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Toyota Sienna 2004+
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the dynamic laser speed control, its official name, consists of two functionalities. one is constant speed control, as you adapted through the years. the other is maintaining the vehicle to vehicle distance, that's where the laser comes in. the laser works with the rear reflectors of the vehicle ahead of you. if that vehicle has a dirty rear end, it might not work. if the reflectors were missing or placed too high, it might not work either. other conditions might affect its operation are dirty laser lens or raining weather. these are all described in the manual.
it's not perfect, like everything else. taking all into consideration, i think it has done a marvelous job. i love it. so as many other limited owners. perhaps you could do many more test drives using laser cruise exclusively. who knows, more experience might change your mind, ......or not.
Not really. I had already driven the CE, LE, and XLE with leather. I rented the LE for a day through Rent a Toyota. I'm also from a Honda/Toyota family so the down time learning the basic of the vehicle was minimal. The first with laser cruise in a Limited FWD was with the sales guy giving me pretty detailed instructions on its use before and during the drive. I just followed his directions and in light traffic it did work. It did keep a constant distance between me and the car in front of me. It is easier than using the stalk to molulate your speed and then reseting the curise control. Its when cars/trucks are shifting lanes that it does not work so well. Or, better said, as well as I wanted. It also seemed to have a problem with larger vehicles passing from the left but that only happend once or twice. The second time was with a friend who has a Limited AWD again getting instructions on the fly. That was at lower speeds (45mph, still set for constant distance) but when the car in front of you goes around a bend weird things happen. Sometimes it would brake and sometimes it would to nothing until half way through the bend. Since then I have learned that they are pretty sensitive to dirty sensors, some reflections, among other things and not an smart/dumb issue. I realize its a first generation system in a "non-luxury" vehicle but its just not as impressive as I had hoped. Its the only option on the Limited I did not like. Its truly an extra anyway since you can still use regular cruise if you dont like it amd its certainly not the sole reason I did not get the Limited. There were other options that I did not want like the moon roof (just dont like them) if I could avoid them. My spending was also capped at $35k when I heard that I a baby on the way!!! Since I wanted AWD the Limited version popped out of my range.
Also what are the pros/cons of adding the option for a Drop Hitch receiver w/dual port system versus the purchase of the hitch from a parts house and having it installed after the purchase of my Sienna?
Otherwise, it works very well IMO. It does brake sometimes when I would have just lifted off the gas to slow down, but it generally does a good job, and avoids the annoyance of having to continually reset the cruise as traffic speeds up and slows down. I almost never have problems with "irrelevant" cars slowing me down.
I debated the logic of getting the factory navigation vs. getting an aftermarket unit what was cheaper, probably more upgradeable and portable, and decided to get the factory unit. The integration factor is really nice both from a functional as well as appearance standpoint, and the backup camera is very useful, contrary to my initial expectations.
I have played around with Garmin navigation system, and it still has some ways to go before being comparable with the factory unit. Plus all your radio functions are controlled with nice graphics via touch screen. It's a gadget freak's dream come true.
Stephen
I just returned from a conference on traffic and child passenger safety issues, one with many senior NHTSA and IIHS employees present. The current consensus from vehicle manufacturers is that current side impact airbags do not pose a risk to properly restrained passengers, children or adults. In fact, they may even provide a safety benefit to children properly restrained in a CRS. While some early side airbags for the torso may have been more aggressive, current designs from almost all major manufacturers in the USA do conform to a broad set of guidelines that includes testing with out of position occupants. This also includes children in some pretty extreme seating positions (face on window, laying on pillar with airbag, etc). Based on presentations given at the conference, there are still no reports of any fatalities or serious injuries to children from side impact airbags, including even the earliest designs. There have been some reports of minor injuries (scratches, bruises, etc.), though one might wonder what injuries would have resulted had there been no side airbag present.
Unless the vehicle or child restraint owner's manual specifically warns against placing a child in a position with a side impact airbag, it should be OK. It's quite possible it will not only pose no danger, but may also provide additional protection for properly restrained children.
