Toyota Sienna 2004+

rarmv

It is unfortunate that there are so many people willing to pay msrp for the Sienna but it is the best mv out there. I wouldn't worry about being a joke to the car dealers though. Use email or fax and try a lot of dealers, you only need one. I would try more like 5% over invoice and see what kind of response you get. There are some dealers beating that, but I don't know if any of them are near you. When I get mine, I will be the one laughing at them.

longdistance1

This is my first time participating in something like this (message board). My wife and I will be picking up (hopefully) our new 2004 Toyota Sienna (XLE Limited, Center Console, DVD, RES, Artic Frost Pearl, Dual Port Hitch System) sometime in the morning. Is there a checklist or anything that anyone would recommend we use? Please advise. Thanks!

On another note, my wife and kids (4) will be leaving our home Sunday for their first road trip in the new van. They will be driving from Southern Virginia to Salt Lake City; from Salt Lake to Idaho; from Idaho back to Salt Lake; from Salt Lake to Phoenix; from Phoenix to Albuquerque - All within the next 3 weeks. I will then fly to Albuquerque to drive with them back to Southern Virginia (by end of week 4). I am a bit concerned about "breaking in" a new car by putting something like 6,000 miles on it in 4 weeks. Anyone have any advise on what to do/not do with the car during this time? (I actually don't know how many miles it will be, I haven't mapped it yet, will do that in the morning). Thanks again!

stever

Welcome to Town Hall and tell the family to enjoy Idaho (I'm in Boise).

There are lots of theories about breaking in new cars so pick your pleasure. Actually, check the owner's manual and see if there's a recommendation there. It'll probably say vary the speed the first 1,000 miles or so. So avoid using the cruise I guess.

I used to have a link to a good checklist but I just noticed that it's dead. Anyone?

[edit] Ah, tracked it down:

checklist link

It's specific to the Odyssey, but most of it applies to any car. Incorrect tire pressure is the most common thing the dealer prep people overlook.

Steve, Host

libertycat

My dealership in North San Diego County has had NO XLEs and Limiteds. What's up with this? If I got a Sienna, it would be a Limited, but an XLE would give me some idea. Looked at an LE, but it looked bare and I realize there is a HUGE difference between basic and luxury models of these types of vehicles. I really want to see the wood trim in person.

vanshopper7

You've really got to go to the LA area for the Ltd and XLE models. Longo, Hollywood, Carson, Hamer, Wonderies, etc....They all will have one or two on occasion, but they go very fast. Look at the weekend LA Times for dealership names and addresses and have your pick...you can find a Toyota dealership everywhere around here. One more thing...there has been a little pricing pressure as of late...very little, but once you go internet shopping for a car, you'll never negotiate with a floor salesperson again...I've saved thousands for family members over the last couple of months shopping for 3 vans and 2 trucks. The difference between internet (with the help of Edmunds and others) and floor shopping has been huge...good luck.

Sorry Steve-Host for going to far off topic, but I thought it would help him North of San Diego.

vanshopper7

Is not wood - many are not. It looks like faux wood - which it is. But, they did do a fairly decent job for a minivan. Looks similar to the Lexus-line of wood trim until you put it next to the Lexus-line...not even close, but still a very versatile, nice looking, and reliable vehicle...

...for a minivan.

wwest

What? Where?

Oh, right, Boise has the closest Cracker Barrel to Seattle.

Sorry, forgot.

kgnw1

I've created a checklist for the 2004 Sienna. Email me and I'll send you a copy.

longdistance1

I had the hitch installed as part of the new vehicle purchase. I assume that they installed it at the factory. And Yes, I did pick up the vehicle this morning! We love it.

The only complaint (from my wife) is that the hitch sits so low on the vehicle that she has already scrapped it against the ground twice! Once backing out of our driveway, and once leaving the bank. Both have slight dips in the road.

samnoe

Did anyone notice that the steering wheel on the new Sienna isn't tilting all the way up (when the power seats are fully up)? I like to sit at a high position, and therefor always push the power seat fully up. But then I'm unable to read the gauges in the Sienna. I don't own the car, but tried it several times at the dealer.

bakelly11

This came up on another board. I keep hearing that the Sienna's are all made in the US, but my salesman told me mine was made in Japan. Is this true? It doesn't matter to me, but I am curious. Are all Sienna's made in the US?

