2013 and Earlier - Toyota Sienna Prices Paid and Buying Experience

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Comments

  • rbell2rbell2 Member Posts: 180
    I will make a prediction:

    Your decision about whether to buy a Toyota again will not be dictated on your few hours of haggling with the sales folks on this purchase. It will ultimately be based on how well the car runs over the years. That's why so many people go back and buy Toyo's and Honda's even if the buying experience may have a low rating at times. It beats becoming best friends with the Dodge or Ford Service Manager over the years.
  • nyfn1nyfn1 Member Posts: 9
    We just picked ours up. This is what wife wanted - red salsa pearl, AMAT#1, leather, woodgrain trim, running boards, mats. 2 dealers tried to sell us something else. Another told us could not order without TOYO guard. Of course, most discount they were willing to offer was 500 off MSRP. Just when I thought all was lost, someone on this board posted how they ordered through Toyota Center in Columbia, SC. I shot them an email with what we exactly wanted. They emailed me back price. $26,639 (MSRP 28,712). Called them up, gave them a deposit, they told me it would take 10 - 12 weeks. Order it July 15th, we got it Sept 27. They charge no paperwork fee, so we paid 26,639 plus tax and tag - and got exactly what we wanted. Easiest car buying experience everhad. When I was there Saturday, sales lady told me they have 41 on order, couple came in wanted to test drive mine, receptionist told them it was not possible because the car was sold. Give them a call. I can give you my salesman name if you want. email nyfn1@yahoo.com
  • bal5bal5 Member Posts: 1
    I would like to buy a 7-passenger FWD LE with pkg #7, which I'm calling the safety package (traction control, stability, side airbags). Unfortunately, because of the crazy packages, I can't buy an upgraded stereo with the safety stuff on a 7-passenger van. Does anyone have the standard stereo? Does it sound ok? Does the mast antenna look ok? I haven't seen one.
  • davenowdavenow Member Posts: 171
    i have been in the process now (two weeks solid) of negotiating a price on a 2004 Sienna XLE Limited FWD with Option package #5 (HF) (basically adding the RES). I was told by one dealer that he was only given a certain number to sell by the manufacturer. He used this reasoning to reject a 10%-12% profit offer I put on the table to order one. He told me that he would sell only a limited number of vans, so why would he take anything less than what he could get for them. I called him on his “bluff” and said that he could sell all those and more if the demand is there, and he accepts my offer he might sell a couple more based on my spreading the word, but no! They are so arrogant to feel if they don’t get their 20% profit then it is not worth selling any!
  • lumbarlumbar Member Posts: 421
    I've seen this word in several posts about the "buying experience."

    I don't think anybody has a problem with a dealer maximizing profit on a hot vehicle--I know I don't. I'll make an offer--if it works for the dealer, fine. If it doesn't, I'll either up it or walk. Just (a) don't give me attitude--a refusal will do just fine, and (b) don't give me a phony set of circumstances under which I'll get the car just to get my name on a contract.

    If, and I emphasize -if- a dealer does this, the dealer doen't deserve your business no matter how good the vehicle is. Unfortunately, sometimes it's hard to find out about (b) until it's too late.
  • millhillmillhill Member Posts: 2
    Hi - The best price I can find here in New York state is $500 off MSRP. Anyone have any imput as to where to get a better price?
    I can wait 2-3 months, but want a better price.
    Len
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    Posts shouldn't mysteriously disappear. If one is removed by a host for some reason, you'll get mail. We do remove posts that link to or promote competing auto forums as set out in the Member Agreement since it drives our beancounters nuts to give free ads to competitors.

    Davenow, the Sienna is a van in high demand with limited supply. But that will ease up. Meanwhile, don't let the dealers get you down - they know the gravy train could end next week so they want to maximize their profits today. Wait them out, if you possibly can. Good luck!

    Steve, Host
  • ghnesbitghnesbit Member Posts: 2
    Can you e-mail information on how you got such a great deal on your 04 Sienna? My e-mail address is gnesbit@mybluelight.com. Thanks in advance for your help!
  • kschletterkschletter Member Posts: 13
    Steve,

    The base LE / CE was an evolutionary situation. When we first started looking (knowing little about the models), we saw an LE and liked it. We don't want any power doors. We were told LEs are ONLY built with power doors (meaning you MUST get an option package, there is no such thing as a base LE). We also liked the roof rack & tinted windows of the LE. So, the LE was out

    We then learned about the CE (like the cheaper price) and wanted to order one w/ the cheapest config. Then read some VERY interesting posts here about the side curtain airbags, hence are wanting the option package with the side curtain airbags (in other words, yes, moving up in $$). Told dealer that was what we wanted (in this timeframe we had placed the order for a CE w/ cheapest config. & told dealer of the color choices - emphasizing one with DISTANT second & third choices). We were then told our Sienna's build date, color, and option package about 1-1.5 months later. Liked one of the three (build date of Sept 26).

