I like the wood trim myself, especially since Toyota's fake wood is amongst the most realistic I've seen (at least on the Avalon XLS). Woodgrain trim was wildly popular in the 1970s, but fell out of favor by the mid-'80s in part because the car mags at the time hated it and blasted any manufacturer that put woodgrained interiors in their cars. Wood (both real and imitation) made a comeback in the '90s though, as lower-end cars seeked to emulate Jaguar, Mercedes, and BMW interiors. Strangely, it was de rigueur in the 1980s to remove the woodgrain on sporty or "Euro-style" cars, yet it was the Europeans who led the trend back to wood, which was picked up by Lexus and others.
While I'll agree that the woodgrain on most vehicles is not adding to the attractiveness of the vehicle, I will also say that this is a personal preference. Wood-grain trim is one way that Toyota as well as other manufacturers try to differentiate between lower and higher end models. Other than having all of the trim repalaced with the trim out of a lower trim model, I do not know of any way of getting an XLE or Limited model without it.
I noticed that one article (can't remember which) mentioned the middle row as being a "bench" in the 8 pass. Hmmmm... I don't need the 8 seater, just thinking it *might* be nice so I will have to make the judgement if it's right for us when I actually see one in person. Looking forward to hearing your thoughts too.
I just spoke again to the dealer - according to him there are no FWD LTD's built to date... Sequoiasaurus' production info for Feb seems to support the claim. As I am at the end of a lease end-of-March, does anyone have knowledge of FWD LTD production and subsequent availability in the March-April timeframe? Don't want to put down a deposit to guarantee a vehicle search for a vehicle that may not exist until June!
"are there any situations where a run-flat would be less effective than regular tires and a temporary spare?"
I can think of one right off - when you're in Podunk, Outback and there isn't a tire dealer within 200 miles for you to buy that $250 replacement tire which they don't stock anyway and you have to be at Aunt Gerties by 6 PM.
Remember, that those are production numbers for the region that he received the information from. Each region gets its own allocation of vehicles and that allocation includes different numbers of different models for those vehicles. For example, I know that we have an XLE FWD model as our initial Sienna allocated to us. As another example, here in the New York Region, we do not get allocated 4x2 models of the 4Runners and Sequioa's while southern regions often do not get allocated 4x4 versions.
I would assume that the same would hold true for the Sienna. AWD models will be more heavily allocated to northern regions while FWD models will be more heavily allocated to Southern regions.
If you are really curious about the 8 seating look at the 2003 Chevy Venture. It seams pretty close to the Sienna. I am in no way saying look at it to buy it, but if you want to go to your dealer and get in one to see if you like it, I think they are the closest to what the Toyota is going to offer. One thing to remember about the 8 seating is that the seats are removable, so if you only occasionally need 8 remove one seat for easier access, just remember that the armrests are not their.
There is other stuff under the other side (might be the fuel tank (I don't remember exactly) so the exhaust can only run down the side where the spare would be (since it can't run down the middle where the drive shaft now sits.
I too will probably have to wait for a car to be delivered to the lot I purchase from. Did you have to sign any papers or leave a deposit? I would hate to leave my whole down payment with a dealer when I don't even have the car yet.
I didn't have to give him a down payment at all. He just wrote my name on the allocation sheet! He also took $980 off msrp in the initial offer. I am now thinking about waiting for a LE with just an AM pkg. He has been very helpful and said if I don't want the CE just let him know. I'm in St. Louis and the excitement here is not what it seems to be in larger markets. I will be so sorry if I wait and all the LEs show up with numerous options, I just want the basics but decided that for the price of alloy wheels I could have an LE instead of the CE.
My advice would be to call or email lots of dealers telling them what you're looking for and see what kind of response you get. I contacted 7 or 8 dealers and this one was the only one I felt comfortable dealing with. Good ol boys, no crap, no pressure.
I checked out Straatman Toyota's website and it definitely appears like they are much different than the dealers here in St Louis...small staff of good ole boys (like you said)...were they the only ones that gave you any decent info in the St Louis area ?? i'd love it if you and i were the only St Louisans interested in a new Sienna right now, not sure what demand will be like once people see a few on the road...also, did you place a custom order with them (options, color, etc) or is your van a part of their allocation ??
just curious, since i really dont need one until late May, but if i have to order one, then i may have to get on the ball...
