2013 and Earlier - Toyota Sienna Prices Paid and Buying Experience

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Comments

  • Karen_SKaren_S Member Posts: 5,092
    Check this Smart Shopper topic:

    We Gotta Pay For Their Advertising?!?!

    KarenS
    Vans host
  • yamanyaman Member Posts: 113
    Glen: We have the moonroof with the entertainment system and there has been no problems to date ( Had the car since April of this year)Hope this helps
  • strick5strick5 Member Posts: 2
    Does your moonroof have the windguard, and if it does, does it help guard the entertainment system?
  • pjs123pjs123 Member Posts: 4
    I have been shopping the Milwaukee prices since the end of the 2000 model year. I decided to wait for the 2001 for the add'l features. Best prices so far on 2001 xle with luxury package, heated seats and skid control are:
    $200 over invoice from Don Jacobs Toyota
    $300 over invoice from Jack Safro Toyota
    I havent closed the deal but tax, title and license should be only addl cost based on my past experience.
  • sportsmom2sportsmom2 Member Posts: 1
    I am currently looking at a 1999 Toyota Sienna XLE. I know the previous owner who assures me that it gave them no problems. The dealership is asking $25,900. Is this a fair price?? I will hopefully trade a 1996 GMC SLE Suburban (guzzles gas)and according to Edmunds, the wholesale should be around 19K for it. The XLE is very clean, has cloth seats which I prefer, and captain's chairs in the middle. It has 29K miles on it.
  • nextvannextvan Member Posts: 6
    I am looking for a 2001 LE and can't find the prices for the optional equipment in Edmonds. Edmunds only has the base price. Does anyone know where to find the current prices? I have contacted several dealers in my area about purchasing a 2001 and they all say that they don't have any 2001 prices yet. How can that be? One dealer told me that I couldn't buy a 2001 LE without the power sliding door. Anyone know?
  • elton7noelton7no Member Posts: 1
    Hello all from sunny Santa Rosa California. I appreciated all who have posted to this forum. I have learned a lot that has saved me time, hassle and money. I have a $200 deposit on a silver shadow Sienna Le with TO, UN, EF. The car will be built on September 5 and arrive at the dealership on September 20. I got pricing information from Kelley Blue Book at kelleybluebook.com. I am a below average bargainer so all the advice helped. The deposit is refundable if the car isn't what I hoped for. I am paying 23907 (their invoice) + 400 =24307. The Kelley blue book invoice is 23,483. They have advertising and etc included in theirs. I am contacting other dealers in my area to try to beat the price but so far I have only matched that price. This dealer is local so I do like that part. I would have to get a quote enough lower to justify the extra inconvenience of dealing out of town. Any other people in the San Francisco Bay area doing better?
  • biologicbiologic Member Posts: 8
    2001 LE, Desert Sand with TO, UN, UR, EF, WL, SK for $25,256 plus doc fee of $85.

    Bought from Toyota of Nashua, NH. Good experience with sales management staff. They cut right to it and first quote out of the gate beat best other quote in area by $734 (7 dealers in eastern Massachusetts and southern NH).

    Test drove car on day we took delivery prior to payment and prep - all was fine. Made payment, dealer prepped car, drove off lot - check engine light turned on. Diagnosis returned solenoid code. Vehicle is in the shop now with 15 miles on it and we have owned for less than 24 hours. We are debating whether we work with them or demand delivery of another vehicle.
  • strick5strick5 Member Posts: 2
    Your the first I've heard with check engine light on the 2001. Very disappointing. Half the reason I've waited for 2001 is hopes that Toyota would straighten that out. Are they replacing the torque converter? Or just the solenoid?
  • biologicbiologic Member Posts: 8
    strick5 - I've been reading the manual and it says that the check engine light (malfunction lamp) will illuminate, and "go off after driving several times", if the gas tank filler cap is not tightly screwed on. As part of the delivery process, the salesman filled the tank with gas. Maybe he didn't do it up tight? I didn't know about it then so I didn't check it myself. But then you'd think they'd know about that in service and check it first. Nonetheless, there's that pesky diagnostic returning the solenoid code.

