I checked out the fabric on both CE and LE briefly and at night. I didn't notice much difference, if any, but my wife said there is a minor difference. We are planning on getting after market leather so I am not too concern.
The only thing I wouldn't mind having from the LE is the disc brakes at the back. I am not an expert or a mechanic so I don't know how much of a difference it makes.
With regard to discounts off MSRP, I think if you shop around enough, you can get $500 to $1000 off MSRP. If we shop collectively and share info like so many Americans are doing, I think we can get $1,000 to $2,000 off MSRP.
The competition bureau really should have insisted that they get rid of Access Toyota prices. If you think about it, what is the purpose of having Access prices and how they are calculated. The answer is it is simply collusion and price fixing. The "other" Sienna site has been very active with this subject.
there is no way Sienna dealers will be able to charge whatever they want to charge like Odyssey dealers just recently did for several years.
Quest and Freestar are just 2 offhand I can think of that are coming out in 2 to 3 months time. That is why I expect to we will be able to get $1000 or so off MSRP now that dealers in Canada can't use the Access Toyota excuse for not negotiating.
I got mine LE 7 passenger about three weeks ago. I paid $1550 CAN invoice + there was 500 litter gas free deal at that time. The negotiation went very smooth. I have visited couple of dealers in Ottawa all were ready to offer same or more. I just didn't have enough time to push more or get them down. May be it was the end of margin, but my feeling is that there is more room in it.
One thing I forgot to mention about inventory allocations to dealers. A dealer can do two things ahead of time to help with their allocation of vehicles. They can "preference" a vehicle(s) meaning that they request a particular vehicle in a particular color and with specified equipment within certain limitations. This does not guarantee a dealer will get one as it is based upon avialability again, but increases their chances. They can also "order" a vehicle, but as I said earlier, this is VERY time consuming, with the need to jump through MANY hoops and with alot of follow-up. Because of this, many dealers just will not even try ordering a vehicle.
I've posted about Access pricing since last year (search for "Access Pricing") and there's no way Toyota dealers in BC would negotiate. Their basic attitude is take the Access price, or go shop Honda or Chrysler.
I believe someone on the "Access Pricing" board suggested going to an auto broker, and they might be able to knock $500 off the MSRP.
You get: 1) Rear disc brakes (on such a heavy car could be useful) 2) Alloy wheels (cosmetic, although it does look nice) 3) Power flip out window (useful, but remember there's power windows in the sliding doors) 4) Tinted windows (great for privacy) 5) Driver side window auto up/down (great if you need to access magnetic card reader in underground parking) 6) Roof rack (not useful for me) 7) Steering wheel audio controls (nice to have) 8) Premium fabric (difference might be minimal) 9) Power passenger sliding door (useful) 10) Front and centre console box (more storage) 11) Power drivers seat
Personally I think all the Siennas should come standard with rear disc brakes. If it is I'd probably go for the CE 8 Passenger. Right now I'm leaning towards the LE 7 Passenger.
The cost difference (to me anyways) seems to be about 3K, but I guess Toyota is betting a lot of people to buy the LE version because the price difference of 4750 (instead of 3K) would still not deter buyers.
It's pure marketing. If they had put 2 power sliders on the LE, almost no one would buy the XLE versions.
of the 2005 Sienna? I guess it's not generating any kind of interest like the 05 Odyssey. I guess it's because the '04 Sienna is so advanced that most people don't think anything will change. You never know.
Within one year? Body changes? NO WAY! www.siennaclub.com says all that's changing for 05 is revised option packages cause the ones now are kind of confusing, i guess.
Anyone know what changes (if any) will be going into the '05 Sienna? Any idea when '05 models will start arriving? I've been holding out to see if the updated Odyssey steps up its game.
Also, does anyone know if and when the rumored hybrid version of the Sienna is coming to the US? Any chance it will be in the MY 2005 lineup, or will I have to wait until late 2005 or 2006 to get one?
This is one nice van. I got the white one which I have to pay another $255 for it. Love the color, the alloy wheels, the right power door, and the fold down 3rd row seats. I also got the security system installed for $190, which includes the glass breakage sensor.
I'm surprised that the right power door in manual mode is still very easy to open and close. Very pleased.
