Hey there, members. Recently we asked you to find an RV for us and you came up big. I don’t want to give it away yet because we haven’t yet purchased anything, but we are looking at one of the RVs picked out by a member. If we do buy it, you’ll all be the first to know. 
While we’re considering that purchase, there’s another vehicle we’ve been obsessed with and have been offered for the low-low price of just $500. It comes from a reader who was kind enough to offer David a place to stay on his cross-country adventure.
It’s hard to say no to any car for $500, let alone a 2005 Toyota Sienna AWD with 240k+ miles on it. The van is in decent shape, though the front struts do need replacing (and maybe it needs an oil change, based on the genie lamp).
The interior is almost too nice for us! So, what do you think we should do with this? As a starting point, Jason did draw up this era Sienna as an Overlander:
The sky’s the limit, though. Tell us what you think we should do! Also feel free to share your own terrible car ideas.
This is a hell of an offer and you should absolutely take it. However if you do, you also must also absolutely upgrade the front brakes to 2010 spec. They are a direct bolt on upgrade. Toyota upsized them for the MCR because they were prone to fade, especially on the heavier AWD models. I’m going to assume that this message will get lost in the noise, so if I do hear you made the purchase, I will be all over your ass to make sure you are aware. You have been warned. 🙂
I had one of these (same model), so I’m quite familiar if you have any question. Oh, the rear brake lines are also prone to rusting out near the brackets. Double flare time.
They also make a pretty good mid-weight tow vehicle, but will need supplemental air bags, as the rear springs are rather soft. I actually kept them inflated at all times because it tightened up the handling so nicely.
I am thinking road trip mobile/parts hauler. Be able to remove seats, add storage, flat space for moving the deal David found.
Have Mercedes build the ultimate Autopian camper van and take it out to report from the road.
I vote for all of A.Barth’s and MaxHeadbolts’ plans. It’d be an epic ride! And probably the most comfortable Gambler rig ever. And, btw, the smallest BFG KO2s made are all of 1/4″ larger diameter than stock… Just sayin’…
It’s your profit margin. Each of you takes an 8 hour shift Uber’ing.
The clear and proper answer is below: wrenching exp with David and SWG for member(s) and then give away to family in need.
The more fun, but worse, answer is turn it into “tender” for the Autopian RV as a combined “build the RVs garage and make a shorty Sienna”.
Close, but the Sienna is for me and all my boots on the Autopian cross country RV trip. That way I don;t have to put up other’s terrible music choices and if I don’t like the look of the unwashed rabble assembled to meet us, I can motor on by to the next stop.
Mobile Stately Clarke Manor Brougham Edition it is, just add opera lights, black vinyl roof, and coffin pull door handles.
That’s a good combo, and I think everyone involved could feel good about what they’re doing.
(The first one, that is. The second one is a good combo for everyone to stop and question their life choices, but have fun doing it.)
Always the intent, always.
Send it with David to Galpin and pimp that ride yo. I heard you like shrimp dawg! But in reality do what boxing pistons said.
AWD? $500? I think you found the Autopian’s Gambler 500 entry.
Or 24hr of Lemons.
This is actually one of my current shortlisted to-buy vehicles, if you guys pass on it, care to throw it my way?
The plan:
I wasn’t sure where you were going with this but your last two bullet points sold me.
Concur!
Three words, “Sienna Full o’Shrimp”!!!
When is the next LA Auto Show?
That sounds delicious and somehow repulsive at the same time.
Mid engine 3.5L TT Hybrid Max van?
Tempt someone into buying the wrenching with David experience and the van, then use that experience to make that person’s van-build dream come alive?
Great idea!
Give it a once-over and give it to someone in need.
That’s really the best use of a cheap family hauler.
That’s a good idea, too!
And it’s also a decent tax write-off.
That’s way better than my ideas. Good on ya.
Ditto.
This is the best idea.
This is the most inverse thinking to most media groups within the car community.
Anyone else would paint dicks on it and send it off a ramp into a busted old caravan just for the views leaving all of the viewers thinking, “but why?”
I think it’s genuinely a good opportunity for the Autopian to show what is a genuine truth and that’s that it’s built from a love for the cars and the people who love them.
Yeah, I’m on board with this one. To take it.a step further, The Autopian, or rather its community, could definitely find a “donate your old car” charity to partner with and make it a recurring wrenching event. Like Habitat for Humanity builds, only Autopians descend on a few seen better days cars and wrench them to safely operable.
Wrap it in Autopian livery and use it for a) pop-up events in and around southern California and b) overnight trips where the RV wouldn’t be necessary. Also possibly as a company car for everyday tasks.
Some of the overlanding elements would be good, too – like the snorkel and the liftgate spare.
In fact, you could use it as a platform for testing stuff. Rooftop tent? Solar power? Porta-loo? Sleeping accommodations? Tools? It’s wide open!
Spill pizza sauce everywhere and then give it away a few months later 😉
LOLOLOL