    I won't know if or what they want to replace until 9/5/00 because all the first rate mechanics (that understand the codes) are off work until then. I'll try to help you out with further posts as things develop.
  • toydrivertoydriver Member Posts: 227
    I am considering buying a new van, but am concerned about the torque converter/check engine light issue that has plagued so many new Sienna vans. I thought this issue was limited to 2000 May and June productions, but am disappointed to see a posting from a new 2001 LE owner with check engine light problems.(see biologic - solenoid code?) Similar problem?

    Is the tc problem related to transmission or engine? What is a torque converter? Could the problem be connected to the VVT-i technology?

    I noticed on the window sticker of a new Avalon that the V6 engine/powertrain is now assembled in the USA. The older Avalon ('95) powertrain was assembled in Japan and shipped to Kentucky to be installed in the car. Does this change also effect the Sienna, or have all the Sienna engines been assembled in USA since '98.

    I am the proud owner of two trouble free (so far)Toyota cars (Avalon and Celica), but will not purchase a Sienna until I am convinced that these powertrain (torque converter) issues are resolved. If I have to worry about the reliability of the powertrain in a minivan, I can buy a much cheaper van from Toyota's competition. The reason I have bought Toyota in the past is because of a stellar reputation for quality. Certainly Toyota wouldn't risk that reputation over this issue?
  • sharlarsharlar Member Posts: 4
    We made our $108-over-invoice(see postings 272& 273)deal at Wilde Toyota. Our vehicle was preferenced and was on the first shipment to them.

    We just got back from an 1800mi vacation...first tank at hwy mileage was 27.5/gal, first City at 23.4...a pleasant surprise.

    The ride, the handling and everything else was great.
  • angel18angel18 Member Posts: 8
    Hi Elto7no (Message #293)
    Could you please tell me what dealership in Santa Rosa gave you $400 over invoice for 2001 LE. The best quote I got in San Francisco/ San Jose area is $1000 over invoice. I am interested in LE with option EF, UN, RB, TO and of course full of gas. If I could get what you got, I would definetely take a two hour drive to Santa rosa. I also don't mind if I have to wait by the end of the month. Thanks.
  • sienna2ksienna2k Member Posts: 1
    Recently I had a very pleasant experience with Walnut Creek Toyota for my Sienna XlE.
    Referred by a friend, I checked at www.walnutcreektoyota.com for internet specials. I called the phone number from the website and got a quote of $500 over invoice for 2000 Sienna XLE, with LL, EF, TO. I also had financing 4.9% for 36 months from Toyota for 2000 models.

    It is worthy to drive for 40 minutes, from San Jose. All the bay area dealers are running out of 2000 models.
  • angel18angel18 Member Posts: 8
    hi Sienna2k,

    I called WC dealer and they said there is only one 2000 Sienna available. It is a White XLE which is not my color and model. Thanks anyway.

    FYI: $500 over invoice is not special for 2000 model. I know there is one dealership in Silicon Valley that sold the last 2000 model for $200 only over invoice.

    If the WC dealer can sell $500 over invoice for new 2001 model, I certainly will take it.
  • kinspkinsp Member Posts: 4
    I'm looking at a 2001 in NJ for a XLE w/leather/"loaded". Sticker is $33,151...they want to give it to me...for 32,609.

