2013 and Earlier - Toyota Sienna Prices Paid and Buying Experience

14748505253236

Comments

  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    No names of individuals please.

    That's pretty good about sending you a check for your change. Maybe I should go dig around in my car seats.

    Congrats on the new Sienna.

    Steve, Host
  • impact01impact01 Member Posts: 95
    I recently contacted motorworld regarding an XLE Ltd that showed on their online inventory. However, they didn't have it on the lot, and the salesman who called me couldn't offer anymore than ~$500 off MSRP if I were to order one. I chose not to haggle and didn't order because I am in no particular hurry. So, one may have to haggle with them too, to get a better price.
  • esteroaliesteroali Member Posts: 7
    My new van sits in my driveway, delivered to my door. I got a LE with hitch, Package #4 and leather, total out the door price 29,482. This was the easiest deal for a car I have ever had. The MSRP was 28,748 and I paid 1600.00 UNDER. My van was delivered 3 weeks EARLY. Somebody pinch me. THANK YOU GETTEL TOYOTA. PS....I don't work for them....Just a happy mom.E mail me for specifics.
  • skipoleskipole Member Posts: 2
    Sienna 7 seat LE, Package #1 (AM) + CF, front wheel drive.

    MSRP: $25806, Invoice: $23140. I am being offered $24900

    This is in the Pittsburgh, PA area.
  • farmer64farmer64 Member Posts: 5
    skipole,

    I just bought the exact same Sienna -- I pick it up this Saturday. I paid $24,250 + 200 prep charge = $24,450 + 5% MA tax and $85 registration/plate fees. This was my "out the door" cost without any other fees. While many dealers would not budge off of MSRP here in the Boston area, the first offer I got from the dealer I ended up buying from was $1,000 off of MSRP and another was willing to deal in the $1,000+ off MSRP range.

    I would shop around a bit more. Also, as you've no doubt seen from other stories on this board, make sure you are talking about OUT THE DOOR COST when negotiating price. Some may quote you one price, but when it comes time to sign the P&S agreement, other charges begin to appear (TDA, MAF, etc.). One dealer here even tried to tell me that they need to charge $200 more to register the car that the dealer I ended up buying from in addition to the $200 prep fee. Another dealer after initially saying MSRP responded to me after I quoted the $1,000 deal from the competition by saying, "Oh, we've just been informed of special pricing on the Sienna...."

    Sometimes the dealer BS is so thick you can cut it with a knife....;-)

    Good luck.

    -Chris
  • dako_tiandako_tian Member Posts: 298
    Your last comment reminds me of two signs I saw at a Ford dealer (while waiting on an oil change for my beloved, but now sold, F150 -- may she give someone the pleasure and service she gave me). One sign pointed to the left and said "Restrooms." Just below it was another sign pointing to the right which said "Sales." I asked the cashier if the signs were there to help us customers tell the "S" from the "BS." She appreciated the observation a great deal, apparently being in an position to see a great deal of both.... ;-)
  • lok888lok888 Member Posts: 1,788
    Congrats! That's $1500+ off the MSRP. I did a little bit better than you on my Sienna LE-7 (FWD) with LE #7. The delivery date is early to mid-December. Although many say prep fee should be no more than $50, my dealer insisted $200. Very important thing is the out the door price.
  • corpuscorpus Member Posts: 37
    I really believe Toyota has caught up with demand since the gas tank recall. Champion-Corpus Christi has had 3 sitting on the lot for the last two weeks. I have offers of $1700 off MSRP.

    Shop for a good deal, and be willing to wait. Does anyone realize what the collective power of the entire Sienna-buying population waiting two weeks to sign a deal would be? There would be cars on lots everywhere!
  • lok888lok888 Member Posts: 1,788
    I have seen one local dealer in Boston with 8 to 10 Siennas in the lot for at least two weeks. I don't think they will losing holdback but definitely more discounts on these unclaimed Siennas than few months back.
  • kinctkinct Member Posts: 59
    Availabilty here in central CT has definitely improved. I saw 3 XLE Limited at one dealer today (2 definitely still for sale, pretty sure the 3rd was also). That was at Hartford Toyota if anyone is interested. I think they had around 7 on the lot in total. Can't speak for the sales people (I bought from a different dealer who I almost never drive by...).
  • tdml68tdml68 Member Posts: 4
    First off, let me state that this board is great! It has been fun reading and learning everyone's experiences. I am waiting to buy mine because I will not pay retail.