It was also interesting to note some statistics given by a recent study from Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. It indicated that minivans had by far the lowest incidence of fatalities to children from side impacts, much lower even than SUVs. Since SUVs ride higher, one theory was the advantage of that extra gap between the door and the captain's chairs in many minivans.
Our next vehicle will definitely have side curtain airbags for all rows of seating.
Side torso airbag does not concern you as they are available only in the front seats. Side guard curtain has been proven the save life and there has been no reported injuries caused by it. I will never buy another car without side guard curtain.
To be honest, I am skeptical about calling for information, especially on more technical enquiries. It's like talking to reps or technical support; it depends on your luck as to how knowledgeable the person talking to you is. They may have confused about different side airbag themselves. Remember that those people answering your calls are not NHTSA engineers, so they may have read from a generic response on enquiries on side airbag, and may not distinguish between side torso airbag and side guard head protection curtain airbag.
What the responder said is true of seat side torso bags but is not true of the side curtain airbags. Although side curtain airbags are new to Toyota, VW has offered them as standard on all 2002 and newer cars. So far I have not heard of any issues or increased deaths attributed to them.
The recent side impact tests performed by IIHS show a strong positive for survivability with side impact bags that protect the head. The Ford Escape was unacceptable without side impact bags, when tested with the side impact bags that also gave head protection they did well. Also look at what happened on the Jeep and the Honda Element to the rear passengers. Had they been protected by side curtain bags they would have done alot better.
This testing can be found here:
http://www.iihs.org/news_releases/2003/pr061703.htm
Stats and availability here:
http://www.iihs.org/vehicle_ratings/ratings.htm#sideairbags_04
An article about effectiveness here:
http://www.iihs.org/news_releases/2003/pr082603.htm
I have a Sienna with side curtain airbags and have no qualms whatsoever about having my children in it. The configuration of the seating in the Sienna ensures my children's heads are no where near the window zone the bags deploy into.
I was told by the dealer to make sure the kids don't store things on the "clothing hanger hooks" that go over the doors (or maybe I read that in the owners manual - can't remember). Objects on those hooks can fly if the airbags deploy. I feel that my kids are safer with the airbags. In my opinion, its like wearing a seat belt. Overall you're safer. My guess is that in the future, all cars will have side airbags.
Anyway, just my opinion.
Love my Sienna! I've had it for almost a year.
Bev
Even so, I would encourage you to send your own comments to your regional office. Sometimes, input from consumers may get more attention that that from advocates. Contact information may be found here:
http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/nhtsa/whatis/regions/Region07/Index.html
I have some links to information on the NHTSA website here, including their most recent policy update on the topic that I referenced earlier:
http://www.car-safety.org/faq.html#Q61
"13. Can side airbags cause inflation injuries? Like frontal airbags, side airbags introduce energy into a crash and can cause injury. However, side airbags are typically smaller and involve less deployment energy than frontal airbags. To date there has been only one serious injury reportedly due to side airbag inflation. This involved an elderly male driver who suffered multiple rib fractures. His vehicle was equipped with door-mounted side airbags designed to protect the chest only.
Although the risk of injury from a side airbag is extremely low, to further reduce any potential dangers to children one need only ensure a child is properly restrained in the back seat. Children should not lean against the door area where the airbag is stored because the initial deployment force may be harmful. It is important for parents to understand that with or without an airbag, children leaning against a side door or lying down on a seat with their heads near the door are at high risk of injury in the event of a side impact.
Concerns about potential injuries, particularly to small children who might lie down in the seat or assume other positions against a deploying side airbag, led to the formation of the Side Airbag Out-of-Position Injury Technical Working Group. The TWG, chaired by the Institute and made up of injury experts from vehicle manufacturers, airbag suppliers, and universities, has a test protocol to assure that the inflation injury risk from deploying side airbags remains low. All vehicle manufacturers have committed to follow this protocol when designing new side airbag systems, and several already have systems in cars that meet the protocol. Check with vehicle manufacturers about whether the side airbags in your car have been designed according to these voluntary guidelines."
