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Comments
Regarding the seats, you can't get power seats in the Honda passenger side. My wife absolutely did not like the feel of the seat. We found the leather in the Toyota to be softer also, although I admit the Honda rear seats are larger.
As mentioned previously, everyone's experience is different, as well as their taste in the feel of the vehicles. For me, the Honda, as documented by CR, is much louder. I prefer the quieter cabin compared to the handling of the Honda. Neither one is wrong, it's just what you like to drive.
Last night my wife turned the whole game around, she now wants an LE-8 passenger
So between yesterday night and this morning all the research I could do point's to the fact that an LE-8 can only be had with package #6 or above (in the northeast region)...did not find anyone offereing it with package #5 (which is just the right amount of features, and the right price) Still looking, keep in touch and let me know how your research and purchase goes....
I am also in talks with FitzMall, they sound nice, it will be a leap of faith to buy unseen but I am big Internet buyer though this would qualify for the biggest purchase ever
PS - look for autofair.com they have upfront pricing on their website, though not as good as fitzmall but atleast you get other inventory options...
My wife also wants the LE 8 passenger - we'll see. I am getting pissed at my Toyota dealer who keeps changing the price/lease depending on the packages. They seemed more confused than me. Here is what I have been told, and what is advertised. A CE with I guess the only package available for $250/month with $3,000 down, which is a lot. The LE 7 passenger than I looked at that had package #6 went from $336/month which I thought was great, to now over $400/ month which isn't so great. So, I am now leaning heavily towards the Fitzmall option.
However, my Honda dealer is quite willing to negotiate. Without asking, the took off $2k off the price, on a Odyssey EX cloth, price of $26,xxx, whereas the Toyota was significantly more than that. The price of the Honda is $359/month with $2k down. They seemed to have quite a few on the lot, unlike my Toyota dealer. Between the two, I like the Honda better. I was swayed to the Sienna originally because the price was lower, and now it isn't unless I go through Fitzmall, which is still a real possibility.
My trade in isn't worth as much as I owe right now, but if I can sell it on my own, then great, and I will get the van. Otherwise I need to wait 2+ months for my other lease to run out.
I don't think leasing is bad even though you have kids. I have 2, and yeah it gets messy, but nothing a shop vac and some cleaner can't fix. And since I have leased a few times before, all they really care about is that there aren't dents, huge rips, and not over mileage. Plus if you lease a Toyota this time, chances are you will again, and most of the time at trade in they will forgive things that are minor. We don't put a lot of miles on our vehicle, otherwise I would buy. And I need to get 2 vehicles soon, not one, so I can't really afford to large car payments.
Either the Honda or the Toyota will be my choice, and both are great. The Honda EX also has the 8th seat, but you can't use it for car seats, so that kinda negates the benefit. But you can move the seats side to side, as you can in the Sienna 7 seater.
The Sienna 8 seat is very hard to find with different option packages. And as explained to me, it depends which zone you live in. Here in NY, you can get it with package 1, 8, 10 and something higher than that, although it isn't listed in the brochure, and I think the dealer is making it up anyway. I don't like package 1 because it doesn't have the safety stuff like side air bags and traction control. Whereas the Odyssey has the side air bags standard on all models, I think traction control too. Makes sense to me. Check out the Odyseey EX, and see how you think it compares to the Sienna LE. Easier package combinations, and less chance to get ripped off IMO. Both drive great, with the nod to Honda. I like the looks of it better too. And the EX has power doors on both sides, which you only get with the Sienna XLE.
I know way too much about minivans! Funny thing is, I often know more than most of the salesman I talk with.
I am also in ohio... columbus to be exact. there are maybe 4 toyota dealers in columbus that aren't really giving me much else besides the Toyota lease special on the 05 LE. Could you tell me some of the dealers in cinci that maybe able to negotiate some other deals for a Sienna?
thanks
you can reply here or email me with info ^^
Don't let your Toyota dealer decide whether you buy a Toyota or Honda. I went to a couple of local Toyota's dealers (here in CT). All of them kept giving me bull about packages and pricing.
We are now buying a LE-8 with package 6 in Blue Mirage Metallic. Wifey now can not get just live with package 5 as it does not have the power-driver's seat.