    Does anyone have any dealers in the Los Angeles area that is selling below MSRP? I have one in La Crescenta that is willing to go $500 below MSRP. I would like to do better.

    Thanks again for all of the great posts.
  • multiplechoicemultiplechoice Member Posts: 113
    Hi tdm168, I have been looking for a Limited AWD with HO or HE. Here in Southern California, dealer are just starting to deal a bit. Two weeks ago I contacted Carson Toyota and they were doing $1000 under MSRP. I ended up ordering my Limited AWD with HE up in Northern Calif. for $2,200 under MSRP.
  • tdml68tdml68 Member Posts: 4
    multiplechoice,

    Would you mind telling me the dealer up North? I wouldn't mind doing that since it would give me an excuse to take a little vacation.
  • jay222jay222 Member Posts: 13
    A NY dealership just gave invoice of 25,373 plus $1,500 using COSTCO pricing for a total of 26,873.

    The MSRP was 28,081

    LE 24,260
    BW7 2,895
    mats etc 274
    wireless 82
    Dest 540
               ____
    total 28,081

    Good Deal?
  • kmeadv2kmeadv2 Member Posts: 5
    My deal on LE 8 with BW7 is for 26100 (plus dest of 540) without any other options. The other items can be had (mats and headphones) for considerably less money by going to toyota parts websights.
  • jakej1jakej1 Member Posts: 2
    I hope you folks can help me out. I ordered a LE with #2 pkg. on 10/11 ($500 depo), and was told at that time that delivery would be in about 6-8 weeks. I called this week to get an update and was told that now the wait was 16-20 weeks due to the recent (their words) recall.
    I'm sorry, but this sounds like a bunch of BS to me. The recall was well before I ordered this vehicle and even though I was aware of it, this potential delay was not mentioned by the salesman at the time I placed the order. I've read plenty of posts on this board of recent orders that came in WELL before 16-20 weeks, especially on a common model as I ordered.
    My wife really wants one of these Siennas, but there's only so much BS I'm willing to put up with.
    If anyone has placed an order around the same date I would appreciate what their experience has been. I'm located in SC if that makes any difference.

    Thanks
  • kmeadkmead Member Posts: 232
    This is a quote from a Toyota release:

    Princeton is running approximately 21 days behind on scheduled Sienna production. Please add this time to the build date when communicating ETAs to your customers.

    As an FYI, Princeton, Indiana is the only place the Sienna is built, so any delays in that plant mean all deliveries will be delayed.

    Also mentioned in the note, but not actually related or causal, is information about some of the previously delayed vans that were built (without gas tanks) but not completed. These are being completed and shipped but are not showing up on allocations until they are indeed on the railcars/trucks and being shipped.

    The dealer may be confused by the wording as its not a particularly well parsed statement. There currently is no known recall. However, it certainly makes for an easier call for the salesman to blame it on something else besides your (and my) van not making the monthly allocation.

    At most, this will add 3-4 weeks to any existing order, which would give you a 9-12 week wait depending on allocations and how unusual or popular the vehicle you have speced is. I suspect the dealer is trying to underpromise and overdeliver. You will be happy when he calls after 11 weeks versus the 16.
  • jakej1jakej1 Member Posts: 2
    I appreciate the info. I'm kicking myself because the same week I placed the order, I passed on another van with the same specs for about the same price. But it wasn't the color my wife wanted so now we wait.
    I guess the upside is I get an extra month or so without a car payment.
  • jyswangjyswang Member Posts: 1
    Jay222:
    Your deal is very good to me.I am also interested in LE with package #7.
    Can you tell me the dealer’s name? I only get MSRP price in New York.
    My email : jyswang@yahoo.com
    Thanks
  • snichosnicho Member Posts: 2
    Will pick up a 2004 XLE Monday, Grey with package #16, dual port towing system, hood protector, auto-dimming mirror, floor mats. Paid 4% over invoice. I'm in Colorado - seems like a good deal.
  • cpstechcpstech Member Posts: 24
    I just got off the phone with a salesman, got a quote of 33615 for XLE FWD FR pkg 12 (includes 540 del and 121 title and doc fee). With: FE, CF,WH, N1 and an aftermarket DVD player. There aren't any xles coming to my area with dvds installed (pkgs 13 and up). The only thing I can't figure out is what the FE is. He said they're charging 1450 for the DVD player, installed in ceiling (as opposed to one installed under front passenger for 1750). Can anyone tell me what FE is?

