Originally Posted by wag123
Toyota doesn't really need to advertise this. The people who really need something like this likely already know about it. Since they are limited production and not mass produced, they probably sell every one of them that they can manufacture without having to advertise it. I have never seen one in-person, dealers don't have these sitting on their lots.
I like the comments so far, but respectfully disagree. I'm not being contrary or insulting, just IMO, and a little experience.
I've been looking for stuff the make my daughters life and mine as easy as possible for 25 years now. If you use any of the popular search engines, the Toyota Access Seat is not one of the big hits. Majority of hits will be for after-market, primarily the Braun Turny. You have to be pretty specific with search terms to get the option to come up, so I do think Toyota could have a better way of managing through their marketing arm the hits in say Google or Duck Duck. The hospital, the Cerebral Palsy Clinic at Children's Hospital, Physical Therapy, Orthopedic Surgeon... all of the staff that has dealt with my girl for a long time had no knowledge. All had 3rd party info though. The medical community is like any other. they stick together, recommending their partners in the industry. And lets say you have an aging family member that just needs a little help. You aren't looking into the "medical" options at all, but wondering what you could do. This is out there, and might be just the thing.
I don't think it is limited production from Toyota. It appears if you want one, or 500 of them, they will build one. And, since I got mine, my local dealer has ordered another for the showroom floor. I'm guessing he will sell more than a few vans with the option.
When mine was delivered, the sales person received calls asking if it was available from 2 other dealers. Apparently they have a live system that shows current inventory.
If you get a brochure for the Sienna, it's listed in the back. And you don't have to have a top of the line van to get it. It's available on their mid line van in matching cloth.
I'm still sold on the fact it matches the rest of the interior, and covered under the factory warranty. If it isn't "stowed" as they say, in the home position, the engine will start, but you can't move the shift lever. I like that it leans to duck the passengers head under the roofline both in and out so no bumps. The after-market seats have none of this convenience or safety features. And it lifts my beautiful girl smoothly, so I'm happy. So is she. And the seat is really comfortable. That's as important, because my girl has had many "repairs and mods" done to back, hip, legs, ankles, so pressure points and support is important.
In any case, YMMV, but so far this is really suitable for us, and is enabling more experiences. Mom took Daughter out for ice cream solo yesterday. That's worth the price of admission for me.