Annie's Van-Ventures: July 2021

New Wipers and Bins for Under My Bed

This week, I worked a bit more on the van. I thought I'd post prices I'm paying for anyone who is also building out their own Sienna.

Sun Shades

First, I put in a new set of Eclipse Sunshades. I love these shades for the front window. They are SO easy to install and use and keep me from having to store a sunshade or piece of reflectix for the front windshield. Price was:

Subtotal : $54.99 USD

Shipping : $14.02 USD

Total : $69.01 USD

Reflectix

I did buy some reflectix for the other windows.
A roll 48" x 10 feet was right around $30
This will cover all side windows.
When I'm not using it, it will store nicely flat under the mattress.

Windshield Wipers

I bought GOOD windshield wipers. I live most of the year in Oregon and we get a LOT of rain, so I needed good wipers!

I got them at my local NAPA Auto Parts, where the nice man agreed to install them for me as well. I paid $34.48 for the two front wipers. He asked if I wanted the rear wiper, but I declined, since I'll be building out the kitchen in the rear and have no need to see out the rear window.

Sterlite Bins for Under Bed

Next, I went to Walmart and bought 3 bins to go under my bed. I bought simple Sterlite bins. I did buy the lids, though I generally do not use them. I find the bottom of the bed gives enough coverage and I like just being able to slide them partially out and grabbing what I need. I use one bin for my clothes, one for my art supplies, and one for "miscellaneous." I paid $ 7.98 for each bin.

Joe is coming to visit today and I'm hoping to get the bed frame built in. I'll let you know. I DO know that we will be using plywood, which is quite expensive right now. But I will post the price and photos if we get to it this week.

That's it for now,

Annie

Eclipse Sun Shades and New Brakes!

Today I drove to Portland to my favorite mechanic shop
and had new brakes put on my van.

When I arrived back home, my Eclipse Sunshades had arrived.
WHOOP! WHOOP!

These things are the BOMB!

Soooo easy to install and sooo easy to use.

That means tomorrow I'll be working on the van.

Joe is coming to town next Tuesday
and I'm hoping we can at least get the bed in.
Then the kitchen, then I'm ready to get her outfitted
for a camping trip in August to see the Leonid Meteor Showers.

I am SO happy to be vanning again.

FREEDOM!

Installation is a breeze!

Using them is even easier!

From the outside.

Isn't She Lovely!?

It was a very sad day for me when I had to sell my van so I could drive mom's car up to Oregon. That was about one year ago, and today I finally went shopping for a new van...

AND I FOUND ONE!

I had appointments on both the East and West sides of Portland today.

I had looked all through Craigslist and other websites
and was prepared to pay between $12,000 and $14,000
for the right Sienna.

After my last stop on the East side with no luck,
I was headed to the Sellwood Bridge
and passed a little lot and something said
(maybe it was Joe?),
"let's pull in here."

I asked the sales lady if she had a Toyota Sienna.

She did not, but wanted to show me another van.

At this point, a man came out, the owner of the shop.

He said, "Are you looking for something in particular

I replied, "Yes, a Toyota Sienna."

He said, "I suppose you're looking for a newer model."

I said, "No, actually, I would love to find an older one
with less than 150K miles on it.

He said, "Have I got the car for you!"

He had it at his shop
and they had just finished repairing a bumper and headlight
after a minor collision.
The insurance company had totaled it, because of its age,
and so it had a salvage title.
I asked him the mileage and he said he thought it was around 117,000
(turned out to be 110,000!).
I said, "Let's go see it!"

The price was $4500.

When I told him I'd like to trade in my 2000 Lincoln
his eyes lit up.
My Lincoln had only 70,000 actual miles on it.
He said he'd give me $2200 for it.
That meant the Sienna only cost me (after registration fees, etc.)

...DRUMROLL...

$2384.

Here she is, a 2000 Toyota Sienna.

She has only 110,000 miles on her.

I took her to my mechanic friend, Sammy.
She needs new brakes but otherwise is in EXCELLENT condition.

I'm SO stoked and can't wait to get busy
turning her into my next camping van.

YAY!