    Thanks
    CPS TECH
  • beechmanbeechman Member Posts: 36
    FE is Toyota code for Federal 50-state Emissions equipment...no cost involved to the consumer.
  • toysiennatoysienna Member Posts: 4
    Over three months ago I negotiated an excellent price for a Toyota Sienna XLE Limited FWD, signed a “Sold Order”, and put down a deposit of $2000.00. Last week my car arrived at the dealership. Unfortunately when I went to pick up the car, I noticed two exterior paint scratches on one of the sliding doors. The dealership has acknowledged that the damage occurred on the dealer premises.

    The exterior paint appeared to be the result of contact with a sharp, hard object. Each was about 2 to 3 inches in length. I could feel the scratches with my finger and a dark grey line was visible in the center of each scratch. (The car is a metallic white color.) I would say that the clear coat was definitely compromised. However, the sales manager claimed they could fix these scratches.

    I was reluctant to purchase the car until I saw the results of the repair. However, the dealer has a 3 day/200mile money back guarantee and they pressured me into signing the paperwork. I did not take possession of the car, leaving it at the dealership for them to repair.

    The next day, the service department called me and told me it was ready to pick up. I asked how the repairs were done. The service manager said they used solvent to clean the scratch, and buffed the area. Although I am no expert on car finishes, I told the Director of Sales at the dealership that I felt this was probably not an adequate repair for a new car. The Director of Sales told me that a Toyota representative inspected the repair and advised them not to do anything else to it, and put it back on the lot for sale if I don’t want it. The Director of Sales also said that the exterior paint on the car, including the area where the repairs were made, is completely covered under Toyota’s 3year/36,000mile warranty. I am uncomfortable with that statement because the damage was done by the dealership, not by the factory. I have asked for the name and phone number of the Toyota representative to verify that the repairs are authorized by Toyota. The dealership gave me a name and phone number yesterday but said this person is out of town and can’t be reached until he is back in his office 3 days from now.

    I have asked the dealership to allow me to return the car under their 3day/200mile money back guarantee and order another new car for me. Even though I am not happy about it, I am willing to wait another 2 months or so to get an undamaged car. They have indicated that if they order me another car, it will be at a higher price (demand is higher now for this car than it was 3 months ago). They are urging me to take possession of the repaired car and return it if I am not satisfied. Although the scratches may not be very noticeable as a result of the repairs, I am concerned that the fixed scratches will become more visible over time. I described the damage to a reputable body shop which I have used in the past. The owner of the body shop told me that typically scratches that can be felt with a finger are not easy to repair correctly. He said that it sounded as if the entire door may need to be repainted. This work would be quite extensive and expensive, involving taking the door off the van, removing the trim and window, etc.

    The price I negotiated 3 months ago was for a new undamaged car. I suspect that the value of this car is now less than the value of a new car which has not been damaged. I am willing to accept the car if the sales price were adjusted to compensate for the damage. However, I think they are unwilling to do that. I am willing to wait for another new car to be delivered, but they seem unwilling to sell me another one at the same agreed to price. (They want $1000.00 more than I paid)

    I have agreed to look at the car tomorrow. As I mentioned previously, I have signed a contract with the dealership, and the Director of Sales is urging me to take possession of the car and return it under their 3 day/200 mile money back guarantee if I am not satisfied.

    I am wondering what I can do to compel the dealer to either drop the price on the repaired car or agree to sell me another one at the same negotiated price. I would appreciate comments and or suggestions.
  • kmeadkmead Member Posts: 232
    Given the manner in which cars reach a dealership, it is unusual for one to arrive without some damage to the exterior of greater or lesser extent. They are moved by rail to distribution points and then by truck to the dealerships (depending on distance it may be all by truck).

