Very few vehicles meet the needs of their owners perfectly. While fast SUVs exist, they are not capable off of pavement, while most off-road vehicles are not large enough to bring the whole family for the fun. Those that can, such as off-road RV or overland vehicles, are incredibly costly. How are families supposed to travel over any terrain on a budget when there is no vehicle capable for the market? DIY is always an option for those who have the free time and resources required, but only in some cases are all the pieces so aligned that they can do so. However, if you’re in the market right now, this customized Toyota Sienna minivan may be the solution.
A Toyota Sienna Like No Other
Auction website Cars And Bids currently has the coolest minivan ever (outside the R63 AMG super minivan built by Mercedes-Benz) for sale for a lucky buyer to score. The 2004 Toyota Sienna minivan looks the part of go-anywhere machine. The regularly plain van sits high atop a three and a half inch lift kit and a set of some meaty BF Goodrich tires. The factory all-wheel drive system works perfectly in this setup, and the factory V-6 engine puts out adequate power to still be fully usable in day to day use. With over 234,000 miles, Toyota’s durability and reputation for reliability proves itself instantly as well. While you can purchase a brand-new Sienna with a lift as the Woodland Edition, this one might save you some serious money.
How Does A High-Riding Sienna Work?
While the outside looks slightly pieced together similarly to the Local Motors Rally Fighter’s design, the platform itself works perfectly. The 230-horsepower engine is well-known for its durability over time, and many are well past the current mileage. Finished in a surprisingly well-maintained kept Aspen Green Pearl paint job (save for some clear coat issues on the bumper, roof, and hood), the Sienna still looks good from a driver’s perspective. The lifted body looks quite comfortable with the extra ground clearance, too - reminiscent of the Mitsubishi Delica off-road van from the '90s.
The Sienna's Interior Is Almost Immaculate
From the rear, the Sienna’s height is slightly menacing, and if the tires poked slightly further would look imposing even to many “off-road” SUVs. The clean title for the van shows how well it was taken care of, even when it looks capable of crossing Moab or Dakar. The seventeen-inch wheels are also well maintained and look fairly new on the build, completing the exterior for a more civilian look, as opposed to if it was fitted with brush guards and beadlock wheels. The look here, while slightly ridiculous, is still well within a semi-realistic design that even looks good on this body style.
What Could Possibly Be Wrong With A 232,000 Mile Sienna?
However, the interior is where the car shows its age. The driver’s seat is well-worn with many tears and rips throughout. The passenger, middle captain’s chairs, and rear bench all look immaculate, but the driver’s seat needs serious work in order to be as high-quality as the others. The van does come with a seat cushion to both improve comfort and to cover the tears in the padding. With the ten JBL speakers, rear-facing screens, and seats that fold out of the way to maximize cargo space, this van might be one of the most capable Toyota vehicles ever built.