I did test-drive the Ody...ummmm, seemed small from the inside. I know by the numbers they are same, but I am 6 ft and it just felt small and more road noise while driving it...I have owned a Toyota Camry in the past and have constantly talked/argued with Accord-driving friends about the difference in noise level in those two. Please be sure that you test drive the same model you plan to buy/lease. There is quite a bit of difference in the higher end ODY models, in terms of VCM and ANC (road noise etc.)
Anyway, the Toyota with package #6 is in line both pricing and feature wise with the Ody EX. I hope you are not comparing it with the Ody LX.
Go to www.buyatoyota.com to see the current specials and see the LE-lease deal, can't miss it.
I am in talks with a nice Fitzmall salesman...they are looking for our van. I have not yet completed the transaction with them, but I am quite satisfied with them till now. I am quite sure I will be doing the pilgrimage to Maryland to get my Van with my choice of package and pricing and not settle for what my local dealer's sell to me...
Best of Luck and thanks for the info on leasing...
PS - If you need the name of the Fitzmall salesman to discuss, let me know. Two Sienna's make make a better deal than one
kirstie_h
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I have driven both the Odyssey, an EX cloth, against a LE 7 seat, package #6, like you mentioned. Both very nice. I didn't notice any difference in noise. The Honda felt a little quicker, but in reality that is not a big deal, as my wife will be doing most of the driving with this vehicle. What I like about the Odyseey EX a little more is that it has 2 power doors, and those sunscreens for the second row windows, and the airbags are standard (even the LX). With the Toyota, you have to have one of the higher packages to get it, like #6. Honda just makes it easier. Both of them should make the dvd standard, ala GM. The Honda also has the cool little lazy susan storage area.
Bottom line, both are nice, and I will buy either one of them. The Honda dealer was just great in what little I had to deal with him. He immediately took $2k off the sticker, and so the price of the Odyssey EX was $26, 5xx. And then he even took a little more off that to get the lease around $350 which I thought was pretty good. He showed me the residual, and money factor, which wasn't all that good from Honda compared to the Toyota. I think the interest is about 6% compared to 1.9% right now for Toyota.
The Fitzmall price may indeed be the best buy overall, I just don't know yet. I would like to support my local dealers if possible, but the local Toyota dealer isn't doing itself any favors at the moment, whereas the honda dealer has been great. I was hoping to sell my one vehicle over the weekend, but it didn't materialze. As soon as I do that, I can buy the van. Otherwise I have to wait another 2 months for my lease to expire. Maybe by then the Odyssey will be an even better value.
Keep me posted. My Fitzmall guy seems OK, so let's not get into any trouble with the Hosts here
Please let us know how your adventure turns out.
Anyway, I might be getting a great deal on the LE-8 Sienna from NY (Mt. Kisco) toyota dealer. The fitzmall deler could not find the exact specs on our van. The only issue with the Mt. Kisco dealer is that the delivery would be delayed to 3 weeks from now. Very tempted to sign the dotted line, atleast I could get the color and the package I want in 8 passenger config.
24 hours to think about it...BTW the snowin on president's day helped a lot in negotiating the deal with him. Not too many people shopping for a car, I guess they had the pressure to make the sale...
GENERAL QUESTION TO ALL -
Any experience dealing with Toyota North of Mt. Kisco, NY...
$36,921--Comments please. He says I am paying $900 over invoice. Invoice is 36,021
I bought my 8seaters Sienna late last year from Hartford Toyota based on the price and the availibility of the model at that time. I've experience bad overall experience from Toyota Motor and especially Hartford Toyota. Here're my issues.
1. Salesman from Hartford Toyota are either roude or incompetent. The first guy I talked to was rude and pushy. The second guy looked better and he just did not know much about the car. He gave me NUMEROUS incorrect answers. He even flat out lied to me that the middle second row seat of the demo car could not move forward because it was bended and damaged! Rarely retun my phone call once they got the deposit.
2. Hartford Toyota did not give me te full tank of gas. I noticed it after I signed off the paper everything. So I thought I'm going to complain directly to Toyota Motor once I receive the survey. which lead to the next few problems.
3. Some guy called me about the survey that I did not receive the full tank of gas and they are going to send me a $50 Mobile gas card. More than a month pass by without anything, I decide to call Toyota number listed on the survey. And that leads me to the next problem.
