Why hasn't the quest put pressure on both ody and sienna, is it avalilablity, it's got tons of features, what's the buzz, or is it the unknown??? quality, reliabiltiy, you know the new sienna hasn't been crashed yet (??) to my knowledge so there are unknowns with the sienna. i think the brakes are mushy, the previus sienna had better brake feel.
According to CR, there will be a new Top rated Minivan this month --- "In the new minivans Ratings report (here 9/9) you'll see several excellent choices including the redesigned at the top of our list..."
I hope this was OK to post Steve. CR is really not a competitor as this is a paid online subscription for the same info you (Edmunds) provide online for free. Thanks.
Bear in mind the Quest just became available in late July/early August, and at least in my area availability is still limited. It's also a polarizing kind of van, that is, it has unique styling inside and out that some people will love and some people will hate. (Initially, I hated it but after seeing it up close it is beginning to grow on me.) The Sienna is has much more mainstream minivan styling, so it will reach a broader market. Once the Quest arrives in numbers and Sienna production picks up, you may see a bit of downward pressure on prices but I doubt there will be much of that until well into next year, when stronger competition from Honda, Ford, GM, and DC is available and some of the newness of the Sienna wears off. The same thing happened with when the latest Camry and Corolla were introduced. Little or no discounts for many months on those cars, but now there are discounts and even rebates available (e.g. Corolla CE's for under $11k, Camry LE automatics for under $18k). If you can be patient, discounts will come. And if your Toyota dealer won't budge on price, take a look at other good vans out there like the Odyssey and MPV, on which dealers are dealing now.
Please keep us posted about the CR results (esp. us non-subscribers). It's only promoting competing car forums or individual salespeople that's a problem around here.
I may just have to bite the bullet and pay full MSRP for a Sienna later this year. I've driven the MPV several times. Love the styling and how easy it is to drive around town and it is fun to drive, but its NVH doesn't seem to be on the same level as the Sienna (too much road noise and body vibration). I'm warming up to the Quest's interior (already love the exterior), but I'm concerned about its reliability and build quality. The Odyssey is looking a little old and I don't like to buy a vehicle the year before it gets a major revision. So I may wait a month or two...or at least until I get more time behind the wheel of one, but I'll probably end up with a Sienna.
As a side note, the Lexus RX330 just got the top rated SUV in the market, beating out the MDX and the BMW X5...the Sienna and the RX330 share similar platforms, engine and transmission. Sounds good for the Sienna, IMO. Shall be interesting...
How do you find the driver's seating postion as far as the headrest is concerned . . . I know it might sound minor but we have the Odyssey and yesterday we test drove the XLE Sienna. It is an EXCELLENT Minivan with all the toys you could want and a very smooth ride, etc . . . With that said, the only thing I found was that the headrest felt like it was a little bit too far forward . .. for some reason the Honda headrest sits back a little bit which I would think might feel weird if you were to drive the Sienna and then go to the Ody but I am used to it.
I think this might just be a case of 'what I am used to' but wanted others opinions. I wouldn't want to buy a Sienna and then find I am Crouched over because of a Headrest pushing my head forward. If size has something to do with this I am 5' 10" normal body build.
I own the XLE Limited with package HO (NAV and DVD). I'm just under 6' and have absolutely no problems with my headrest. It is slightly forward compared to the Honda, however, this "safety" feature is supposed to limit the amount of distance your head travels in accidents thus reducing the chances of whiplash.
I recently replaced a 1997 Dodge GC. The 1500 mile trips we took were horrible on my lower back (although usually a comfortable drive). The Sienna was awesome on our latest trip and not one ounce of pain. The combined lumbar support and the occasional "Let me rest my head back a bit" has resulted in the most comfortable driving I've had on long trips. The headrest is not so far forward as you may think. Ergonomically speaking, it feels pretty nice and my back feels aligned just right...but that's just me.
One other thing, a friend of mine recently sold his 2002 Ody mostly because of the wind noise he said he had, but he also used to complain about how uncomfortable his driver's seat was on long trips...he and his wife have sat in the Sienna and they loved it. They are now in the market for a Ltd also. Beware, the cost gets up there though...but you are also adding many features not offered in many minivans...yet.
