2013 and Earlier - Toyota Sienna Prices Paid and Buying Experience

etoileb · February 2005

Wendy,

I read your post and fully understand your concerns.

For my money, see a sunroof for what it is - i.e. a mechanism to allow additional daylight.

Any benefits it may bring in terms "escape route of last resort" are far out-weighed by the fact that sunroofs are generally regarded as being detrimental to the structual stabilty in a rollover. Any engineer will tell you that taking a chunck out of a roof of a car increases the stresses in the roof - particularly on the pinch points such as the corners of the sunroof.

If you are really worried about getting out of a Sienna in a flood, take a leaf out of the Dutch's book. They encourage all cars to carry a small hammer to break the window glass (similar to the type you may see in passenger trains) should the vehicle fall into a canal.

I think they also include a module in their driving instruction suggesting that if the car is submerged - before you attempt to open the door - you equalise the pressure on both sides of the door by waiting for the water levels to rise partially.

Last of all Wendy, drive safely, enjoy your Sienna, love your children and don't worry about the water.

heywood1 · February 2005

The Sienna's sunroof robs quite a bit of headroom from the first and second rows. My XLE AWD has no sunroof ('04 AWD's didn't have them), and we enjoy the several inches of additional headroom.

rorr · February 2005

There are a few other differences between the XLE and LE:

The XLE will give you two power sliding doors and the rear power hatch. The LE will have one power door.

The XLE will have the wood trim dash. The LE has the shiny black plastic dash trim (shows fingerprints too easily IMO).

The XLE has 3 zone automatic climate control (driver, passenger and rear). The LE has manual climate control (not sure about this; check brochure).

The XLE has a removable console which can be placed between the seats in either the 1st or 2nd row. The LE has the folding tray table in the front row.

The XLE give you retractable sun shades in the 2nd and 3rd row. Not available in LE.

Personally, I wouldn't consider the sunroof to be a 'safety' feature. Your primary 'safety' feature involving a flood should be the gray matter between your ears. Don't drive into ANY flood waters when you can't actually see the pavement. If the water is either too deep, or moving too fast, to see the pavement, don't drive into it. The pavement may not still be there.

bill37 · February 2005

Could you inform me where K.C. Summers is located. I am looking for an extended warrenty Platinum same as above. 2005 sinnea.

Thank you

cccompson · February 2005

Wendy, I'm curious to know where you are in the Midwest. Here, in Ohio, you cannot get an XLE with cloth interior unless it's through a special fleet order.

wendys · February 2005

Etoileb, heywood1, rorr, thank you, thank you, thank you! People here are so nice and kind. You've made it so easy for me to decide on the trimline. I wish I'd asked earlier.

Wendy

wendys · February 2005

cccompson,

I'm in Kansas. So far I haven't seen XLE with cloth interior on the lot. But the dealer said that they could order anything for me if I wanted an XLE with cloth. I'm not in a hurry so that's not a problem for me.

Wendy

Kirstie_H · February 2005

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cccompson · February 2005

LOL, well, dealers was say anything, Wendy. Whether it is accurate or not is sometimes another story.

What you might want to do is go to Toyota's site and try to build the vehicle you want. At a particular stage, you will be asked which options you want. Those that are available in your area will appear on the screen. Not all options are available in all areas of the country.

Doing this should tell you definitively whether you can get a cloth XLE locally. Good luck - I hope you can get it. Unfortunately, I cannot here in Ohio.

itedin · February 2005

Hi all. New to Edmunds. So many other forums/people recommend this place, so here I am. I'm looking to pay cash. Possible in So. Cali (OC area) to get close to invoice? I'm not sure how hot Sienna's are now. This will only be my second new car buying experience, and I'm looking to edjimicate myself this time!

weedshasta · February 2005

Yes, Kentuck100, it is the real deal. bill37, if you go to the top of this forum and type in "Go to Msg # 3604," it will give you the specifics of two dealers with good prices and how to contact them. If you go to "Search" and type in my name weedshasta, it will give you pages of discussion on the extended warranty.

allison5 · February 2005

I am getting closer to making my decision on the 05 Sienna. I have been going crazy deciding on whether we trade in our yukon (less than a year old and I just do not like it, too big, gas guzzler etc). Problem is we will lose out and be in a negative situation if we sell now. The other option is letting my husband drive it and he trade in his Toyota Tundra truck (lease is almost up) and then lease a Sienna. Because we put a decent amount of money down on the yukon (terrible decision) we don't have as much to put down on a Sienna so that is why we are thinking of leasing again. Isn't it true that payments are less with leasing than purchasing. I definatly drive more than 12,000 miles a year but probably not more than 15,000 miles. I have 3 kids and it seems like I am in the car more than my house. I have heard so many people against leasing that I am just wanting a few more opinions. Thanks in advance.

heywood1 · February 2005

Why would you live with a vehicle you hate? Unless you husband doesn't mind the Yukon as much as you, I'd dump it. It'll never be worth more than it is now.

