I'm back on this forum after a long hiatus since 2011 (I think) when I bought my 2011 Sienna SE, which is now replaced by a 2023 25th anniversary XSE. After reading here about the wait time for a Sienna van, I am unsure if I am lucky or not . My 2011 Sienna SE got in an accident 3 weeks ago and the other car was at fault so her insurance company will be paying for the damage. Insurance offer is total loss settlement amount of $15,300 or I can keep it and have it repaired myself for $8,900. Although I really wanted to keep my 2011 due its sentimental value (it is almost the same age as my eldest among 4 kids I have) and I had no plans of buying a new vehicle that fits my family until its engine stops running, I have to let it go and move on.
So starting last Saturday through Sunday, using Autotrader filters for XSE and any distance from my ZIP, I emailed around 50 dealerships from the search result with the following message:
"I have reached out to multiple dealerships and with these shortages, it is simpler for everyone involved to be up front about availability and timeline. My specific requirements are brand new XSE, AWD preferred, color is either silver, gray, black or cement. I do not need financing and will pay delivery charges and purchase from whoever will have a unit available the soonest. Please let me know if you have any in stock, in transit or allocated."
Monday morning - received multiple email responses and numerous calls on my google number (which of course I did not answer and had everybody leave voicemail). I found out that dealerships in New Jersey, New York, Oregon and California are including "Market Adjustments" starting at 5k and up to 10k for CA. Only one dealership that has a van on their lot (XSE 25th Anniversary FWD in silver) due to a customer who reserved and backed out after it got delivered was selling it at MSRP. With this in mind, I only asked the salesperson once if the MSRP can be discounted and did not bother to haggle anymore after she said no. I am happy getting my Sienna at MSRP except for the outrageous Dealer Installed Packages & Accessories of $1,499 that include window tint, door edge guards, door cups, nitrogen tires and all weather mats, which by the way have not been installed on the van.
Vehicle Base Price (MSRP): $47,420
Factory Installed Packages & Accessories: $1,490 (entertainment package, spare tire)
Distributor Installed Packages & Accessories: $1,121 (cross bars and roof rail, connectivty kit, cargo net, cargo organizer, integrated dashcam)
Dealer Installed Packages & Accessories: $1,499
Delivery processing and handling: $1,495
Total Price: $53,025
My van has the 1500W inverter but is not included in the price. A $90 dealers Inventory tax was also added. The dealership is 165 miles from my home and I told them I will make a deposit and pick up the van this Saturday but dealership insisted in delivering the van yesterday (with only $1k deposit from me) so it can be included in their end of month sales. I asked if they can keep it in their lot until Saturday for me to pickup once I pay the remaining balance in person but they said it has to be moved out of their lot. So now I have my fender bender 2011 SE (which will be picked up by the insurance company soon) and new 25th anniversary XSE on my driveway. Still have not fully paid my XSE but was given until tomorrow to wire the remaining balance.