This morning I took our Toyota Sienna 2018 SE over to a Vietnamese guy who a friend recommended to replace the brake pads and rotors. I text him two days ago and he recommended that I buy the parts from Toyota. I preferred Toyota’s genuine parts over aftermarket anyway. I called our closest dealer get a quote on brake pads and rotors for four wheels. He gave me a price that was over $900. My wife ordered everything online and I came to the dealer to pick up and everything cost $400. That was crazy.

In any rate, the technician took a look at our car and told me that I only needed to change the rear pads and rotors. He took 40 minutes to replace and charged me $70. I was surprised. He did an excellent job. I am definitely coming back to him to do more services. He lives only 15 minutes away from me. He is honest and he doesn’t charge an arm and leg. He only takes on jobs that he could do. It’s hard to find people like him nowadays.

Here’s the breakdown:

• 2 Rear Rotors: $150
• 4 Rear Brake Discs: $50
• Labor: $70

Total: $270

Note: Toyota Sienna 2018 SE at 80,000 miles

Getting a flat tire is a pain in the ass. If you leave nails and screws on the streets, fuck you. Whenever I spotted a screw or a nail on the street, I would pick it up and throw them in the trash so people won’t get a flat tire.

Instead of taking my car to Costco and wait for three hours to get my tire patched up, I decided to do it myself for the first time. I bought the Slime tire patch kit a few years ago and hadn’t had a chance to use it.

I enlisted my older boys to help jacking up the car and removed the tire. The screw was in there. We followed this instructional video on YouTube. The most challenging part was trying to remove the screw and inserting the tube into the tire. We also made a small mistake of releasing the jack before pumping the air back in.

After we got everything back together, Ðạo informed me that the solution was only temporary. We had to take the car to the shop to get it patched up correctly. Damn! We should have just taken it to the shop. Then again it was a good learning experience. I would feel more confidence patching it up next time.

Yesterday was the third time I had to open up the Samsung dryer again. Same as last time, it made loud noise. I replaced the rubber belt. I had a hard time hooking the belt back to the pulleys. I had to enlisted my wife for help. Somehow my mind doesn’t seem to follow those kind of logic.

When I put the dryer together and plugged the cord back, the power didn’t turn back on. I had to open it back up to check the door and sensor connectors. After that it worked again. I couldn’t tell if the jack was loose or the connectors were loose. I just wanted write it down for reference.

We took all four boys to the dentist for their six-month checkup. c came out and told me the orthodontist would like to talk to me. I knew I would have to spend more money. She informed me that Xuân needed a palatal expander. Since we already paid for Đao’s expander and braces and Đan’s braces, I expected we will have to do for Xuân and Vương as well. I didn’t even think or hesitate to drop $1,000 to start the palatal expander for Xuân. I just gave them my credit card. Yes, I am guilty as charged for my extensive parenting style. I would have thought it over if I were to drop a grant on myself, but for my kids, it’s all good.

For a while, we had a hard time removing the key from the door knob. Today, the kids had an early dismissal, but the rain prevented us from the skatepark. I decided to replace the locks.

I bought the exterior single-cylinder deadbolt and keyed entry door knob combo pack by Kwikset. I had some issues with the screws so I drove to Lowe’s to get some screw anchors, but it didn’t have the right size. Picked up the Reliabilt combo pack as well just incase.

I drove Home Depot to see if I could get the right anchors, which it had. The Kwikset’s deadbolt worked fine, but the door knob didn’t fit right. I switched to Reliabilt instead. The cost was about $30.

Almost a month after I sent in my registration as a proof of ownership of my 2018 Sienna SE, I received a check from Toyota. I am glad they kept their word. Toyota has a good reputation and it is a good brand. Our 2011 Sienna XLE is around 195,000 miles. I am not sure how longer it will last. As much as I hate buying a new car, we’ll get another Toyota when that one is finished. If we have to have a car, it has to be a Toyota.

After 14 days, Toyota Brand Engagement Center has received all my documents. Nethertheless, they still wanted a proof of ownership of the vehicle, which they did not stated in their original correspondence. Fine, I’ll give them the proof.

Dear R,

Sorry I missed your call, but I received your message. I am sending you the registration as proof that I am the owner of the 2018 Toyota Sienna SE. If you have further questions, please call me at XXX-XXX-2187.

Sincerely,
Donny Truong

Let’s see where we are going with this.

After replacing the bathroom fan for just three months, it stopped working again. The fan was fine, but the switch was dead. So the previous switch was made by Eaton only lasted three months. I hope it was the switch issue and not the electrical issue. Does any electrician or electrical engineer know why the switch had such a short lifespan? Could the cost ($0.85) be the factor? Switches seem to last for a very long time. Hit me know if you know the answer.

I made an appointment with Priority Toyota Springfield last Friday at noon for an inspection on our 2018 Toyota Sienna SE. The service rep told me it would take 5 hours. He advised me to come early in the morning without making an appointment. I took his advice.

I woke up early this morning, packed my laptop to work remotely, and headed to the Priority Toyota Springfield. I arrived 10 minutes before 7:00 am, which was its opening time, and I was the first one in line. The inspection still took 3 hours to complete.

I was taking advantage of the free inspection, which was part of the deal for purchasing a car at Priority, but the wait wasn’t worth it. I should have just taken it to a gas station. It would cost me $20, but the waiting time would have been shorter.

While waiting, the inspector at the dealer informed me that the 2 front side marker light bulbs were out. Each bulb cost $3.26. The labor for screwing in two bulbs, which took 5 minutes, cost $70. These costs are just insane. I could have replaced the bulbs myself. Even with a free inspection, they still got me.

Next time, I will check all the lights first before taking my car to be inspected. Here’s the complete checklist:

• Brakes
• Headlights
• Signal lights
• Other lights
• Steering
• Suspension
• Exhaust system
• Tires
• Hood latch
• Emission control
• Windshield
• Windshield wipers
• Other glass
• Mirror
• Doors
• Seats
• Seat belts
• Floor pan
• Defroster
• Horn

I am sending in the documents and receipt to Toyota Brand Engagement Center. I also wrote the following note:

Dear N,

Thank you for responding to my 2018 Toyota Sienna’s airbag issue back in March, 2024. Unfortunately, the airbag light went on again in June (Memorial Weekend), which was just two months after it was fixed.

I took our Sienna back to Ourisman Fairfax Toyota again. As you can see in the documents and receipt, the new cost to fix the issue the second time was $3,483.06.

I am providing you with all the paperworks to show that I have met your “offer of $750.00 towards future service(s), using genuine Toyota parts at an authorized Toyota dealership.”

I am looking forward to hearing back from you.

Current owner of two Toyota Siennas
Donny Truong

Let’s hope Toyota will keep its words.