My Sticker says "Port/Plant: TMMI Princeton, IN"

Host Steve said that you can tell by the 1st few characters of the VIN number. My vin # starts with 5TD.

Can anyone figure it out? Has anyone else been told theirs was not built in the US?

Can't see why the salesman would lie. I never really showed an interest as to where I was hoping it would be built.

Bev

steveb84

Princeton Indiana...

A salesman that gives customers bad info continues to reinforce the bad rep the car sales career has. If they don't know - say so !!!

acedriver

Lie ? Not so much a "lie" as "misinfo" !! :-)

samuelg

I just put down a deposit on an LE, to be delivered in a few days. I am very concerned about driver seat comfort. I was not able to see or drive an XLE. So my question to you lucky XLE owners:

Does the 8 way electric adjustable seat offer more positions than the manual LE seat? I did notice in the LE that I can't really tilt the seat bottom lower towards the front, or at least travel is somewhat limited. Does the XLE allow for more movement in this area?

I'd love to hear from someone on this point, as I'd change my deposit to an XLE if you folks think the driver seat comfort level will be significantly better. If the consensus is to make the switch to the XLE, I am concerned about even being able to find an XLE in my trim level preference- no leather. They almost all seem to have leather.

Thanks.

SamG

buckeyedon

Sorry if covered before, but...I'm continually amazed at lack of knowledge of some car salesmen on vehicles they represent and sell. Moreso, lack of knowledge of competitors.

Simple questions about location of oil filter, whether timing chain/belt, operation of doors, etc. Perhaps large turnover is cause? No emphasis by dealer leadership?

Not to say there aren't very professional salesmen, but few and far between, imho and from my experience. Makes me wince to encounter.

stever

But on the bright side, if you know more about the van (and hopefully some about how deals go down) - you'll be in a stronger bargaining position and will have an extra edge. Though it'd have to be a real green pea to know less about how low the dealer will go than you.

Knowledge really is power, and especially so when you control the money on the table. So stick to your guns on price!

And that's this week's pep talk - it's a jungle out there :-)

Steve, Host

acedriver

Maybe it is just me, but I would NEVER NEVER put down anything against any vehicle which I have not taken a test-drive in ... Who knows ? Maybe I will not like the vehicle on the drive even though it looks good from the inside et al. Maybe it will feel too small for me, or too big. Too many variables ...

Could you let me know your viewpoint on this ?

bakelly11

When I look at SamG's post, it looks like he did see an LE and ordered an LE. He said he didn't see an XLE.

SamG: I have the LE. The seat is very comfortable. I have back problems and this seat provides me with plenty of support/comfort. Just my opinion. I know everyone is very different on this.

Bev

acedriver

Sorry! My bad :-) I thought you did not sit or drive in the Sienna itself before ordering. But, I saw one XLE on the dealer lot the other day (Sold, of course!) and it was a Sienna XLE with absolutely NO options added. No leather, no nothing !! So, they are producing XLE's that way.

I would still consider test-driving one before ordering ...

steveb84

A couple things to remember:

You are looking at one product. They have an entire line-up, or possible several to have knowledge of. I'm not making excuses, but with the rapid fire release of new model, it can be a challenge.

Knowledge of the new Sienna is very difficult because we don't have any in stock to "study." I had a customer pick one up a couple weeks ago and I admitted straight out that they probably knew more than I did, even though I've been to product training. Granted I'm not 100% in sales, and my product knowledge has slipped a bit, but my favorite line is "I don't know, but let's look it up." If I don't know, I say so.

bakelly11

I think the salesman had a hard time knowing all of the new features of the Sienna. He was learning with me. I don't blame him. I know that the only way they will learn is through the experience of being around the van.

choids

What's with these dealers? I called about 20 dealers here in Southern California region and nobody has the above car. In fact, some salesman told me he hasn't seen a Nav optioned one yet. Anybody out there with XLE Limited wiht Nav and DVD option package? If you did, how much did you pay for it? Maybe I should chip in another $6K and get Lexus GX...