One of the choices my wife is considering (if I don't beat her to it and get myself something first) is a Sienna. She was thinking XLE (to get a power seat), even though we don't want the power hatch, and I don't want to spend 32K+ (for a package 12, since we are in NJ).
ANyway, what package combos are being built for this region? I don't really need much beyond #4 (I think), but don't mind loading up an LE a bit more since it starts cheaper.
And, what is your availability? Not that I'm planning to swing down (although I do have friends and an office in Chesapeake), just looking for a reality check since I have heard different things from different dealers.
Of course, if you have a dark blue LE that you want to do a mini on, shoot me an email ;-)
04 Sienna and 04 RX330 have the same engine with power rating of 230hp & 242lb-ft. However, the 04 ES330 has a slightly different rating: 225hp & 240lb-ft. 04 Solara has the same rating as ES330.
I wonder if this difference is due to the test difference. 91 gas is recommended for Sienna. I can not find the gas recommendation for ES, but it used 87 in 03 model.
Also, many people (including myself) are complaining about the loud engine in Sienna and RX330. I wonder if Toyota listened to this feedback and re-tuned the engine for quiter engine.
Also, 04 3.2TL will have 270hp but only 238lb-ft of torque.
I know there's been lots of complaining and horror stories in here about run-flat tires and like the new Sienna, replacement run-flat tires seem hard to find. However, this is the tire technology of the future - embrace it. They are safer and as availability and technology improve you can say good-bye to the "old tires" we now know.
Remember bias-ply tires? Some of you may not be that old, radial tires replaced them. At first radials were cursed for slipping or misaligned belts, looking low all the time, rotation differences, wear problems, etc...
Our kids and grand kids may laugh at us old folks as we tell stories about the days when we actually had to change a "flat" tire at the side of the road...
I've had two flats since June. I'm also of an age that I remember bias ply tires and tubes everywhere. I mostly remember that radials cost more when they first came out. Hmmm, that sounds familiar - you may be onto something here.
Today I got two slimed bike inner tubes - what I'd really like is poly bike tires like my roller blade wheels. Technology sure seems slow to move sometimes!
Jake, The problem I have with this situation is not the tire, its the fact that without a full size spare, you are forced into an immediate (within 100 miles) maintenance action. Most people would prefer to change out the tire and continue with the trip, and then deal with a replacement at a time that it is convenient. Run flats provide you with an extra 50 or 100 miles of 55 MPH driving, but if you are on a trip it can stop you from continuing.
I just want the choice to deal with a maintenance action when it suits my needs, not when I have no choice.
How do you get away with no maintenance action in any situation where you get a flat tire?
Full-size spare requires the purchase of another full-size spare or repair of the damaged tire (I have never had a flat tire that could be repaired - every one had damage to the sidewall).
Donut spare requires a short drive (same as run-flat) and purchase of a new tire.
What tire type allows no maintenance action when encountering a flat?
So in which of those situations is it...at your leisure?
Full size spare: you can run for as long as you want, but will have no spare the entire time. Is that a leisurely situation?
Donut spare: the donuts have the same requirements or even worse than the runflats concerning speed and distance one should travel on them safely. Again, while driving with the donut, you have no spare.
Basically, you want the replacement of the tire to be at your leisure, but the changing of the tire to not be. In all non-runflat situations, there is an IMMEDIATE maintenance action required...changing the tire. With the runflat, you skip that action and go straight to replacing the tire within the next 100 miles of driving.
I simply don't get people who are afraid of runflats. If you don't want to deal with the time required to replace your runflat while on vacation...buy a regular replacement tire and deal with getting a runflat when your leisure time allows you to. Why is this so hard to figure out?
As stated here before, half of the times I have needed to deal with a flat tire it has been due to running over something that took out more than one tire. ONLY with runflats would I have been able to continue travelling. In one case the donut did me no good because I did not have 2 and in the other case the full size spare did me no good because, again, I did not have more than one of them.
At least tire monitoring systems are becoming standard so you'll know whether you need air in your tire, whether it's runflat or not (runflats require such a system so you'll know if they are flat).
the first line in my post said(#852) "The problem I have with this situation is not the tire, its the fact that without a full size spare..."
I state up front that I dont have a problem with the tire. I have a problem with no full size spare.
All I am saying is I prefer to have options to choose from. with a loss of pressure I could decide to continue, or drive somewhere close to swap the tire out.
