Need some assistance. After another bad experience at Bennett I got hooked up with a reputable Sales Person at Toyota Motorworld in PA. Here is my question :
I sold my Van 2 weeks ok private party. I am picking up my VAN in PA tomorrow. I will need to pay sales tax in NJ when I register my car. Will i need to pay sales tax on the purchase price or just the difference between new car purchase price and old car sales price?
prodogs: You will pay tax on the new car purchase price. The only good reason to do a trade-in is the tax savings. (Personally, my trade-in value was $1000 which would have saved me $65 in sales tax, but I sold private party for $3200. I didn't really miss the $65 I guess.)
ajsako: My sales tax experience is from buying a car in North Dakota (5% sales tax) and registering it in Minnesota(6.5% sales tax). When I bought the vehicle, I paid 5% sales tax to the State of North Dakota. When I registered the vehicle, I paid an additional 1.5% sales tax to the State of Minnesota. I don't know if that is the case everywhere around the country (I doubt it is), but it was my experience.
You should call a license bureau where you will be registering your van about what to expect if you really want to know.
I apologize ahead of time if this info is available, I tried several searches but came up empty (probably used wrong search criteria). I am having a problem with a dealer regarding a grey market sienna sale. I have had several contacts with toyota corporate but get the same old "we will open a file, but please settle the dispute with the dealer directly blah blah blah".
Is there any way to get passed this line of drones? This is as much a TOYOTA problem as it is a dealer problem. (Last time I checked under the hood, the heads had toyota printed on them).
Any help, a name number etc. would be appreciated.
I have tried to call the NJ Motor Vehicle Division to find out about the same information that you are looking for but the phone line is busy or it rings and no one answers. They must have a web site to get answers (hopefully). I would also like to know the name of the sales person you have dealt with at Motorworld Toyota as I'm presently looking into best deals on the XLE Sienna. Your email is not listed on the Town Hall profile, however mine is. Would you please email me as soon as possible. Thanks for your help. In the meantime I'll try to find a web site for NJ MVD.
I'm interested in XLE AWD. Any recommendation as what is a fair price for this particular model? All the local dealers in Northern VA are quoting me MSRP. Any suggestions are greatly appreciated!!
I was recently told by a Metro-DC Toyota dealer that you cannot get a factory installed sunroof on an XLE with AWD. It seems the only way to get a sunroof is to purchase the AWD Limited. Can this be true?
If you have a notarized bill of sale for your old van the DMV will charge you tax on only the difference between old and new. Call or go into the nearest office and ask them for forms and criteria in your state. The tax savings could be significant.
Every state is different, so be VERY weary of the advice offered on this board! For Ohio, sales tax is based on where you live, not where you buy. So us folks living in Cuyahoga County (Cleveland) get slapped with a whopping 8%, highest in the state, and there's no way around it except to move.
we have been working with New Rochelle toyota on a deal and my car was to come in next week. We had confirmed a lease price and our dealer asked us to come in and settle all the paperwork ahead of time. We were paying approx. 2000 over msrp. He comes back after "crunching" the numbers he came back and was over $100 more per mont than promised. Since then we have found several dealers who will order the car and sell for under msrp.
I would like to buy an 8 passenger LE with package #7. I am willing to drive up to 4 hours away to buy one under MSRP. Can anyone tell me where to go and what a good deal is? I can only get one in N.J. for 28,300 right now with a 6-8 week wait. thanks
Would you please email me back with the internet sales persons' name and phone# or fax# at Central City Toyota. When will he return from his leave? Do you continue to have "out of alignment" problems or is everything resolved? Thanks in advance for your help. Also, congratulations on getting your new van.
The msrp on xle fwd/package 16 is about 35,300. It is possible to get a awd limited for an msrp of 37,440, but using the GW option pkg 3. This package adds no cost to the base MSRP. This is what I did. It depends on if you feel you need the DVD or not. GW does not include the DVD, but we did not want it. If it were available, the XLE AWD with package 16 would have put you at that cost anyway.
GW package is offered in SE, and may not be a standard build in your region. But if you are waiting on the allocation anyway, the car can be build with GW. We did this and will be getting delivery in a week.