    Since vehicles are regularly damaged, dealers work with local bodyshops to have repairs performed quickly to return the car to a saleable state.

    If the car is dented or scratched the paint will either require the service your dealer performed or an actual repaint of the affected panel. This is not unusual or detract from the new vehicle as long as the repair is performed correctly, you should be unable to discern the repair from the rest of the car.

    I can easily understand how you feel. I wouldn't want a car that had been substantially damaged either, but the damage doesn't sound that bad, and if it is not discernable I would tend to accept it. IF you can still see it ask that it be properly repaired and that you get a warranty for the affected areas that is over and above the Toyota warranty. The Toyota warranty covers rust through of an affected panel, not surface rust, which is the more likely result of the damage you describe.

    For a 1000 and 2-3 more mounths of wait, I would tend to take it. The next one that comes in may have been damaged worse and repaired before you saw it, at least this way you know what and where the damage was.
  • toysiennatoysienna Member Posts: 4
    Thanks for your comments. I appreciate the information about surface rust being excluded from the Toyota warrenty. I live near the coast and that is a concern of mine. Apparently, the scratches are still discernable. I'm leaning toward getting a refund and waiting until next year to order another Sienna.
  • kinctkinct Member Posts: 59
    I wouldn't take delivery of the car unless it was restored to the EXACT condition I would expect of a new car.

    They're not giving you a (substantial) discount for buying damaged goods, why should you accept it? Ask them what they would think if the purchase price was $30,000 and you came with only $29,500. How is that different? One side is coming to the table with something less than what was expected/promised.

    If you can wait, do so. Your options will only improve with time. Whether Toyota wants to admit it or not, the supply has more than caught up with demand. All of our local dealers (central CT) have inventory, whereas 1.5 months ago, they never had any in stock.
  • check6check6 Member Posts: 3
    After being told that the short supply and high demand for the 2004 Sienna is allowing dealers to sell them for MSRP or higher, I was able to get $1,135 off of MSRP for an XLE FWD w/ Option Pkg. 12 that will be scheduled to be built on Dec. 10th. The dealer said he'd throw in a $200 floor mat package as well. The final negotiated selling price is $31,000. Invoice is $28,298 and MSRP is $32,135.

    During the negotiation, the sales manager referenced that he wanted to make at least 9% profit. When he quoted me the price, I mentioned that it was providing him 12% profit if you include the 3% holdback (my car will not end up sitting on his lot). He told me the holdback was the dealers and he couldn't touch it. He said all he could deal with was the invoice. Does this sound right? Considering that these cars are selling so quickly is this the best deal I can hope for?
  • sakowitzmsakowitzm Member Posts: 1
    Thank you to everyone on this board for all the useful information. I wasn't looking to shave off the last dollar, just to make sure I got a reasonable deal on a new Sienna.

    9:20 yesterday morning: walk into Miller Toyota, Manassas, Virginia. Hook up with Internet Sale Team person.

    9:21-9:45 Inspect the five Siennas on the lot. Instruct salesman that I was prepared to buy a Sienna today, that I was going to pay cash, no trade-in, and I considered $1,500 under MSRP to be a reasonable deal. Make several off-hand comments about inventory getting better in Mid-Atlantic, them having a number of Siennas on the lot for several weeks, 21 Siennas listed on the website, etc.

    9:50 Identify a specific Sienna to "work up". LE7 with Package #1 (AM) and CF -- mats, etc. MSRP + Destination comes to $ 25,806. I make offer of $ 24,306 -- $1,500 under MSRP.

    9:53 Salesman comes back from Manager with revised figure of $ 24,874.

    9:54 I shake my head no. Salesman goes over to Manager, who returns with salesman. I repeat my offer.

    9:55 Manager says okay, he'll do it. I mention the $188 processing charge that I know they ask for. Manager says they have to have that.

    9:56 I shake my head no. Manager agrees.

    36 minutes. Firm deal, done. I was certainly prepared to leave at anything other than $1,500 under MSRP, although I did not have a backup plan.