DC.

twoof1

That's a total cop out. If you want to be successful in sales, you take it upon yourself to learn your product. How do you think the members of this board learn so much? We just pay attention, ask questions and learn as we go. Ignorant sales people (if you couldn't already tell) are a pet peave of mine. If you plan on making a living off of the public, then you better learn the product you are selling so you can accurately service your clients needs. If you tried that "Favortie" line on me, I would walk or ask for the manager.

What do you have to learn 6 or 7 models?
Is that really so much to ask?
This whoa is me thing is a joke. And yes, I am in sales myself.

stever

There are currently 17 models of Toyota for sale in the US, plus we link to another 7 models that are either incoming or outgoing flavors of old ones.

I wouldn't want to hazard a guess as to how many trim levels that adds up to, much less the option packs.

Then you get to learn the nuances of all the financing and leasing schemes, not to mention all the incentives, spiffs, quotas and other junk that comes down.

Doesn't sound like a piece of cake to me, especially when everyone is pounding on your desk yelling what a crook you are :-)

Steve, Host
(one 3 month stint in sales 30 years ago was enough for me, thank you)

sbell4

We are not talking about 4 or 5 different models, there are 123 different models of Toyota in the US. Then there are 7-8 different colors available depending on the model. Equipment factory combinations and conflicts with packages. The Sienna has something like 16 different packages alone and then there are available options that are available on some vehicles and not others. Production orders, allocations, incentives, residuals, the dealer's parts department etc. Multipy that by every model of Toyota and there is a lot of learning that must be kept up with. I agree that if someone is going to do this for a living you must know your product but a little understanding with someone that states, "I do not know but let's find out together right now" and has the ability to go right to the resource that gives the information is good enough in most cases. I know my product very well but there are times when I still have to look things up to insure I am giving accurate information.

sbell4

you beat me to the post!

stever

You count models a lot differently than I do Scott - must be that insider knowledge :-)

Twoof1, another Toyota salesperson that used to hang out on Town Hall recommended calling ahead to the dealer and asking the person who answered the phone who the best salesperson on the lot was. That way you were more likely to get someone experienced and not a green pea, plus the receptionist was less likely to recommend the jerks on the floor, regardless of their experience.

Steve, Host

petl

Members of this board are knowledgeable with the Sienna and similar type vehicles because they interested in them. Toyota has 17 models available for sale in the US. Since very few individuals have photographic memories, I would not expect all sales people to know every detail of every car in the Toyota sales lineup. I assume that some will have a preference for certain types of vehicles and consequently will be able to answer questions without relying on the manual or other tool for assistance. It is more important to be treated respectfully throughout the buying process than having a brash, know-it-all sales person assist me.

sbell4

You just can't count Sienna as one model.
5326 CE 7 passenger
5328 CE 8 passenger
5336 LE 7 passenger
5338 LE 8 passenger
5346 XLE 7 passenger
5356 XLE LTD 7 passenger
5366 LE AWD 7 passenger
5376 XLE AWD 7 passenger
5386 XLE LTD AWD 7 passenger

Sienna is actually 9 models and very, very different equipment and options apply to each one.

steveb84

I guess I started a little something here.

I was going to say some other things, but everyone else seems to have it covered pretty well.

Now, back to Sienna conversation.

9 models
97 build combinations (so far) not including color

twoof1

I was mistaken when I said "6 or 7 models". However I still stand by what I said. If you are a professional sales person, you should know your product. It's not to much to ask that when someone is thinking about handing you $20-30,000 that that person gets accurate & competent information. I can't tell you how many times I drive by dealerships and the sales reps are all out on the lot smoking and BS'ing with each other instead of spending that time learning about their product. This is NOT exclusive to Toyota but is a condemnation of the entire industry. As an example I am currently also looking at the Pacifica. A few weeks ago, I called my local Chrysler dealer and spoke to the fleet manager. I asked him when the FWD models will be out since the initial rollout was all AWD models. He replied "not for 6-8 month's" I immediatly went to the Chrysler website and noted that the dealer in question showed 4 FWD models either on their floor or in transit complete with VIN #'s. When I called him back and told him along with the VIN #'s, he was shocked to here it and asked where I got this information! I told him he might want to look at his company’s own website and then I moved on.

sbell4,
Please don't try to say that "there are 123 different models of Toyota in the US." There are 17 models available with different trim levels. That's all and I don't think it's to much for the general public to ask for a sales rep to have a solid understanding of each and every one. It's your JOB!