Trade it for the Sienna, and rollover the amount you're 'upsidedown' into a purchase deal for 60 or even 72 months, if you can. (Make sure you get some gap insurance from your auto carrier). And keep this van until it dies.

And when the lease is up on your Tundra, you'll probably receive an offer to extend the lease. I'd take the offer or exercise the purchase option. Tundras hold their value the best of any truck.

allison5 · February 2005

Yes if it were just up to me I would love to get rid of it but my husband likes it tons more than I do. We have had this Yukon listed for sale at several prices and the most we could get is around $29,000 and our pay off is 36,000. My husband hates the idea of having to carry the amount off to another car,plus he actually likes the yukon. SO I guess we will just lease the Sienna.

heywood1 · February 2005

Well, that does alter the situation. This past year's big rebates, high gas prices, low finance rates, and SUV backlash have really punished the re-sale value of big, domestic SUV's. If you keep the Yukon, I strongly suggest getting some gap insurance from your auto insurance carrier. Without gap coverage, if you were to total it tomorrow, you won't get anywhere near the amount you currently owe.

Be sure to compare the lease payment of a Sienna to a purchase payment. They might be closer than you think.

Leases are best for people who 1)can deduct the payment for business 2)want a new car often, 3) can stay within the mileage limit, and 4) take very good care of their vehicles. Number 4 can be very difficult with three kids.

lenu · February 2005

i just looked at the same color and van tonight. of a toyota xle limited for 34,264.00 I'm not sure if that is agood deal.

tildenberk · February 2005

We'd appreciate some feedback on whether $31,800 for a fully loaded Sienna 2004 XLE Limited with 12,000 miles is a good price.

Car has every bell and whistle available.

Thanks!

cccompson · February 2005

The price sounds about right for a front wheel drive unit.

If it has all-wheel drive, that is a great price.

tildenberk · February 2005

Thanks! Yes, it's FWD.

kpoon · February 2005

the edmunds tmv for an '05 xle ltd awd, gv option package, was $37,533 in slc when i was doing my research, which began in november, '04. i bought my vehicle last month for $36,650, and now the tmv price is $36,428.

did that tmv price go down based on my purchase? if it did, that's pretty cool, & it means the tmv calculator is pretty accurate!

Kirstie_H · February 2005

TMV numbers get updated fairly often. Since the data are derived from actual sales numbers, every good deal made has a chance of sending the average down.

Sounds like you got a good deal - congratulations!

lxbuyer · February 2005

I'm looking at a Sienna LE and the best price I can find is MSRP-$3300 which would put the Sienna (with option package 5) at about $25,100. Is this a good deal for the Baltimore/Washington area? And are there any rules of thumb about this Sienna price vs. an Odyssey LX price? The best I see for the Odyssey is about $24,400. All prices include freight and all dealer costs except tax, tags and title.

ednovak · February 2005

Went over to my local Toyota dealer yesterday (Sloane in Devon PA) to check out the Sienna and the new Avalon and ended up with a 2005 Sienna Limited AWD. Don't ask, it's a long story. In any case based on the MSRP of the Limited with the HO and Z1 packs, the 7/100 zero $ deductible extended warranty, and 4/55k Premium pre-pay maintenance, the car list price total was $44,529. Paid $39,676. Looks like that was about $1K over invoice (hard to tell with the maintenance deal thrown in since no one lists the invoice amount for it.) Looks like the "short supply" times for the Sienna are now officially past.

The 500 page owners manual and 142 page Nav manual are daunting at best. So far my only complaints are:

1. it doesn't seem to have a dash indicator to warn when any of the exterior bulbs burn out (I'm used to that with my Camrys),

2. the passenger seat has NO lumbar adjustment (even manual) not so hot for my wife's bad back and

3. for some weird reason they used red lenses instead of amber for the rear turn signals (throwback to the 60's?)

Not exactly major issues. I'm still waiting for the mud guards to arrive and still trying to figure out whether I want to use a fold up spot in the well for the optional compact spare. Can't believe how well it rides for a van.

cccompson · February 2005

Check the prices at the Fitzgerald Toyota store in Gaithersburg, MD. They post them on their website and (from what I've seen here) seem to be the best around your area (indeed, quite possibly the best in the U.S.).

