Dealer visit checklist
2018 Toyota Sienna checklist
Print it or keep it on your phone. Tick each item as you go so nothing gets missed.
Inspect the car
- Check every panel gap and look for mismatched paint (signs of past accident repair)
- Look at the tires: even wear, matching brands, at least 4/32" tread
- Check under the car and engine bay for oil, coolant or other leaks
- Start the engine cold; listen for knocks, ticks or squeals and watch for smoke
- Test every window, lock, seat, light, the A/C, heat and infotainment
- Test drive on city streets and highway: straight braking, smooth shifts, no pulling
- Ask for the service records and a vehicle history report
- Have an independent mechanic do a pre-purchase inspection (about $100–$200)
Known 2018 Toyota Sienna problems to check
- Oil consumption issues on the 3.5L V6 engine — check oil levels regularly between changes
- Power sliding door motor and track failures are common on higher-mileage examples and can cost $400-$900 to repair
- Water leaks around the sunroof or third-row windows have been reported, especially in older examples of this generation
- Brake actuator and VSC warning light faults have appeared on some 2018 models, though less common than prior years
- Infotainment system responsiveness can be sluggish and the navigation feels dated compared to competitors
Ask: have these recalls been fixed?
- FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018-2019 4Runner, 2019-2020 Avalon, 2019 Corolla Hatchback, 2017-2019 Highlander, 2018-2020 Camry, 2020 Corolla, 2018-2019 Land Cruiser, 2017-2020 Tacoma, 2019-2020 RAV4, 2019-2020 Sequoia, 2017-2020 Sienna, 2019-2020 Tundra, 2018-2020 Lexus ES350, 2017 Lexus GS200t, 2017-2019 Lexus GS350, 2019 Lexus GS300, 2018-2020 Lexus LC500h, 2019-2020 Lexus LS500, 2018-2019 Lexus GX460, 2017 Lexus IS200t, 2019 Lexus IS300, 2019 Lexus IS350, 2018-2020 Lexus LC500, 2018 Lexus LS500, 2019 Lexus LS500h, 2018-2019 Lexus LX570, 2017 Lexus RC200t, 2019 Lexus RC300, RC350, 2017 and 2019-2020 Lexus RX350, 2018-2020 RX350L, 2019 Lexus UX200, 2018-2019 Lexus NX300 vehicles.
- FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) recalled certain 2018-2019 4Runner, Highlander, Camry, Land Cruiser, Sequoia, Sienna, Tacoma and Tundra, and Lexus RC 300, RC 350, GS 350, GX 460, IS 300, LC 500, LS 500, LX 570, RX 350L, and 2019 Toyota Avalon and Corolla, and certain Lexus NX 300, and ES 350 vehicles on January 13, 2020.
- STEERING: Braun Corporation (Braun) is recalling certain modified 2017-2020 Toyota Sienna vehicles.
- SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS: Braun Corporation (Braun) is recalling certain 2014-2019 Toyota Sienna mobility van conversions.
- EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS: Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Toyota Camry, Corolla, Rav4, Sienna, and Yaris iA vehicles equipped with factory-installed floor mats.
- SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS: Vantage Mobility International, LLC (Vantage) is recalling certain 2012-2018 AMS Genesis wheelchair vans, built on a Toyota Sienna vehicles.
- WHEELS: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018 Toyota Sienna vehicles built with a specific lot of 10-spoke alloy wheels from one production facility.
Negotiate the price
- Know the typical price: about $24,500 for this model year
- Negotiate the out-the-door price, not the monthly payment
- Get the full price with every fee listed in writing before you sign
- Bring your own loan pre-approval so the dealer has a rate to beat
- Say no to add-ons you didn't ask for (paint protection, VIN etching, nitrogen tires)
- Negotiate your trade-in separately, after the car's price is agreed
- Be ready to walk away; another listing is usually a click away