Can someone tell me what I may be leaving behind if I choose the XLE with Leather, JBL & 17" wheels versus opting for the XLE Limited? Other than paying an extra $5K+, I can't seem to understand what the Limited has that a loaded up XLE does not.
I don't want the Navi.
About to pull the trigger. Seems like great buys right now - the Odyssey appears way over priced in comparsion at this stage (all things equal, I tend to opt for Hondas).
You can go to the build your own vehicle page at toyota. There are 3 different packages for the XLE and 1 for the limited. Just from my knowledge for our limited, you get the HID's with in cab adjustable elevation, laser cruise control, heated seats (not sure if they are standard with leather), Navi with rearview camera and bluetooth, 2 window antennas, sun shades on all 4 rear windows, RSE w/headphones, 2 115v power outlets, sonar front and back, and towing prep, might have forgot some stuff, but thats the big stuff. I think the website will be more helpful. We love our limited AWD, and we were able to get them down to $37,600. Good luck!
IMHO, laser cruise control is a great feature. We have a 2004 XLE Limited, no nav, dvd (no kids) or backup camera. If you will use the van for road trips, you'll love the laser cruise control. When we drive our 2002 Tundra, which we won't be doing until the transmission is rebuilt, we miss that feature. Amazing how quickly you get used to technology; it's the one feature that got my husband interested in a van. It's not autopilot, but it makes long trips more enjoyable.
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"If everybody is thinking alike, then somebody isn't thinking" - Gen. George S. Patton
I agree 100% with the laser cruise control. It is as close to autopilot as you can come. We drive to mammoth alot (5 hr drive from Los Angeles), and it makes the drive easy. I only had to touch the pedals a couple of times (to slow down going through town) from Mojave to Bishop (about 175 miles). Probably my favorite option.
Being in an AWD LTD is a whole new experience - the world goes by as you are cruising in comfort. I honestly hate the laser cruise control. I thought I'd like it given the sexy name and all, but it really lack in functionality. It keeps you so far back that as more people cut in front of you, the car slows you down, then more irritated people cut in.... you get the point. In the AWD LTD, I like the electronic rear hatch and the HID lights that you can aim. As teh other person mentioned the 115v plugs allow you to plug your computer or WII directly into the car versus using a cigarette lighter adapter. Use the on-line builder and assess if the extra options are worth it for you. We are not regretting our decision to get the AWD LTD.
We hate the laser cruise control, and the motorized folding rear seats are a royal pain the butt. I don't know why you can set it at 64mph, then hit increase and it goes to 65, and then 70, and then 75. Stupid, as in manual mode you can do 1mph increments.
Where we live (central KY) we only drive on the road and there's not much snowfall, so FWD is just fine, AWD would have just been unneeded weight.
We also regret the built in overhead DVD player and the nav/bluetooth/camera system. Aftermarket systems are not only cheaper but much better. The overhead DVD screen is very poorly positioned for viewing. Aftermarket you get more and larger screens. The built in bluetooth picks up too much A/C noise. The Nav is a good unit for a built in, but again not as good as aftermarket. Overall definitely wish we had went with a less optioned XLE and then added the fancy stuff with better quality stuff.
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~Michael
2008 Toyota Tundra 5.7 2WD - Toy Hauler / 2006 Toyota Sienna Limited - Kid Hauler / 1993 Toyota MR2 - Autocross Car
Mods: Tekonsha P3; Tow Mirrors; TRD Wheels; TPMS Pipe Bomb
Being in an AWD LTD is a whole new experience - the world goes by as you are cruising in comfort. I honestly hate the laser cruise control. I thought I'd like it given the sexy name and all, but it really lack in functionality. It keeps you so far back that as more people cut in front of you, the car slows you down, then more irritated people cut in.... you get the point.
In case you didn't know already, there's a little control on the right side of the steering wheel that lets you adjust the distance at which the laser CC will keep its distance. If you set it on the setting with one ( it doesn't keep you too far back.
Best,
Sensai.
More...I used to work in the aftermarket stereo/mobile entertainment business. While I agree that the OEM equip. that comes as part of factory options are the not the highest quality or most feature rich, I chose them as I didn't want the hassle of aftermarket installs and the problems that are inherent with them. Believe me, most times the installers are inexperienced or hack masters. Factory installs are much cleaner and backed by the dealer on manuf. and extended warranties.
I have no complaints about our van. We've had the Limited AWD for 2.5 years and love the thing. It's our mobile hotel room. We have two young children.
2008 XLE vs. Limited
Good luck!
Linear Mode
