2013 and Earlier - Toyota Sienna Prices Paid and Buying Experience

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Comments

  • coachdadcoachdad Member Posts: 5
    I am looking for the 2004 XLE with option package #14 (leather, moonroof, etc.). Has anyone had any experiences with dealers in the Pittsburgh area for 2004 models? I am in the process of e-mailing several dealers and would like to know if anyone has had luck in getting a 2% over invoice deal.

    Rich
  • winedogswinedogs Member Posts: 102
    I am also looking for a Sienna in Pittsburgh. But, not till the summer. One subscriber gave me a dealer outside of Philly that will go $1000 over invoice. They bundled several deals together for one dealer. I would like to do the same in Pittsburgh.
  • kceastlandkceastland Member Posts: 2
    kgnw1-thanks for the tip on Pacific Northwest dealers. I contacted Uhlmann Motors in Chehalis, and am working a deal to buy an XLE with package 10. They offered me 3% over invoice with the same additional costs--destination and TDA. Considering I'm saving 1% in taxes, the deal seems reasonable but I thought I should shop around some more. After getting this offer, I went to my local dealership to negotiate a deal since he had an XLE on the lot. He flat out told me to buy the car in Chehalis saying that dealer is nuts to sell at that price. He also gave me some speil about how Toyota only allocates so many vehicles to each dealership and because I'm dealing with a small market player, he won't be able to get the car. Maybe sour grapes, but I am concerned because the projected delivery date on my van would be late June maybe even July. Any thoughts? Thanks.
  • kgnw1kgnw1 Member Posts: 94
    I'm looking at late June as well. All special orders at this point are about 90 days away. This is what all the dealers I email blasted said. Even Columbia Fleet said the same thing since they order their vehicles. Since we aren't in a hurry, we can wait.

    I know in the Chicago region dealers are telling their customers that they are not accepting special orders at this time and you'll have to live with what we've got at this point.

    I believe that the other dealer you spoke to is sour grapes. I got the same spiel from my local dealer who wanted to charge MSRP plus dealer installed options. Another dealer told me the same thing but has 7 on the lot and none of them have sold in the last 30 days. I've been watching all online inventories in western WA since mid-March. There are currenty 28 Sienna's and most of them are plain LE's.

    All dealers must sell vehicles to get a vehicles. A small dealer has a greater potential to get vehicle preferenced as compared to large dealers. They have greater chance of getting 2 slots filled with their preferred options versus a bigger dealer who might want to get 8 vehicles.

    The only way to get the van sooner right now is to have one prefrenced in "A" status that is already coming into the region. You may have look at comprimissing on options and color choice.

    There are quite a few of us in the same boat that have ordered their vehicles around the country that are waiting 'til June. Hope this helps on your decision. Good luck!!.
  • lok888lok888 Member Posts: 1,788
    mmc8 - They charged you for the gas. I think every car is being sold here now include a full tank of gas. I saw the invoice on all cars in a recent auto show and also cars in the dealer. It's included. Destination charge - you have to pay it. It is for in-land transportion from the port to the dealer. It usually runs between $500 to $600 per vehicle (Benz G500 and Hummer cost more). Finanical reserve - Don't pay. Pure profit for them. Holdback - I think they are build in to the dealer's invoice. So when they show you the invoice, it is different from Edmunds or Kelly Blue Book. Anyway, you need to figure it out the out the door price. And 2% over invoice is your target price.

    For kgnw1's Sienna, The dealer make $795 plus $666.
  • hperez1hperez1 Member Posts: 3
    I ordered my Phamtom Greyt LE 8 passengers thru Longo Toyota fleet manager with package#1. I left a $500 deposit and finally received my delivery date of May 21. I will be receiving a $300 to $500 discount on the MSRP per fleet manager. Toyota dealers have a slight advantage over us due to early deployment of vans. If for any reason I decide to back out (04 Nissan Quest maybe) they guranteed total reimbursement on my deposit. The longer we wait the more we save.
  • mmc8mmc8 Member Posts: 8
    kgnw1:
    Your deal is pretty amazing! 2% over invoice and they did not charge you holdback or the reserve. Did you negotiate these last two items? The car you ordered is the exact one I am looking to get too.

    What I do not understand (but I am trying to learn) is that the invoice lists holdback and the reserve fee. The dealer told me that "we had to pay it, so you have to pay it." We are talking a pretty decent chunk of change (~$700.00) for holdback and the reserve fee, so if this is something that is negotiable, I need to know.

    Thanks.
  • kgnw1kgnw1 Member Posts: 94
    I negotiated final price and didn't worry about all the fees. I noticed that you also posted this question on the sienna club. You may want to pursue the Trace City deal if that's not too far from you. Hopefully you're getting the info you need.