Ride is nice and firm, but it's not as quiet I would like it.
What Toyota needs to change for 2005 is to make the second power door on the left passenger side as an option for LE models. Also Toyota needs to add the Automatic headlights on/off available for all trims; I mean my 2000 Camry LE has it, so why not for my new Sienna?
Overall we are very pleased with the Sienna. Especially my 2 1/2 year old son. All the doors close with a nice "thud". It's a nice and solid van.
Sienna hybrid? Not that fast. There is an unexpected delay of 8 months (or up to a year) for Lexus RX400h due to a lack of power on the battery pack. I am sure the Highlander hybird (possible in Camry) will be the same. And Toyota probably will get Sienna hybrid after these models. RX400h is supposed to release in December 2004. There are already a hybrid version of one or two models of the minivan in Japan. But they only have the 4 cylinder engines. Not sure we want something with 160+/- horsepower. :-)
We have been looking at the 2004 Sienna for the past 2 weeks. We went looking for a 2004 LE with the BZ package and the best deal we got was $27,200. The salesman did say that a silver 2005 Sienna LE with BZ package will arrive to the dealership on Sept. 7 and I could put a deposit down on it. His offer was for $27,700. I know there is no difference between the 2 model years but only a $500 difference in price? Dealers are going to get stuck with a lot of 2004 unless they drop the price on them. Should I wait for the 2004 price to drop or get the 2005 for roughly what they are offering the 2004 model price now?
I think 27700 or even 27200 for an LE is too high. I paid 28100 plus tax title and tag for an XLE with package 5 which includes rear disc brakes, side curtain air bags and fron side air bags, power moon roof, vehicle stability control and traction control, de icer grid and day time running lights.
I hope that 'package simplification' will include making the side/curtain airbags and Traction/VSC much more widely available. Toyota has had only one year (2004) in which they could claim any sort of safety 'trump' over the Ody. But that may end with the new Ody making side/curtain airbags AND traction/VSC STANDARD on all trim lines.
Sfaud, what area of the country are you in? Did you purchase your Sienna in the last 2 weeks? The lowest price I have gotten from the 5 Toyota dealers in my area is a LE with the BZ package for $27,000. The salepeople in are area are all sticking to $27,000-$27,200 and not dealing very much since the Sienna is in great demand.
Right now; I am looking at purchasing either the Honda Pilot, Toyota Sienna or the Nissan Quest because of the recent addition to my family.
Simple question first.....when does the 2005 Sienna come out?
In relation to that....is it better to wait for the 2005 Sienna or go for 2004 version ( that will probably cheaper once the 2005 models comes out )?
I couldn't find it as an option in the Toyota Sienna website...but found in the Edmunds review that an Entertainment System is available as an option in the XL ( and up ) models. Can someone confirm for me if the 2004 Sienna XL models ( and up ) has the option to get a DVD Entertainment system?
You can get the DVD in the LE version, package #8 or package #9. It's definetly available in the XLE. 2004 vs 2005 would have many pros and cons on this. ie 04 now would have low miles vs buying a 05 now. Probably best for you to check what avaialable and what you expect to pay.
I received a price of $26,500 for a Mirage blue 2004 LE with side curtain airbags and VSC for a friend from Motorworld Toyota in Wilkes Barre PA a few weeks ago. I got them down to $26,000 even. My friends decided to wait and check out other vehicles. I purchased my own Sienna Ltd from Motorworld last Nov. for $2,300 off MSRP.
Anyone hear any rumors about what to expect in 2006 for the Sienna? As the mostly happy owner of a 2004 AWD Sienna Limited, I hope a few things can be improved...like, larger DVD screen, automatic shut off of interior lights if left on (my battery has run down COUNTLESS times because of a map light left on, or a door not fully closed), power retracting side mirrors (just too tight for my 8 foot wide garage door), engine could use a tad more power.
In siennaclub.org you can find some information on the 2006 Sienna. Optitron gauges for the XLE and Limited models, new front and rear lights, power-assisted 3rd row seat, and probably XM satellite radio.
Still no word about more hp, battery saver feature that actually works, memory seats, Larger DVD, etc.
---------------
BTW, Host: Is it possible to have a link to this thread from the Vans Board? Thanx.
