Automotive Forums

Folks:
Yesterday we brought our '05 Sienna AWD in to the dealership in Wallingford, CT for its 30,000 service. I had asked the service Rep about the premature wear issue with the runflats. She did a little checking and indicated that if they showed "uneven" wear within the first 3 years or 36,000 miles...they would be replaced free of charge, save the cost for balancing ($60+).  When we went back later in the day to pick up the vehicle, it did have a new set of Dunlop SP4000 DSST's (the same as our original set).  Needless to say, we were very pleased with this dealer's (and, we assume Toyota's and perhaps Dunlop's) response to our concern.  This is our first Toyota in 30 years...and so far we can say that we will be repeat customers...to the Dealer and the Brand.
Regards,
Bob & Claudia Guynn
Prospect, CT.  

I really do not understand how you are happy customers. Toyota just put another set of defective run flats on your van. They will keep doing that for you with a smile until your warranty runs out at 36,000 miles or 3 years. There is a class action law suit against the tire manufacturer and toyota. Your tires could have a blow out at any time and if you do have a flat good luck finding someone to fix it away from home. You need to do more research. I am selling my sienna.  

I have been driving Saabs for years and use 4 studded snows all winter and get great and safe stability in all conditions. Due to the cargo space I now need for my business, I am considering a Toyota Sienna minivan. After reading pages of complaints about run flats I am convinced I need to buy the XLE front wheel drive and put studs on it. I think a front wheel drive will be fine in winter driving with the correct tires. Any comments or suggestions on this?
I will not buy the AWD due to the run flat controversy. I was told by the salesman that Toyota is re-thinking this model and the tires used and a new design is in the works for the 2008's. I need a van now however and feel my only solution is the XLE with front wheel drive.
Thanks in advance for your comments.  

I've had a 2004 Sienna LE AWD since 2004 and I have 77,000 miles on it.
I drive to Maine a lot and when you're in snow country, AWD or 4WD is the only way to go.

I've averaged 36,000 miles on each set of run-flats.  That's not too bad.  I pay close attention to tire pressure, rotation and balancing.  When I'm on the highway, I check the tracking (take your hands off the wheel at 60+ mph and see if the car veers left or right).

I've never had a blowout, but I've had the tire pressure warning light go on due to a nail in a tire.  All my tires have been Bridgestones.

I hope Toyota always offers an AWD option on the Sienna.