    Again, thanks to one and all for providing the information that I needed to determine what was a fair deal, both for dealership and me.
  • indyjonesindyjones Member Posts: 49
    Dont take it...ask for $1000/- more discount and be willing to walk out. I bet the will bend. I think inventory is looking OK now specially for FWD models.
  • tilimiltilimil Member Posts: 4
    I am new in the market for a minivan and I have decided on the Sienna.

    I have a quote from a dealer here in front of me and it includes the "Extra Mile Option Package B" which I believe is a gulf states addon and it also includes the DVD package for $1525. If I take that and compare it to the LE with Toyota package #8 I get basically the same stuff for only $215 less. To be fair the gulf states package does have the mats, roadside assistance and the nightvision mirror (and other fluff). When you calculate all this it doesn't seem like such a bad deal. Am I missing something?
  • viking57viking57 Member Posts: 1
    I'm currently shopping for an LE 7, FWD, option pkg #9, plus security system and floor mats. According to Edmunds, the invoice on this vehicle is $26104. Here is what a couple dealers said:

    "Edmunds invoice pricing is inaccurate and erronious . . ." ("erronious" - ha, ha!)

    "Unfortunately, allot of these sights give incorrect information . . ." ("sights" - ha, ha!).

    Lowest offer I have so far is $27540. That's $1436 (5.5%) over Edmunds invoice, but they claim it's $750 over.

    Any comment on the validity of Edmunds' invoice price? I'm in Texas, if that makes any difference.

    Does anyone else notice the psychology going on in this forum? Everyone likes to talk about the price they get in relation to MSRP - I guess that gives everyone a nice happy feeling of taking something "off", as opposed to the reality of paying $1000s over invoice of pure dealer profit!
  • tilimiltilimil Member Posts: 4
    I am new in the market for a minivan and I have decided on the Sienna.

    I have a quote from a dealer here in front of me and it includes the "Extra Mile Option Package B" which I believe is a gulf states addon and it also includes the DVD package for $1525. If I take that and compare it to the LE with Toyota package #8 I get basically the same stuff for only $215 less. To be fair the gulf states package does have the mats, roadside assistance and the nightvision mirror (and other fluff). When you calculate all this it doesn't seem like such a bad deal. Am I missing something?
  • lando622lando622 Member Posts: 51
    Great info on negotiating with Miller Toyota. I've been on their lot looking at the Siennas they have, and they've quoted me initial prices that are a bit high for my preference.

    Like you, not looking to shave off every last dollar, just broker a deal that is fair to all. Since Miller is the closest to me, I did a test drive there and their selection is pretty good right now.

    After the test drive, I was quoted a price that was approx $800 below MSRP for XLE with package 16. Dealer proc fee was on top of that. However, this was for the exact vehicle/color (Arctic Frost Pearl due in before Christmas) that I'm looking for, no compromises. I'm still shopping around and have put out "the proposal" to 14 or so local dealers.

    The Springfield (Kay something) dealer has had a good offer for me on the same package in Silver, but I'm holding out for the white or blue mirage as I'm in no hurry.

    Glad to know that you got the proc fee taken off. I'll talk with Miller again as the winter closes in.
  • bkb2003bkb2003 Member Posts: 14
    I got a quote for a XLE Limited with HOAT package and a XLE with package #19. The "take home" prices are as below including a 6% sales tax for the county where I live.

    XLE Limited Aspen Green with HOAT ( DVD + Naviagation ) = $40298

    XLE with Package #19 - Silver Shadow pearl( DVD + Naviagtion ) == $38600.

    Is that a good price? I am told that its about 1500 less than MSRP.

    I live in Atlanta, Georgia.
  • cpstechcpstech Member Posts: 24
    Wondering if you were able to get your DVD player installed without losing the rear audio controller. Also did you get an answer to whether the wireless headphones work with the aftermarket dvd player?

    I'm trying to decide whether to go ahead and order an xle fwd pkg 12 and have the DVD player installed aftermarket.... I never would have thought to ask about what you mentioned.

    Anyone know of any other disadvantages to having the DVD installed aftermarket?
    Thanks!