    What I did to get my deal was gather MSRP and invoice prices from Edmunds. I got a quote from a fleet company in my area. If I weren’t able to get my local dealers to drop their price, I would order through the fleet dealer.

    I got myself pre-approved through my credit union and had $11,000 for down payment. I proceeded to my local dealer first since they had one in stock. I made them an offer that was a little over the fleet price I was quoted and they laughed. They told me that price wasn't real and I wouldn't be able to get that price. So I walked.

    The next day, I hit all the Toyota dealer websites in western WA and emailed all of them that I was ready to buy today and would give them a couple days to respond or I'll order through the fleet company. I named my price, told them my down payment and my financing is approved. I also said that I would post their dealership on Edmunds and direct people their way.

    I got a few responses within a few minutes after sending my email. One said, "No way you're crazy... We've got 50 people on a list for this." A funny thing is that this dealer still has 7 on their lot. Another said, "You forgot to add holdback, dealer prep charges and reserve fee so you price is $35,500."

    Another said we'll do 2% over invoice but was busy with a customer. He also said that are other fees as well. I told him that I'll probably go with his deal, but call me back that night on my cell phone. He did call back, but called my house and spoke to my wife. He tried to close the deal through her instead of talking to me. I called him back the next day said to forget it since tried to do a back door deal.

    I got a response from Uhlmann Toyota my final dealer to give them a call. When I called them back, the owner answered the phone and I explained to her the deal I wanted. 2 minutes later I was speaking to the sales manager and got my deal.

    I've been told that TDA is probably around $250-$400. But the TDA on my quote from the fleet dealer was $795. So they matched that deal and this was the best I could get with the sales tax factor. Even if I would of ordered through the fleet company, I would have to pay my local sales tax rate versus the rate I got through the dealer.

    So I could be paying holdback and other fees, but I'm happy with my deal. I would suggest negotiating on your final price and sticking to it. Hope that helps. Good luck.
  • coachdadcoachdad Member Posts: 5
    I spoke with several Pittsburgh Area Toyota dealerships today and here is what I found. First of all, no dealers had any 2004 Siennas in stock. Five dealerships said that they would not go below MSRP. Two of them said they would go slightly under MSRP (no specific amount) and two indicated that they would "deal" off of MSRP. None of them would consider an "invoice +" deal.

    I went to Andretti Airport Toyota and ended up ordering the XLE with XLE Package #14 (leather, heated seats, moonroof and various safety features). I am trading a 1995 Ford Windstar with 120,000 miles. The deal I received was $500 under MSRP and $1,000 more than blue book for my Windstar. I look at it as though I basically received $1,500 off of MSRP since they are giving me more than the current value for my trade. The only other cost they charge is $88 for title fee. They told me I can expect to have the van in 60 to 90 days. I gave them a $500 deposit but it is contigent upon my test drive of the vehicle.

    Rich
  • winedogswinedogs Member Posts: 102
    Please let me know how you make out with Andretti Toyota. Did you check with Greensburg Toyota. The internet rep told me he would beat any price. I know many say this, but it might be worth the call. Send me a e-mail and I will tell you what I know so far.
  • rbell2rbell2 Member Posts: 180
    Could you please tell me how you determined the "blue book" value on your '95 Windstar? Did the dealer just use "Kelly Blue Book" like you can get off the internet or did they have another version they always pull out that is always lower than KBB.COM? I have a '96 DGC-LE and the main reason I have not bought a new van yet is I am so disgusted at what the dealers will allow me on this van (101,000 miles). So, as long as it is running fine and still looks good, I am having a hard time parting with it for such low $$. Please let me know how they determined your trade value. Thanks.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    What is the "Kelley Blue Book" Price? may be of interest.

    For a "real world" opinion, do a customized appraisal here on our Used Car pages, and then see how that compares with the feedback you get from the members over in Real-World Trade-In Values.

    I don't think you're going to like any of the numbers too much - Chrysler has made 10 million minivans now so there's plenty of them out there and you're over the "magic" 100,000 mile marker on yours.

    Steve, Host
  • rayb46rayb46 Member Posts: 2
    recently ordered a 04 sienna le with option#2 in middletown new york.Dealer said something about getting the car from a wholesaler in canada,it would be quicker than ordering the car from toyota.He said the car would have between 5 and 10 miles on it and that he would have to change the odometer over to miles.My question is simple.Is he paying less for this car than if he bought it from toyota and is it now a used car.
  • kgnw1kgnw1 Member Posts: 94
    I believe Steve could direct you to the article "Gray Market Cars."