Most people don't care about it. I mean, Andrew, I've read your posts so many times, tell me what's the big difference between a 7" and 8" NAV system? It's cool for you? fine, but most people just don't care.
And about the 9" DVD - while it's nice, there are the small children watching the movie, little do they know how big it is - and actually it's not bigger - just wider. So wide-screen format DVD's will be a bit larger, while regular standard size will be the same size as the 7".
That said, I do agree that voice activated feature is more important, as is a 6-Disk CD changer with the NAV.
Didn't you mention that Lexus is working on a minivan? - Let's hope all your dreams come true... (Do you have $55,000 to spent for a 10" NAV? - and chrome + real wood:^)
Well... a lexus minivan would have been nice, but I *guess* my well equipped XLE Limited will just have to do. Actually, even though it is missing the small lexus touches (wood, nicer leather, etc.), I feel that it has some things that don't come standard on lexuses (adaptive cruise, etc.).
Since this will probably be my last minivan before I swtich to a crossover, (then again, who knows), I guess there isn't a lexus minivan in the future for me.
I'll also be honest with you in this regard:
Despite the fact that at least 7/10 of the siennas I see are XLE limiteds, would there be a large market for a lexus minivan? I know that I will probably not be purchasing a minivan once the kids are gone.
Local dealers are unable to find me an 05' Sienna XLE Ltd in Aspen Pearl Green with package #2 (HO). I'm told that they are no longer taking orders for 05's. I was quoted $35,256 for a Stratosphere Mica colored one. The salesman told me that if I ordered an 06' that he couldn't give me a price right now and that it would be about $2,500 more. He said the vehicle would only go up a couple of hundred dollars but that I would loose all the incentives that he could give me on an 05'. Is this true? Wouldn't there be any incentives for him taking an order now for an 06' model?
Any incentives that you would have, either on the '05 or '06 would be based upon what Toyota has available at the time that you take delivery of your vehicle. It is unlikely that they will have any on the '06 model for several months (probably until March or later) so they are correct.
Ok, help me out you guys. I think I have seen pics of the '06 Sienna at www.safercar.gov. If you go to that sight and enter van-2006-Toyota-Sienna, it will give you ratings. Click on the stars and it shows you pics of the '06 Sienna. It looks like the front is shorter, but I need more eyes to confirm this is the new model. Also, I do not know how to paste or attach the link here, so could someone else do it?
The pics on the safercar website are also labeled as '05's, as well as '06's. The van just looks different to me, shorter, but it could have to do w/ the lighting and the frame, I guess. Just a bunch of false advertising!
Thanks Ken! Ken was able to locate the excact van that I was looking for when other dealers could not. Unfortunately Ken was located approximately 200 miles from us. Ken was able to arrange it so the transaction is going through a dealer 30 miles from us. Ken is an awesome guy to work with. Thanks again Ken! I'm supposed to have my van by the end of next week.
Will side curtains be standard on '06 models? If not, I strongly feel Toyota is making a big mistake by skimping on safety features- wait until the IIHS tests come out on minivans and the Ody is the only one that rates a 'Good' or 'Best Pick' because it has airbags standard.
Toyota needs to get with the program if they want continued sales success for this minivan.
The information about the power folding third row seemed interesting.
For my next minivan purchase (2-3 years) I was debating between the Entourage, Odyssey, Sienna, Grand Caravan and possibly the Ford Freestyle crossover...
Comments
The only thing I wouldn't mind having from the LE is the disc brakes at the back. I am not an expert or a mechanic so I don't know how much of a difference it makes.
With regard to discounts off MSRP, I think if you shop around enough, you can get $500 to $1000 off MSRP. If we shop collectively and share info like so many Americans are doing, I think we can get $1,000 to $2,000 off MSRP.
The competition bureau really should have insisted that they get rid of Access Toyota prices. If you think about it, what is the purpose of having Access prices and how they are calculated. The answer is it is simply collusion and price fixing. The "other" Sienna site has been very active with this subject.
Quest and Freestar are just 2 offhand I can think of that are coming out in 2 to 3 months time. That is why I expect to we will be able to get $1000 or so off MSRP now that dealers in Canada can't use the Access Toyota excuse for not negotiating.
There are tons of packages in the US.
