I don't have any advice, but whatcha gettin'?
We want a 2006 or 2007 Toyota Sienna LE 8-passenger.
8-passenger, because then we have the option to put three kids across the middle row, stow the third row, and have room for stuff. Didn't like the Odyssey 8-passenger, so that's why we chose the Toyota.
8 passengers were optional on the CE and LE trim levels (not available on higher levels). The CE doesn't have cruise control, which is a dealbreaker for us, so that leaves the LE.
2005 and older, side torso and side curtain airbags were optional. In 2006 they made them standard, so I don't have to try to figure out if each one has them or not.
In 2008, they took OFF the tow package, but it seems there was a lot of confusion and even misinformation coming from the Toyota to the dealers and to consumers, so while there are a very few 2008s with the tow package, many people believe they have the tow package but don't. I don't want to mess with THAT headache, and we do want to be able to tow (for a future trailer purchase).
The one I'm going to look at this afternoon is loaded. It looks like it if was an option, this one has it, except backup camera and navigation and rear entertainment. Power driver's seat, power sliding doors, power hatch, moonroof, electrochromatic rear view, heated outside mirrors, vehicle stability assist, traction control, it's got it all. I'm a simple gal, as long as the wheels go round, it's safe, and has cruise, I'm happy. Of course I'm happiER with options and toys, but I'm content without them as well. DH is more into having all the options, so he's happy about this one.
Added bonus, it's not silver, grey, or gold. It seems like sooo many vehicles on the road today are one of those colors. It's kinda like Graco, while you can find actual color if you really look for it, mostly it's just blah everywhere.
Wish us luck! I'm going to look at it this afternoon with my brother. My brother is not a mechanic by trade but he has done way more than his fair share of fixing cars, including restoring a 1964 and keeping beaters going long after most would have given up. He's also the family mechanic for most jobs, so he has a vested interest in making sure it's decent. DH is staying home and just trusting my judgement on it (it will be my daily driver).
The ad is on Craigslist, and it's been up for a month and still available. The asking price seems about right (in line with KBB, between trade-in and retail values on NADA, but well above Edmunds), and it looks great in the pictures. Kinda makes me wonder why it's still available a month later, yk? So going in hopeful but cautious.