    Frankly, I've grown very tired of the waiting / supply game. Yes, I do understand the massive recall of 34k vans, but the dealers have done well playing that to their advantage. I have gotten into a mindset of buying a car and have waited months (~3 months), I didn't want to add yet more unknown months into the equation. We also just found out the car was built but not finished (awaiting fuel tank as per Wall St Journal article.

    The way this should work is:

    1. Go to dealer
    2. Select EXACT configuration (color, option package).
    3. Place order when a price is agreed upon.
    4. GET DELIVERY DATE
    5. Wait until delivery date & get vehicle.

    Step 2 in this process is VERY wishy-washy. Yes, could be the dealer, but he said that Toyota basically allocates vehicles & configs. He takes what he gets and sells them. Yes, I suppose I could have waited x months until the luck of the draw happened to bring what we want.

    Tried configuring a car through the Toyota web site and they didn't offer the package w the side curtain airbags in our area. Also tried a few other zip codes and found some not even offering the CE model.

    I simply found this to be a very dissatisfying experience. The salesperson at the dealership is pleasant and appears honest. We did get a good price (more to follow on that when I actually have the vehicle). It should be a demand driven (pull) vs manufacturing driven (push) system.

    Excuse the long rant.
  • zebra5zebra5 Member Posts: 47
    In Texas, the Toyota distributor (Gulf States Toyota) seems to add to all their Sienna units the "Extra Mile Package". Included in the package are floor mats (useful) and a bunch of other stuff that most people wouldn't generally request. Can't remember exactly, but MSRP on the package is around $800 to $1000. In other states, are you buyers out there seeing the same thing, and, if so, are you having any luck "striking" it from the price you're ultimately paying?
  • vaeagles1vaeagles1 Member Posts: 28
    I have an expanding family and am considering buying the Sienna. I am in no rush, but would like to by late November, early December.

    Does anybody have any insight into when the supply of new Sienna's will increase, so I can get one at a decent price. Otherwise, it's going to be a Quest and I hate the dash and console layout. But, I can get one at a decent price.
  • racewalkerracewalker Member Posts: 20
    Would jxg123, fourinfla,and cnagal be willing to email me with the info on the dealership and pricing on the Siennas that you ordered.

    You can send it by private email: pjpw1@erols.com.

    Thanks in advance,

    Tricia
  • cvn03cvn03 Member Posts: 2
    Chiaw, I'd be interested in finding out which dealership in the Bay Area you bought your Sienna. Is the current deal in the Bay Area about $2800 of MSRP for a Limited with HO package? I'm looking for either XLE with NAV (package #19) or XLE limited with NAV (package #6).

    Thanks in advance,
    Chris
  • rodc1rodc1 Member Posts: 36
    I have the same request. Can you email me dealer and salesman info so I can try to get a good deal also. email RGCairgle570@pol.net Thanks in advance.
  • plymouthhaterplymouthhater Member Posts: 14
    "Does anyone have the standard stereo? Does it sound ok? Does the mast antenna look ok? I haven't seen one."

    The standard stereo sounds and works great. This is my first vehicle with a cd player and this one even plays burned cd's (non mp3's only). I have a Canadian LE model and the wheel mounted audio controls are very handy, though it took me a while to get used to changing where I place my hands on the wheel, especially when making a turn. (for the first month or so I was often accidentally hitting the radio controls)

    Of course I am sure that the upgraded stereo with the sub woofer sounds better, however, the standard stereo configuration, more than adequately meets my needs.

    The mast antenna looks no better or worse than any other vehicle with a mast antenna, and personally after having an in windshield antenna back in the 80's in a Celica, with it's crappy reception, I'll take the mast anytime.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    You'll have similar problems with the Southeast distributor. Focus on the out the door price, and if they won't budge on the garbage add-on's, head to Tennessee or other states outside those distribution areas.

    And to everyone, if you mark your email public in your profile, you'll avoid most of the spam harvesters, not to mention having your email picked up by google or other search engine.

    Click on a member's name to get their profile info.

