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.

We will be driving over 10 hours tomorrow to Montreal Quebec, Canada tomorrow; therefore, I decided to replace all four tires. The previous tires, Michelin Primacy Tour A/S, were replaced only two years ago at Costco and yet they were already badly worn out. I only used Michelin’s tires in the past, but I was disappointed with the previous tires.

I decided to try something new: Firestone Destination LE3 BL 235/50R19 99H 70,000 Mile. Since we have the lifetime alignment with Firestone Auto Care, it saved us to go with them. Our minivan is about 73,000 miles now so we’ll see how they’ll perform.

I also bought insurance just in case. The total was $1,100. Damn!

After 29 days at the dealership, our 2018 Toyota Sienna SE is back to us—just in time for our vacation to Canada. Ourisman Fairfax Toyota has exceeded its customer service. Ourisman loaned me a car all the 29 days while my minivan sitting in their shop.

It was an unforeseeable accident. The Deet chemical in the Repel Insect Repellen melted the rubber, not plastic. It took the technician two weeks to figured out. The final cost was almost $3,500. I am so glad that Connect insurance covered the cost. I just paid the deductible.

Let’s hope that everything will be good in the next few weeks.

Our 2018 Toyota Sienna LE has been residing at Ourisman Fairfax Toyota since the morning after Memorial Day, which has been almost four weeks already. I took the car back to the dealer just two months after dropping $1,245 to fix the airbag warning light issue. The issue occurred again.

Two weeks after the drop-off, an Ourisman Fairfax Toyota technician reported that there were chemical spills that melted the wire-cover plastic and the plastic inside of the door panel. The chemical was from a bug spray.

A few months ago, a bottle of Repel Insect Repellent was accidentally spilt into the passenger front-side door. The Deet in the chemical melted plastics. I filed an auto claim to our American Family Connect Property and Casualty Insurance Company. Last Tuesday, the insurance company sent an independent appraiser to the dealer to assess the issue. They are still investigating to find out if this is a wear-and-tear issue or an accidental issue, which would be covered under the comprehensive policy.

I hope they will make the decision soon. If they decline the coverage, I will have to appeal. There’s no way I am going to drop another $3,500 to fix it. At this point, I just don’t know what to do anymore. I just have to wait patiently for the insurance company.

Even though my car is at the dealer, Ourisman Fairfax Toyota has loaned me a car to get around. Mad props to them.