Last spring, we replaced our leased 2006 Toyota Sienna with a new-but-left-over 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan, purchased from Family Dodge at the Philadelphia Automall.
By the time we were back in the market (late fall of 2008 through early spring 2009), leasing was no longer an option. The Sienna was by far a superior vehicle, in terms of performance and fit and finish, but the negotiated price between similarly equipped new vehicles (when considering 2009 and 2008 left-overs) was VERY substantial, to the amount of $10,000. Knowing that we would have to purchase and finance this vehicle, the purchase price became more important than the payment. The Toyota may have been nice, but it wasn’t $10,000 nicer. The experience was relatively painless (note that I sold cars for Saturn for some years, as well as being a Finance Manager). The owner came over to make small talk. Having always had a soft spot for American cars, and especially for the Chrysler minivans (my father has bought 4 of them through the years), I was sold.
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