Possible upgrade from 05 XLE to 12 XLE

[manoleg]

Howdy,

The Wife and I are looking to potentially "upgrade" our 05 XLE to a 12 XLE, rear-seat DVD, no NAV. With the passenger front seat being power (supposedly that wasn't on the 11 XLE?), it should match our 05 pretty close feature-wise, but with 75K less miles.

I've read threads here, especially about the complaints (NAV and defrost come to mind), but any comments from others that have upgraded from Gen2? It seems to me like the entertainment is better (DVD loads up front, simplified remote), there are more safety items, timing chain instead of a belt, etc.

Looking for pluses and minues, of course. TIA!

Rich

[manoleg]

OK, there's no replies, so I might as well answer myself after taking delivery of a black 12 XLE.

Cons

• Less storage compartments in the 3rd gen. Our 05 had compartments in the door's armrest and two in the center console. This has been replaced by a larger 2nd glove box (the top one), which is fine for the passenger, but not for the driver.
• The LATCH in the second-row seats is much more difficult to use, IMHO.
• The driver's armrest does not drop low enough. This is very important for ergonomics on us, erm, "vertically challenged". I sit at a computer for a living (for 20+ years), and the armrest positioning is not good for me.
• The "conversation" mirror is not adjustable.

Pros

• DVD loading from the front row!
• DVD menus from the radio controls!
• XM builtin
• Headlight array and driving light array disburses a lot more light.
• 2nd row seats slide far enough to prevent Mommy and Daddy from being kicked in the back (and having to threaten to pull the car over, like my Dad used to).
• DVD video can be resized for my daughter who has vision problems.
• 2nd glove box is larger.
• Backup camera / info display
• AC outlet is in reach of front row
• No issues with the heater warming up, like some have reported
• Many many more...

Obviously, the pros far outweigh the minor cons. And the dealer -- a Toyota President's Cabinet winner -- was the best one we've dealt with for any brand, which certainly helped.


Rich