The only rule of thumb is that there should be some correlation in prices between competing brands but it is not necessarily so. If you are seriously considering both makes, try to get dealers to compete for your business and you'll find out soon enough.

eve · February 2005

Yesterday, i got offered this deal--05 XLE FWD package 6 (6 disk changer and sun roof and leather heated seats..) for 31, 001. Sound good???

Today I see another dealer who says they will beat that price.

I am so confused. Yesterdays dealer said they will beat whatever price I get from the other dealer.

What do I go? What if I get offered 30K from todays dealer do I take it? Or do I wait to see how yesterdays dealer beats it???

vanbuyer · February 2005

It sounds like a good deal. We paid $31,179 for the same model and package #6. This was the invoice price. Ours came with floor mats, safety kit, cargo net, window sill protector.

I would recommened you have financing approved before negotiating the deal or they may try to get you on a higher rate on the financing.

Let me know if you have any other questions.

eve · February 2005

Well the dealer doesnt remember he offered us the invoice yesterday and so today he offered us 31,500. The invoice is 31,001. It comes with mats and sill protector. I would love the cargo net.

Well, I see another dealer who says they will beat whatever price I get from this guys so I see him at 4 today.

I do have financing already. I am ready to buy today if someone would just give me a good price!!

PAying invoice is considered a good deAl right??

vanbuyer · February 2005

Yes, if you check fitzmall.com. They are selling their XLE Package #6 for $100 over invoice. They are selling one for $31,166 with invoice at $31,066. Sounds like the other dealer is playing games.

Sometimes, they will give you a lower rate on the financing. I resisted on buying the warranty, pain sealant, undercoating, etc.

Let me know how you make out.

Good Luck.

eve · February 2005

ok i bought it yesterday for 31,500. I cant go to fitzmall, too far for a mom of two little ones.

Also, i was using the costco pricing and they said their price was 2000 above invoice, that gets me to 33,000. So, I am ok with what I got.

Probably could have done better though.

Also, the dealer made me get the window etching??? I kept saying i dont want it and he kept telling me that i have to get it and I could get an insurance break for it. I did get him to remove the document fee though.

Anyway, right now they are trying to beat my financing from capital one with their own financing. So I wait for them today.

Thanks for your help!

vanbuyer · February 2005

Congratulations. I also tried to use to Costco buying service. I was quoted $1000 over invoice. I negotiated the deal on mine for invoice cost. I also got a quote from Capital One thru Costco who quoted 4.25%. The dealer matched it with 4.20 thru Toyota Motor Credit. They probably made you get the etching because it was already on the vehicle.

If your kids are using car seats, I recommend going to babys r us and getting seat covers so the car seats don't scratch the leather.

cancan · February 2005

Congratulations for the new car!

It was great you can get the dealer to remove the document fee. And the price was reasonable. I also live in NJ and have two little kids. The fitzmall seems too far to me. May I know which dealer you purchased from? I am looking the LE8 with package#6. How much they charge you for the window etching, documentation fee and title/ registration fee. Some dealer also like to play game to add the service fee .... to get the title.

Thank you ahead for sharing the information.

sethi · February 2005

Toyota is running a $250 (36-month) deal for a LE with base package #1 (AM Package)...about $2000, no security deposit. Sounds very tempting, cheap entry point and in 3 years have the choice to buy whatever is the latest and the greatest..also, no haggling over the price with the dealer, fixed price option...

Question to all the wise one's -

Good deal or not??? Anybody has experience of leasing from toyota...

Thank you...

rekabwolrab · February 2005

Hello,

I've been given a quote for an XLE with Package 8 for 36300. This is 3000 off the price of 39300. TTL out the door is 39600. I'm in NW Florida. Think I should be able to do better?

Thanks

heywood1 · February 2005

You might be able to do hundreds better, but not thousands. Invoice is around $35K, assuming this is not a Limited.....

metch · February 2005

Your friends are right. The Siennas' front seats are not that really comfortable for taller people even for short ones. They don't come out farther enough for thigh support. Also, Sienna has very terrible gas milage than they (dealers) claim. I have a 3 months old 2005 Sienna and very dissapointed about it. It uses 15 mpg in the city. Also the tailgate crop out yesterday. When you open the trunk, it won't stay open. If you buy Seinna, hope you pick up the good one.

irg · February 2005

That's probably pretty good. I was quoted $318 for the LE 8 passenger with package #1, with $1250 down (that includes the taxes). I want the 8 passenger van, but can't get it in my zone (northeast) with package #6. I was quoted $336 for a 7 passenger LE with $1250 down (36 months) and am leaning towards that for the extra safety features you get (side airbags, stability control, traction control, rear disc brakes) plus a few other goodies. The price for this van was $27,6xx. Does this seem about right to anyone out there? I'm still looking.

cccompson · February 2005

The Sienna's front seats are miserable - the seat cushion is far too short and the front of the driver's seat does not elevate high enough - for this tall (6-4) person.