4. I filled out the survey on the web site. You can fill out the survey in paper format and mail it too. I though I want to use the more reliable medium through Internet. I was wrong. Toyota apprently did not have a clue how to retrieve the survey over the Web site. They told me they got it only paper format! A different department or company handles the Web survey. Incredible...
5. First time I call Toyota customer experience center, the guy named Erictold me he will call me back within 2 days. Obviously, I was lied again. I called Toyota back and they told me that the gas thing is none of Toyota Motor business. I should deal directly with Hartford Toyota.
I sincerely hope everybody has more plesent experience than me. Good luck.
Btw, if my wife did not insist on 8 seaters, I would definitely go with Odyssey!
Any thoughts on getting the AWD version?
I believe AWD supply is much tighter. Prices may not be as close to invoice. Depends on your area.
Germain eventually came down another $500 and she bought it very close to invoice at a time when the'05 supply was just about non-existent.
Just make sure you don't give Hartford Toyota any service business....warranty or otherwise. I have no intention on going anywhere near that place!!
I hope you will enjoy your Sienna anyway.
My guess is that Tansky's stated cost is probably accurate and they have told you the lowest they'll go is about $1000 over.
Hope you can get the deal you want but I would be surprised if any store in Columbus will sell for less than invoice.
Good luck and keep us posted.
The salesman was so nice and answered my many e-mail and phone questions promptly. He faxed me the vehicle inquiry report with everything spelled out (invoice price vs the retail price). These matched up with the Edmunds figures on invoice prices of base models, packages, and add-ons. I didn't have anything more added to the total cost but a $15 sixty day temporary tag fee and a $2 tire recycling fee which is a MD state law for all car sales. Destination charge of $565 was included in the internet quote. Since I am handing the title, tag and tax at my local DMV, I didn't have to pay the $99 documentation fee, although they would have done this for me for that charge. (I figure they are still making around $800 to $1300 due to the TDA, dealer holdback and wholesale financial reserve which is listed on the inquiry report). None of the other dealers' inquiry reports showed these costs.
My total cost (including the temp tag and tire recycling fee) for the Sienna LE with pkg. #5 at Fitzgerald was $25,465, plus $59 (total) to fly one way on Independence Air. There was a $500 fully refundable deposit to hold the vehicle which the salesman took via my credit card over the phone when I made the deal on Jan. 29. I had to fax them my insurance info and driver's license, and had to fill out a very simple online credit application just to allow them to verify my credit (to make sure that my personal check was good), Since I was not financing, I wrote the check for $24,965 the night before I flew to get the car. I was prepared to tear up the check and to get my deposit back if the vehicle was damaged in any way, but everything checked out fine.
The paper work was signed in the car after I checked it out in the airport parking lot--with parking paid for by the dealer. With 35 miles on the odometer (distance from the dealer to the airport) and a full tank of gas, I was on my way with my husband to visit our son and on to my sister's and her family who also live in the area for a few days before driving back home today in a snowstorm.
We love the car! Although the roads were getting a little "dicey" in the mountains of western Maryland, the Sienna handled great with no slipping. It rode smoothly, comfortably and quietly. We had no trouble with location and use of the wipers, temperature and defrost settings, lights, mirror adjustments, etc. This was a pleasant, easy experience and I would recommend Fitzgerald to anyone.
Sure wish we had a Toyota store in Ohio like that!
We negotiated a price and he did a dealer trade for the car. On the morning the car arrived, he called me and asked for some information. When we showed up at the dealership, the car was cleaned, gassed and ready to go.
The fleet guy was with a customer, so he just handed us the keys and we hung out in our new to be Sienna. After about 20-30 mins of us playing with the car (and him finishing up his stuff), he found us.
We went into his office, signed a bunch of forms and wrote a check. We then left. Whole thing, including the 20-30 mins of screwing around with all the gizmos, took about 1 hour. Guy did the finance paperwork and everything.
I never had a car buying experience like that ever.
Paid $36,185 for the car plus tax, title and license - no B.S. dealer advertising this or that either. Bought the XLE Ltd with HO package and preferred accessories package. I figure it was about $420 over invoice and was $3600 off MSRP.