This weekend, I just picked up LE 8 with BI (#4) package. I have ordered the van six weeks ago and left $1000 deposit. I live at Santa Clara, Bay Area. LE 8 + BI + CF + Delivery fee. MSRP is $26,726. Sale price is $25096. Off MSRP $1630. Final price is $27428. I have driven 100 miles in the past two days. Every thing is perfect. Thing need to remind potential buys: 1); My automatic garage door is not high enough, that is, when the garage door has opened, and when the back door of the van is opened and lifted, the back door will touch the garage door on the top. This makes me trouble to load/unload in the garage. (When the garage door is closed, then, there have enough space in height to lift the back door, but only have little space in length to lift the back door). So check the height of your garage door. 2): There only have two 13V power outlet in the front, 1 in back, BUT there has NO 110V power outlet. You may need to order DVD family entertainment to have 110V power outlet. When I check the owner manual, I find that main power switch and 110 power outlet is capped. 3): The rear top A/C outlet at left second row is warmer, compared with other three rear top A/C outlets at second row and third row. It not only take longer to become cooler (other three take 1 minutes to be cooler, but this one take 3 minutes to be cooler), but also feels warmer. I have mentioned this to the dealer, but they say it is normal. Enjoy my van.
We live in the Palm Springs area and bought a XLE pkg #14 plus Floor Mats/Door Sill, Auto Dimming Mirror, Cargo Net, and Running Boards for invoice ($30,718) plus $500 or $31,218. I am flying to Fresno on Tuesday and driving it back. So far very smooth transaction. Sent $500 deposit 10 days ago. The van was on their allocation list. We wanted pkg #16, but did not want to wait. Call and ask for the internet department. This price was much better than anything I found at my local dealership (MSRP), or Los Angeles (Wondries included). Unless they surprise me tomorrow, I am very happy with the process.
To the LE8 Pkg 4 + CF buyer in Santa Clara: What was the difference between the "sales price" of $25096 and the "final price" $27428? Delivery fee and tax?
Thanks for the tip, but I am driving my FWD XLE right now and loving it.
We did want the DVD as I was not enamored with any of the aftermarket items and their inability to connect directly to the head unit and with my folks living 750 miles away across North Dakota, no DVD at all was not an option.
I have been trying to get a good deal on the CE with package 3 in the PA area...Had a horrible experience with Bennett... and had to start over.. I just called Basil, and they are saying that you can no longer order a CE with option 3, they are not making them... Has anyone else heard this, or is it just another scam to get you to pay more money for another model?
I have been diligently reading this TH board and hoping that I soon would be driving a new 2004 Sienna. Right when you hoped that production would catch up to demand (and afford a true opportunity to purchase at a "fair" price), they pull this production stunt. One wonders if the salesman were worried they had to come down from msrp and Toyota once again helped maintain the artificial low supply. Talking to any salesman in the Chicago area is grueling- seeing the chip on their shoulder and their smug response to any availability question. How is Toyota helping the industry where salesman are perceived already as thieves- now they have been given more power and control. Supply & demand is a basic economic theory, but Nissan, Honda and Chrysler offer competitive opportunities. I have been stuck on the 2004 Sienna since the autoshow in Feb 2003, but not sure if I am willing to put up with anymore of this bs. Figuring I will own this vehicle for 10+ years, many newer versions from other companies will come out and make this Toyota a thing of the past.
To Shued who just picked up an LE 8 with BI package. I am looking for a sienna similar to the one you just purchased. I think that you got a great price. Which dealer did you purchase it from. By the way, I tried to send you an email, but your email address on your profile is no longer valid. Thanks.
Better that they get the kinks out while stuff is in the supplier chain than deliver a load of faulty vans and have to deal with a lot of disgruntled owners.
I posted a link several weeks ago about manufacturers adjusting production to create artificial demand for certain models, but I think there's good reason for Toyota going slow with a new model.
Anticipation is half the fun of buying a new van. Once it's in the garage, all you have to look forward to is washing it, dumping money at the gas station, that first scratch ....
To blm516 -- you indicated that you are buying an LE8 Pkg#4 for $1000 over invoice -- and $1361 below MSRP -- did the dealer add in any additional charges. I looking for a LE7 Pkg#9, which is similar to Pkg#4 but includes a DVD system. What color is your sienna and how long did you have to wait. Thanks.
1): Blm516, Sale price does not include Tax, doc and register fee, (but include delivery fee + TMD). Final price is sale price + tax + doc + register. 2): Alanw2, it is located at Sunnyvale. If you are interesting in, give me a message and I will refer you to the salesman. By the way, the last digits of the VIN is 47***, so it looks that Toyota has build and sold about 47K Sienna already. It was build at July 28 2003.
