ALMOST perfect
Written: Dec 31 '05
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Pros: Luxurious, relaxing ride for a minivan.
Cons: Battery saving feature stated in manual does not apply to side doors and tailgate.
The Bottom Line: I highly recommend the 2005 model where the battery saving feature supposedly affects all doors, not just the front.
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| rugrad9093's Full Review: 2004 Toyota Sienna AWD |
I did months of research on every single minivan and finally settled on the 2004 Toyota Sienna XLE. Growing up with family members owning Toyotas/Lexus most of my adult life, I am accustomed to Toyota's reputation for attention to detail, quality control and reliability.
For the first several months, I was extremely delighted with my purchase until my daughter left the side door open one evening only to find a dead battery the following morning. Although the manual clearly states in three different places that the battery saving feature turns off interior lights when doors are left opened after 30 minutes, I tested and re-tested the feature which does pertain to the side doors and tailgate, only the front doors. I brought this to the attention of two separate local dealerships that had no idea of the anomaly. I even reported the matter to Toyota's corporate office in California. At first, Toyota informed me that my complaint was the first they have ever heard. I later discovered that to be a false statement because others have complained to Toyota about the matter as well. Toyota's final answer to me was that it was a misprint in the manual and that the company was not going to correct the problem with my vehicle. Instead, Toyota was going to revise their manual. When I discussed the problem with the dealership over the phone, I was told that the battery saving feature affects all doors. However, when I demonstrated the problem in person, the explanation I received from the dealership was that Toyota's corporate office said the battery saving feature only affects the front doors.
I should note that the previous generation of Siennas has the battery saving feature on all doors and I have been told that the later models do as well. I guess Toyota has revised their manuals because I know of at least one occasion where someone's manual had the three aforementioned instances detailing the batter saving feature covered by a white piece of paper.
In conclusion, although the gross negligence on the part of Toyota and the conflicting stories I have received from them does not make me regret purchasing the vehicle, my long held impression of the company has dropped down a few notches.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 32,500.00
Condition: New
Model Year: 2004
Model and Options: XLE
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Epinions.com ID:
rugrad9093
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Reviews written: 3
Trusted by: 0 members
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