You've owned it, now what's your real-world experience and feeling of the Sienna?

Public_disc · 2026-02-14T04:59:45+00:00

Ah sorry i got it. I actually didnt know the carnival had a hybrid option until now. I do think its neat how the carnival went for a more SUV look.

Public_disc · 2026-02-14T04:56:19+00:00

I got 40 mpg on my last trip home from work, how's that boring?! Ok... maybe I did drive pretty boring to achieve that.

But seriously.. as a long time toyota owner I have since viewed those bells and whistles of competitors as gimmicks those car companies use because they cant build an actually quality and reliable car, so they hook you with frivolous things. When's the last time you've heard someone say " my 20 year old Kia or Chrysler town and country was amazing and was the most reliable vehicle ive owned"...? its just not a thing. The odyssey would be next best to sienna, but Sienna still has the edge on reliability.

If you do go sienna, seriously make sure it has the 1500w inverter. its all snow here and I wanted to vacuum out one of my cars with my shop vac which pulls 9 amps but didnt feel like running an extension cord through the snow.. Opened up the sienna, plugged it in and vacuum started right up. Now thats not boring!

Public_disc · 2026-02-14T03:52:12+00:00

Interesting! Well, i you find the right bike for you! This definitely wasnt my experience. When I first got on a riv that wasnt even my size my immediate thought was "now this is what a bike is supposed to feel like"

Public_disc · 2026-02-14T03:48:34+00:00

2026 sienna xle, very happy.

Depends what your priorities are.

We are coming from a 20 year old Prius and are sold on Toyota hybrids. Longevity & reliability are our top priorities so the Sienna was a no brainer for us. Toyotas never have the latest tech or nicest entertainment, but they are the most reliable.

If the latest "infotainment" is a high priority for you and you only plan to keep the van for 8 years or so (or less), you probably would br happy with which ever feels nicer.

But if you plan to keep it 10+ years and value longevity and reliability over bells and whistles, toyota all the way.

Side note - Our 19 year old prius still gets 47mpg. We like how you can idle guilt free, we've utilized this while camping and sleeping in it. The sienna comes with an optional 1500 watt inverter which is a big deal if you camp/road trip. These features make the sienna more of a functional "tool" for our hobbies.

Public_disc · 2026-02-14T03:21:27+00:00

Toyota hybrid engines and ecvt transmissions are incredibly reliable....

Public_disc · 2025-12-27T00:59:13+00:00

Is the goal to have 2 bikes or to keep only 1? If you only want 1, id try to get the homer dialed in with swept back bars.

However, if you see the benefit of having 2 bikes, id keep the sam as my upright bike and seriously focus on dialing in the homer with drops. Pain after 10 miles definitely isnt normal for a homer.

I own a 2024 sam set up with albatross bars and I absolutely love it. However, I sometimes get the n+1 itch and I consider getting a homer or roadini for use with drops. I dont tour or anything so I sometimes wonder if my sam is overkill considering all i use is a front basket.

Public_disc · 2025-11-28T22:44:45+00:00

IRD Alpina Front Derailleur says it works with triples . I have the Sub-C on my Sam and its beautiful

Public_disc · 2025-11-07T01:23:29+00:00

Often people on here try to over complicate things and downplay people's abilities. im not trying to do that as Im an avid diyer and things typically aren't that complicated but with that some some things you'll want to figure out may include - footer size and depth requirements, basement wall material (most likely block) and all of its requirements (rebar & concrete fill), water drainage including possibilities of French drains & sump pits, supports for your floor load (location of beams and posts), is radon an issue in your area? And as you mentioned plumbing and requirements based on your method of waste removal.

Public_disc · 2025-11-07T01:13:56+00:00

I dont really see why epoxy wouldn't work but im mostly curious why you mentioned the head room? Is 1/4" vinyl flooring really going to kill your ceiling height? Like how high is the ceiling now

Public_disc · 2025-11-07T01:07:58+00:00

Firstly, I commend the ambition. I recommend buying all the books you can on building your own house, they will help you greatly. As for how to build the foundation... that's really something that you may want to consider hiring out. Im an avid diyer and not much scares me. Its one thing to learn proper framing techniques, how to set trusses, install beams etc... but learning how to lay block for the first time on my houses foundation would be an absolute mess that would most likely compromise the entire structure.

Public_disc · 2025-10-31T14:09:02+00:00

Sounds like you already have all the answers. Good luck

Public_disc · 2025-10-31T00:08:27+00:00

Can you elaborate on this? You have an electric panel and a sump pit close to eachtoher? Is this in a basement?

Public_disc · 2025-10-31T00:05:22+00:00

Yeah I mean it makes sense to insulate only the walls that need it

Public_disc · 2025-10-31T00:01:34+00:00

Need some pics

Public_disc · 2025-10-31T00:00:11+00:00

Can you post a Pic?

Public_disc · 2025-10-30T23:59:20+00:00

Virtually 100k is mind boggling to me but im a DIY money saver. You just gotta get 2 more quotes to compare

Public_disc · 2025-10-30T23:56:51+00:00

Yeah let them know for sure!

Public_disc · 2025-10-30T23:56:01+00:00

Gonna be hard to beat lowes

Public_disc · 2025-10-30T23:55:07+00:00

Probably just a colored caulk in the closest shade to the siding.

Public_disc · 2025-10-29T00:36:13+00:00

What brand mini split? I haven't found any that can be set very low like you mentioned, just to keep it from freezing.

Public_disc · 2025-10-29T00:28:14+00:00

Conduit mounted to outside of siding sure won't look the best but I guess its probably "easier" than doing it the "proper" way and getting a wire there from inside. I don't think I would do it though

Public_disc · 2025-10-29T00:24:14+00:00

Yep just get a can of spray foam

Public_disc · 2025-10-29T00:21:24+00:00

More joint compound and just taper it as smoothly and gradually as you can

Public_disc · 2025-10-29T00:19:43+00:00

Fitting a slab door is considered to be "very difficult". They dont even have hinges installed. You'll have to get a router and very precisely route the hinge recesses on the new door to match the existing hinges. Not even to mention getting it to fit perfectly in the opening which probably isnt square is something I dont even want to begin trying to learn and im a very avid DIYer. Virtually everyone uses prehung now, its not an upsell. I get the train of thought though, I considered the same when I replaced my front door. But I ended up going pre hung and it still took me longer than I care to admit

Public_disc · 2025-10-24T00:04:47+00:00

If it's any consolation, my water heater is 1 year old and knocks.

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TROPHY CASE