The suppliers can't keep up with demand. Toyota uses outside sources for certain parts of their vehicles and due to unprecedented demand the suppliers were caught with their "pants down" so to speak. If you can't wait or don't want to pay the asking price I would suggest you look at the other vans on the market. : ) Mackabee
Steve or anyone else out there....Are the invoice prices listed on Edmunds correct? When I have been speaking with dealers, they are giving me invoice prices from 900- 2000 dollars more. Can you tell me where you guys get these prices listed from edmunds are they from Toyota ? Thanks!
We get them from manufacturer sources but I always have trouble remembering why Toyota prices vary - the dealers stick on wholesale financial reserve and TDA fees that we don't. Why we don't is because some of those fees vary by region.
mfujimori - I first looked at LE 8-seater for many months. But I have no luck with many dealers here in MA for price negotiation. Then I decided to look for LE 7-seater. Here in New England region, there are only 15 to 20 LE 8-seaters each month through allocation. The usually wait time is 10 to 12 weeks for LE-8. I thought it was a joke to commit the MSRP (or just few hundreds off) for a car doesn't exist. Anyway, I have been dealing with Expressway Toyota. I and my friend recently bought our 03 Camry SEs there. Good luck!
I am looking for an AWD LE Sienna under msrp. I have signed up for one a month and a half ago with a local dealer who now says it won't be coming for another 2 months because of a parts shortage at the factory. I was willing to pay msrp but I have read an article in the NY Times about people getting Siennas right away at dealers not on the east or west coast and one woman who paid $2000 under msrp for one. It may be a pipedream, but I thought I'd ask if anyone heard of such a thing. Any reliable leads would be appreciated.
I have already knew this news. But I just got two email from two local Toyota dealers that Toyota has just announced a 6 to 8 weeks delay in Sienna production because of a parts supplier has fallen behind schedule. This means if I order a Sienna now, it may not arrive until November. The last Sienna was built (according to his list) on 8/8, a LE AWD. I guess my relative has to hang on to his Odyssey for few more months. By the way, is this (parts shortage) the one of two reasons for the production halt beside the plant relocation?
I was looking at a couple of LE-7 Seaters last week in Memphis, TN and was asking about then getting a specific color in and was told there was a production slow-down to fix a problem with the power door. Apparently, if the power door is activated while it is already opening or closing, this will create "slack" in the rubber drive belt. This "slack" eventually becomes loose enough to grab onto a piece of the frame and hang the door up (keeping it partially open). It can't even be closed manually. The sales guy said Toyota was engineering a fix for this and that a re-call would be given out on current owners. He said it has happened to two of their customers and they both have small kids (i.e. they are pushing buttons they shouldn't be).
This is what I was told. So all you '04 Sienna owners better wait for the door to open or close before you activate it again!!
It is a redesign of a componet that is not related to a safety issue that has the potential of saving the company money if it is implemented now instead of the future.
I guess it isn't a big deal, it just means we all have to put our Sienna exictement on hold a few weeks.
I don't know...Toyota doesn't call me and ask my opinions on their daily operations but we have to trust that they have a great track record and if this is what needs to be done then who are we to question?
Well, go ahead and question if you like, I'm OK with that too.
I haven't either. I was just making an observation on how rumors get started. There hasn't been a single post except yours since my post. I wonder if all these posters are now wondering whether they should wait for the Supra. : ) Mackabee
On August 11, 2003, Toyota filed a Defect Information Report (DIR) with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) regarding a fuel tank on approximately 35,000 Sienna vehicles, with the intent to initiate a Special Service Campaign.
On certain early to mid-2004 Model Year Sienna vehicle fuel tanks, a part of the fuel tank may become damaged when crashed under the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) 40 mph frontal offset crash test conditions, due to the severe impact forces generated. In the worst case, if this section becomes damaged and fuel leakage occurs, a fire may result in the presence of an ignition source.
The IIHS periodically conducts crash tests where only the driver side of the vehicle strikes a deformable barrier while moving at 40 mph. This crash test places a tremendous demand on the vehicle structure as a relatively small portion of the vehicle’s front-end must absorb and manage the crash energy. According to the IIHS’s preliminary assessment, the Sienna rated “good” in test results, which measure occupant compartment intrusion and injury to the driver’s seat dummy during this severe crash test.