    When I was looking at getting the Honda Odyssey, I found a broker that would import cars in the US from Canada. The deal looked really good, the same vehicle I could buy locally at $30,360 could be had for $28,000 delivered to my door. Everything was the same and they would convert everything to US standards. But the manufactures warranty is void.

    The broker will give a 3rd party warranty with the van, but you have to use it at an independent shop. US dealers will not work on a van that's made for the Canadian market. Likewise Canadian dealers will not work on vehicle that has been sold to the US.

    Also a lot of credit unions will not finance a non-US vehicle or you may not get a good rate. So you may want to re-think having it come in from Canada.
  • rayb46rayb46 Member Posts: 2
    this offer to get the vehicle in canada came from a toyota dealership with no discount from msrp.Are you telling me that toyota will not warranty this vehicle?
  • kgnw1kgnw1 Member Posts: 94
    If the dealer changes the destination sticker for delivery in US, I think you'll be fine. I would be worried if it wasn't a Toyota dealer that was getting the vehicle for you. I believe Toyota dealers swap across the border all the time.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    Try this message for some links:

    steve_ "Honda CR-V" Feb 16, 2003 12:22am

    There was also a recent thread about Toyotas specifically with some messages by Cliffy1 (who works for a dealer), but I can't recall where it was. Big issue is making sure the gray market car gets into the US warranty system.

    Ah, here's one of the messages in that thread - go back and forward for more:

    7171 of 7213 Dash lights by cliffy1

    Steve, Host
  • coachdadcoachdad Member Posts: 5
    RBell2, I went to Kelly Blue Book's website and put in the information for my Windstar. Based on my evaluation that the vehicle was in "fair" condition (due to many annoying functions no longer working such as the rear wiper and other minor problems), it came up with a value of $2,000. The transmission seemed to start to slip a few weeks ago and I took it to a transmission mechanic who told me not to bother trying to fix this since he also felt that my water pump was ready to go. Therefore, after hearing this, I recalculated the Kelly Blue Book and it came up with a value of "undeterminable" due to the issues. I assumed that at best, it would be worth $1,000. That is how I came up with my values. I don't know how the dealer came up with his amount since it was more than I expected.

    I agree with your decision to keep your car until it dies. Three years ago I went to trade in this same Windstar for an Oddysey. They originally told me they would give me Kelly Blue Book value on my trade but would not give me a firm price due to the 3 month waiting list for Oddysey's at the time. After I waited 3 months for my Oddysey to come in, they ended up originally offering me $2,000 less than KBB. I even had my print-out so they knew what I was expecting. They came within $500 of KBB and when they refused to get any closer, I walked. I am very glad I did as I have not had any major problems in the past 3 years with the Windstar until now. If the dealers are not going to give you fair value for your car, then I agree that you should just run it until it dies.

    Coachdad
  • steveb84steveb84 Member Posts: 187
    Just to clarify - there are NO Special Orders being accepted on the 2004 Sienna. However, there are 97 acceptable build combinations. When a dealer uses the "special order" term they may just be talking about ordering something they don't have or a build combo that their particular region isn't ordering. (Isn't that just as clear as mud ?)
  • soccerdad99soccerdad99 Member Posts: 6
    Would an example of a special order be privacy glass on a CE model? Does anyone think Toyota will do this? We are going to get the CE or LE and the biggest difference for us (besides the $1,900) is the privacy glass.
  • newcar35newcar35 Member Posts: 48
    I don't think you can mix and match add-ons like privacy glass at this time. Unless it is available in a package (which I don't think it is for the CE), you are out of luck. My dealer told me they are now narrowing which options are available in which regions -- he used to be able to get the BW package, but now is being told to not even bother trying. So I think that, for the time being at least, you are going to have a harder time -- not easier -- trying to get "exactly" what you want. Heck, all we wanted was traction control, side airbags and a nice stereo, but it doesn't exist unless you go to the XLE. So, we have the LE with the piddly stereo. O well. Such is the way it is with Toyota...
  • carnivalkanecarnivalkane Member Posts: 2
    Tell me who you bought from at Andretti, I'm ready to buy.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    You may include the dealership name and city/state where you purchased, but NO direct links to the dealership site. Also, please do not post salespeople names, phone numbers or email contact information.

    Steve, Host
  • coachdadcoachdad Member Posts: 5
    If you give me your e-mail address, I will e-mail you the information.

    Coachdad
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    If you mark your email "public" in your profile, you'll won't have to put it in a message where it's easier to grab and spam.