Without the spare my range is 100 miles, and a replacement tire can take several days to get, depending on where you are. I would rather not be stuck waiting for a spare, or risk placing a non standard tire on the one wheel, and risk damaging the differential.
Oddly enough, My wife (driving a Limited AWD)had a loss of pressure in her tire yesterday. I was on travel, and got a call on the airplane, while we were at the gate.
To make a long story short, the Run flat saved her, she was able to go to a gas station around the corner , air it up, and get home without damaging anything on the tire. The run flat did what it was supposed to do.
This morning I removed the tire from the van, I could see that there was a small puncture in the tread, and I took it to the Firestone/ Bridgestone shop.
The Sienna owners manual says that it should be replaced, but the tire was completely inspected and undamaged, and may not had a complete loss of pressure, and the Bridgestone dealer repaired it free, (plug/ patch) since i have a Firestone card. (free tire repairs)
The guy told me that if you run the tire for a long time and it heats up it is trash. But since it was repaired pretty much right away and my wife kept putting air in the tire, it was fine
So Broncoguy, again, I just want a full size spare. We were just lucky for this event I described. It could have been far from civilation, and I might not have had the option of repairing the tire if I had a spare, I could choose to swap tires right away, or if it was not safe to do this I would just keep going and sacrifice the tire and get to a better location.
Where are you driving man? I guess I just added fuel to the run-flat fire-storm. I do like the idea of no donut spare and no regular spare. I'm sure the technology will come along and hopefully the availability and pricing will follow. I remember my '72 Ford was my first car with radials and they were like HR78-15. That early nomenclature for sizing tires is also history. My fondest memories of that rusty LTD were in the back seat, mostly it was an awful car!
Well, one flat per car this summer :-) The van found a roofing nail in my driveway and the wagon picked up a screw on a forest service gravel road about 30 miles from the nearest town. I'm averaging about a flat a year, but I do like cruising the little one lane dirt roads. The tire franchises here in the NW fix flats for free, so that helps.
Can anyone tell me if the Sienna XLE AWD Limited has Power Folding Mirrors? My garage door width is 8 feet (96 inches) and the Sienna width is 77 inches (is this with mirrors extended or folded?) which gives a 10 inch margin of precision when pulling into garage. Also, after meticulously reviewing the brochure and various car buying websites, I cannot determine if a Sienna XLE AWD Limited with the HO package comes with a rear spoiler---if not, is there some reason AWD and rear spoiler conflict and can it be ordered? Thanks!!
There is no power folding mirrors. The width mentioned is for without mirrors. With mirrors, the widest distance is approx 89". You can fold in the mirror manually. So if you think it is a tight fit, you can fold in the driver's side mirror on entering your garage.
Not many people have driving experience on a flat runflat. Therefore, some may think that you can drive it around for another 100-200 miles with comfort.
I had an experience, and it definitely very uncomfortable physicallly and psychologically. When you drive on a flat runflat, the driving experience is just like driving on a regular flat tire. Your steering feels vague and accleration is sluggish. More uneasily is the feelings of braking. You don't feel that you can accurately predict the behavior the the vehicle in a hard braking. The loud Rubber to rubber rubbing noise makes you wonder when the tire will disintegrate.
I firmly believe that it is less safe to drive a flat runflat than a doughnut spare.
I am considering buying our first toyota , the sienna. After seeing that there is no perfect vehicle made it the first year of production(according to the posts) my question is, what is everyone's experience in how Toyota resolves issues. Will the warranty cover it all with little hassle. Question 2 would be is the AWD model a stiffer ride due to the extra driveshaft? Question 3 is how does the AWD system work. The brochure and the salespeople I have talked to just say it works great, but I would like alittle more info.
Can anyone comment on how tight the clearance is getting through a normal size single garage door (in a newer house, so whatever is the common width). If it is 8', then you have about 9" or so to play with, but it wouldn't fit in a 7' opening.
Wife is interested in these, but if it won't fit in the garage (or if you have to fold the mirror in by hand to get in/out, then it would be a non-starter.
Our '99 Quest is tight enough. Not a problem if you go slow and check twice, but we have nicked the mirror a few times.
Got out the old tape measure, and the door looks to be 8'. Didn't measure the exact opening size to the inch, since it was raining and I was alone. So, it will fit, just be real careful to line it up right.