The Sienna meets all federal motor vehicle safety standards and, in subsequent testing by TMC, they were unable to duplicate the above condition.
This new SSC involves the replacement of the fuel tank. A dealer package including technical instructions, parts ordering requirements, special customer satisfaction features, and reimbursement procedures will be mailed to dealers for arrival on August 18, 2003. Owner notifications will commence shortly thereafter in late August, 2003.
Early to Mid 2004 Sienna Fuel Tank Replacement
Q1: What is the condition? A1: On certain early to mid-2004 Model Year Sienna vehicle fuel tanks, a part of the fuel tank may become damaged when crashed under the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) 40 mph frontal offset crash test conditions, due to the severe impact forces generated. In the worst case, if this section becomes damaged and fuel leakage occurs, a fire may result in the presence of an ignition source.
Q2: What is the IIHS 40 mph frontal offset crash test? A2: The IIHS periodically conducts crash tests where only the driver side of the vehicle strikes a deformable barrier while moving at 40 mph. This crash test places a tremendous demand on the vehicle structure as a relatively small portion of the vehicle’s front-end must absorb and manage the crash energy. According to the IIHS’s preliminary assessment, the Sienna rated “good” in test results, which measure occupant compartment intrusion and injury to the driver’s seat dummy during this severe crash test.
Q3: Where was the origin of the fuel leakage? A3: During the IIHS 40 mph frontal offset crash test, one of three “standoffs” internal to the tank was damaged and fuel leakage occurred from that area. The “standoffs” help the fuel tank maintain its stiffness.
Q4: What is the cause of this condition? A4: During the production process of the fuel tank, a “wrinkle” may have developed at the “standoffs” internal to the tank. The “wrinkled” portion combined with other factors may create an area that can become damaged when crashed under the IIHS 40 mph frontal offset crash test conditions, due to the severe impact forces generated.
Q5: Which and how many vehicles are involved in this condition? A5: This condition only affects certain early to mid-2004 model year Sienna vehicles produced from January, 2003 to July, 2003. Nationwide, there are approximately 35,000 Sienna 2WD and 4WD vehicles involved.
Q6: Are there any other Toyota or Lexus vehicles involved? A6: No, this condition only affects certain early to mid-2004 Model Year Sienna vehicles.
Q7: How many incidents of this condition have been reported? A7: Besides the one tank damaged during the IIHS 40 mph frontal offset crash test, there have been no reported incidents related to this condition.
Q8: Have there been any accidents reported? A8: There have been no reported cases of accidents related to this condition.
Q9: Will Toyota improve the design of vehicles currently being produced? A9: Yes, in order to prevent damage to the fuel tank from occurring under the same conditions, production improvements were incorporated starting with the July, 2003 production vehicles.
Q10: Will Toyota conduct a Special Service Campaign for this condition? A10: During Toyota’s investigation, numerous sled tests and destructive tests to simulate the same severe crash conditions were conducted and no fuel leakage was observed. In addition, Toyota believes that Sienna vehicles have an excellent safety performance and they meet or exceed all requirements of the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. However, Toyota will launch a Special Service Campaign and Toyota dealers will replace the fuel tank with an improved one at NO COST to the vehicle owner. Toyota will begin notifying owners of the involved vehicles in late August, 2003 by first class mail.
Q11: How long will the repair take? A11: The repair will take up to approximately two hours. However, depending upon the dealer’s work schedule, it may be necessary to make the vehicle available for a longer period of time.
Q12: Why didn’t this condition appear during development testing? A12: During Toyota’s investigation, numerous sled tests and destructive tests to simulate the same severe crash conditions were conducted and no fuel leakage was observed. In addition, Toyota believes that Sienna vehicles have an excellent safety performance and they meet or exceed all requirements of the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.
Q13: Are the IIHS and NHTSA crash-test methods different? A13: Yes, and we do test to IIHS test procedures as well as NHTSA’s.
Q14: How do you know the problem is resolved? A14: Toyota has repeated the IIHS 40 mph offset crash test as well as other tests numerous times using the updated tank and fuel does not leak.
"You guys hear the Supra with a V8 engine will be coming out next year?"