    Steve, Host
  • carnivalkanecarnivalkane Member Posts: 2
    carnivalkane@yahoo.com
  • lok888lok888 Member Posts: 1,788
    Is Toyota starting a trend to have a same vehicle (Sienna) with different options & packages for different regions? For example, you can only get LE Package #1 or #7 on LE 8 passengers FWD. You can get an option of Toyota Plus Protection (with roadside assistant, rental car, etc) only in Southeast region. It seems like there are four different trims (CE, LE, XLE, XLE Limited), 15/20 different packages, and 9 different color. It took me a while to figure the combination. And is it the reason why the supply is still low because of this? Like, they have to make 10 LE with 7 passengers, then 5 LE with 8 passengers and 2 XLE Limited AWD.... in a same plant.
  • steveb84steveb84 Member Posts: 187
    Each region can choose which build combinations that they desire. However, sometimes those are limited by certain guides from various places...EPA, suppliers etc. The new Sienna has 97 different build combinations (kind of overwheleming) and when a new model comes out with so many new features and packages, it's takes each region a little while to see what works best for them.
  • lok888lok888 Member Posts: 1,788
    steveb84 - Will that be one of the reason why the supply can't match the demand? Even 6 to 9 months from now. They all came from one factory plant. And it doesn't seem it is a mass production. Is it also share with the Sequoia line? I mean, I love to see customer will have more choices for their vehicles, like custom made for different people.
  • mackabeemackabee Member Posts: 4,709
    Is now built in the same plant as the Sequoia and the Tundra. There's only 100k of these babies projected to be built this year. Toyota is borrowing one from Honda's playbook.
                                  : )
                                   Mackabee
  • lok888lok888 Member Posts: 1,788
    It is similar to Honda Odyssey in recent years when they all shared the same plant with MDX and Pliot. And the Sienna has many different trims, options, and packages now compare to Odyssey. I am not sure is playing the game that Honda used to play. But I am sure dealers are taking an advantage of it. I hope Toyota will realize competitive are on the way... Nissan Quest (2004), Ford Freestar (2004), Honda Odyssey (2004/2005) and VW MicroBus (2006 or still a concept car).
  • acraftonacrafton Member Posts: 99
    helping a friend by a minivan over the weekend. I mentioned to the salesman and manager that when the Ody came out many (myself included) where turned off by the Honda dealer behavior and didn't buy one and where hoping Toyota isn't going to do the same thing. The sales mgr seemed very aware of the issue and said they were not planning on acting similarly . .

    Adam
  • kgnw1kgnw1 Member Posts: 94
    Steve, I hope this is okay to post.

    You can look up an estimated TDA price in your area if you enter the zip code and the vehicle you're looking for on carsdirect.com. The invoice price adjusts with the TDA included. You can get the amount of the TDA if you click on the invoice link and a pop up window opens and will give you the estimated amount.

    It's surprising to see the difference across the country. I've seen as low as $331 in Chicago to as much as $780 in Phoenix.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    You'd think after the last class action lawsuit and all the customer complaints that Toyota would figure out some other way of handling this part of the business.

    Steve, Host
  • lstevensonlstevenson Member Posts: 1
    I received an email quoting a price of
    $34,852 plus tax, title, fee and tag from Lakeland Toyota in Lakeland, Florida. After numerous phone calls I was assured that the price was correct and would be honored. Upon arrival I inspected the van agreed to buy it. The salesman from the internet department by the name of Jeff, proceeded to inform me that "he was very sorry but the owner of the dealership would not let him sell it for that price." He showed me an "invoice" with the MSRP listed and $1,995 added to it since that is what the market will bear. Jeff assured me that the owner would let the van go for MSRP, but not the price quoted in the email. I walked out furious and am spreading the news from here, all the way to the Florida State Attorney General's Office.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    Please do not post salespeople's names ....

    Steve, Host
  • jspownelljspownell Member Posts: 3
    First of all thanks to this board, I knew what to ask for and even who to deal with. I just drove home in my Arctic White XLE Limited with Package 5 (DVD/Spoiler/Console) at 3% over invoice. This transaction started with a phone call Sunday to the internet manager, and finished with a train ride into LA this afternoon (Tuesday) where I was picked up by the dealership, signed papers and was off in my new van in less than two hours. No add ons, BS or anything. Great transaction and I'm very happy with the options on the Limited. It is definitely worth the small additional price over a fully loaded XLE. Jeff
  • kgnw1kgnw1 Member Posts: 94
    Congrats Jeff!! I envy that you have your limited with DVD. Still waiting for mine...
  • vanditvandit Member Posts: 4
    Jeff (great name, that's mine too).