Probably much easier if you park outside or have a double door.
Couldn't find any mechanical drawings on the Sienna AWD. I did find more info on the runflats though! FYI: "...Aside from the Toyota Sienna application, Bridgestone-branded run-flat tires are also fitments on a variety of high performance sports cars and passenger coupes. In North America, these original equipment applications include: Lexus SC430; BMW 7-Series sedans; BMW Z4; BMW Z8; and Infinity Q45."
Does anyone have an AWD Sienna with a rear spoiler?? Is it standard equiptment on the Limited?? If I order it aftermarket (Toyotapart.com) will the colors match perfectly (Stratosphere Mica Blue)?? Thanks.
Drivenow, I have the Limited AWD with the GW package #3, the spoiler is included an option. With the other Packages that include DVD or NAV the spoiler is not included. I think it is the only package in any AWD model that includes it.
Ours is Phantom Gray and yes it is a perfect match. As long as your source is a genuine toyota accesory, and you have the color choice it should be a match.
Also there are 2 spoilers out there, the one with the high mounted LED stop light, is the one I have. I think there is another without it, and I dont know what the source is (I think it is SE Toyota) and if there are color related issues.
If you email me or make your email public, I can send you links or good photos of both kinds of of spoilers I have seen on line.
I have the factory spoiler with the tail light in the middle. It was a no cost option GW3 on my XLE Limited AWD. However, if you ordered the navigation or DVD, it is not an available option from the factory. I chose to forego the navigation and DVD. I will purchase a portable navigation system which can be moved from car to car.
farnorth wrote: "Question 2 would be is the AWD model a stiffer ride due to the extra driveshaft?"
AWD has a slightly different suspension setup and it uses runflat tires. I personally have not found the runflat tires to be any harsher than normal tires; and I do not find any real life difference between AWD and FWD models in ride stiffness on the roads I travel.
"Question 3 is how does the AWD system work."
Sienna has a open centre differential (non-limited slip). The distribution of torque is achieved by using traction control/brakes. The torque split on normal driving is 50/50; so it is a "true" all-time 4 wheel drive, unlike many others which are more like front wheel drive until slipping occurs.
And this system allows the car the move even with one wheel with grip. This type of system is well proven and the same system is used by Mercedes 4matics (all models), Mercedes M-Class, BMW 3 series touring and 1st gen BMW X5.
It is my understanding that the Sienna uses the exact same AWD system as the RX330. The final drive ratios therefore wouild be 3.478 front and 2.929 rear. I haven't tested the RX330 but on my 01 RX300 this resulted in 95% engine torque to the front "natively" and at best 75/25 F/R with continuous wheel slippage.
4 wheel dyno for testing.
One improvement even on my 01 is that the transmission will automatically upshift in two conditions that might otherwise lead to loss of control due to engine braking on a slippery surface.
Some owners have described the effect as the feeling of a bump or nudge from behind. It will upshift just before coming to a final stop and when coasting alone.
wwest, why do you keep posting wrong and misleading information time and time again? RX300's viscous coupling AWD has absolutely nothing in common with the new Sienna and RX330's open differential system. So whatever test you have done have nothing to do this forum. Are you implying that all the Toyota specs and literatures are wrong?
I post information based on official specifications. Please stop posting your guesswork and speculation unless you have solid evidence to back it up.
Loss of control? Engine braking? Please don't ever repeat your "FWD is dangerous" BS again.
Toyota/Lexus will gladly tell you that the only difference between the RX300 and Sienna/RX330 AWD systems is the absence of the VC (dynamically locking/stiffening center diff'l), the use of braking to provide virtual LSD capability and the fact that the front drive ratio has been changed from 3.2xx:1 to 3.478:1.
I would have thought that enough information had been published by now that only someone of Bush's caliber would be denying that FWD or front torque bias AWD is extremely hazardous when compared to RWD.
I purchased the Limited AWD with HO package hoping I would get the no cost option of the rear spoiler. Well, that is not the case. The rear spoiler is not included. I purchased the spoiler at the dealership and had it installed. The color matched perfectly and there was no reason why it could not be installed on this model with this option package. I was concerned about this and would have been really mad if it could not work.
