Wife and I are considering looking at a 2017 Toyota Sienna Limited Premium AWD. Has the colors / features we want, good price, only problem is that it is AWD. Just don't have a use for AWD here and I prefer not to have it on cars because it's more stuff to break and takes up space that's helpful to have when working on / under a vehicle (I do all maintenance and repairs myself.)
That said, finding the Limited/Premium package around here without driving a couple hundred miles or more is tough, so I could live with the AWD, if for nothing other than the resale value. But I have some questions about how it works and what components are involved. I'm guess it's the standard transverse engine layout with a transfer case bolted to the side of the transmission, and normal driveshaft / differential for the rear? Or is it something fancier? I'm aware some cars have nothing but electric motors for the rear wheels and they call it AWD. Just wondering what kind of extra maintenance the AWD system will require, and any input on how it works or its expected reliability would be helpful.
edit: also I just realized that 2017 model engines come with direct injection and a new 8 speed transmission. Any concern with these features? I've read a lot of horror stories about carbon fouling on DI engines but not sure if it applies to this particular engine. Know nothing about Toyota's 8-speed, has this been a reliable unit and who makes it?
That said, finding the Limited/Premium package around here without driving a couple hundred miles or more is tough, so I could live with the AWD, if for nothing other than the resale value. But I have some questions about how it works and what components are involved. I'm guess it's the standard transverse engine layout with a transfer case bolted to the side of the transmission, and normal driveshaft / differential for the rear? Or is it something fancier? I'm aware some cars have nothing but electric motors for the rear wheels and they call it AWD. Just wondering what kind of extra maintenance the AWD system will require, and any input on how it works or its expected reliability would be helpful.
edit: also I just realized that 2017 model engines come with direct injection and a new 8 speed transmission. Any concern with these features? I've read a lot of horror stories about carbon fouling on DI engines but not sure if it applies to this particular engine. Know nothing about Toyota's 8-speed, has this been a reliable unit and who makes it?