    Seems a little high and they will not move? Any ideas.
  • angel18angel18 Member Posts: 8
    For 2001 XLE loaded + leather, $32,000 is the lowest price so far in California. I think this is the one with two power sliding doors,if I am not mistaken....
  • jwardachjwardach Member Posts: 2
    To biologic from response #297: I had bought a new 2001 LE on 8/26 with 9 miles on it. At the 60 mile mark the check engine light came on. Visions of torque converters and engine dismantling ran through my head. Contacted the dealer and they had a few torque converter problems, even on the 2001's. However, to my relief, after my wife drove it in to the service department, they discovered the gas cap wasn't tightened all the way. Dealer filled up the tank the morning we got it. We have close to 300 miles on it and the check engine light has remained off.
    Now if I can just keep the cassette player from eating my tapes! At least the cd player works well. Will have to plan another visit to the shop.
  • thomas39thomas39 Member Posts: 1
    Does anyone have price paid over invoice and the dealer name for a 2001 XLE bought in Chicagoland area?
  • rushmarushma Member Posts: 4
    Hi
    We paid $800 over invoice at Classic toyota in Waukegan for 2001 XLE Sienna. That is the best offer we got. Got the van this Labor day weekend.
    Please let me know how you do.
    Good luck
  • biologicbiologic Member Posts: 8
    May I suggest it would be more informative if when posting price paid one actually stated the price paid (e.g. LE with UN, UR, etc for $xx,xxx)instead of "$xxx.xx over invoice". See post #295
  • dckozakdckozak Member Posts: 4
    To golfchop (Peter),
    I'm also woking the dealers in NJ. I haven't "inked a deal" but rest assured you don't have to pay any where near what you've been quoted. Try Route 22 Toyota, in Hillside, Near Newark airport.
    Nice people, after you've made it clear your "educated". I didn't do a deal (I was looking at a 2000 XLE and have changed my mind on that)I think
    1200 to 1500 over KBB is doable with them and several other NJ dealers. On the internet Prestige Toyota in Ramsey have (so far) offered the best price and seem to want the internet business. As a bonus, they are currently offering tickets to Hawaii (ask about the details, there is a bit of a catch I think) still these are very nice people to talk to and should easly beat the price you were quoted.Ask for Andy Eagle.
    Beware, many dealers in NJ are hostile to priceing via email. Best to use thier own email platforms to request a quote (from toyota.com/dealers). Good luck and let me know how you do.
  • siennysienny Member Posts: 5
    Hi, first time poster here and find the info here very educating.
    I'm interested in a 2001 Sienna LE in the San Fran bay area. Noticed that nobody here
    seems to go for the VIP RS3000 Deluxe Security System which includes remote entry (V3)
    or the driver & passenger side airbags (BE). Was wondering if anyone has comments about these two options. Also it seems like most here pay all or part of the "advertising fee" even though Edmund's says we shouldn't pay it at all (or the lesser of 1% MSRP or $200).
    Has anyone successfully cut out or greatly lowered their advertising fee cost?
    Thanks and good luck to all. Will start my own email campaign soon too.
  • dooger1dooger1 Member Posts: 1
    I ran into a '99 Sienna LE (can't find many LE's around here--Tacoma, WA area). 23k MSRP, probably can get them down to around 21.5k
    Salesman just called with a 2001 LE at 27,900 MSRP could hopefully come down to 26k or so.
    Question is this, are the 1999 models free of the TC and engine light problems? Does anyone know if that year had other problems?If so, it seems to be a better way to go...save some $$$. It has 32,000 miles on it at one year old, but everything else looked good.
  • dealerslayerdealerslayer Member Posts: 1
    Visited 6 Orange Co., CA dealerships in two days. Saw a brazen bit of sleeze, and I'm wondering if anyone else has run in to it. Every sticker on every Sienna in all 6 dealerships has a $1000 "discount" proudly marked off the total MSRP. Curiously, however, in every case, the ironically named "Extra Value Package" (HV) is listed as exactly $1000 above the list price quoted by Edmunds (and others). Note that I mean EXACTLY $1000 above (e.g., for the 2000 CE, not $941 but $1941). Anyone else run into this crap? Is there really a $1000 Toyota-supplied discount (which these dealers are all keeping)? I apologize if you've already covered this topic, but I couldn't find it in my searches. Thanks.
  • brentg1brentg1 Member Posts: 10
    This "$1000" discount has been written like this on the sticker for at least 2 years now. The pricing services (Edmunds, etc.) have simply figured it in to their reported prices.
  • justrunmanjustrunman Member Posts: 1
    I bought a loaded 2000 Sienna XLE in June for about $200 over invoice. I had dealers fighting over me. I feel bad for eveybody else, especially on the East Coast, it seems, that was having to shell out $1,000 or more over invoice.