Too bad the front seats (along with unfriendly local dealers) were a deal breaker because I otherwise like it better than the Odyssey.

heywood1 · February 2005

Don't know where you live, but try shopping here in the rust belt states, where domestic brands are still quite popular.

sethi · February 2005

wow...the price you were quoted for LE 7-passenger with package 1 seems like a lot more...I guess you got a custom lease quote and not the standard deal being given out by Toyota Financial Services...A question still remains about leasing and the charges which dealer charge when your lease term ends (the elusive wear and tear damages)

In an otherwise good deal that is the only part which stops me from comitting....anyone have real life experience returning leased vehicles to Toyota Financial services and being treated badly...thank

jilagan · February 2005

Hello! I am planning to buy a sienna in the next few days. I noticed that you can get the platinum warranty for only $795. Is is okay to get the warranty from KC Summers after i got the car?

thanks

irg · February 2005

I must not have mentioned this - with the LE 7 seat, it had the package #6 on it which adds quite a of safety stuff about $3300 msrp. The $250 lease is for a basic LE model with more money down than I wanted. I am shopping around now to see if I can get a better deal. I even contact the big dealer in Maryland Fitzsimmons than many people on this site talk about. They sell at about invlice price and deliver to you. If their lease is better, I will go there if I have to.

davenow · February 2005

<<Hello! I am planning to buy a sienna in the next few days. I noticed that you can get the platinum warranty for only $795. Is is okay to get the warranty from KC Summers after i got the car?>>

Answer: YES, I did.

Read past threads on this board.

Search: KC Summers or platinum warranty

jake40 · February 2005

After much negotiating with multiple dealers, here's what I ended up with:

XLE, package #5 (ES) with floor mats (CF)

Invoice: $31281

Advertising Fee: $372 (tried to negotiate-no go)

Dealer markup: $500

Registration: $487

Doc: $279

Tax: $1,569

'03 Corolla: $12,000 ($13,000 value cuz of sales tax)

OTD: $22,471

Plus they agreed to tint front windows ($110), throw in head phones ($66) for DVD and find a cargo matt for the rear where the 3rd seat folds down into. I tried Cosco, which they do; however, much higher with Cosco.

cccompson · February 2005

LOL, well, heywood, if my Ohio doesn't qualify as a rustbelt state, I don't know what does!

Truly, though, the problem seems to be that the demographics here in Columbus are more akin to either coast.

Or, maybe, I'm just not a Toyota kind of customer.

irg · February 2005

I have to correct myself - the $250 lease is for the CE model (With $2k down), not the LE. At least that is the advertised special here. So to me the deal I got for a LE #6 for $336/mo with $1250 down seems ok. I'm still looking though.

heywood1 · February 2005

Didn't realize you were in Ohio. Still, Columbus is pretty from from the serious oxidation of the Rust Belt. Here in the Pittsburgh area, Chevys and D-C's are still very popular. Based on the number of Cavaliers you see around here, you'd swear that half of Lordstown's production goes straight to western PA.

Try Youngstown or Erie, if you're willing to drive that far.

cccompson · February 2005

Thanks for the tip but the Sienna seats are a dealbreaker for me.

Actually, there are good deals to be had in Ohio. Along with other places, competition truly exists in Cincinnati.

My beef with local Toyota stores extends to levels beyond price and they are simply arrogant to boot.

heywood1 · February 2005

That was my experience with Honda dealers in my area when I was shopping for an Odyssey back at the end of '02.

You say seats are a dealbreaker. Do you mean comfort or configuration? I think the seat bottoms could be longer, but I find them comfortable enough.

cccompson · February 2005

The seat cushions are both too short and the front of the driver's seat does not elevate enough to support my thighs. Actually (and surprisingly), they changed the seat between '04 and '05 and the former is somewhat better.

heywood1 · February 2005

I wasn't aware there was a change. (Mine's a 2004). I'll have to check out the '05 seats next time I have the van in for service.

2013 and Earlier - Toyota Sienna Prices Paid and Buying Experience

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