Thank the plaintiffs bar for that one. I haven't been able to find a way to turn it off either and I'm sure Toyota's Attys prefer it that way since they don't want the class action sharks circling the waters the minute someone claims they were not warned of the dangers of soley relying on a Nav system that failed to point out a closed road that caused a 500 foot plummet off a cliff!
Common sense no longer prevails. So the sooner you accept the "I agree" button, the sooner you'll get to enjoy the Nav System. I did!
I just needed to vent. We ordered a new Sienna at the end of July and were told it would be 6-8 weeks delivery (but probably sooner). Along came the recall and the dealer said it would add 1-2 weeks to delivery. I am now told that they expect the van during the first week of October. That will be 10 weeks. Granted that is what the dealer said it would take "worst case", but it still is extremely frustrating. I keep telling myself, at least I haven't had a car payment while we are waiting.
For those of you who already have one, please convince me that it will be worth the wait!
Not only is it worth the wait, but in no time you will have completely forgotten about how long you did not have the van.
I waited 8 weeks (ordered the end of May) and, as my Blazer had no AC, I was desperate throughout June while waiting for my van to come up on the allocation list. I was even a bit of a freak when it came in as I kind of stalked the dealership and got some pictures of it hours after it rolled off the trailer.
Now, I absolutely love it and cannot even remember the month of June and the first half of July when I was living with no AC.
As many have said, remember, you are waiting 8-10+ weeks for a vehicle you will be driving for the next 5-10 years. Well worth the wait.
We are looking at buying the 2004 Sienna but have some questions. I've talked to several different sales people that can't seem to answer my questions. When I choose certain pckgs. on the website - we're looking at the LE- 8 seater (i.e. pckg #10) - it won't let me choose leather - it says leather can't be chosen with this package. Why?! No one can answer this question - it does this with other packages as well. - Also if you take the 8th seat out (it's removable, correct?) -do the remaining captain's chairs have armrests? I have been unable to see an 8 seater. The one I looked at was 7 seats. Thanks!
Comments
you know the new sienna hasn't been crashed yet (??) to my knowledge so there are unknowns with the sienna. i think the brakes are mushy, the previus sienna had better brake feel.
I hope this was OK to post Steve. CR is really not a competitor as this is a paid online subscription for the same info you (Edmunds) provide online for free. Thanks.
Steve, Host
As a side note, the Lexus RX330 just got the top rated SUV in the market, beating out the MDX and the BMW X5...the Sienna and the RX330 share similar platforms, engine and transmission. Sounds good for the Sienna, IMO. Shall be interesting...
With that said, the only thing I found was that the headrest felt like it was a little bit too far forward . .. for some reason the Honda headrest sits back a little bit which I would think might feel weird if you were to drive the Sienna and then go to the Ody but I am used to it.
I think this might just be a case of 'what I am used to' but wanted others opinions. I wouldn't want to buy a Sienna and then find I am Crouched over because of a Headrest pushing my head forward.
If size has something to do with this I am 5' 10" normal body build.
How do you guys/girls find it ?
thanks !!
I recently replaced a 1997 Dodge GC. The 1500 mile trips we took were horrible on my lower back (although usually a comfortable drive). The Sienna was awesome on our latest trip and not one ounce of pain. The combined lumbar support and the occasional "Let me rest my head back a bit" has resulted in the most comfortable driving I've had on long trips. The headrest is not so far forward as you may think. Ergonomically speaking, it feels pretty nice and my back feels aligned just right...but that's just me.
One other thing, a friend of mine recently sold his 2002 Ody mostly because of the wind noise he said he had, but he also used to complain about how uncomfortable his driver's seat was on long trips...he and his wife have sat in the Sienna and they loved it. They are now in the market for a Ltd also. Beware, the cost gets up there though...but you are also adding many features not offered in many minivans...yet.
ANyway, what package combos are being built for this region? I don't really need much beyond #4 (I think), but don't mind loading up an LE a bit more since it starts cheaper.
And, what is your availability? Not that I'm planning to swing down (although I do have friends and an office in Chesapeake), just looking for a reality check since I have heard different things from different dealers.
Of course, if you have a dark blue LE that you want to do a mini on, shoot me an email ;-)
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Carmudgeon
Steve, Host
I wonder if this difference is due to the test difference. 91 gas is recommended for Sienna. I can not find the gas recommendation for ES, but it used 87 in 03 model.
