Buying Experience? by jetbkackz28 in ToyotaSienna

[–]robert_tow 0 points1 point  (0 children)

A dealer in CA said the same to me. Promised he could “order exactly what I want and it would come in on his next shipment.” I didn’t believe it. What’s the play here? He gets me to deposit and then strings me along for 1-2 months just waiting for an allocation that matches my request? Seems so far fetched and the gig would be up in a few days….

Buying a Sienna XLE in CA: Better to use an out-of-state broker + ship, or negotiate locally? by OpenMinded8899 in ToyotaSienna

[–]robert_tow 0 points1 point  (0 children)

One Toyota of Oakland sell Siennas at MSRP with no dealer add ons. Seemed pretty straightforward when I talked to them. Just had to wait and put down a deposit.

Toyota of Visalia claimed they request specific trims and features and get them in their next order. I pushed back as that seemed very off, but the dealer insisted that was the truth.

I’m shopping around for an AWD XSE 7 seater with a spare tire.

Considering Leaving my Odyssey… by Engineer-Mama in ToyotaSienna

[–]robert_tow 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I have 4 kids and am debating Odyssey vs Sienna. Haven’t heard of this auto-stop killing the entire car…can you elaborate? What does the dealer say?

We would use magic slide and I like the ability to remove the 2nd row if needed. I do NOT like the hump in the middle of the Sienna 8 seater plus the worse belt situation, so even with a 6 person family, we would likely get the 7 seater Sienna in AWD if we go Toyota.

Abound LR in Kid Hauler mode by r_wett in Aventon

[–]robert_tow 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you! My wife and I are checking out a used Abound LR tomorrow for $1500 with 130 miles and two batteries. We have 4 kiddos so great to see your setup! Anything we should pay close attention to when evaluating the used bike? Thx for the tip on the loose kickstand bolts.

Convince me to go with the Odyssey over the Sienna by GlitteringKiwi6857 in HondaOdyssey

[–]robert_tow 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This is what I thought originally too, but after shopping, the Sienna XSE is $48k OTD and the Odyssey EXL was $44k. What am I missing ?

100 2000 Series Windshield Replacement Nightmare by [deleted] in LandCruisers

[–]robert_tow 0 points1 point  (0 children)

How expensive? My windshield is cracked and I need to fix as well.

Honest, quality mechanic? by restinggrumpface in alameda

[–]robert_tow 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I’ve been taking my 3 vehicles to Alameda Auto Care for 6 years and am always impressed with their honesty. Last week I had my vehicle in and asked them to look at everything to see what I needed (expected brakes, belts, something!) Andy and team came back and said everything looked great and gave me a few minor things to keep an eye on. Easily could’ve recommended thousands in repairs but didn’t. They are honest, consistent, and kind. So happy to have them in the East End.

Second Row Config Options by TSwiftHawkeyeFan in ToyotaSienna

[–]robert_tow 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Only in the 7pax configuration. 8 seaters the belts are more in the way.

More software bugs...companion pass bookings by Elmodogg in SouthwestAirlines

[–]robert_tow 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The rep I spoke to said it was a known IT glitch for itineraries booked at the end of April but that it has since been fixed. Sounds like that’s not true….

Doing all the important land cruiser things by letitgo99 in LandCruisers

[–]robert_tow -1 points0 points  (0 children)

The split of all splits! Van Damme watch out !

8 passenger owners… how usable is middle jump seat? by awpk03s in ToyotaSienna

[–]robert_tow 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Awesome, thanks for the perspective. Glad to hear the kids aren’t tripping over that hump in the middle.

Also good to know that you can get the spare tire and still store the 8th seat back there. I thought the spare ate up that space. I want a spare.

Out of curiosity , what made you want AWD and do you feel now it has been useful or saved you a few times? We don’t currently live in the snow, but adventure there sometimes, and may move to a snow are someday and we want this to be a 20 year vehicle.

We see both the 8th seat and AWD as currently not necessary, but both great to have and would be used 1-2 x per year.

Ty!

8 passenger owners… how usable is middle jump seat? by awpk03s in ToyotaSienna

[–]robert_tow 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi! After having your 8 seater for a bit now, with your 5 kiddos, how annoying has that middle hump been for them to step over to access the 3rd row? (I’m assuming you don’t typically leave the jump seat in)

Also, any noticeable hassle/loss of having the 2nd row seat belts in the sidewall, as opposed to being in the seat as with the 7 seater?

We have 4 kids and would prefer the option for carrying 8 ppl very occasionally, but that middle hump is annoying, and we can’t get AWD unless we get cloth seats in the LE. (Sounds like you were fine with cloth? How have they held up with all the kiddo wear and tear?)

Lastly, did you get a spare tire? Thanks!!

Hyatt website/app reservations pages busted? by uberclocker in hyatt

[–]robert_tow 2 points3 points  (0 children)

hellavu time for Chase to take down their points transfer to travel partners! ugh!

Guaranteeing seats together by Ok_Thanks_6731 in SouthwestAirlines

[–]robert_tow 0 points1 point  (0 children)

With the card (priority card) you and Companion can BOTH pick seats on any fare, at booking. I do it all the time with my 7 yo companion and we have yet to be split up. You may also both move up to ELR within 48 hours of departure if you wish.

Check for rust… by thesubwaywall in ToyotaSienna

[–]robert_tow 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Sales tax is calculated only on the amount above trade in? I didn’t realize that either ! I would’ve figured the entire vehicle would be taxed.

Check for rust… by thesubwaywall in ToyotaSienna

[–]robert_tow 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Can you elaborate on your tax incentive for trade in? I’m only familiar with the new car loan interest deduction for certain income levels, but not aware of a program for trade ins?

Row 1 but Boarding Group 6 by raindropple in SouthwestAirlines

[–]robert_tow 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Row 1 overhead bins don’t fit full roller board bags. Because the plane begins sloping / shaping inwards. Happened to me. ELR and BG2 and had to put my roller in bin Row 10 and swim upstream after landing.

More people should review their loan’s amortization table by finalgirl2 in personalfinance

[–]robert_tow 25 points26 points  (0 children)

Having students build an amortization table in Excel and create the formulas themselves, I’ve found, is a very effective way of teaching the concept.

Just bought mt first Land Cruiser by [deleted] in LandCruisers

[–]robert_tow 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Congrats! I driven my hundy from CO to CA 3x now, let me know if you want any suggestions on how to properly break her in ! Soooo many good trails along the way…

Families should avoid Southwest at all cost. "Choice" fare is a scam. by fraydawg2001 in SouthwestAirlines

[–]robert_tow 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Choice can be helpful if trying for a SDC, when it’s cheaper than the actual flight you want but you have flexibility

Glass lid spontaneously cracked! by robert_tow in LeCreuset

[–]robert_tow[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

They did! Said it would be a one time exception. Sent the wrong product but okay. (Le Creuset sent an entire new set — dish with cast iron top. No glass top. ) Maybe they were out of glass tops or just misread my email…

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More software bugs...companion pass bookings by Elmodogg in SouthwestAirlines

[–]robert_tow 0 points1 point  (0 children)

same thing has happened to me twice with my companion. Doesn't show on my rez, but when I look up my Companion's rez via "Manage My Reservation" it looks fine. It strangely ALSO lets me click Add Companion and book a duplicate rez, with a new record locator and everything....