    Anyway, where was this dealer in LA? I hope you are refering to Los Angeles...Thanx, and congrats on the car...how do you like it?
  • jspownelljspownell Member Posts: 3
    Ys, the dealer is in the Los Angeles area, specifically Alhambra, just south of Pasadena. My final price was about $2,600 under MSRP. I'll give some more impressions of the car after I get a few more miles under my belt. My drive back to San Diego was mostly under dusk and a beatiful moon last night, unfortunately combined with LA and Orange County traffic so didn't get to play too much. Jeff
  • iounothingiounothing Member Posts: 4
    Isn't it irritating that Toyota is aggressively marketing a product they cannot deliver? Every day i either see a magazine ad or TV commercial for this van. They have certainly helped to create consumer demand, limiting the bargaining power of the typical family.

    Of my 6 or so local dealers not one is expecting to see one on their lot for another month, and all these units are presold. Orders taken today will not arrive for another 2-3 months. Interestingly enough, all my local Honda dealers have a selection of Oddyseys on their lots.
  • bayareadadbayareadad Member Posts: 4
    Just thought I'd pass along that I got a 2004 XLE with GJ/#16 package (dvd, side air bags, leather, moon roof, traction control, and pretty much everything else except the nav) and CF (floor mats) for $1300 off MSRP. Comes out to $34,211, not including tax and license.

    Signed the agreement, and so far, everything has been surprisingly easy and pleasant. But I don't get the contract and car for 1-4 weeks, so more details to come later assuming everything goes well.

    I definitely have this board to thank for knowing what the range is and for turning me to the Internet sales managers. SO MUCH BETTER experience in every way than the traditional walk-up approach.
  • jspownelljspownell Member Posts: 3
    I was reading the Ody board where somebody questioned whether Sienna's were really selling at discounts off MSRP today without add ons. Well, they are...

    My sticker was: Sienna LTD $34,480; HF Limited #5 with DVD, Center Console Box, 115 outlets, spoiler with integrated brake light $1,950; PC Arctic Frost Pearl Paint $220; Z1 Preferred Accessory Package with Floor Mats, door sill protector, cargo net $274; 9G Cargo tote $49; WH Wireless Headphones $80; Delivery Charge $510; Total $37,563

    Price Paid $34,871 for a very nicely equipped Arctic Frost Limited, and the best part...

    It's in my driveway now, no ordering or waiting for some indeterminable time. All of this thanks to an excellent internet salesman and dealership, being very specific about what I wanted when talking with the dealer, and having cash ready to go if he found the car... and oh yeah, luck!

    That last one may be the most important by the way! My wife and I and two young kids are very happy. BTW, its replacing a 1987 Toyota Van with just under 200,000 problem free miles.
  • vault2vault2 Member Posts: 31
    Can you post the dealers name? or I would appreciate if you could e-mail me the Dealer's name and contact number.

    Thx
  • momofthreemomofthree Member Posts: 35
    I have been shopping for the best deal of course, and the dealerships around here, even the internet are pretty selfish when it comes to price, of course they can be. I was looking for that exacr same package and color.
      How did your deal get negotiated, I am not very good at that since I happen to work at a no haggle dealership. I have been thinking that maybe I could at least get a boat load of accessories added on and fight the processigng fees, if no body is going to budge.
      I sorta need to make a purchase by June, my mother who does not drive is moving in with us and we only have one vehicle, a Nissan Maxima. Thanks
  • triton86triton86 Member Posts: 7
    jspownell, I too live in San Diego, and am not at all disinclined to extend my search northward. My email is up, please let me know the dealership name and your contact person. Thank you.
  • x10guyx10guy Member Posts: 15
    Most of the below MSRP posts have been on high end models (over $30K).

    I haven't seen that many posts of below MSRP on lower models such as CE or LE. Anyone?
  • eemeeeme Member Posts: 9
    in Houston, and I am not in a hurry to buy
    it now so I will keep negotiating and looking.
    BTW a Honda dealer called me they have 27 Odys
    in their lot and I don't think they had so many
    this time last year. All these tell me the economy and competition will knock dowm the price
    soon.
  • rambhamrambham Member Posts: 10
    How did you contact the dealers? Did you use
    email, fax or just call the dealers. I am ready
    to purchase the same vehicle as you except I
    want it in blue mirage...
  • suomynonasuomynona Member Posts: 1
    Jeff -- If you don't mind, can you please e-mail me your contact at Wondries Toyota? I tried last Saturday to reach them with no luck and having a specific name should help. Also, I would like give your name as a reference in case you get some kind of customer referral bonus. Thank you in advance!
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