    CPS TECH
  • lando622lando622 Member Posts: 51
    One disadvantage is that you likely won't have the 115v electrical outlets you get with the factory system.
  • lando622lando622 Member Posts: 51
    Another thing to consider is if the screen will block the view of your rear-view mirror when it's in use. Some of the available 8, 10, even 15-inch screens may block the driver's view from the mirror.
  • tmdeptmdep Member Posts: 12
    I've done some research as I am running into the same problem getting a XLE AWD. You can either get the DVD package(#18) or the Side Curtain airbags (#17) but not both. Dealer was going to do the DVD for me but they would pull the rear audio. Same for some other stores I checked. I did find one place locally(been around for over 10 years)who said they can put a 7" alpine screen in the fold down pod that is in the van now. Advantage is it looks factory and you get to keep the rear audio. He was quoting $1600 for everything including 3 year warranty, 2 wireless headsets, FM attenuator. Was less then what the dealer was trying to charge me to install a all in one unit by Rosen(sp?). My van is due to be delivered in the next 10 days and then I'm taking it to have it installed.

    Does drive me nuts that Toyota has built there packages this way...just doesn't make sense

    Good Luck....
  • indyjonesindyjones Member Posts: 49
    I have done a lot of research in this and have come to the following conclusion.

    1. You may not need the rear audio controller as the DVD system you will be installing can have FM tuner + you can play regular CDs thru it.

    2. If you choose a aftermarket system, you can get a DVD changer, ( like audiovox MVCH10A) a 10 disc DVD changer. This way you can have a 10 disc changer for audio as well. I hate having just one disc CD player, which in my opinion is useless.

    3. The audiovox system which I am considering is following

    a) VOH701 ( 7 inch wide display)
       requires 1187097PL - console - made for 04 sienna, you get to keep your rear audio controller
        1187021PL - insert
    ( keep in minde the console and insert are shale color which goes with Sienna's beigh interior

    b) MVCH10A - 10 disc DVD changer - can be installed in the trunk. You will also need a FM modulator

    You can always call audiovox application center at 800-645-4995 to get part number for grey interior.

    Re Toyota wireless headset which comes with the VAN, I think it can be used with other aftermarket systems.

    I plan to get this sustem installed before xmas.

    Cost: VOH701 - $459
    Console + insert -$ 120
    DVD Player (MVCH10A changer) - $479
    FM modulator - $30
    labor - $200

    Grand total - $1288 cheaper and better solution than factory installed system, IMHO.

    If you didnt care about the DVD changer, then you could save yourself some $300 or so.
  • cabuyercabuyer Member Posts: 1
    I just bought an LE AWD from CA and am awaiting shipment of the van.
    AKEDMUNDS, what all did you take to the DMV for registering your Van and were there any issues? I would be doing the same hopefully this week.
    Thanks.
  • vaeagles1vaeagles1 Member Posts: 28
    Try Kern Toyota in Winchester, Virginia. Last month I bought an LE with package #7 and mats for $26,400 on an MSRP of $28,051. The only additional fees was $39 for dealer processing. Nothing else.

    I have a good contact, e-mail if you want his name. Also, try www.fitzmall.com, they seem to discount as well.
  • cpstechcpstech Member Posts: 24
    excuse my ignorance, but what are they good for?

    Thanks to everyone for their input on the aftermarket DVD player, I'm going to go talk to some places myself (rather than depend on the Toyota salesman) with indyjones detailed info in hand.

    Another question....does a list exist that states in long hand what each package contains? I've got the list from siennaclub.org but I find it hard to know For SURE what each package contains...probably my ADD!

    Also, just for the heck of it...what parts of the country are getting the xle with pkg 16 (not New England!)?

    Thanks Again everyone!
  • tilimiltilimil Member Posts: 4
    A few questions Indy...

    Will they be able to hook up the RCA inputs for you in the back?

    Where can they mount the changer? I wouldn't want the changer to be in the floor or somewhere else in the way.

    What about the 115v outlets? I assume these are for gaming systems and such. Can you get these if you have an aftermarket dvd?
  • indyjonesindyjones Member Posts: 49
    If I were to install the DVD changer, I would probably put it in the trunk somewhere. I have also seen them inside the glove compartment and under the seat. I think it should be OK any of those places.

