What would you do? (RE: Toyota Sienna)

We went looking at 2006 Toyota Sienna's LE this weekend. Well, it's obvious that we can't afford a brand new one right now considering it's about $500 per month. Well, we were looking at Certified used one's that will be more around our price range, and I found one (out of state of course) but it's a 2005.

Well, my question is, the 2005 models only had side curtain airbags, side impact beams as an option, so of course any of the used one's I'm finding don't have it, but it comes standard in the 2006 models. We don't "have" to get one now so that's a plus, but do you think we should wait until this summer to see if we can get a good deal on a 2006 model when they start to clear them out for the 2007's? I've been thinking more about it, and the side curtain airbags and side impact beam are important to me considering I have Caiden and a baby on the way. My car now obviously doesn't have them, so it's not like most cars have it, but I would feel better knowing it's there. I don't know what to do. $500 per month is just waaaay too much money for us for a car so that's why I'm hoping they get better discounts this summer to make the payments less.

Tell me your opinions! Thanks!

Re: What would you do? (RE: Toyota Sienna)

Well I don't know how great of a deal you'll get when they go on clearence. If the payment is $400 a month is that affordable or were you hoping for $300? Honestly I think being financially stable is more important than having a newer car. You can get a more expensive car seat that has side impact protection for a one time payment instead of being stuck with years of payments you can't afford.

Re: What would you do? (RE: Toyota Sienna)

I was hoping that it wouldn't be more than $400 per month. I know for a Sienna it's worth the $500, but financially even $400 is pushing it. I've looked at the other caravans but they're safety ratings are horrible. I even thought about the Kia Sedona, though I don't really like it, but it got the highest safety ratings, but that one is the same price as the Sienna. I have a Pontiac Grand Prix GT and it's just not big enough for when the new baby comes which will be in September. I was thinking the same thing, but if I can get an '06 for $400 per month (the same as the used certified one), then why not wait. But if I can't then I passed up on a nice Sienna. I don't want to make the wrong decision, you know. I'll have to discuss it with my DH more. Thanks!

Message edited 5/8/2006 9:32:46 AM.

Re: What would you do? (RE: Toyota Sienna)

Do you know anyone who bought during clearance last year that might be able to tell you how much they went down on the price?
If the price of a Kia anda Toyota were the same I would definitely go with the Toyota. I want a Sienna as well but even with trading my car in we wouldn't have enough to pay off the Sienna and we like not having a car payment so I'm going to have to wait on the minivan.
Honestly after having new cars and finally realizing what a huge waste of money they are because they depreciate so much I would probably go with the affordable used, certified. The Britax Boulevard car seat has total side impact protection. That's what we're using because even though my car is on the newer side it doesn't have side airbags in the back, only the front.
Good luck with your decision.