    The van is great. I almost bought a new 4Runner instead, but buying the van is one of the best moves I've ever made. I like everything about it. I like it almost as much as my '90 Celica GTS with 160K on it.
  • kinspkinsp Member Posts: 4
    After the prices and what they were willing to give me for my '99 Volvo Wagon...I'm deciding to wait (they went up 3x from the base rate or 3k). I'll probably go it w/out the trade see how I far the next time.

    After reading other posts, it is clear others are getting significant savings where as I was given a price just under retail. I'll either wait until there is a more reasonable price or I find a dealer that is more reasonable. I will check the dealers you mentioned.

    If you didn't know there is a difference in the 2001 engine as compared to the 2000 engine. You may want to consider the 2001. I think it is smoother and it supposedly has better HP (210) based on the way it is timed (but I'm NO mechanic).

    I'll let you know how I fair after some additional checking this weekend.
  • jav1120jav1120 Member Posts: 8
    Edmunds was very helpful, I contacted 6 dealers and all had the invoice on the van exactly the same amount over the edmunds invoice, about $450.
    I bought an LE with a sticker of $26,752 for $24,311 plus $189 admin fee plus tax and motor vehicle. I tried the mass email method of 25 dealers and only 4 answered, none with good quotes. I worked the phones at the end of the month and bought from Danny Bennett at Gateway Toyota. It was an easy deal and better than the other dealers, (Monmouth, Dayton, Freehold, Lakewood, Route 22). The Honda was a 4 month wait at full sticker and I couldn't test drive it.
    No problems in 200 miles and I like it.
  • nomorefordnomoreford Member Posts: 1
    Which dealer did you purchase from?
    Did you pay an advertising charge? If so, how much was it?
  • nextvannextvan Member Posts: 6
    I am looking for a 2001 LE. I have been studying this forum for the last 6 weeks to help me determine what I should pay. It has been very helpful and confusing as well. Edmunds tells you that you should try to pay a certain % of invoice for the advertising fees and that you can use the knowledge that you know about the 2% holdback as a bargaining tool.
    When prices are posted here, and someone says that they paid $xxx over invoice, that really doesn't tell me what I need to know. The invoice can and does include advertising fees, dealer hold-back, prep and handling fees, etc. If you pay $500 over invoice, then you are paying the dealer exactly what he wanted for TDA(Toyota Dealer Advertising) and he is getting to keep all of the dealer hold-back too. Where does the negotiating come in?
  • jperezjacomejperezjacome Member Posts: 1
    Just bought my 2000 Sienna CE 5 door (4+rear) yesterday
    (Sept. 8)
    The total paid out of pocket was $23,800.
    This includes everything, included destination charge,
    registration, and 6% tax.
    The total without tax is $22,453

    Of course, it also includes the CE Extra value package,
    which includes power windows, locks, and mirrors (heated);
    privacy glass (dark), defogger, full-size spare tire,
    and mats.

    This is excellent deal for the southeast.