    Steve, Host
  • chiawchiaw Member Posts: 92
    the deal i had is $1800 off MSRP. This was offered by Dublin toyota and matched by Fremont toyota.
  • steveb84steveb84 Member Posts: 187
    Someone has their information wrong. The LE has manual doors, you can get passenger side power door in some packages. The LE also comes standard with roof rack and privacy glass.
  • lok888lok888 Member Posts: 1,788
    Still no luck with the Sienna shopping in MA. Everybody is asking MSRP here. But one dealer offers an extended warranty (6 yr/75000 miles) with no charge if order any Sienna in September and October. The warranty is covered by Toyota and it is transferable. It is like having a $785 discount.
  • yycc88yycc88 Member Posts: 1
    I have the same request, too. Could you please send me the info about how to get a great deal on a 2004 Sienna. My email: yycc882004@yahoo.com Thanks in advance.
  • kschletterkschletter Member Posts: 13
    I was told in no uncertain terms that "there is no such thing as an LE without power doors". Several dealers said that. I was told EVERY Sienna is built with an option package (there is no such thing as a "base" CE or LE).

    I am aware that the LE comes w/ roof rack & tinted windows. From what I was told, the roof rack was not an issue on CE since "every CE comes w/ an option package" and all the option packages have roof racks (on CE). So... we're getting aftermarket tinting (we know someone who knows a tinting guru - $175 w/ lifetime guarantee).

    Like the Sienna. Not thrilled w/ the dealers in general. As I mentioned before (hopefully) we are getting one in short order (1.5 weeks). Will report back on my last dealer experience then.

    Thx.
  • evian1evian1 Member Posts: 4
    I'm not sure about the rest of the country, but there seems to be a vast shortage in Northern NJ and NYC area. I didn't search beyond 50 miles of my area but perhaps there are better dealers in other states if you are willing to travel.

    You might be able to get the color you want by calling several dealers. Most of dealers we first approached only had the silver or gold colors but several phone calls later I managed to locate the color we wanted (Mirage Blue).

    Contrary to rbell2, it wasn't a few hours of haggling that turned me off; it was "take it or leave it, we have 40 others queuing up behind you...and you have 5 minutes to decide!" Worse, after agreeing to paying MSRP, there's the two months of wait during which the dealer had no idea of if or when the vehicle was coming at all.

    On top of that, I am paying MSRP for stuff that I didn't need (traction control, first-aid kit) and not getting what I wanted (moonroof, power tailgate, CD changer), and getting the arrogant treatment. I am going to the after market for the moonroof and CD changer, but there's no options for power tailgate.

    Personally, I just don't see myself buying a Toyota again?
  • iluv_wheelsiluv_wheels Member Posts: 11
    get such a good deal. Please send me the email to:

    iluv34c@yahoo.com
  • iluv_wheelsiluv_wheels Member Posts: 11
    What is the best price that I can pay? I live in Madison, WI. Please suggest me some dealers who offer very competitive prices. I heard that you can buy the van almost anywhere and get it delivered to your home for little exra price. Is that true? Please share your thoughts and send me an email too,

    iluv34c@yahoo.com
  • scamdinlascamdinla Member Posts: 1
    I got a quote off a dealer called Cabe Toyota in Long Beach for $1000 off of MSRP for an '04 LE.
    When I arrived, it appeared the lady, who is the Internet Fleet manager, would honor what she quoted in the email and we proceeded to do paper works, including a credit app. I told her we wouldn't need financing, but she stated that personal checks still required a credit check. Suddenly, she gets a page overhead and walks out the office. 5 minutes later, she comes back and tells us that the General Mgr (basically, the owner of the dealership) states that someone is willing to pay $500 below MSRP for the vehicle. I then told her she already quoted me a price and we had a deal. She stated the GM had the authority to override the sale. My wife and I then decided we didn't want the vehicle after all, since we figured, this was probably a game.
    She then told us she'll check with the GM again to see if she can go to bat for us. 30 minutes later, she finally comes back and states the GM will let it go for $700 off of MSRP. We then got up and said honor your quote or we're out of here.
    She then left to see the GM again, which I followed behind and courteously told her we'd just like the credit app back and we'll be off. I then also asked her, in front of other salesmen and the GM, where the other customer was that was making the counter-offer. The GM simply stated there was NO other customer and it was $700 off or nothing. I then again stated I'd like my credit app back which he simply refused stating that by law, once a credit app is submitted, they have to hold it for two years. I told him I've never heard of such a law especially when no transaction took place. Anyways, there was nothing I could do to get my credit app back and my wife and I just left the dealership.