The Sienna 8-psgr seating works much like that already available on the Ford Explorer and Expedition (or their Lincoln/Mercury equivalents). The GM (Venture/Montana) 8-passenger seating doesn't have the forward-adjustable center portion designed to keep toddlers within easy reach.
Yes they were the only ones who bothered to give me any real info. I didn't order, Yates just checked what was coming into our six state region. The CE is their allotment for the 3-14 release date. I don't think you can order a specific van, you just hope they are making what you want at the time you want it.
Because this has been the only dealer with any sense, I am buying from them and then will have any warranty work done at the dealer 3 miles from my front door!
You can call or email Yates Harrison, he is a very nice and humble man, no "I've got what you want, what are you gonna give me for it!"
The new Monterey, along with Ford's new Freestar will remain with the same exterior design than the current generation. This means no additional room, not too much better ride and handling, despite a new suspension system and improved steering feel.
The engine remains with 200 hp and 240 lb.-ft of torque, and an upgrade engine is available (4.2L) with just one additional hp (201 total) but more torque (265 lb-ft) at a lower rpm. Not any better mileage. Also 4-speed Transmission, not a 5-speed as most competitors, though the 4-speed will have much improved technology.
Some features the new Toyota Sienna will offer, will not be available on the new "Luxury" Monterey which will cost over $40,000. No AWD will be offered. No sliding door roll-down windows, Rear seat fold down will be one piece design, not a split-seat design as the Sienna. Center row captain chairs will not be movable or indexing, just fold, tumble, or remove completely. No navigation system announced yet, while the Sienna will have one with a rearview camera. Sienna will also offer standard Tilt/Telescoping steering wheel. Also a windshield wiper de-icer grid, as the Dodge/Chrysler minivan do; Daytime running lamps; Illuminated key ring. and, above all: Toyota quality and resale value.
Features Monterey will be better than Sienna: 4-wheel Disc brakes standard on all models with brake assist, it will have cooled seats in addition to the heated seats. Signal outside mirrors. Illuminated controls for power windows / door locks. Baby sleeping mode lamps. Shift lever will remain on traditional steering-wheel column. Keypad entry, and power adjustable pedals. Of course it will have the power passenger seat, and memory seats, someone mentioned above, which will unfortunately not be available on the Sienna.
Some NEW features both - Sienna AND Monterey - will offer are: power liftgate; fornt AND rear parking aid system; 3-zone automatic climate system; and some more.
It's very similar to the current Windstar. Same side doors, liftgate, and nose. Though different headlamps, fog lamps and, of course, front grille. Inside there is a bigger change. Steering wheel is similar to the new 2003 Lincoln Navigator/Aviator, as is the analog clock between the 2 center A/C vents, and will also feature some silver-finished surrounds, like the Lincoln's.
Ford is promising that this one will be a good quality vehicle, with excellent fit and finish, and really reliable. Also will it be much quieter than previous minivans, with reducing the engine and tranny noisy, and adding a lot of sound insulation all over.
Now, let's go back to topic..: 2004 Sienna? AWD?? etc...
I too think the Sienna should have had a power front passenger seat (or at least manual height and tilt adjustment) and driver's seat memory, at least on the $40K Limited. Pushbutton entry and adjustable pedals would be nice too. I also want gauges for oil pressure and volts, something the old Chrysler minivans had. But the features the Sienna has that competitors don't drawfs those the other way around.
From the above 2 posts on the "luxury" features of the Sienna and Monterey, it seems that the new Sienna missed an opportunity to provide both reliability and complete luxury. Even adding the described features of the Monterey (i.e. memory pedals, powered passenger seat, keypad entry, better sound insulation) would have helped.
Raising the XLE Limited to the $45-50,000 level would have allowed Toyota to add these and other features. The XLE level would be available for those who did not want to pay that much. It would have been even better IMHO if the luxury Sienna was exported to the Lexus line. It is my opinion that some of the Lexus buyers of the RX300/330 or GX470 may have opted for the luxury minivan. Many rarely need the off-road capabilities of luxury SUV's.
I was gutting my deceased '94 Mercury Village with 223,000 miles yesterday. RIP! As we went through the vehicle in my attempt to remove the wiring to the scooter lift, it was hard to miss the power passenger seat. My wife commented on the lack of such a seat in the Siennas.
