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Good Deal, or Run the Other Way?

5 messages,  Last post on Sep 28, 2011 at 8:49 AM

You are in the Toyota Sienna Forum.

What is this discussion about? Toyota Sienna, Car Values, Van

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#1 of 5 Good Deal, or Run the Other Way? by jlinko

Sep 21, 2011 (7:50 pm)

I'm going tomorrow to look at a 2005 XLE w/ 95k. Dealer's asking $12,300 when others in my area are around $15000. Service records seem up to date, and from the pics it looks good, I'm just trying to figure out why they would be that far below market....I am/was a Honda driver, but the Odysseys in my price range have all turned out to be clunkers (at least the ones I've looked at in person). The timing belt, etc have all been done at 89k. Is there anything else I should look out for?

#2 of 5 Re: Good Deal, or Run the Other Way? [jlinko] by fibber2

Sep 22, 2011 (9:36 am)

Replying to: jlinko (Sep 21, 2011 7:50 pm)
I would suggest that you go back to the main page and read thru the topic "Buying a Used Sienna" and a few specific topics about front door welds, sliding door track/motor issues, etc. The 2005's still had some of the unresolved 2004 introductory issues but seems to be overall much better than the first year of the 2004-2010 series.
 
I've been reading on Automotive News and other sources about the skyrocketing used car prices due to the trade-in / lease cycle shortage. Amazing, considering that I bought a Certified Pre-Owned 2008 LE with 20k miles last winter for $18.9k. Granted, the XLE sold for more new, but this is just crazy....

#3 of 5 Re: Good Deal, or Run the Other Way? [jlinko] by ateixeira

Sep 22, 2011 (9:51 am)

Replying to: jlinko (Sep 21, 2011 7:50 pm)
3MZ engine is good, as is that 5EAT, arguably better than Toyota's 6 speed. Should be mechanically sound.
 
Agree that you should be checking the doors carefully, especially power door operation. Did it have a power tail gate back then? Not sure, but if so check that.

#4 of 5 Re: Good Deal, or Run the Other Way? [fibber2] by jlinko

Sep 27, 2011 (6:46 pm)

Replying to: fibber2 (Sep 22, 2011 9:36 am)
Well, I purchased said XLE, and wow do I love this van! Everything has checked out including doors. As I was talking to my salesman as he was putting the plates on, turns out that whoever put their listing on autotrader.com flubbed the price (the reason it was so far below market). It was supposed to be listed at $15300, not $12300. They even asked me where I had seen the ad because their books showed $15300, so I pulled it up on my Blackberry I'm not going to complain, though!

#5 of 5 Re: Good Deal, or Run the Other Way? [jlinko] by ateixeira

Sep 28, 2011 (8:49 am)

Replying to: jlinko (Sep 27, 2011 6:46 pm)
Take the van and RUN.
 
Or drive off quickly, anyway.
 
Some of the dealer employees here on the boards have said mistakes like this are common and people who walk away from such deals experience HUGE regret.

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