Also, many people (including myself) are complaining about the loud engine in Sienna and RX330. I wonder if Toyota listened to this feedback and re-tuned the engine for quiter engine.
Also, 04 3.2TL will have 270hp but only 238lb-ft of torque.
Remember bias-ply tires? Some of you may not be that old, radial tires replaced them. At first radials were cursed for slipping or misaligned belts, looking low all the time, rotation differences, wear problems, etc...
Our kids and grand kids may laugh at us old folks as we tell stories about the days when we actually had to change a "flat" tire at the side of the road...
Today I got two slimed bike inner tubes - what I'd really like is poly bike tires like my roller blade wheels. Technology sure seems slow to move sometimes!
Steve, Host
The problem I have with this situation is not the tire, its the fact that without a full size spare, you are forced into an immediate (within 100 miles) maintenance action. Most people would prefer to change out the tire and continue with the trip, and then deal with a replacement at a time that it is convenient. Run flats provide you with an extra 50 or 100 miles of 55 MPH driving, but if you are on a trip it can stop you from continuing.
I just want the choice to deal with a maintenance action when it suits my needs, not when I have no choice.
Full-size spare requires the purchase of another full-size spare or repair of the damaged tire (I have never had a flat tire that could be repaired - every one had damage to the sidewall).
Donut spare requires a short drive (same as run-flat) and purchase of a new tire.
What tire type allows no maintenance action when encountering a flat?
So in which of those situations is it...at your leisure?
Full size spare: you can run for as long as you want, but will have no spare the entire time. Is that a leisurely situation?
Donut spare: the donuts have the same requirements or even worse than the runflats concerning speed and distance one should travel on them safely. Again, while driving with the donut, you have no spare.
Basically, you want the replacement of the tire to be at your leisure, but the changing of the tire to not be. In all non-runflat situations, there is an IMMEDIATE maintenance action required...changing the tire. With the runflat, you skip that action and go straight to replacing the tire within the next 100 miles of driving.
I simply don't get people who are afraid of runflats. If you don't want to deal with the time required to replace your runflat while on vacation...buy a regular replacement tire and deal with getting a runflat when your leisure time allows you to. Why is this so hard to figure out?
As stated here before, half of the times I have needed to deal with a flat tire it has been due to running over something that took out more than one tire. ONLY with runflats would I have been able to continue travelling. In one case the donut did me no good because I did not have 2 and in the other case the full size spare did me no good because, again, I did not have more than one of them.
ditto: Tyron (competitor to runflat tires) (pdf page).
At least tire monitoring systems are becoming standard so you'll know whether you need air in your tire, whether it's runflat or not (runflats require such a system so you'll know if they are flat).
Here's some general info from Tire Rack.
Steve, Host
the first line in my post said(#852)
"The problem I have with this situation is not the tire, its the fact that without a full size spare..."
I state up front that I dont have a problem with the tire. I have a problem with no full size spare.
All I am saying is I prefer to have options to choose from. with a loss of pressure I could decide to continue, or drive somewhere close to swap the tire out.
Without the spare my range is 100 miles, and a replacement tire can take several days to get, depending on where you are. I would rather not be stuck waiting for a spare, or risk placing a non standard tire on the one wheel, and risk damaging the differential.
Oddly enough, My wife (driving a Limited AWD)had a loss of pressure in her tire yesterday. I was on travel, and got a call on the airplane, while we were at the gate.
To make a long story short, the Run flat saved her, she was able to go to a gas station around the corner , air it up, and get home without damaging anything on the tire. The run flat did what it was supposed to do.
This morning I removed the tire from the van, I could see that there was a small puncture in the tread, and I took it to the Firestone/ Bridgestone shop.
The Sienna owners manual says that it should be replaced, but the tire was completely inspected and undamaged, and may not had a complete loss of pressure, and the Bridgestone dealer repaired it free, (plug/ patch) since i have a Firestone card. (free tire repairs)
The guy told me that if you run the tire for a long time and it heats up it is trash. But since it was repaired pretty much right away and my wife kept putting air in the tire, it was fine
So Broncoguy, again, I just want a full size spare. We were just lucky for this event I described. It could have been far from civilation, and I might not have had the option of repairing the tire if I had a spare, I could choose to swap tires right away, or if it was not safe to do this I would just keep going and sacrifice the tire and get to a better location.