And the long paper about the industry guidelines that were established for testing compatibility with improperly restrained or unrestrained children:
http://www.hwysafety.org/vehicle_ratings/twg_final_procedures.pdf
Regarding NHTSA’s bad info. I can tell you that I was very clear that these were side curtain airbags. But I think you’re right that these people don’t know the difference between this type of airbag and the more risky torso kind. There is a video of a crash dummy child being “injured” by the torso type of airbag on their website. When I questioned their response, they just spoke over me insisting that they were unsafe and wouldn’t let me continue. I hope someone will correct them on this. No wonder NHTSA isn’t mandating side airbags in all vehicles. Their own people don’t even seem to think they are beneficial
I bought a Camry LE a bit over a year ago and was able to get the side airbag option. Weasle, do they offer the side airbags on the Camry LE trim up there?
Two weeks ago, on April 1st, actually, I managed to loose control avoiding a car coming out of a grocery store parking lot and ended up in the ditch on my side. It was a gentle roll over and if I did have side airbags on that van, I think they wouldn't have deployed. I'm fine and the van is now fixed $$ later. When it is time for a van I won't buy anything without the side airbags.
Later.
I guess the trade off that I have to make is whether I want the Toyota which I like better and at this point has better reliability (at least based upon manufacturer history) or go with the van with the side airbags and curtains. What makes it all harder of course is the fact that the Sienna still gets top marks for safety but there's always that one in a million (or smaller) chance that the air curtain will make a difference in a crash. It's like playing russian roulette with a 1000 chamber revolver, the chances of getting the bullet are much smaller but the consequences if you do are extreme.
Has anyone had any experience with this? I'm a little leery of making this move.
Thanks.
The dealer or factory installed DVDs are limited on size and options but are covered under the vehicles warranty. The fit and trim will be the closest possible match most of the time. Not a bad choice.
The aftermarket or specialty shop installed DVDs offer more options like screen size, built in TV tuners and even portablilty. Many have warranties but I not sure if they'll be covered for 3+ years.
The price of the dealer installed option is more expensive for less size and quality. This plus the portablilty reason was what made me decide to go with a 7" Cyberhome. We use a simple bag with two straps mounted to the front seat headrest and it works very well. We've been able to use it in office visits and a short stay at the hospital when our second was born. It doesn't play directly into the cars speaker system but with a FM modulator it would work fine.
Decide on what size screen and how much you're willing to pay. It doesn't hurt to check options.
I am curious if the factory- or dealer-installed dvd units allow for kids to play video games. Also has anyone had a problem with those units blocking the view through the rear-view mirror? I'd like to get a bigger screen, but even the smaller one I saw at the dealer seemed to block the rear view.
The portable units seems like a great idea, but I am concerned about what might happen in an accident and that heavy unit is heavier with any sort of impact. You know, flying around in the cabin, etc.
You get two wireless head phones with the factory TV/DVD. My van came with the bug shield on the hood, auto dimming rear-view mirror, alloy wheels, and an extra set of head phones(total of 4). I was going to ask the dealership to throw these items in when we came to sign the paperwork. But to my surprise without ever breathing a word to the dealership, the van had all these items already, and the dealership did not charge more than we had originally discussed, even though these items were not part of the original order.
Yes your kids will be able to play video games through the A/V input jack included with factory DVD. In fact you can hook up a VCR and tune in to TV channels if you want.
Factory DVD is also better integrated with the surround sound system. It sounds far better than if you pipe it in via RF module. In addition, rear passenger can listen to AM/FM/CD/casette from the front head unit through the wireless headphone, independent of what the speakers are playing.
And if you have a navigation unit, the DVD is also viewable in the front while vehicle is stopped.
Wireless headsets are on a frequency used by many manufacturers. I've hear people bought some from radioshack and they work fine with factory DVD.
Stephen
Steve, Host
The integrated sounds will sound better than a RF modulator but we're not talking about home theater here. It was my understanding that these wireless head phones were mostly FM mod'd anyway.
All of this is opinion based so read these post and do some research to form your opinions. With an unrestricted budget we'd all probably treat this as we would our home theaters.
Cheers.