    How I got it: I got quotes from 6 dealers in north Georgia,
    both by internet and direct. The best one by far was this
    one, of Milton Martin Toyota of Gainesville, GA. I got
    it through the Autoweb internet service. They got also the
    color I wanted (white). The quote was $24058 including
    absolutely everything. By phone they even assured me that
    if I showed up there with a check for this amount, I would
    have the vehicle right away. I actually though of doing
    this, and even to make the check for $23500, but I didn't
    know if was possible to further reduce a deal got by internet.
    (I had read the 7 chapters of carbuyingtips.com. I also
    new that for minivans it is very hard to get the "invoice
    plus 5%" suggested).
    So I decided to offer $23,500 . If they didn't
    accept I could always leave and go again the next day...
    But while driving there (1 hour each way) I changed mind.
    So when arriving I asked to see the the vehicle and
    everything looked excellent. There was only one thing I
    didn't expect: One piece seat in the second row instead
    of 2 "captain chairs". It wasn't really bad and I like
    both ways (my wife liked 2 seats), but it was there that
    I offered $23,800, and a few minutes later, they accepted.
    So then I just signed all the documents, said "no" to any
    offer of extended warranty, and I got the van.

    So that's how I got my deal at Milton Martin Toyota, an
    honest dealer, much better than the other dealers in the
    area. Seller's name is Ron Reda.

    Now on why I got Toyota Sienna instead of Honda Odyssey is
    another story. I know both are excellent, but the balance
    goes slightly towards the Sienna. My 3 main reasons (besides
    the known as the smooth ride) are:
    - I have owned a Toyota Corolla for 10 years... (need I say more)
    - Odyssey's prices are over-inflated because of demand (always > MSRP).
    - Also because of demand, dealers want buyers to buy
    the vans in advance, before even doing a test drive, since
    all units are presold and cannot be test-driven by other
    shopers. And I won't ever buy a vehicle before driving it!
  • angel18angel18 Member Posts: 8
    Hi Nextvan (#321),

    I think if someone says s/he paid $xxx over invoice... That means s/he is talking the dealer invoice which already includes TDA.

    Most car dealerships will show their invoices to you because it is no secret anymore. Everything on the invoice - from base price to options price- are the same with what we get from Edmunds or Kelly Blue Book (KBB) website. The only different is there is a TDA price on the dealer invoice. That's why it is higher compared to EDmunds or KBB price. This TDA is vary from region to region. For example, TDA for southern california is slightly lower than in Northern California.

    In message #314 from eponymous, For question no 1, the $444 difference is the TDA.
  • sundweller1sundweller1 Member Posts: 2
    We are looking for a 2001 XLE in the Phoenix area. Are there any honest dealers here?
  • kathys1kathys1 Member Posts: 1
    We are looking to purchase a 2001 LE with UN and EF. Since Edmunds does not have a TMV yet, I'm wondering if a price of $24,000 (including destination, w/o sales tax) sounds good.
  • ustinyustiny Member Posts: 6
    I was just out shopping for a mini van. Looked at the Sienna and Honda. I purchased previous cars from Hackensack Toyota (formerly glen Toyota) and dealt with the owner there. I was quoted a price on the LE of $2500 off invoice, or $700 over dealer cost. However I still decided to buy the Oddyssey because I liked it better. Even paying MSRP for the oddy at 26,840 I felt I was getting more value than the Sienna that listed for about 28,000 that I could of bought for 25,500.
  • tinker3tinker3 Member Posts: 8
    I am gonna do it!! I'm looking for a 2001 LE with
    UN,TO. I'm just starting to check availability in
    the Albany area. Not a large number of Sienna to
    pick from..2 dealers..5 vans ..so far. I've
    been reading this site for awhile..very informative. Any help from folks up this way would be appreciated.
  • blizz1blizz1 Member Posts: 9
    Got a 2001 XLEyesterday at $3000 off msrp,500 over invoice, could have gotten the LE at invoice, but I liked the XLE better-it has power sunroof and dual auto sliding doors. The stereo is great and the seats are much more comfortable than the odessey.
  • chrispy2chrispy2 Member Posts: 1
    What is the best drive-away price (including all taxes and fees) anyone has paid in Atlanta for a 2001 LE with EF, UN, UP, TO and Toyota guard. The carsdirect.com drive-away price is around $27,200.
  • blizz1blizz1 Member Posts: 9
    Check out the web site for Town and Country Toyota in Charlotte NC. They sell their cars at a no haggle price (listed under new inventory).I used that as a bargaining tool and got a good price, although a trip to Charlotte for a good deal was not out of the question.
  • kinspkinsp Member Posts: 4
    You have done a good job - how long are they telling you it will take to get it and what is code XL(I have HF as the XLE upgrade pack#1)? I can't find that option on any list I have.