The coming Grand Sport Tourers will likely address some of my concerns. However, such vehicles may lack the utility of minivans. I am hoping that some manufacturer will take the luxury minvan plunge in the future.
I will likely purchase a XLE Limited in the spring. We must wait until we can see the specific configuration of the rear compartment. There must be a sufficiently strong floor to support a lift. The Honda's rear floor around the 3rd row of seats/seat well is apparently not sturdy enough. A metal track or panel may have to be bolted over the third seat/well. If either of these requirements are not met, we may have to opt for a RampVan version. Since my wife can still walk for very short distances, many of the RampVan's features are not desired. A limited conversion may be what we attempt.
I am hoping that our third car, a true piece of junk, will hold out until we can purchase/convert the Sienna. My wife made me declare what car I would buy within 24 hours if the third car died. I went through all of the options (i.e. available minivans and SUV's) and concluded that a 2003 Sienna would be the best option. I am hoping that I can wait for and that the 2004 Sienna Limited will work for us.
I've been one of the many people who have been quietly observing the many posts in this discussion. Just wanted to say thank you all so much for the vast amounts of information and opinions.
Looks as if my family will likely be in line for an XLE with some heated leather. I personally believe a well equipped LE probably hits the sweetest price point, but I've convinced myself that a few of the goodies on the XLE would be a nice step up for us.
Does anyone have information on regional allocations for the upper midwest?
unc, I know you've been wanting to see a Sienna counterpart in the Lexus lineup. But, unfortunately that is not very feasible. Without getting into vehicle overlap and production costs, think about this:
Toyota would likely have to make the Lexus van alongside the Sienna. That means the Princeton, IN plant would have to be brought up to the same standards as a facility producing the Lexus models. And doing that for only a single model with a relatively low volume, wouldn't be feasible. Now if the Lexus van and RX 330 were made at the same facility, that would be another story but they aren't the most compatible vehicles.
My wife and I are very excited about the 2004 Toyota Sienna. We've been shopping for a mini-van for about 5 months and had narrowed it down to the Odyssey but the dealer wants to sell it above MSRP and wanted us to wait 5 months. The 2004 Toyota appears to have everything the Odyssey has plus more ability to choose options.
There is one thing that would put this vehicle over the top for my wife's business. We've noticed the curb weight of the new 2004 Toyota Sienna is about 4,100 to 4,365 lbs. Do any of the models have a GVWR greater than 6,000 lbs. (This would equal the sum of the curb weight plus passenger weight plus cargo weight). The GVWR information is put on all vehicles and it is located on the inside driver side door.
The old Sienna's GVWR was about 5,400 lbs. The new Sienna weighs about 200 lbs more and is much bigger with the ability to carry more. We're hoping one of the models has a GVWR of over 6,000 lbs as the IRS grants businesses a huge tax break for buying a vehicle over 6,000 lbs. I'm not sure I agree with the tax break...but what the hell, if its there I may as well use it.
If someone can find this information I would be very interested in knowing.
Is it lunacy to wonder if a dealer would accomodate the option of swapping the run-flat tires, that come on the AWD, with regular tires and a spare that is kept in the (abundantly spacious) interior? That is what I would like. Of course I realize that I can easily buy 5 new tires myself...and be stuck with 4 run-flats..to try and unload! What do you think, as a dealer - Ken, or anyone else who has tried to acquire the qualities that you really want in your next vehicle? I guess the worst that can happen is that the dealer tells me where to go... Thanks for any opinions.
My wife and I are very excited about the 2004 Toyota Sienna. We've been shopping for a mini-van for about 5 months and had narrowed it down to the Odyssey but the dealer wants to sell it above MSRP and wanted us to wait 5 months. The 2004 Toyota appears to have everything the Odyssey has plus more ability to choose options.
There is one thing that would put this vehicle over the top for my wife's business. We've noticed the curb weight of the new 2004 Toyota Sienna is about 4,100 to 4,365 lbs. Do any of the models have a GVWR greater than 6,000 lbs. (This would equal the sum of the curb weight plus passenger weight plus cargo weight). The GVWR information is put on all vehicles and it is located on the inside driver side door.
