[Mr. Toyota]

Yes, I will be picking up our Sky Blue Pearl TCH today from Hamer Toyota! :clap:
Any advice on what to look for or things to be aware of before leaving the dealership with it?
With our Sienna, I went over a list I had printed up and found a couple of things to check. Thanks!

 

[acco20]

Just a suggestion.... before you sign any papers, take the car out for a test drive. Do some highway as well as some average in town driving. Espicially look for any shimmy at higher speeds, and any squeeks or rattles. I have done this with every new car I have picked up, and have always signed the paperwork with a peace of mind that at least the basics were in order. Don't forget the "walkaround",very important. By the way,,,if you should find a problem, especially high speed vibration, have it fixed BEFORE signing and be sure to test drive again. JMHO.

 

[presidentlogan]

Congrats

I bought an 08 a few months ago, and aside from the fact that I drive like an old lady now, I love the car.

When you you're inspecting the car, I would look out for chips to the paint. I found a couple when I bought mine and they fixed it immediately.

I found a couple more and will get it fixed.

The other thing is that when you read forums on fuel economy, you'll likely read that the battery needs to be conditioned. For the first couple months I drove the vehicle, not many of my drips were more than 50 KMS (30 miles) and while I noticed a bit of improvement, it wasn't that significant.

Then I took a relatively longer haul drive from Vancouver Canada to Portland (About 800 KMS i think) and the battery now kicks in earlier and I'm getting another 100 KMS per tank.

Hope that helps.

J

 

[Mr. Toyota]

Thanks for the feedback. Picked up the car, took it for a test drive, did a thorough walk-around etc. and took it home!
Have to say it was an excellent dealer experience :thumbup::thumbup:
My driving style has already begun to be transformed (really have no choice) but I still have a ways to go I'm afraid.
Compared to what I'm used to, this car is completely gutless...but as I've said before, I knew that and am willing to accept the trade-off.
Already picked up some 17" Lexus ES350 chrome wheels that I think will look awesome on this car. Pics coming as the mods proceed! :lol:

 

[geoff5093]

Just wondering why you went with the 2008 versus the 2009? Did they offer you a rebate between the two?

IMO I would go with the newer model unless there is a pretty significant rebate or price difference, because if you want to sell it a few years later then having a newer model year will help.

 

[Mr. Toyota]

Just wondering why you went with the 2008 versus the 2009? Did they offer you a rebate between the two?

IMO I would go with the newer model unless there is a pretty significant rebate or price difference, because if you want to sell it a few years later then having a newer model year will help.

Yes, I got a $500 rebate on the '08 (more in some areas) and since it was available at a local dealership, got a great price on it, excellent sales staff and no difference in '08 vs '09 I just went ahead.
Another dealer offered to have an '09 built like mine, but I didn't want to wait. Of course, a day after I bought mine I found one on her dealer website!
Oh well, I don't really care although your point is well taken...

 

[southernflounder]

Just wondering why you went with the 2008 versus the 2009? Did they offer you a rebate between the two?

IMO I would go with the newer model unless there is a pretty significant rebate or price difference, because if you want to sell it a few years later then having a newer model year will help.

How much would you consider "significant"?

 

[rocketace]

Thanks for the feedback. Picked up the car, took it for a test drive, did a thorough walk-around etc. and took it home!
Have to say it was an excellent dealer experience :thumbup::thumbup:
My driving style has already begun to be transformed (really have no choice) but I still have a ways to go I'm afraid.
Compared to what I'm used to, this car is completely gutless...but as I've said before, I knew that and am willing to accept the trade-off.
Already picked up some 17" Lexus ES350 chrome wheels that I think will look awesome on this car. Pics coming as the mods proceed! :lol:

Congrats on the new TCH. You'll love it as long as you remember not to compare it to your GS or other performance car. And more importantly, it'll change your driving style.... and let the mods begin

 

[Mr. Toyota]

Congrats on the new TCH. You'll love it as long as you remember not to compare it to your GS or other performance car. And more importantly, it'll change your driving style.... and let the mods begin

As noted, driving "style" already changing...suddenly amazed at how fast and aggressively other people seem to be driving. :lol: And Yes, the mods have already begun...ordered the spoiler and color matched mud guards from trdparts.com and the 17" Lexus wheels go on Tues. or Wed.
Getting the windows tinted and the clear bra installed ASAP too...
On a positive note, after a 170 mile round trip (mostly freeway) and 210 miles total now, I have averaged 34.5 mpg. Still refining my technique of course, and I expect that to rise to upper 30s or (hopefully) 40!

 

[Tideland Prius]

Congratulations!!! Here's to your first 40mpg!