    Thanks - I'll call Andy Eagleand.
  • dckozakdckozak Member Posts: 4
    Kinsp, option XL is on all cars, it relates to polution control. Just ignore it, I shouldn't have listed it. Good luck. My Sienna is due in port Newark on the 22 Sep, hope to have it sometime the following week. Don
  • kinspkinsp Member Posts: 4
    Andy Eaglend is great to deal with! Thanks for passiing his name along!
  • brifromca1brifromca1 Member Posts: 1
    Can anyone provide info. regarding the invoice price for upgrade "LL" for a 2001 LE? My wife and I are considering leather and a sunroof, and I was told that both are available in package "LL." I've only seen a reference made to this package (KBB), but no price. Also, will the factory install one or the other as a "standalone" option? Thanks in advance.
  • minimom4minimom4 Member Posts: 4
    I'm interested in an LE or XLE with side airbags(BE) and VSC (VD.) My dealer tells me in the Toyota "pipeline" only 5% of the LE's are made with BE and the only way to get VD is an XLE bundled with LL and HD. I would rather have and XLE with HF and AJ plus BE and VD. Has anyone seen it my way?
  • elerwpdx1elerwpdx1 Member Posts: 2
    We are being told by dealers in WA/OR that Toyota will not take orders for an LE with skid/stability control. Earlier postings indicated that Toyota was taking orders for this option on the LE. Has anyone had recent success in ordering this option for the 2001 Sienna LE?
  • patricia10patricia10 Member Posts: 1
    We ordered an LE with VSC/VD, TO, UN, N1, BE, and DH in Oregon and have just been notifed that the order has been approved and our Sienna will be delivered within 90 days. Good luck!
  • tinker3tinker3 Member Posts: 8
    I have a deal going for a LE with TO, UN..price
    is 24500 which includes the 480 dest.chrg. With
    sales tax, NYS inspection,title/document fees...
    total is 26,490. The only other cost I will have
    is for transfer of plates. Any comments ?????
  • rednaverednave Member Posts: 2
    I bought my 2001 Sienna LE today - I paid approximately $300.00 over invoice, which ends up being about $3200.00 less that the MSRP. The administrative fee was reasonable, and a decent price was given to me for my trade. Anyone looking for a toyota in central florida should check out the internet sales department of Kissimmee Toyota (www.kissimmeetoyota.com). In particular, my salesman was named Helmi Moussalli. I cannot say enough about how politely and respectfully I was treated, besides being treated intelligently. I contacted this dealership on the internet after having a negative experience at my local dealership - some dealerships still treat all customers as though they are stupid - they wasted an unbelievable amount of time trying to convince me I wanted to buy something they had on the lot, even though I stated in no uncertain terms that they didn't have what I wanted. The salesman told me they couldn't get the car I wanted from another dealership. Even though I knew that not to be true, I decided to take my business elsewhere. Helmi Moussalli and I negotiated by email, talked on the phone once, and when I got to the dealership, I was there less than two hours to complete the transaction - from driving the car, working my trade, signing all the papers, and even taking my trade and the new van to the local toll office to move my transponder from my old van to my new van. It was well worth the extra hour drive to deal with such nice and professional people. I highly recommend Helmi Moussalli and Kissimmee Toyota.
  • gb9gb9 Member Posts: 16
    Hi there,

    I was at Millenium Toyota in Hempstead (for first oil change on my 2000 LE) today, and Jorge Cordero said that you had been there earlier -- on my recommendation!

    How did you make out?
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