The old Sienna's GVWR was about 5,400 lbs. The new Sienna weighs about 200 lbs more and is much bigger with the ability to carry more. We're hoping one of the models has a GVWR of over 6,000 lbs as the IRS grants businesses a huge tax break for buying a vehicle over 6,000 lbs. I'm not sure I agree with the tax break...but what the hell, if its there I may as well use it.
If someone can find this information I would be very interested in knowing.
There is a piece of trim that runs along the side of the new Sienna. For the CE and LE it is black. The trim on the XLE Ltd. is chrome. Does anyone know if the XLE (not Ltd) is chrome or black? If you can believe it, my wife is insisting on chrome trim but I don't need the other features on the Limited model. The right answer could save me a lot of cash.
As per markum1, I too would be interested in hearing what the GVWR is. Perhaps someone at one of the autoshows could take a look at the plate and write down the numbers.
Would also like to see the effect on the suspension at GVWR, but will likely have to wait till we take one for a test drive.
I didn't see leather seats available on the '04 Sienna below XLE CE (+$2070). It seems like a long way up the food chain, but maybe I missed something. Please advise.
Can someone also tell me the key differences in seating configuration between the seven and eight passenger. Don't need the under carriage specifics but interested in which seat pulls out on the eight and whether when that seat is gone it's just like the seven?
Thanks to all who have made this site heaven for interested purchasers. JMG
I just got back from spending two days at the Toronto Car Show and came back with mixed feelings about the Sienna. The CE & LE were, IMHO, very unexciting. Way too plain for what I was expecting. The fabric and black interior trim looked much better pictures than they did in person. I also found the seat bottoms to be a little short which I did not like in the 2003 model. I am a somewhat slim 6' for comparison.
They did not allow access to the XLE or even allow a peak inside so I guess I'll have to wait until it hits showrooms. I have my fingers crossed that the XLE adds a bit of warmth to the interior but I was hoping not to have a leather interior.
One huge surprise was the Nissan Quest. The pictures almost made me toss my cookies but in person it was very impressive. Seats look extremely comfortable - very wide for good torso/hip and shoulder support. I'll have to take a look when it comes out but I still have a preference with Toyota product.
I was also trying to convince myself that I could squeeze my 3 & 6 yr old into the Subura WRXsti, remove the silly spoiler and gold wheels, and buy a Thule box for the added storage. What a nice toy.
The Lexus RX 330 and Volvo XC 90 are also very nice but now then price is getting too high.
I can't wait to see the Canadian detailed option packages and price lists.
I'm not sure I'd know a good ol boy if I saw one, LOL. But I did notice the salesforce is salaried and not commissioned. I wonder how to find a dealer like that in southern CA?
With the info I've found here (thank you so much everyone!), and our approx. downpayment/credit, and what we feel we want our monthly payments to be, it's cutting it VERY close as to whether we will get the 04 Sienna or not. The 04 Sienna is going to have to impress us, LOL. Then, if we do like it we will go to dealers, explain how much we have down, what we want our monthly payment to be. If they can't meet our price (which I think they could if they wanted to, again based on what I have learned here), we walk. I figure we might have to go to 5-6 dealers. I don't mind, I only hope my husband can hold out
I agree 100% re the CE and LE. I was expecting a lot better materials. Steering wheel and cloth seemed cheap to me. I didn't like the black trim either. I also looked at the Odyssey after looking at the Sienna and thought I liked the Honda better. I'm still going with the Sienna XLE and hoping the interior will be a lot nicer with the leather than the CE and LE.
Can anyone get the invoice pricing of the packages? Maybe Ken? Also, Ken explained to us earlier in post 1150 about the add ons that come ppo, are there set prices on those also? I got a msrp for the Le with package BW for $28,683 includes dest ($510) all options ($3913) so if the package BW costs $2895 that means that the automatic add ons are $1018. I want to make a deal on this one but really want to start with knowing real invoice price. BTW, the dealer is getting this one in 5 days, looks like they are arriving early!!!
Does the DVD system load in the dash console w/ the CD player or is there a separate "box" like an aftermarket system? What about the 6-disc changer also?
I also wonder why this hasn't happened yet... one way to make a Lexus minivan that wasn't a clone of the Sienna would be to use the new European-market Previa as a starting point. It's nothing at all like the old van of the same name that used to be sold in North America, and is quite attractive.
