 

The 2005 Toyota Sienna Trim Levels And Features

The Toyota Sienna lineup, comprising the CE, LE, XLE, and XLE Limited trims, showcases uniformity in performance with the new V6 engine and five-speed automatic transmission. All the trim levels prioritize safety with anti-lock brakes (ABS), electronic brake distribution, and brake assist. 

The flexibility of seven- and eight-passenger configurations, as well as a choice between front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive, adds to the versatility.

Beginning with the base CE model, standard features include a 60/40 Split & Stow third-row bench seat, power windows, door locks and mirrors, dual sliding doors with power windows, keyless entry, AM/FM/cassette/CD with six speakers, dual air conditioning, 16-inch steel wheels, and various convenience elements. 

The Sienna LE is the most popular of the four trims, featuring enhanced cloth fabric, upgraded trim, and additional conveniences like a roof rack, privacy glass, and steering wheel-mounted audio controls. 

Toyota also offered an eight-passenger LE model along with an all-wheel-drive option at a slightly higher price. 

For a more luxurious experience, the Sienna XLE offers power dual sliding doors, a power open/close back door, tri-zone HVAC, 16-inch alloy wheels, and advanced audio controls. 

The XLE Limited elevates the luxury with leather-trimmed seats, multiple airbags, 17-inch alloy wheels, VSC with TRAC and brake assist, rear disc brakes, and a range of premium features, including a JBL Synthesis audio system and a dynamic Laser Cruise Control. The all-wheel-drive XLE was the priciest of the lot. 

Additionally, Toyota offered numerous option packages to meet individual preferences across all trim levels. 

The vehicle’s safety features are comprehensive, including a LATCH system in second-row seating positions, standard front side and side curtain SRS airbags on the XLE Limited, and various safety elements such as three-point seatbelts, airbags, and adjustable anchors across all grades. 

2005 Toyota Sienna Trim Options 

How Much Is The 2005 Toyota Sienna In Nigeria?

2005 Toyota Sienna currently costs approximately N6 million to N8 million for used models never driven in Nigeria, otherwise known as foreign-used. 

While this is a ballpark estimate based on current market trends, the actual price ultimately depends on the customer's bargaining power, the vehicle's overall condition (including mileage, accident status, trim, and equipment), and the seller's flexibility and/or desperation. 

If you're looking to buy a '05 Sienna driven in the country, otherwise known as Nigerian-used, a budget of N3 million to N4 million should get you one in decent condition.

If you choose to import from America, pricing for used 2005 Toyota Sienna currently ranges from $2,495 (N2.1 million) to $15,990 (N12.850 million) for models with 42,351 to 298,023 miles on the odometer. N12 million may seem like a lot for the '05 Sienna, but with only 42K miles, the vehicle could be as good as new. 

Naturally, the lower the mileage, the higher the price. Don’t forget you still have to deal with import and shipping fees and the government’s rumored current policy of only allowing the importation of cars not older than 2017.