Sorry for the rant!

acedriver

I agree with what you say ! A salesperson not knowing details just because there are so many trims and so many models is no excuse at all. I think the auto-industry salespeople are NOT prepared to deal with the fact that consumers now come with updated knowledge and info which was unavailable a few years back (Thanks to Ze Net!). To make an impression on a knowledgable customer requires knowing MORE than what he/she knows. And that can only be done by doing their homework instead of goofing off in leisure time.

I am NOT saying that all salespeople are incompetent. Just the ones who refuse to change with times give others a bad name ... Case in point (and keeping the post on-topic):
The Toyo salesman and me sat inside the XLE model with dual sliding doors. I checked the window sticker and asked him that how come this XLE has ABSOLUTELY NO options added. Are they making models like these ? He said Yes. Now, we walk inside and while XLE pricing, he asked the next salesman if the XLE came with standard dual sliding doors. Duh! Didn't we just see one in the lot ???

Just a minute ... <Adjust Anti-flame suit> Go ahead ... </Adjust>

wwest

As a buyer you have the potential to more thoroughly research the subject matter, with even greater focus on detail of the specific aspects of the vehicle that most interest you.

As a "for instance", I went in to Bellevue Lexus, borrowed the 600 page RX330 owners manual, went briefly through the whole thing, but concentrated on snowchains, climate control, air suspension, and the electronic brake modulating AWD system.

Even the brightest and/or sharpest of salespersons will not have the time (nor the actual need, really) nor the inclination to learn about all of the Lexus models and variations to the level many of us want/need/desire.

DIY!

bakelly11

It is hard for them to get to know the car, when, as we all know they aren't on the dealership lots for very long.

They are learning this new model along with us. My guess is that right now, since I have spent MANY hours in my van, I probably know more than they do.

I completely understand, as long as they are trying to learn the product. I'm sure that some of the questions I had 6 weeks ago, the salesman could answer with no problem now.

Bev

hansienna

BUT, as with many of you, we have a more intense interest in the NEW 2004 Sienna than do the mere salesmen who have too few available to sell.
    I went back to the dealership and met another salesman who was opposite in demeanor to the jerk I had met last visit. The dealership also had a nice "unclaimed" new 2004 Sienna LE with only a few more options than I desire. They sometimes get surprise allocations but most new 2004 Sienna have been "pre-sold" with a $500 Refundable Deposit.
    My favorable opinion of Toyota and the dealership has been restored.

tjm6

Any reactions to this proposed deal: I am looking for a 2004 Sienna LE 8 passenger option package #7. The dealer proposed MSRP (actually $23 under MSRP), but then also said there would be $390 document/prep fee in addition to a $26 title/lemon law fee plus the sales tax in my county. I realize that dealers currently are getting top dollar due to supply/demand dynamic. However, is $390 above MSRP (plus tax) too much or is it good/reasonable given the current situation? He said he would put it on order and I should have it within 2-4 months ($500 deposit). Thanks in advance!

subewannabe

if you havent already left on your adventure and left the laptop behind, stay away from cruise until you get to the mountains...i realize this will be hard given the money you just put down on a vehicle with state of the art laser cruise control! and take your check list with you and try to go over it several times on your trip. i doubt that youll find any problems, but its a great way to develop familiarity with your vehicle. its a complex machine and requires more than checking the oil tire pressure...no, it checks tire pressure all by itself:-)never mind!
congrats on a great vehicle for your family
mark

hansienna

Most Honda dealers were charging anywhere from $2000 to $5000 ABOVE MSRP for 1999, 2000, 2001, etc. Honda Odysseys when they were the top rated minivan. A few Honda dealers were satisfied with the good profit in just charging MSRP + the Doc Fee, and similar fees to the ones you mentioned.
     Can you believe some Chrysler dealers are now putting a $5000 "Market Adjustment" onto the Neon SRT (Neon Turbo) at the dealerships that are giving discounts on the PT Turbo + $2500 Chrysler rebate on a vehicle with same engine and transmission?
     When placed in that perspective, you are getting a steal. I do not think there will be any discounts off MSRP on the highly acclaimed 2004 Sienna for a couple of years.