In the meantime, the new Sienna Limited is "the Lexus of minivans" - interior trim is very similar to the Lexus ES 300. It would need a few more features, like a power front passenger seat, to obtain Lexus prices, but I'm sure there would be a *huge* market for a Lexus van if done right.
The CD changer is for the XLE & Limited, I believe, and is an in-dash 6-disc player. The DVD slot is in the unit along with the screen, on the ceiling of the car. Looking at the pictures, it looks like it might be a difficult reach for an adult in the front seat to put the DVD in the player, making it a backwards and up reach.
Here are the pictures sent to me by canuck13 when he went to the Toronto AutoShow. Looks like an internal brochure for the sales rep. Lots of interesting information.
Models are for Canadian Market (the gallons are imperial gallons, not US gallons).
in the 8 seat configuration the centre seat can be pushed about 6-10" fwd on tracks. This is for a child to be closer to the front occupants. All three seats can be folded. When the middle seat is removed i think the right most seat can be moved to form a bench(index seating)
The only disadvantage is that the seats dont have armrests.
With the 7 you can put them together to form a banch or leave it as captain chairs.
I have a 2002 Honda Odyssey and would love to trade it in with a 2004 Sienna does anyone know what would be the best time to purchase the Sienna? Also, I paid about $34k for my Odyssey would I lose a lot of money if I traded it in for a 2004 Sienna. I am interested in any input any townhall members have. Thank You, Etnies
To answer your question on the Sienna Club, Yes, there is one, but no one is allowed to mention that in this forum per the rules of the discussion board.
I tried to email you on the name of the web site, but your profile email bounced back, so I assume that email is no longer is service.
I mean, edmunds.com has to protect that which distinguishes it from other auto sites. Let's face it- to many, including me, Edmunds' road tests, first drives, comparos, and long terms are just an interesting read. They arent very informative, useful, or high in credibility. It seems to me that have the same overall opinion of many cars. "This car is nice, and its buyers wont go wrong". Please.
However, things like TMV and Discussion boards that are patrolled for integrity and professionalism are truly things that set this website apart. Therefore, these must be closely monitored. I don't mind.
Anyways, how bout that Sienna! What is everyone's opinion of the Sienna trim line and options that will offer the best value? ~alpha
I think it is CE with AL package. Every functiona/safety feature you (uh I mean I)need with the exception of HVAC filter. Hopefully that can be dealer installed.
There are some packages on most of the trim levels that include the rear disc brakes, so take a look at what I posted earlier for the packages that include the rear discs. It is typically not very feasable to change drums to discs. Also, if it doesn't really affect braking performance, what is the great concern about discs vs. drums?
As for the HVAC filter, most of the Toyota's that I know of have the slot for the filter for models that don't have it when the higher-end ones have it. You just have to buy the filter and place it in the holder. I don't know if this will be the case on the Sienna, but you can check. As they aren't on the ground yet, it isn't something I can check.
Lastly, if the DVD option is the same as on all other Toyota's, the standard in-dash CD player on the higher end models is a 6-disc in dash changer unless you get the DVD navigation system. Then it goes to a single disc player. The Nav screen tilts out of the way to access the ports for the CD and Cassette deck.
Ken, do you know how much it usually costs to have Toyota dealer install a Navigation & DVD RES on a Sienna CE since it is not an option on the CE or LE models? Also, a local sales rep told me that the dealer installed systems are just as good as the factory installed systems. My instinct tells me it is not true, but what is your impression?
First, I want to thank toyotaken for his quick and informative response. I will check with the dealer once the cars on in the showrooms.
I did not know that disks did not shorten the brake distance. I would like disks brakes because they dissipate heat better than drum brakes and are not susecptable to failure due to water (rain). Hence all front wheels even on the least expensive cars and all four wheels on any respectable sports car have disks.
I am buying a minivan because we are having our third child. I imagine the the van filled to the gills going up and down hills/mountains and in the rain. It makes me feel better that the rear breaks are disk.
I beleive the acronym HVAC stands for Heat Ventilation Air Conditioning. The HVAC filter is important to me because my oldest seems to get a lot of repiratory infections. I hear that the air inside the car can be pretty filthy. I don't know if an air filter will help much, but it certainly could not hurt.
