Tip Find out why most Nigerians in the car industry prefer a 3MZ engined Toyota Sienna over a 2GR engined product.
photo of Toyota Sienna minivan

I test drove a 2007 Toyota Sienna for one sale and found a potential buyer. He had no problems behind the wheel and booked a check-up date. When he came to inspect everything was fine until he climbed in and opened the hood to see the engine compartment. I could see the displeasure on his face as he lifted the hood. I wanted to know what the problem was and he said he couldn’t buy the car. This Sienna is accident free, has a clean interior, good mileage and a good price. He said he fell in love with the car but couldn’t afford it because it came with a 2GR engine. He said he thought it was a 3MZ engine.

I had to ask this question because I thought the new was better. He said he chose the 3MZ engine because he wanted to use the Sienna as a means of transportation.

Surprise me I sell cars but I don’t know them. I didn’t know all this, and in the case of the second-generation Sienna in the automotive sector, it’s time to choose an engine. I took the time to present this insight and followed up with a few questions about both engines. So I’ll share everything he said and what I’ve learned from my own research. First of all,

Toyota Sienna is the second generation Syenna Question. Was launched from 2004 to 2009. For this second generation Sienna, the 2004-2006 models use the 3MZ engine and the 2007-2009 models use the infamous 2Gr engine.

Here are some reasons why most people in the transportation industry prefer the 3MZ engine over the 2GR engine:

fuel consumption efficiency
They believe that the 3MZ engine is more efficient than the 2GR engine. The people I asked said they were opinions based on actual experience, not what they read online. They say they use less fuel with the 3MZ engine compared to the 2GR engine. Engine durability/engine replacement cost
After I found it. They believe that the 3MZ engine is more durable than the 2GR engine. A little overheating and 2GR engines are dangerous, but not in 3MZ. The maintenance and replacement cost of 2GR is also high. Toyota Sienna with 2GR engine
Toyota Sienna with 2GR engine

Toyota Sienna with 3MZ engine

Transmission maintenance and replacement cost
3MZ engines use 10 or 13 pin gearboxes (depending on wheel drive). According to them, these gearboxes are easier to maintain and less expensive to replace in case of failure. Unlike the 22-pin transmission used by the 2GR engine, it is more expensive to maintain and replace if it fails. The 3MZ gearbox can stand the test of time, unlike the 2GR gearbox. Time zone and time series

The 3MZ engine uses a timing belt, while the 2GR engine uses a timing chain. They like the timing belt because it can be easily replaced if it goes bad and doesn’t come with the weird noise associated with the timing chain if it breaks over time.