itch1

I disagree. I was able to find three dealers in my area willing to give me $2000 off MSRP. It took me two days via email and phone. Do the leg work. People are getting deals out there. DO NOT pay MSRP.

broncoguy

There are deals out there in most if not all parts of the country. Go through some services like Edmunds, carsdirect.com, kbb.com, autobytel.com, and intellichoice.com. These will help you get in touch with numerous different dealers and narrow them down to the best price.

The deals I was offered ranged from MSRP to 2200 off MSRP. One was 800 off, another 1000, another 1200, another was 2000 off. You do not have to pay MSRP for your new Sienna.

The only caveat I would place on that would be for a vehicle on a lot. Dealers may not be too interested in selling a Sienna off their lot for under sticker. They need them there to help drive sales and test drives so they would likely be less willing to make a good deal on one of those.

Also, check into other Sienna clubs on the net. There are a lot of resources out there. You don't have to pay over sticker, so don't.

tjm6

itch1 & broncoguy,
Thanks a lot for the advice regarding under MSRP. However, let me follow up. When I go to Toyota's page, then Edmund's TMV, then Carsdirect (referenced in your message) the prices given are within a couple hundred dollars of each other. The dealers are also using these sources to set 'fair' prices. When you got the great deals you mentioned, were the prices in your area on these sources listed lower than what I am seeing now or were the dealers you referenced just willing to concede the difference to get your business? Thanks.

itch1

I just replied to this on the other thread. When I got $2000 below MSRP, the Edmunds TMV was the MSRP for my region.

broncoguy

The values you are getting there show what the average consumer is paying.

Edmunds showed slightly over MSRP when I began my search and found good below MSRP deals that I was not ready to act on.

When I ordered, Edmunds showed $26 below MSRP. I don't know of too many people or dealers who would consider a $26 deal worth any time at all.

A local dealer (Twin Cities Metro, MN) is simply offering a straight 3% off MSRP for internet deals. That has nothing to do with Edmunds TMV price.

samuelg

Hi folks,

Thanks. Yes, I did test drive a CE and LE.

I finally got to sit in a cloth XLE yesterday. It was ordered in April, and I was literally holding up it's delivery while I was doing a seat-check!

It did offer a bit more adjustability and the foam cushioning was a tad softer. To a normal person, the LE seat was virtually identical. But I felt it was enough of an improvement to convince me to go for the XLE. This is very atypical for me, as I never spurge like this. Plus the XLE offers a few more amenities that are nice, although certainly not essential. I'd be happy with an LE and the 8 way seat, but enough dealer's have told me that's not possible due to Toyota's marketing segmentation.

Checking the dealers, the XLE's are all backlisted with several weeks wait. The web based dealers are getting a few hundred below MSRP.

Thanks. SamG

libertycat

longdistance1

We passed the 2,300 mile mark yesterday in our 6 day old Sienne XLE Limited (we bought it with 4 miles on it). Per your advice, no cruise control was used during the first 1,000 miles, but my wife loves the laser cruise control! Damage so far: My 6 year old daughter broke one of the year sun-shade thingers. I have already made an appointment for July 30th for our 5,000 miles maintenance (it will actually be over 5,818 miles by then, by present calculations). We are only using premium gas. Everything seems to be going smooth so far!

libertycat

Where do u live? I'd love to chat about your Limited. I am drooling over the pictures of the Limited. Does it have a lot of wood trim? and beige leather? a wood steering wheel? wood on the second row doors?

libertycat

Do u expect us to have a discussion of each Sienna model? FGS, get real.

ceo1

Next week, I am going to pick up the Sienna I have been waiting for 3 months. The VIN of my order starts with "5". I thought "5" means made in Great Britain. U.S made would have a code of "1" or "4". Is this true?

What is the first character of your VIN?

itch1

Mine is "5" as well.