Does anyone remember those pictures of the Toyota van that the Hollywood Extra site had? It was green, didn't have sliding doors, and looked kind of small. Well, it's actually a real vehicle, called the Wish in Japan.
Comments
Ken
As I am at the end of a lease end-of-March, does anyone have knowledge of FWD LTD production and subsequent availability in the March-April timeframe? Don't want to put down a deposit to guarantee a vehicle search for a vehicle that may not exist until June!
I can think of one right off - when you're in Podunk, Outback and there isn't a tire dealer within 200 miles for you to buy that $250 replacement tire which they don't stock anyway and you have to be at Aunt Gerties by 6 PM.
I would assume that the same would hold true for the Sienna. AWD models will be more heavily allocated to northern regions while FWD models will be more heavily allocated to Southern regions.
Hope this helps.
Ken
Ambient Temperature, Average Fuel Consumption, Instant Fuel Consumption, Drivable Distance, Display Off. English/Metric Switch.
Thanks.
My advice would be to call or email lots of dealers telling them what you're looking for and see what kind of response you get. I contacted 7 or 8 dealers and this one was the only one I felt comfortable dealing with. Good ol boys, no crap, no pressure.
Good luck, Becky
just curious, since i really dont need one until late May, but if i have to order one, then i may have to get on the ball...
Because this has been the only dealer with any sense, I am buying from them and then will have any warranty work done at the dealer 3 miles from my front door!
You can call or email Yates Harrison, he is a very nice and humble man, no "I've got what you want, what are you gonna give me for it!"
Good luck, Becky
http://media.ford.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=14367&ma- -%20-%20ke_id=94
The new Monterey, along with Ford's new Freestar will remain with the same exterior design than the current generation. This means no additional room, not too much better ride and handling, despite a new suspension system and improved steering feel.
The engine remains with 200 hp and 240 lb.-ft of torque, and an upgrade engine is available (4.2L) with just one additional hp (201 total) but more torque (265 lb-ft) at a lower rpm. Not any better mileage. Also 4-speed Transmission, not a 5-speed as most competitors, though the 4-speed will have much improved technology.
Some features the new Toyota Sienna will offer, will not be available on the new "Luxury" Monterey which will cost over $40,000. No AWD will be offered. No sliding door roll-down windows, Rear seat fold down will be one piece design, not a split-seat design as the Sienna. Center row captain chairs will not be movable or indexing, just fold, tumble, or remove completely. No navigation system announced yet, while the Sienna will have one with a rearview camera. Sienna will also offer standard Tilt/Telescoping steering wheel. Also a windshield wiper de-icer grid, as the Dodge/Chrysler minivan do; Daytime running lamps; Illuminated key ring. and, above all: Toyota quality and resale value.
Features Monterey will be better than Sienna: 4-wheel Disc brakes standard on all models with brake assist, it will have cooled seats in addition to the heated seats. Signal outside mirrors. Illuminated controls for power windows / door locks. Baby sleeping mode lamps. Shift lever will remain on traditional steering-wheel column. Keypad entry, and power adjustable pedals. Of course it will have the power passenger seat, and memory seats, someone mentioned above, which will unfortunately not be available on the Sienna.
Some NEW features both - Sienna AND Monterey - will offer are: power liftgate; fornt AND rear parking aid system; 3-zone automatic climate system; and some more.
Now, to see some photos, go to:
http://www.wieck.com/public/index.html
and type 'Monterey' in the 'search' box.
It's very similar to the current Windstar. Same side doors, liftgate, and nose. Though different headlamps, fog lamps and, of course, front grille. Inside there is a bigger change. Steering wheel is similar to the new 2003 Lincoln Navigator/Aviator, as is the analog clock between the 2 center A/C vents, and will also feature some silver-finished surrounds, like the Lincoln's.
Ford is promising that this one will be a good quality vehicle, with excellent fit and finish, and really reliable. Also will it be much quieter than previous minivans, with reducing the engine and tranny noisy, and adding a lot of sound insulation all over.
Now, let's go back to topic..: 2004 Sienna? AWD?? etc...
