Honda Odyssey vs. Toyota Sienna

Replying to: ateixeira (Nov 09, 2009 7:36 am)

thegraduate speaks way too rationally for my taste. I like to hear from folks who are absolutely, positively right on the correct choice for everyone all of the time.

Replies to this message:
• thegraduate (Nov 09, 2009 12:16 pm)
  • ateixeira (Nov 09, 2009 1:03 pm)

Replying to: jayrider (Nov 09, 2009 11:50 am)

Rational, politically correct, objective... bet you'd never guess that my degree was broadcast journalism with a public relations background.
 
Well, you might while others wouldn't. I'd hate to sound biased about you...
 
 

Replies to this message:
• ateixeira (Nov 09, 2009 1:03 pm)

Replying to: thegraduate (Nov 09, 2009 12:16 pm)

There was one guy who claimed he was shopping for a vehicle to give to his ex-wife after a divorce settlement (the court required him to give her a new car, supposedly).
 
Someone recommended the Pontiac Aztek and that's what he said he got for her.

Replying to: ateixeira (Nov 08, 2009 6:34 pm)

So with the help of everyone on here and lots of research, I made my decision and put my deposit down today! First off let me say thanks to everyone for their insights and their tips. It was sooooo helpful, I really appreciate taking the time to help me out. In case any one is wondering, here is how it happened:
 
So...1st stop Saturday went to the Honda dealer - met a friend of a friend who is a sales person there. The man was a class act gentleman, objective, and knew his Odyssey, not to mention his competition - the Sienna. Peoples' reviews on here were spot on - the Honda looked so much better (IMO), had maybe an extra bell or whistle (Sienna LE EVP#2 vs Odyssey EX), such as dual climate control, floor mats included, a thing or two I'm maybe missing. Having said that, after sitting in the back seat while my wife drove, and then driving it myself, I was not saying to myself this van is better than the Sienna, let alone worth an extra $1500-$2000 (forget about the Toyota financing incentive). Sat down with the guy in his office - was going to give me the EX for $27500 - even a couple hundred less (which he said was less than invoice), but told us if we were planning on financing our new vehicle, we should just get a Sienna (what an honest salesperson - A+ in my book). I thought that was a pretty good price though.
 
Next stop - Toyota dealer. We already test drove the Sienna. Despite the fact that I think the look of the Honda is superior, the Sienna just drives nicer. Interior is similar. I also like the overhead controls (temp, compass) on the LE EVP#2. Sat down with the dealer, tried to get us to sign there but we said we needed to crunch the numbers at home. On the way home, we agreed that we had to go with a Toyota, not much choice with incentive vs. no incentive - it would come to $4,500-$5,000 (including interest) for very similar vehicles. I think the only way we were going with Honda was if Honda had an incentive and Toyota didn't. I like the Honda, and I think both have pros/cons and people could make arguments for both, but I think they are worth similar amounts IMO - at least the models I compared.
 
Long story short, got 9 different quotes online for the Sienna within 100 miles of me, found a dealer 15 miles away. Went in today, went back and forth on my trade in value and struck a deal.
 
Also, for you people wondering, multiple dealers told me the 1.9% ends on Nov 16th. Then a new incentive kicks in. But the Toyota website says it goes til Nov. 30th - contradictory. A couple dealers said they have no clue what's going to happen after the 16h and they are assuming the 1.9 could go away, which made me worried. The guy I bought from (seemed more honest, less pushy) said he talked to his Toyota rep after talking to me, and that the 1.9 % is going to go until the 30th. The only thing that could happen is on the 17th, it might get better depending on what Toyota decides. He said they might give $X or 1.9%, or maybe they even drop it to 0.9%. But he was confident that it wasn't going to disappear. I worked out a deal with him if that happens (another reason I bought from him)..but that's just from my source, so take it as you will.
 
Anyway, thanks again everyone for the opinions - it's great to hear from both sides and become more educated consumers. Best regards....
 
BTW ateixeira - despite your strong recommendations, we just went with the 7 passenger (FWD too). But because you and another poster, I will say we gave it a strong look. Thanks again!

Replies to this message:
• bobber1 (Nov 10, 2009 9:11 pm)
  • jsseinfeld (Nov 11, 2009 5:46 am)
    • thegraduate (Nov 11, 2009 6:16 am)
    • bobber1 (Nov 11, 2009 5:08 pm) and 7 more...
• jayrider (Nov 11, 2009 5:27 am)
• ateixeira (Nov 11, 2009 9:24 am)
  • dgro (Nov 11, 2009 10:18 am)
    • ateixeira (Nov 11, 2009 10:44 am)

Replying to: jsseinfeld (Nov 10, 2009 5:38 pm)

Replies to this message:
• jsseinfeld (Nov 11, 2009 5:46 am)
  • thegraduate (Nov 11, 2009 6:16 am)
  • bobber1 (Nov 11, 2009 5:08 pm)
    • jayrider (Nov 12, 2009 8:58 am) and 6 more...

Replying to: deltheking (Nov 08, 2009 9:16 pm)

Replies to this message:
• ateixeira (Nov 11, 2009 9:31 am)

Replying to: jsseinfeld (Nov 10, 2009 5:38 pm)

Replying to: bobber1 (Nov 10, 2009 9:11 pm)

Replies to this message:
• thegraduate (Nov 11, 2009 6:16 am)
• bobber1 (Nov 11, 2009 5:08 pm)
  • jayrider (Nov 12, 2009 8:58 am)
    • thegraduate (Nov 12, 2009 10:05 am) and 5 more...

Replying to: jsseinfeld (Nov 11, 2009 5:46 am)

Congrats on the purchase. Being an educated shopper can make finally striking a deal an exciting and satisfying thing, but if Toyota comes back and has $xxx more dollars for incentives, etc, don't sweat it. You got the van you wanted at a price you were comfortable with.