I was at a local Toyota dealer this Friday to check out the new Siennas (replacement for my wife's 4runner). Needless to say, stock on the Siennas was.....a little low. While talking to the salesman, we discussed my Celica GTS a bit. I mentioned that if I were currently in the market for a replacement for my Celica, I would probably be looking hard at the new RX-8. He said, "wait until next year when the new Supra hits our showroom." He theorized it would be built on the Lexus SC chassis and feature a V8.
What IS IT with Toyota salesmen and these Supra rumors?
That's how rumors get started. OTOH, there is an article in this week's Automotive news on "future offerings" from Asian manufacturers and there is mention of a "possible Super car from Toyota which may be called Supra" to maybe come out in 2005 or 2006 to compete with Nissan's 350z and others. We'll see. If Toyota does come out with such car I hope they do before the Supercar market goes down the drain as it did before when the Z and the Supra were discontinued. : ) Mackabee
Not to dis the 350Z, but I don't think Toyota needs to release a "supercar" to compete with the Z or RX-8. I think that the need to make an everyman's 'supercar' is what killed the old Supra TT, 300Z, and RX-7....
Hello, I am new to Town Hall. I have been going back and forth between 2004 Sienna and 2003 Odyssey as many of you have done. We really like the extra features in the Sienna, but we are frustrated in trying to get a good deal. I have tried several of the Internet services and they are all at about MSRP. I will not bore you with the details of my actual visit to Oxmoor Toyota, except to say that they told me that they would beat a deal I had for $300.00 under MSRP on the exact van my wife liked,so I came in to do the deal. Only to be told after about 2 hours of negotiating and coming to an agreement of about $800.00 under MSRP that they had made a mistake and that they already had someone that was going to pay them $8,000.00 more for it. Even though we were irate, I told them we did not appreciate being jacked around , we laughed in their faces and left them at the door. Anyway, after reading many of the Postings it looks like there are people that are getting pretty good deals. Even $2,000.00 or so under MSRP. Or just above invoice. That is what I would like to accomplish, even if I have to buy a plane ticket. Any help is much appreciated. I will now have to convince my wife to reconsider dealing with another Toyota Dealership after what we went through. Thanks so much for your help! kenny
Comments
After another bad experience at Bennett I got hooked up with a reputable Sales Person at Toyota Motorworld in PA.
Here is my question :
I sold my Van 2 weeks ok private party. I am picking up my VAN in PA tomorrow. I will need to pay sales tax in NJ when I register my car.
Will i need to pay sales tax on the purchase price or just the difference between new car purchase price and old car sales price?
thanx
frank
ajsako: My sales tax experience is from buying a car in North Dakota (5% sales tax) and registering it in Minnesota(6.5% sales tax). When I bought the vehicle, I paid 5% sales tax to the State of North Dakota. When I registered the vehicle, I paid an additional 1.5% sales tax to the State of Minnesota. I don't know if that is the case everywhere around the country (I doubt it is), but it was my experience.
You should call a license bureau where you will be registering your van about what to expect if you really want to know.
I apologize ahead of time if this info is available, I tried several searches but came up empty (probably used wrong search criteria). I am having a problem with a dealer regarding a grey market sienna sale. I have had several contacts with toyota corporate but get the same old "we will open a file, but please settle the dispute with the dealer directly blah blah blah".
Is there any way to get passed this line of drones? This is as much a TOYOTA problem as it is a dealer problem. (Last time I checked under the hood, the heads had toyota printed on them).
Any help, a name number etc. would be appreciated.
Thanks.
Peace, Becky
Just had something I wanted to ask you, but your email isn't on there! Email me at ajsako@earthlink.net!
I really wanted both, but found the extra cost of the Limited to be too much and wound up with the XLE FWD w/pkg 16.
The msrp on xle fwd/package 16 is about 35,300. It is possible to get a awd limited for an msrp of 37,440, but using the GW option pkg 3. This package adds no cost to the base MSRP. This is what I did.
It depends on if you feel you need the DVD or not. GW does not include the DVD, but we did not want it.
If it were available, the XLE AWD with package 16 would have put you at that cost anyway.
GW package is offered in SE, and may not be a standard build in your region. But if you are waiting on the allocation anyway, the car can be build with GW. We did this and will be getting delivery in a week.
LE 8 + BI + CF + Delivery fee.
MSRP is $26,726.
Sale price is $25096. Off MSRP $1630.
Final price is $27428.