Ken
"most" being the ones that just bought one!!
I believe someone on the "Access Pricing" board suggested going to an auto broker, and they might be able to knock $500 off the MSRP.
You get:
1) Rear disc brakes (on such a heavy car could be useful)
2) Alloy wheels (cosmetic, although it does look nice)
3) Power flip out window (useful, but remember there's power windows in the sliding doors)
4) Tinted windows (great for privacy)
5) Driver side window auto up/down (great if you need to access magnetic card reader in underground parking)
6) Roof rack (not useful for me)
7) Steering wheel audio controls (nice to have)
8) Premium fabric (difference might be minimal)
9) Power passenger sliding door (useful)
10) Front and centre console box (more storage)
11) Power drivers seat
Personally I think all the Siennas should come standard with rear disc brakes. If it is I'd probably go for the CE 8 Passenger. Right now I'm leaning towards the LE 7 Passenger.
The cost difference (to me anyways) seems to be about 3K, but I guess Toyota is betting a lot of people to buy the LE version because the price difference of 4750 (instead of 3K) would still not deter buyers.
It's pure marketing. If they had put 2 power sliders on the LE, almost no one would buy the XLE versions.
In the "Access Pricing" board, someone did mention to go through an autobroker for Toyota if you want to beat Access prices.
I guess it's not generating any kind of interest like the 05 Odyssey.
I guess it's because the '04 Sienna is so advanced that most people don't think anything will change.
You never know.
Do you think Toyota wil change the body at all on the 2005? ...Nothing worse than buying a new car, and seeing the model change the next year!
Also, does anyone know if and when the rumored hybrid version of the Sienna is coming to the US? Any chance it will be in the MY 2005 lineup, or will I have to wait until late 2005 or 2006 to get one?
I'm surprised that the right power door in manual mode is still very easy to open and close. Very pleased.
Ride is nice and firm, but it's not as quiet I would like it.
What Toyota needs to change for 2005 is to make the second power door on the left passenger side as an option for LE models. Also Toyota needs to add the Automatic headlights on/off available for all trims; I mean my 2000 Camry LE has it, so why not for my new Sienna?
Overall we are very pleased with the Sienna. Especially my 2 1/2 year old son. All the doors close with a nice "thud". It's a nice and solid van.
RUMORS
XLE/LTD to have memory seats/power passenger. Probably optional on XLE and standard on LTD.
Package Simplification for the trims.
Simple question first.....when does the 2005 Sienna come out?
In relation to that....is it better to wait for the 2005 Sienna or go for 2004 version ( that will probably cheaper once the 2005 models comes out )?
I couldn't find it as an option in the Toyota Sienna website...but found in the Edmunds review that an Entertainment System is available as an option in the XL ( and up ) models. Can someone confirm for me if the 2004 Sienna XL models ( and up ) has the option to get a DVD Entertainment system?
Still no word about more hp, battery saver feature that actually works, memory seats, Larger DVD, etc.
---------------
BTW, Host: Is it possible to have a link to this thread from the Vans Board? Thanx.
And about the 9" DVD - while it's nice, there are the small children watching the movie, little do they know how big it is - and actually it's not bigger - just wider. So wide-screen format DVD's will be a bit larger, while regular standard size will be the same size as the 7".
That said, I do agree that voice activated feature is more important, as is a 6-Disk CD changer with the NAV.
Didn't you mention that Lexus is working on a minivan? - Let's hope all your dreams come true... (Do you have $55,000 to spent for a 10" NAV? - and chrome + real wood:^)
Since this will probably be my last minivan before I swtich to a crossover, (then again, who knows), I guess there isn't a lexus minivan in the future for me.
I'll also be honest with you in this regard:
Despite the fact that at least 7/10 of the siennas I see are XLE limiteds, would there be a large market for a lexus minivan? I know that I will probably not be purchasing a minivan once the kids are gone.
Ken
I hope you enjoy your new van and be sure to post your expereinces picking it up and owning it here if you get a chance!
Ken
Toyota needs to get with the program if they want continued sales success for this minivan.
~alpha
For my next minivan purchase (2-3 years) I was debating between the Entourage, Odyssey, Sienna, Grand Caravan and possibly the Ford Freestyle crossover...