Has anyone else had the same problem I've having. The AWD models don't have a spare, instead, we have run-flats. Well, that's fine, but they're approx $200 each to replace, not always immediately available (even at the dealers) and to be honest, I'd feel MUCH more comfortable having a spare around for long trips, even if if takes up some cargo area. The problem I'm having is that I can't seem to even be able buy a spare unless I buy a new alluminum alloy rim for $300.
The parts dept I'm working with tells me that there is no cheaper rim that is made that will fit the van. Could this really be true?
Now, I'd be willing to buy a rim from salvage, but there don't seem to be any of the sienna rims in jumkyards (at least not yet - guess the sienna vans really are that safe --smile--).
Any suggestions?
Thanks
Zal
Good luck.
the question then becomes - where will you mount it ?
Unless the AWD has a different bolt pattern than the others, there isn't any reason you can't get the 16" steel from the dealer, like what comes on the CE's.
Conner would be a good person to ask over in Tires, tires, tires.
I'd want it secured in the cabin somehow; a spare would make a nasty projectile in a wreck or panic stop.
Steve, Host
So why muck up the interior of our van with a spare that we'd probably never use, and would always be in the way of using that wonderful 60/40 magic rear seat?
I got hits for delivery checklists for Dodge Dakotas, Siennas, Odysseys, Volvos and others. I suspect you will find what you seek.
Another question is, if I eventually go to regular tires and not the run flats, can I use the same rims, or do I have to buy 4/5 new rims?
http://www.sisweb.com/referenc/applnote/app-36-a.htm
I would just buy the temporary spare from Toyota. It will take up less space in the van, and won't be as heavy as a conventional spare.
weeds -- keep in mind, with the AWD you do NOT want to be driving with 3 rims one size, and 1 the other.
I went to the Tire Rack and the rims listed for the XLE FWD and the XLE AWD are identical with the same bolt pattern 5:114.
It seems ironic to me that with car dealers always trying to sell you something you don't want, that the dealers don't have temporary spares. I would think there are many drivers who are uncomfortable driving the run flats with no spare would be interested in purchasing one if they were available.
when I say temporary spare, I mean the 'donut' type tire.
These rims are MUCH smaller than the standard wheel/tire - which is why they call them 'spacesaver'...
with the AWD it's particularly important to ensure all the tires & rim are evenly balanced.
They must all be of the same overal diameter.
Imagine this - your driver rear is a full size 17" standard wheel & tire (oh, and by the way, it makes NO difference if these are run flats or regulare tires...) and your passenger rear is the 14" space saver spare..
what do you think your AWD system is thinking ?
'Man, what the heck is this - something is SERIOUSLY dragging me down in the back here'..-- Your drivetrain will not think it's so funny when you drive an extended period of time.
the space saver spare is meant to be used in an emergency situation only, where your very first drive after it is mounted, is to a tire shop for repair/replacement.
I understand where you are going with this -- and it wouldn't be practical to mount a full size 17" steel rim (with regular brand 17" matching tire) in the back of the vehicle..
alternative ? a Space saver rigged up somewhere else in the back..
alternative to that ? no spare.
the run flats will do their job should you get a small nail or some other type of object that would normally cause a slow leak (which is why it's important to always check your PSI and visually scan the skins - think about it, how will you know you have a foreign object in your tire, if the RUNFLAT doesn't let it go flat ??)
BUT, that curb your going to jump accidentally, care not about what kind of tire you have.. Hit it hard enough, it's going to blow.
I think your kind of stuck. you replace all 4 runflats with regular tires, your out of pocket replacement costs are cheaper... but you'll have no spare.
Keep the run flats and hope you just can get by on flat protection - and keep a keen eye on your shoes.
It's a gamble.. I think the safe bet is on the house (you) since the chances are far greater that you will not NOT have a flat or blowout..
it's like an insurance plan for your insurance plan.
Me ? I would leave all as is, forget the spare (you wouldn't want to waste the space in the back anyway) - and enjoy ..
Curious to know if the extended warranty (or factory warranty no less) has a special provision for the XLE AWD.. it doesn't come WITH a spare, so if your driving down the highway and have a blowout, you have to rely on AAA.. and AAA's only choice will be to tow you.. For those that don't have AAA, does Toyota pick up this coverage ?? something that would be good to know.