    I told them I was going to post on the Internet and let people know that their dealership is shoddy and unreliable. EOM.
  • mdsienna1mdsienna1 Member Posts: 1
    We drove off with an 04 Sienna XLE with option package #14 and the preferred accessory package last night. Sticker price was $33,889 and we paid #31,500. Last Thursday their best offer was $500 off sticker. Funny what the end of the month will do. He called earlier in the day with another offer and I basicaly told him that I was willing to wait til the supply increased and the other makes had their new models out so they couldn't jack up the price so much and also that I had been in contact with other dealers and I could order what I wanted at my price. He called back 45 minutes later and asked if I wanted to buy a van at my price. You can get a good deal if you shop around. They did add a $100 "Dealer Processing Fee" on the buy sheet. They absolutely would not remove it. Other than that, the experience was pretty nice. The salesman was very knowledgeable about the vehicle. We have looked at all sorts of vans and SUV's over the last 10 months and unfortunately, salespeople who know their product are few and far between.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    I don't think California has the funding to do much consumer protection any more, but it sounds like bait and switch to me. Try the FTC about the credit app. - there's a phone number listed at the bottom of most of their info sheets.

    Please let us know if you get anywhere.

    Steve, Host
  • ksfongksfong Member Posts: 5
    mdsienna1 stated "We drove off with an 04 Sienna XLE with option package #14 and the preferred accessory package last night. Sticker price was $33,889 and we paid #31,500".

    I wanted to buy one

    Please email me the info of POC and dealer to ksfong@aol.com

    It looks like you bought it in MD as suggested in your user name.

    Thanks in advance.
  • shuchuchangshuchuchang Member Posts: 2
    mdsienna1 stated "We drove off with an 04 Sienna XLE with option package #14 and the preferred accessory package last night. Sticker price was $33,889 and we paid #31,500".

    Can you email me the info to shuchuchang@yahoo.com? I am very interested to get one too.

    Thanks.
  • nvsiennabuyernvsiennabuyer Member Posts: 2
    mdsienna1,
           Please post the name of the dealership where you purchased your '04 Sienna with options package #14. When did you order the van?

    Thanks.
  • ksfongksfong Member Posts: 5
    Now we know the dealer, could you tell us the name of POC.

    Thanks again
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    Person of the Century? Ah, you must mean Point Of Contact.

    As it says at the top of the page, please do not post salespeople's names, phone numbers or email contact information. Thanks!

    Steve, Host
  • zebra5zebra5 Member Posts: 47
    Amen to your comment about how little sales people seem to know about these vehicles. We've also been in the minivan market for awhile, and I (humbly) feel like I know more about their products than 90% of the sales people I've met. That applies to the Toyota, Honda, and Nissan dealers I've visited. I'm sure there are exceptions, but in general, they've been mostly unimpressive.

    Major gripe: I've yet to find a sales person who could deftly operate the second row seats in a Sienna or Odyssey minivan (either tumbling flat or "slide to side" features). I spent 15 minutes struggling with the sliding seats on the Sienna LE 7 passenger displayed at the auto show at the Texas State Fair. The rep there tried as well, wasn't successful, and then came back to tell me it couldn't be slid over because the battery power was disconnected on the displayed unit. My wife and I just burst out laughing: the second row seats aren't even powered, of course. The seats are just damn finicky to move around, which is my complaint. Also, the rep didn't know if the middle second row seat on the LE 8 passenger could be independently removed or not (I still don't know the answer). I would think that's sort of important to know, if that's how you make your living.

    Not to pick on Toyota: I also laughed when the Honda sales person told me how Consumer Reports just ranked the Odyssey tops in the minivan market segment (Sienna was #2, he said). I had the CR issue in my car, if I'd care to call him on his fib/misunderstanding.

    I guess these great products don't require much sales expertise.
  • chortonchorton Member Posts: 149
    It definately can be removed independantly. I don't understand how my fellow Toyota sales reps can sell ANYTHING without knowing their product and their competitors products as well.

    The 2nd row seats are tricky if you aren't up to speed on them. To remove them you have to rock them forward and then pull the strap under the seat, then rock them back to release them. When replacing them you have to line up the arrows in the floor with the latch on the seat, rock them forward untill the 1st front latch locks in place, then rock them back to lock the2nd front latch. It sounds complicated but after a little practice it gets easier.
  • vaeagles1vaeagles1 Member Posts: 28
    mdsienna1 - can you e-mail at sstein@gwu.edu me where your purchased your sienna and your poc, I am in the D.C. metro area.

    Also, I receive a call from 3 dealers this week, who all got 4-7 Siennas off the truck, that they had not expected. 2 of the dealers wanted msrp, but 1 was willing to knock $700 of msrp.