(hint - better results than the new Quest, but marginal, and slightly worse than back in '98).
Steve, Host
Steve, Host
Steve, Host
I had an experience, and it definitely very uncomfortable physicallly and psychologically. When you drive on a flat runflat, the driving experience is just like driving on a regular flat tire. Your steering feels vague and accleration is sluggish. More uneasily is the feelings of braking. You don't feel that you can accurately predict the behavior the the vehicle in a hard braking. The loud Rubber to rubber rubbing noise makes you wonder when the tire will disintegrate.
I firmly believe that it is less safe to drive a flat runflat than a doughnut spare.
Question 2 would be is the AWD model a stiffer ride due to the extra driveshaft?
Question 3 is how does the AWD system work. The brochure and the salespeople I have talked to just say it works great, but I would like alittle more info.
Wife is interested in these, but if it won't fit in the garage (or if you have to fold the mirror in by hand to get in/out, then it would be a non-starter.
Our '99 Quest is tight enough. Not a problem if you go slow and check twice, but we have nicked the mirror a few times.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Probably much easier if you park outside or have a double door.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
"...Aside from the Toyota Sienna application, Bridgestone-branded run-flat tires are also fitments on a variety of high performance sports cars and passenger coupes. In North America, these original equipment applications include: Lexus SC430; BMW 7-Series sedans; BMW Z4; BMW Z8; and Infinity Q45."
I have the Limited AWD with the GW package #3, the spoiler is included an option. With the other Packages that include DVD or NAV the spoiler is not included. I think it is the only package in any AWD model that includes it.
Ours is Phantom Gray and yes it is a perfect match. As long as your source is a genuine toyota accesory, and you have the color choice it should be a match.
Also there are 2 spoilers out there, the one with the high mounted LED stop light, is the one I have. I think there is another without it, and I dont know what the source is (I think it is SE Toyota) and if there are color related issues.
If you email me or make your email public, I can send you links or good photos of both kinds of of spoilers I have seen on line.
"Question 2 would be is the AWD model a stiffer ride due to the extra driveshaft?"
AWD has a slightly different suspension setup and it uses runflat tires. I personally have not found the runflat tires to be any harsher than normal tires; and I do not find any real life difference between AWD and FWD models in ride stiffness on the roads I travel.
"Question 3 is how does the AWD system work."
Sienna has a open centre differential (non-limited slip). The distribution of torque is achieved by using traction control/brakes. The torque split on normal driving is 50/50; so it is a "true" all-time 4 wheel drive, unlike many others which are more like front wheel drive until slipping occurs.
And this system allows the car the move even with one wheel with grip. This type of system is well proven and the same system is used by Mercedes 4matics (all models), Mercedes M-Class, BMW 3 series touring and 1st gen BMW X5.
4 wheel dyno for testing.
One improvement even on my 01 is that the transmission will automatically upshift in two conditions that might otherwise lead to loss of control due to engine braking on a slippery surface.
Some owners have described the effect as the feeling of a bump or nudge from behind. It will upshift just before coming to a final stop and when coasting alone.
I post information based on official specifications. Please stop posting your guesswork and speculation unless you have solid evidence to back it up.
Loss of control? Engine braking? Please don't ever repeat your "FWD is dangerous" BS again.
I would have thought that enough information had been published by now that only someone of Bush's caliber would be denying that FWD or front torque bias AWD is extremely hazardous when compared to RWD.
Steve, Host
Common sense no longer prevails. So the sooner you accept the "I agree" button, the sooner you'll get to enjoy the Nav System. I did!
Steve, Host
For those of you who already have one, please convince me that it will be worth the wait!
http://www.iihs.org/vehicle_ratings/ce/html/summary_passvans.htm
I waited 8 weeks (ordered the end of May) and, as my Blazer had no AC, I was desperate throughout June while waiting for my van to come up on the allocation list. I was even a bit of a freak when it came in as I kind of stalked the dealership and got some pictures of it hours after it rolled off the trailer.
Now, I absolutely love it and cannot even remember the month of June and the first half of July when I was living with no AC.
As many have said, remember, you are waiting 8-10+ weeks for a vehicle you will be driving for the next 5-10 years. Well worth the wait.