Raising the XLE Limited to the $45-50,000 level would have allowed Toyota to add these and other features. The XLE level would be available for those who did not want to pay that much. It would have been even better IMHO if the luxury Sienna was exported to the Lexus line. It is my opinion that some of the Lexus buyers of the RX300/330 or GX470 may have opted for the luxury minivan. Many rarely need the off-road capabilities of luxury SUV's.
I was gutting my deceased '94 Mercury Village with 223,000 miles yesterday. RIP! As we went through the vehicle in my attempt to remove the wiring to the scooter lift, it was hard to miss the power passenger seat. My wife commented on the lack of such a seat in the Siennas.
The coming Grand Sport Tourers will likely address some of my concerns. However, such vehicles may lack the utility of minivans. I am hoping that some manufacturer will take the luxury minvan plunge in the future.
I will likely purchase a XLE Limited in the spring. We must wait until we can see the specific configuration of the rear compartment. There must be a sufficiently strong floor to support a lift. The Honda's rear floor around the 3rd row of seats/seat well is apparently not sturdy enough. A metal track or panel may have to be bolted over the third seat/well. If either of these requirements are not met, we may have to opt for a RampVan version. Since my wife can still walk for very short distances, many of the RampVan's features are not desired. A limited conversion may be what we attempt.
I am hoping that our third car, a true piece of junk, will hold out until we can purchase/convert the Sienna. My wife made me declare what car I would buy within 24 hours if the third car died. I went through all of the options (i.e. available minivans and SUV's) and concluded that a 2003 Sienna would be the best option. I am hoping that I can wait for and that the 2004 Sienna Limited will work for us.
Looks as if my family will likely be in line for an XLE with some heated leather. I personally believe a well equipped LE probably hits the sweetest price point, but I've convinced myself that a few of the goodies on the XLE would be a nice step up for us.
Does anyone have information on regional allocations for the upper midwest?
Thanks again......keep sharing.
Toyota would likely have to make the Lexus van alongside the Sienna. That means the Princeton, IN plant would have to be brought up to the same standards as a facility producing the Lexus models. And doing that for only a single model with a relatively low volume, wouldn't be feasible. Now if the Lexus van and RX 330 were made at the same facility, that would be another story but they aren't the most compatible vehicles.
There is one thing that would put this vehicle over the top for my wife's business. We've noticed the curb weight of the new 2004 Toyota Sienna is about 4,100 to 4,365 lbs. Do any of the models have a GVWR greater than 6,000 lbs. (This would equal the sum of the curb weight plus passenger weight plus cargo weight). The GVWR information is put on all vehicles and it is located on the inside driver side door.
The old Sienna's GVWR was about 5,400 lbs. The new Sienna weighs about 200 lbs more and is much bigger with the ability to carry more. We're hoping one of the models has a GVWR of over 6,000 lbs as the IRS grants businesses a huge tax break for buying a vehicle over 6,000 lbs. I'm not sure I agree with the tax break...but what the hell, if its there I may as well use it.
If someone can find this information I would be very interested in knowing.
What do you think, as a dealer - Ken, or anyone else who has tried to acquire the qualities that you really want in your next vehicle? I guess the worst that can happen is that the dealer tells me where to go...
Thanks for any opinions.
There is one thing that would put this vehicle over the top for my wife's business. We've noticed the curb weight of the new 2004 Toyota Sienna is about 4,100 to 4,365 lbs. Do any of the models have a GVWR greater than 6,000 lbs. (This would equal the sum of the curb weight plus passenger weight plus cargo weight). The GVWR information is put on all vehicles and it is located on the inside driver side door.
The old Sienna's GVWR was about 5,400 lbs. The new Sienna weighs about 200 lbs more and is much bigger with the ability to carry more. We're hoping one of the models has a GVWR of over 6,000 lbs as the IRS grants businesses a huge tax break for buying a vehicle over 6,000 lbs. I'm not sure I agree with the tax break...but what the hell, if its there I may as well use it.
If someone can find this information I would be very interested in knowing.
Would also like to see the effect on the suspension at GVWR, but will likely have to wait till we take one for a test drive.
Can someone also tell me the key differences in seating configuration between the seven and eight passenger. Don't need the under carriage specifics but interested in which seat pulls out on the eight and whether when that seat is gone it's just like the seven?
Thanks to all who have made this site heaven for interested purchasers.