Hope this helps
I flew into Maryland on Saturday after negotiating the deal late Friday afternoon via phone and email confirmation. DarCars brought the van I bought to the airport and I test drove it back to the dealership - I wanted to look the vehicle over and take my time reviewing the paperwork carefully.
Salesman met me there as planned and started the paperwork, we had a minor miscue between internet sales and the floor salesman regarding the floors mats, I expected them but was informed they were not included. My salesman checked with internet sales and came back with a "no problem" you get them at no charge. That is good stuff.
I looked over the van and found two minor scratches, my salesman immediately called a service man who took the van and had the scratches removed to my satisfaction. The van was re washed and the gas tank topped off.
The finance manager (great guy) finalized all paperwork and offered me the Toyota platinum extended care for $745 dollars with no deductible - he did not pressure me (I asked for the info) and offered the deal up until the factory overall warranty expires at 3yr/36,000. I can call back anytime to purchase and believe this is worth buying if one plans to keep the vehicle. $745 is the dealer cost.
I liked Fitzgerald's but chose DarCars simply because they had the exact vehicle I wanted in stock and they offered a $400.00 internet savings coupon (through Feb 28). The deal was advertised at 25,343 - coupon:
$24,943 vehicle price
$100 processing fee
$2 Maryland EPA tire charge?
$25,045 was the vehicle cost which I financed under the 60 month 3.9% Toyota financing. The TTL I paid out of pocket. I recommend having the pre-approval in hand from the Toyota.com website entry. For me, that would have been a long way to go to learn I wasn't approved for the financing. My one-way ticket was $116.00.
Overall, an excellent buying experience and a quiet comfortable 6 hour drive back to Columbus without the kids. I was treated somewhat as a novelty by DarCars as they were very interested in knowing why someone would come to them all the way from Ohio. Note to anyone interested in this, Fitzgerald's will haul vehicles to you, DarCars will not. Best of luck to all future buyers.
Frankly, some of the DarCars dealerships have a less than stellar rep in this area, but I've noticed that price-wise their Siennas seem to slightly undercut Fitzgerald, which is unusual. Fitzgerald--despite their no haggle approach--claims to have a price match policy and I'm wondering if anyone has gone that route.
I will tell you that DarCar Toyota was a zoo Saturday - car buyers everywhere. You must do your deal through the internet sales staff and bring in the coupon. The salesmen at DarCar work independently of the internet team and they approach customers no differently than any other dealership otherwise.
It would be nice if the Toyota stores in Columbus were capable of learning but it just doesn't seem possible.
FWIW, it matches up pretty closely with some lease info I have for that vehicle with a residual value of 52-54% for a 36 mo. lease and a .002 "money factor." The "selling" price of 31K looks very fair to me.
Another way to look at it is that, at the end of 36 mos., you'll have put about 17K into the vehicle and have no interest in it other than an option to buy for another 18K or so. Only you know if that's a good deal in your situation.
I just started looking at the Siennas and do not know if this was a good deal or could probably do better with a new 2005 at 0 miles.
This was in seattle area.
I don't know the dealer cost on the 6/75.
Anyone?
We paid $36291 plus tax, license, etc. He told me that we were only a couple of hundred dollars over invoice (which I didn't believe, so I made him throw in free car washes and $300 in service coupons.)
Overall it was an enjoyable afternoon, but then again, I love to negotiate.
The vehicle is awesome, my 5 year old son loves the dvd player (instead of the lap player he had before.) We drove 4 or 5 different Siennas as well as 3 Odysseys, a Town & Country and a Quest.
Each had it's merits but the Sienna won hands down as far as the most quiet and smooth ride and least wind/road noise at freeway speed. My wife preferred the Odyssey until I relented and bought the package with the back-up camera (because that was the "one" thing she liked about the ody.)
There's only two things I wish they hadn't missed, and the biggie is the 6-disk changer with the Nav system, and some type of in floor storage at the second seat.
My favorite feature is the laser cruise control, it's amazing how responsive it is to cars in front of you. Now if only they could make an autopilot that steers too:)
Chris
I believe in purchasing the 7/100 only because of the power doors. For an extra $100 I'd rather have the coverage for another year.