# Bought a 03 Toyota Sienna 53k

**URL:** <https://community.cartalk.com/t/bought-a-03-toyota-sienna-53k/80910>\
**Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\
**Created:** [August 15, 2013, 3:26am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/bought-a-03-toyota-sienna-53k/80910 "2013-08-15T03:26:02Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 7\
**Page:** 1

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Takem01](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/a183cd/32.png) [@Takem01](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Takem01)\
**Post date:** [August 15, 2013, 3:26am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/bought-a-03-toyota-sienna-53k/80910/1 "2013-08-15T03:26:02Z")

</div>

Ok. Pulled the trigger. Now I need to know what to inspect/replace to get the buggy up to snuff.  
Here’s what I’m thinking:  
Check brake pads/rotors  
Brake fluid  
Coolant fill or replace  
Oil check (replace if dark)  
Check/replace transmission fluid  
Top up power steering fluid  
Wheel alignment

What else? I want to make sure it’s in top shape for the Missus.

Thanks

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![RemcoW](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/remcow/32/2471_2.png) [@RemcoW](https://community.cartalk.com/u/RemcoW)\
**Post date:** [August 15, 2013, 3:48am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/bought-a-03-toyota-sienna-53k/80910/2 "2013-08-15T03:48:27Z")

</div>

Vacuum it out. Wash it.  
Just going by what my missus cares about…

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![db4690](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/db4690/32/2583_2.png) [@db4690](https://community.cartalk.com/u/db4690)\
**Post date:** [August 15, 2013, 3:55am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/bought-a-03-toyota-sienna-53k/80910/3 "2013-08-15T03:55:17Z")

</div>

@BillMcAdam

Timing belt . . . you’re overdue by time

Spark plugs . . . they’ve been in there 10 years. Replace them now, before they seize

Think about replacing the thermostat. It’s probably gotten sluggish over the years.

Make sure the tires aren’t too old, even if they have plenty of tread.

Oil should get changed once a year, even if it still looks good.

Replace the battery if it’s more than 5 years old. If it’s younger, you should still get it tested.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Takem01](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/a183cd/32.png) [@Takem01](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Takem01)\
**Post date:** [August 15, 2013, 4:01am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/bought-a-03-toyota-sienna-53k/80910/4 "2013-08-15T04:01:14Z")

</div>

Going with Mobil 1. I’ll have them do plegs and timing belt. Better safe than sorry. Thanks.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![db4690](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/db4690/32/2583_2.png) [@db4690](https://community.cartalk.com/u/db4690)\
**Post date:** [August 15, 2013, 4:02am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/bought-a-03-toyota-sienna-53k/80910/5 "2013-08-15T04:02:48Z")

</div>

@BillMcAdam

Check and adjust the valve lash. Plan on leaving the car overnight for this, because the shop most likely won’t have all the shims your engine will need.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Takem01](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/a183cd/32.png) [@Takem01](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Takem01)\
**Post date:** [August 15, 2013, 4:07am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/bought-a-03-toyota-sienna-53k/80910/6 "2013-08-15T04:07:44Z")

</div>

Didn’t know valve lash (shims needed) was still an issue. It’s on the list.  
Thanks.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Takem01](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/a183cd/32.png) [@Takem01](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Takem01)\
**Post date:** [August 15, 2013, 4:23am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/bought-a-03-toyota-sienna-53k/80910/7 "2013-08-15T04:23:30Z")

</div>

I think that the transmission fluid also lubricates the differential and both should be drained/filled together. Is that right?  
Also, what about CV joints/boots?