JMG
They did not allow access to the XLE or even allow a peak inside so I guess I'll have to wait until it hits showrooms. I have my fingers crossed that the XLE adds a bit of warmth to the interior but I was hoping not to have a leather interior.
One huge surprise was the Nissan Quest. The pictures almost made me toss my cookies but in person it was very impressive. Seats look extremely comfortable - very wide for good torso/hip and shoulder support. I'll have to take a look when it comes out but I still have a preference with Toyota product.
I was also trying to convince myself that I could squeeze my 3 & 6 yr old into the Subura WRXsti, remove the silly spoiler and gold wheels, and buy a Thule box for the added storage. What a nice toy.
The Lexus RX 330 and Volvo XC 90 are also very nice but now then price is getting too high.
I can't wait to see the Canadian detailed option packages and price lists.
http://216.219.239.199/fleet/showroom.php?action=vehicles&dat- a[model_id]=22
With the info I've found here (thank you so much everyone!), and our approx. downpayment/credit, and what we feel we want our monthly payments to be, it's cutting it VERY close as to whether we will get the 04 Sienna or not. The 04 Sienna is going to have to impress us, LOL. Then, if we do like it we will go to dealers, explain how much we have down, what we want our monthly payment to be. If they can't meet our price (which I think they could if they wanted to, again based on what I have learned here), we walk. I figure we might have to go to 5-6 dealers. I don't mind, I only hope my husband can hold out
Any info greatly appreciated.
In the meantime, the new Sienna Limited is "the Lexus of minivans" - interior trim is very similar to the Lexus ES 300. It would need a few more features, like a power front passenger seat, to obtain Lexus prices, but I'm sure there would be a *huge* market for a Lexus van if done right.
Models are for Canadian Market (the gallons are imperial gallons, not US gallons).
http://aaabbbccc.netfirms.com/Sienna/
The only disadvantage is that the seats dont have armrests.
With the 7 you can put them together to form a banch or leave it as captain chairs.
Why would you need to anyway? Leave the center seat in place and remove the side seat you don't want. Accomplishes the same thing with one less step.
Thank You,
Etnies
I have pretty much decided on 5328 CE 8 Passenger or 5338 LE 8 Passenger. The only options I really care about are HVAC filters and rear disk breaks.
Do you know if either can be individually installed options from the manufacturer, port, or dealer.
Thanks in advance,
Kili
I tried to email you on the name of the web site, but your profile email bounced back, so I assume that email is no longer is service.
However, things like TMV and Discussion boards that are patrolled for integrity and professionalism are truly things that set this website apart. Therefore, these must be closely monitored. I don't mind.
Anyways, how bout that Sienna! What is everyone's opinion of the Sienna trim line and options that will offer the best value?
~alpha
Thx.
As for the HVAC filter, most of the Toyota's that I know of have the slot for the filter for models that don't have it when the higher-end ones have it. You just have to buy the filter and place it in the holder. I don't know if this will be the case on the Sienna, but you can check. As they aren't on the ground yet, it isn't something I can check.
Lastly, if the DVD option is the same as on all other Toyota's, the standard in-dash CD player on the higher end models is a 6-disc in dash changer unless you get the DVD navigation system. Then it goes to a single disc player. The Nav screen tilts out of the way to access the ports for the CD and Cassette deck.
Hope this helps.
Ken
Also, a local sales rep told me that the dealer installed systems are just as good as the factory installed systems. My instinct tells me it is not true, but what is your impression?
I did not know that disks did not shorten the brake distance. I would like disks brakes because they dissipate heat better than drum brakes and are not susecptable to failure due to water (rain). Hence all front wheels even on the least expensive cars and all four wheels on any respectable sports car have disks.
I am buying a minivan because we are having our third child. I imagine the the van filled to the gills going up and down hills/mountains and in the rain. It makes me feel better that the rear breaks are disk.
I beleive the acronym HVAC stands for Heat Ventilation Air Conditioning. The HVAC filter is important to me because my oldest seems to get a lot of repiratory infections. I hear that the air inside the car can be pretty filthy. I don't know if an air filter will help much, but it certainly could not hurt.
Best regards,
Kili
http://www.toyota.co.jp/Showroom/All_toyota_lineup/wish/index.htm- l