Buying Guide to a New Toyota Sienna
People buy minivans for large families, and that usually means children. The Toyota Sienna is a very popular minivan noted for its reliability and safety, words that anyone with a family would want to hear. If you’re looking for a roomy minivan that won’t be in the shop much and rides well, the Toyota Sienna is a great choice.
Toyota Sienna Features
The Toyota Sienna minivan comes with a 3.3L V6 Engine 215 horsepower engine and 5 speed automatic transmission, but unlike many minivans the Sienna also has an All Wheel Drive (AWD) model. It has 4 doors and comes in nine trims- the base model is the CE, but from there things move up (LE, XLE, and XLE Limited). Here are some other things of note.
The Sienna can seat up to 8 passengers (all fit 7-8).
LE, XLE, and XLE Limited Editions are available with Front Wheel (FW) or AWD.
In addition, the Toyota Sienna does well in terms of gas mileage. Front wheel drive versions gets 19 miles per gallon in the city and 26 miles per gallon on the highway (19/26). All Wheel Drive versions get 17/23.
The Toyota Sienna really works for those who like to travel and need space. Beyond the spacious seating, there is even a deceptively deep storage area behind the seats. In addition, the second row of seats is removable, which can allow for more luggage or even pets. Take a seat out and place a hound in!
There are also plenty of other things of note/ options in the Sienna that you’ll be able to peruse by navigating to a website later (see under Second in the Shopping Tips/ Buying Advice Section).
Shopping Tips/ Buying Advice
First- Before you buy any car, consult the most recent Consumer Reports Buying Guide (www.ConsumerReports.org). Consumer Reports tests products and gives the facts to consumers looking to purchase them. They’re best known for their automobile buying guides. So why Consumer Reports when there are hosts of other free magazines on the web? Here’s why- they’re a not for profit, independent outfit that doesn’t accept advertising in order to help maintain their impartial viewpoint. In other words, they’re not saying a car is reliable because they’re being paid by the automobile’s manufacturer. Most helpful are Consumer’s reliability ratings, which are based on statistics telling how often a car has been to the shop across the country for specific ailments. They also report crash test results. Though the 2006 Toyota Sienna is recommended by Consumer Reports- which is a good thing- all consumers should look into the specifics regarding the minivan they want before purchasing. Further, Consumer Reports is not free to the public. In other words, in order to get the magazine one must pay, but oftentimes your local library will have a copy for you to peruse. Just go the front desk and ask.
Second- Consult Yahoo’s Car Buying Guide. I recommend going here simply because they publish some things you’ll need to know when negotiating a price for your Sienna (such as invoice and package prices). Just copy and paste the following link to start- www.autos.yahoo.com/newcars/toyota_sienna_2006/4623/model_overview.html;_ylt=Ahts3e7qrqLfagrZE9FcuWbMG8gF.
As noted in the Toyota Sienna Features section, there are several different models of the Sienna available, and you can view detailed information about each one at Yahoo. In fact, you could spend an hour looking over all the information that Yahoo gives on the car (use this as a supplement to Consumer Reports). Next to each of these Sienna models at the website you’ll find an invoice price. The invoice price is the cost that the manufacturer charged the car dealer for the vehicle. While at the Yahoo website, try to determine what you want in your Sienna and then find the appropriate model for your needs. In addition, under the options sections (in the special packages part), is information about the price for each option package. Take the invoice price, add in the price of the package you want, and then keep that number.
Third- Decide if there are any musts besides the car model and options you decided on. For example, do you need a specific color in the interior or exterior? Every specific may make it harder for you to come to an agreement with a salesman. For example, if you need a green Toyota Sienna it may make negotiating price more difficult than if you’re indifferent to color.
Fourth- Contact at least two Toyota dealers, tell them what you want, and go for a test drive with one of them (unless you’ve already driven the vehicle- a friend’s, etc.). I’ve often felt that the test drive is overrated, but many do not agree. Right off the bat, tell both salesmen that you’re working with more than one dealer in order to get the best deal. Be honest about this. Tell the first dealer that you start talking price with that you’re going to be contacting another dealer afterward no matter what his quote is. Also, get quotes in writing. Sometimes you can negotiate most of your deal online, which lends to written quotes. Many dealers have email contacts and are happy to begin negotiations in this way. Therefore, it’s really about personal preference in terms of whether you want to do the majority of this online or in person.
More on negotiating price- Remember that the invoice price plus the option package price you found at Yahoo is the negotiating number you want to come closest to. Everything over this value is what the dealer is going to make on your purchase. Forget the MSRP. It’s the invoice plus packages you’re concerned with (then of course add in tax). Also note that AWD models of Siennas are more in demand; thus, negotiating a price can be trickier on these (though certainly not impossible if you’re patient).
Also, when getting quotes, ask that everything be included in them (taxes, registration, license, and any fees that the dealer may want to charge). I’ve worked with some dealers that give you a price and then when it’s time to sign the papers, they add in a bunch of bogus charges. By getting a true quote on everything, you eliminate this issue.
Last, don’t be afraid to use one dealer’s quotes against another’s. That’s the purpose of contacting multiple salesmen. Also, have patience. Oftentimes, consumers go to a car dealership, feel pressure from a salesman (or themselves), and make a purchase that they shouldn’t have. The cars and dealers will still be there after you leave no matter what anyone says. Don’t be afraid to walk away, and never make a snap decision with the first dealer you see (at least leave the dealership for a few moments to think things over).
Financing and Trade Ins- Don’t forget to ask dealers what the percentage rate will be on a loan. This, of course, should factor into your buying and pricing decision.
I also recommend that you finish negotiating a deal on a Sienna before discussing your trade in. It can get confusing when you’re talking about two things at once.
After you’ve gotten each dealer’s best price, their most competitive percentage rate, and a trade in value on your current automobile, put it all together and determine if the best deal you received is right for you. If not, ask for a better deal or contact another dealer.
In Sum
The Toyota Sienna is a reliable and roomy automobile that comes in front wheel and all wheel drive versions. It’s great if you travel with children and pets. Further, the Toyota Sienna is a minivan that is recommended by Consumer Reports, which should put your mind at ease when buying. All I can say is that we love our Toyota Sienna LE AWD Minivan. I hope you love your Sienna minivan too!