I have driven 100 miles in the past two days.
Every thing is perfect.
Thing need to remind potential buys:
1); My automatic garage door is not high enough, that is, when the garage door has opened, and when the back door of the van is opened and lifted, the back door will touch the garage door on the top. This makes me trouble to load/unload in the garage. (When the garage door is closed, then, there have enough space in height to lift the back door, but only have little space in length to lift the back door). So check the height of your garage door.
2): There only have two 13V power outlet in the front, 1 in back, BUT there has NO 110V power outlet. You may need to order DVD family entertainment to have 110V power outlet. When I check the owner manual, I find that main power switch and 110 power outlet is capped.
3): The rear top A/C outlet at left second row is warmer, compared with other three rear top A/C outlets at second row and third row. It not only take longer to become cooler (other three take 1 minutes to be cooler, but this one take 3 minutes to be cooler), but also feels warmer. I have mentioned this to the dealer, but they say it is normal.
Enjoy my van.
We did want the DVD as I was not enamored with any of the aftermarket items and their inability to connect directly to the head unit and with my folks living 750 miles away across North Dakota, no DVD at all was not an option.
I posted a link several weeks ago about manufacturers adjusting production to create artificial demand for certain models, but I think there's good reason for Toyota going slow with a new model.
Anticipation is half the fun of buying a new van. Once it's in the garage, all you have to look forward to is washing it, dumping money at the gas station, that first scratch ....
Steve, Host
Production was pushed back 4 weeks. No one likes this situation but it can't be helped.
2): Alanw2, it is located at Sunnyvale. If you are interesting in, give me a message and I will refer you to the salesman.
By the way, the last digits of the VIN is 47***, so it looks that
Toyota has build and sold about 47K Sienna already. It was build at July 28 2003.
: )
Mackabee
See:
bobbya2 Jun 2, 2003 3:08pm and
jrawlinson "Toyota Highlander" Apr 3, 2002 4:00pm
fwiw, we have the same invoice price for the Sienna LE 7 Passenger Fwd 4dr as Kelley and MSN Autos ($21,833 + $510 destination).
Steve, Host
This is what I was told. So all you '04 Sienna owners better wait for the door to open or close before you activate it again!!
Steve, Host
Cliffy posted the delay in production memo elsewhere today, but there was no clue about what supplier is the hold-up.
So if you know it isn't the door, that implies that you know the real reason.
Inquiring minds :-)
Steve, Host
I guess it isn't a big deal, it just means we all have to put our Sienna exictement on hold a few weeks.
I don't know...Toyota doesn't call me and ask my opinions on their daily operations but we have to trust that they have a great track record and if this is what needs to be done then who are we to question?
Well, go ahead and question if you like, I'm OK with that too.
; )
Mackabee
: )
Mackabee
On August 11, 2003, Toyota filed a Defect Information Report (DIR) with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) regarding a fuel tank on approximately 35,000 Sienna vehicles, with the intent to initiate a Special Service Campaign.
On certain early to mid-2004 Model Year Sienna vehicle fuel tanks, a part of the fuel tank may become damaged when crashed under the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) 40 mph frontal offset crash test conditions, due to the severe impact forces generated. In the worst case, if this section becomes damaged and fuel leakage occurs, a fire may result in the presence of an ignition source.
The IIHS periodically conducts crash tests where only the driver side of the vehicle strikes a deformable barrier while moving at 40 mph. This crash test places a tremendous demand on the vehicle structure as a relatively small portion of the vehicle’s front-end must absorb and manage the crash energy. According to the IIHS’s preliminary assessment, the Sienna rated “good” in test results, which measure occupant compartment intrusion and injury to the driver’s seat dummy during this severe crash test.
The Sienna meets all federal motor vehicle safety standards and, in subsequent testing by TMC, they were unable to duplicate the above condition.
This new SSC involves the replacement of the fuel tank. A dealer package including technical instructions, parts ordering requirements, special customer satisfaction features, and reimbursement procedures will be mailed to dealers for arrival on August 18, 2003. Owner notifications will commence shortly thereafter in late August, 2003.
Early to Mid 2004 Sienna Fuel Tank Replacement
Q1: What is the condition?
A1: On certain early to mid-2004 Model Year Sienna vehicle fuel tanks, a part of the fuel tank may become damaged when crashed under the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) 40 mph frontal offset crash test conditions, due to the severe impact forces generated. In the worst case, if this section becomes damaged and fuel leakage occurs, a fire may result in the presence of an ignition source.