    The LCD display unitwill have RCA input at the back ( do a search on VOH701 and you will get all the info you need). If you really need a 115V outlet you could purchase a invertor which will work off your 12V outlet. It kinda sucks that you dont get a 115V outlet if you dont purchase the factory DVD unit. I went for safty instead of DVD player, as you can always add a DVD player but not the airbags.
  • tdml68tdml68 Member Posts: 4
    Thanks to everyone who provided so much information on this message board. I've finally bought my XLE Limited. Down payment applied and the vehicle should be ready on 12/15 or so.

    Just to recap.

    Blue with Gray interior.
    DVD w/NAV System (HO) Package
    Running Board (RB)
    Floor Mats (CF)
    Tow Package (DH)

    The cost comes to $36,882 not including tax and license.

    Overall, I am very happy with the purchase and the amount of time spent on this acquisition was great--the dealer in So. Cal. is fabulous. Didn't deal with the salespeople--dealt directly with fleet manager. What a difference! If you like more info on who/where, let me know.
  • andurilanduril Member Posts: 56
    I bought an '04 LE with BV and CF options for my wife at a Sacramento dealership on 11/22.

       $24,625 Edmunds' invoice (base price + options + destination charge)
       $25,053 dealer invoice (Edmunds' invoice + $422 regional advertising fee + $6 for gasoline)
       $25,553 selling price (dealer invoice + $500)

       $27,641 MSRP ($2088 above the selling price)

    The selling price was 3.8% over Edmunds' invoice figure and 2% over the dealer's. Sales tax, CA license, and a small documentation fee were added to the selling price.

    My transaction was clean and simple; there were no rounds of offers and counteroffers. I simply offered $500 over invoice (a round-number about 2% of Edmunds' invoice cost, not including the destination charge), which was accepted if I agreed to pay the advertising and gasoline charges on the dealer's invoice.

    I didn't meet the sales manager until I left the store after signing all papers. As I left I walked up to him, shook his hand, and thanked him. He smiled and replied, "You're welcome and thanks for coming in. We usually sell Siennas at MSRP, so don't tell your friends and neighbors."

    Right. I won't.
  • kmeadkmead Member Posts: 232
    The issue with Edmunds invoice pricing is that it doesn't include the dealer holdback or local charges that are applied by region for advertising and or the distributor charge.

    Toyota's dealer distribution network is broken up into regions that are owned by private companies, not Toyota. The southeast region in particular has its own "port" processing facility that installs all manner of useless profit adding "options" in addition to a distribution charge.

    Given the variable nature of these charges, they are not included in the invoice here at Edmunds.

    (SET options are useless and expensive. The fabric protection package can be replicated with a couple of $5 cans of protectant from your local discount auto or big box store. The glass etching can be done with a kit you buy for less than 25 or even get it for free at your insurance agent or local police department.)
  • corpuscorpus Member Posts: 37
    Actually, in Texas, Edmunds price is the same as dealer invoice plus holdback plus finance reserve, so it does include the holdback. The problem is they then add an advertising fee and an association fee of some sort, totalling $600. Those four things are all money to the dealer that they use to operate their business and make a profit--about $1300 dollars worth, depending on the vehicle price.

    Then they try to tell you that they can't make any money unless they charge you an extra $500 bucks over that. Baloney.

    Ladies and Gentlemen: The wait is over! My local dealer has 4 on the lot. The guy above got $2,000 off MSRP. Quit paying retail! You're giving them $4,000 per car, for crying out loud!
  • mackabeemackabee Member Posts: 4,709
    The 115v outlets are usefull for plugging in an electric shaver, video games for the kids, etc.

    Only Gulf states and Southeast Toyota distributors are privately owned.
      
        : )
            Mackabee
  • roushbroushb Member Posts: 3
    Just wanted to input my experience. I recently purchase an 8-passenger Sienna LE with package #11 from Joseph Toyota. I negotiated 28,500, which included the package #11, floormats, cargo net, and and extra pair of wireless headphones (for a total of 4). The best part was that we waited less than two weeks for the exact one we wanted, down to the color. Not sure if I got the greatest price, but no other dealers around Cincinnati seemed to be willing to go lower, plus they were quoting lead times of 8-12 weeks.
Sign In or Register to comment.