    Maybe, just maybe, this the start of additional supply by Toytota.
  • davejpdavejp Member Posts: 4
    I commute 100 miles/day down the Massachusetts Turnpike. Each day during the last week I have noticed Siennas on car carriers (usually 2 or 3). I hope this means produciton is up and running and we will eventually see some inventory on the lots
  • dingweilinlidingweilinli Member Posts: 5
    looks like I have to either get navigation or traction control, but not both in XLE config. I plan to get package#19 + package 1, but was told two package conflicts. What I want is traction control, side airbags, DVD and navigations. ANyone know how can I get these options in XLE?
  • lok888lok888 Member Posts: 1,788
    One dealer in MA told there are about 600 Siennas for 72 Toyota dealers in New England region per month. It is like 8 Siennas for each dealer. Or maybe 2 or 3 Siennas each week to one dealer. You probably just missed the truck this week. BTW, are you shopping for Sienna? Any luck?
  • racewalkerracewalker Member Posts: 20
    Will you please email me with the name of your dealership? pjpw1@erols.com.

    Was your purchase from existing inventory?

    I thought we were permitted to post the names of dealerships? Wouldn't this save "mdsienna" a lot of time responding to emails?

    Thanks in advance
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    Yeah, it does get confusing. It's fine to name the dealer and the dealer location.

    We ask that you not name individuals.

    Steve, Host
  • racewalkerracewalker Member Posts: 20
    My previous post neglected to mention to whom I wanted I response from. It's you, mdsienna!
    Thanks
  • stlsiennabuyerstlsiennabuyer Member Posts: 4
    Steve_HOST:

    Sorry if this has been covered, but what is the reason for this board's rule against naming of reps at dealers? So long as postings are not offensive, potentially libelous, or obvious commercial activity in violation of the Town Hall member agreement, what's the problem?
    Thx in advance.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    We kept having shills sign up as members and promoting themselves. Caused a lot of extra work for the hosts since we prefer that Town Hall not fill up with ads.

    Then some people were bird-dogging; lots of dealers give $50 or $100 kickbacks if you send them a customer. So we'd have folks tout certain salespeople just to get a spiff. Sort of defeats the purpose of offering useful feedback in here.

    Finally, lots of salespeople move from dealer to dealer, so the info gets out of date fast.

    It finally just got simpler to keep the names and contact info off the boards entirely instead of trying to separate the shills from the real members.

    Steve, Host
  • stlsiennabuyerstlsiennabuyer Member Posts: 4
    To get what you want, you have to go for the XLE Limited with package #6. That's a fully loaded Sienna! Enjoy...
  • rodc1rodc1 Member Posts: 36
    Just to let you know i discussed your post on the "Dealership" board under the topic "Any questions for the car dealers?". Please join discussion regarding your bad experience.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    Here's the link:

    Any Questions for a Car Dealer?

    Steve, Host
  • sedonathreesedonathree Member Posts: 4
    hi. we really wanted the sienna XLE with leather and DVD, but the extremely low demand was not helping. here in the bay area, i called numerous dealers, only to find that there are none (or just one) even on the lots and none expected for some time. how depressing.
    we eventually did find 2 LE's with dealer installed leather and DVD; the best deal we could get was 31,000. i walked away twice and even let 2 weeks pass(yes, i am patient for a good deal) and the dealer would not budge any lower. eventually, both were gone.

    ultimately, we went with our second choice, the KIA Sedona. sure, it doesnt have some of the goodies like the roll down rear windows, but we got the '04 with every option offered (moonroof, leather, abs, tow hitch, allow wheels, wood trim, etc...) for 22,500. for this difference in price, i can totally justify keeping this van for 5 years, then moving on to the next thing that comes along.

    sorry toyota, your little drought lost our business.
  • alyankeealyankee Member Posts: 8
    Just got my XLE with package 14, floor mats, arctic frost pearl paint --32K ( 2K below MSRP). I negotiated with internet sales department back in July. Placed the ground-up order on 7/12. The vehicle was delivered last weekend, i.e. about 10 weeks later.
  • racewalkerracewalker Member Posts: 20
    Congratulations on your new Sienna!
    What dealership did you purchase your Sienna from?You can post the dealer and the dealer location, or your can email me: pjpw1@erols.com.
    Thanks in advance.
  • alyankeealyankee Member Posts: 8
    Dealership is Price LeBlanc Toyota in Baton Rouge, LA. I had contacted other dealers's internet sales dept, but did not get serious responses.
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