Q2: What is the IIHS 40 mph frontal offset crash test?
A2: The IIHS periodically conducts crash tests where only the driver side of the vehicle strikes a deformable barrier while moving at 40 mph. This crash test places a tremendous demand on the vehicle structure as a relatively small portion of the vehicle’s front-end must absorb and manage the crash energy. According to the IIHS’s preliminary assessment, the Sienna rated “good” in test results, which measure occupant compartment intrusion and injury to the driver’s seat dummy during this severe crash test.
Q3: Where was the origin of the fuel leakage?
A3: During the IIHS 40 mph frontal offset crash test, one of three “standoffs” internal to the tank was damaged and fuel leakage occurred from that area. The “standoffs” help the fuel tank maintain its stiffness.
Q4: What is the cause of this condition?
A4: During the production process of the fuel tank, a “wrinkle” may have developed at the “standoffs” internal to the tank. The “wrinkled” portion combined with other factors may create an area that can become damaged when crashed under the IIHS 40 mph frontal offset crash test conditions, due to the severe impact forces generated.
Q5: Which and how many vehicles are involved in this condition?
A5: This condition only affects certain early to mid-2004 model year Sienna vehicles produced from January, 2003 to July, 2003. Nationwide, there are approximately 35,000 Sienna 2WD and 4WD vehicles involved.
Q6: Are there any other Toyota or Lexus vehicles involved?
A6: No, this condition only affects certain early to mid-2004 Model Year Sienna vehicles.
Q7: How many incidents of this condition have been reported?
A7: Besides the one tank damaged during the IIHS 40 mph frontal offset crash test, there have been no reported incidents related to this condition.
Q8: Have there been any accidents reported?
A8: There have been no reported cases of accidents related to this condition.
Q9: Will Toyota improve the design of vehicles currently being produced?
A9: Yes, in order to prevent damage to the fuel tank from occurring under the same conditions, production improvements were incorporated starting with the July, 2003 production vehicles.
Q10: Will Toyota conduct a Special Service Campaign for this condition?
A10: During Toyota’s investigation, numerous sled tests and destructive tests to simulate the same severe crash conditions were conducted and no fuel leakage was observed. In addition, Toyota believes that Sienna vehicles have an excellent safety performance and they meet or exceed all requirements of the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. However, Toyota will launch a Special Service Campaign and Toyota dealers will replace the fuel tank with an improved one at NO COST to the vehicle owner. Toyota will begin notifying owners of the involved vehicles in late August, 2003 by first class mail.
Q11: How long will the repair take?
A11: The repair will take up to approximately two hours. However, depending upon the dealer’s work schedule, it may be necessary to make the vehicle available for a longer period of time.
Q12: Why didn’t this condition appear during development testing?
A12: During Toyota’s investigation, numerous sled tests and destructive tests to simulate the same severe crash conditions were conducted and no fuel leakage was observed. In addition, Toyota believes that Sienna vehicles have an excellent safety performance and they meet or exceed all requirements of the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.
Q13: Are the IIHS and NHTSA crash-test methods different?
A13: Yes, and we do test to IIHS test procedures as well as NHTSA’s.
Q14: How do you know the problem is resolved?
A14: Toyota has repeated the IIHS 40 mph offset crash test as well as other tests numerous times using the updated tank and fuel does not leak.
I was at a local Toyota dealer this Friday to check out the new Siennas (replacement for my wife's 4runner). Needless to say, stock on the Siennas was.....a little low. While talking to the salesman, we discussed my Celica GTS a bit. I mentioned that if I were currently in the market for a replacement for my Celica, I would probably be looking hard at the new RX-8. He said, "wait until next year when the new Supra hits our showroom." He theorized it would be built on the Lexus SC chassis and feature a V8.
What IS IT with Toyota salesmen and these Supra rumors?
: )
Mackabee
....not that any of this is on topic.
Anyway, after reading many of the Postings it looks like there are people that are getting pretty good deals. Even $2,000.00 or so under MSRP. Or just above invoice. That is what I would like to accomplish, even if I have to buy a plane ticket. Any help is much appreciated.
I will now have to convince my wife to reconsider dealing with another Toyota Dealership after what we went through.
Thanks so much for your help!
kenny