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Comments
The one CUV I do like that is local for me is the Veracruz. Not sure about the storage issue, probably no better than the Highlander, but at least the seat splits in half. But they are hard to find for some reason.
My dealer had a Hybrid Highlander. Not cheap at over $40k, and the highway mpg isn't fantastic (25), but 27mpg in the city is pretty good. But I wonder if the Hybrid Tahoe isn't the better choice overall though.
Dealers don't know from nuthin about basic math...
Many options require selection, are conditional, on selection of "other/previous" options. There may very well be only a mere dozen truly "separate" options.
We're not talking about just any old dealer. This guy is the chief of marketing for a large international manufacturer. It's his job to know numbers.
tidester, host
SUVs and Smart Shopper
1) He just came from Toyota, where 20 individual options may translate into 3 configurations you can actually buy in a region.
2) I think his comment was that he was just stunned that Ford actually operated in a manner where they would attempt to build that many different combinations of any one particular model.
So, not really sure why his "surprise" is all that, well, surprising.
Happy with the ride I would say (07 had the weird engine off/on effect at low speed...only time you can 'feel' it turn on). It is somewhat big enough, drive alone most times but it is nice to have space to put things in it when I want.
Drove the 08 gas model, figure the hybrid cost that much more then the 07 model did so ruling that out as an option.
Sort of like the larger size for the front seat drivers of the 08 model, at first I did not like the looks of the 08 models but now I do. Have the 'small' 3rd row seat on the 07 though not sure it is worth it (for me needs) to have the 3rd on an 08 model.
So having said all of that what are your thoughts on the 08 gas model please:
1. larger space inside for driver is nice though then again my 07 is 'small' enough to allow it very very easy to move around, park. could the 08 larger space inside make me feel it will be more to handle 'out' so far a parking/turning/etc?
It did feel like a larger vechicle on the test drive though nice power
2. would it be a mistake to forgo the 3rd row seating even though I really do not have a need for it now nor, I would think, in the future?
Guess it would help on resale value to have it but did see the sport model without it does have a small cubbie under the floor to store stuff in. Then again that type of storeage space...not sure just how much it ever would be used really.
3. rear a/c...not sure if the 2 row only models offer headliner a/c or just between the front seats rear a/c. Do owners of, I assume, the 3rd model enjoy the 'above head' a/c for 2nd and 3rd row seats?
4. any must have options? I can live without nav, have a garmine portable unit, backup camera would be nice but think you need nav for that option. saw one with a sensor backup feature...not sure how useful that would be.
thanks for any input and if you feel I would be 'nuts' to go from a 07 hihy to the 08 gas model feel free to advise on that point as well
they are offering a .00184 money factor this month for 3yr (2,465 residual enhancement) or a 4y lease with $4,4140 residual enhancement so figured I would look into this option. currently I have a fixed rate 3.9/60 month on my 07 model.
For myself, I feel that the new Highlanders were a big improvement over the older models. For a modest increase in size, they feel much roomier, and the new V-6 engine is ultra smooth and powerful. Gas mileage appears to be about equal to the older one, even with more power and weight.
As to the seating..........I would be inclined to keep the 3rd row (and it will be hard to find one without it). There will be some additional storage room under, but I would guess for re-sale more people would want it. The nice thing is, when you are not using it, it does fold flat, so is not in the way. I purchased a "loaded" Limited, but I like many of the added features that others here want no part of: sunroof, heated seats, powerlift gate, navigation & bluetooth phone, and DVD entertainment system(for the grandchildren!). I also wanted the auto A/C system, both front and rear, and it works extremely well.
Most of us on this forum love our new Highlanders...the way they drive, the "right size" (many of the competition are a full 10-12" longer), the pretty good mileage (I am getting a real world average of 18.8 after 4,000 miles, with a mix of city and hiway, and about 24 on freeway cruising), the very nice fit and finish of all detailing. I find it is very comfortable to drive, the seats are great, and controls close at hand. The second row seats have incredible leg room, and adjust front and back, and recline. The split second seat bothers some, but we will seldom ever put three adults there......3 kids can easily fit in there, and the removable insert actually works better than you would think....my son uses it for his three daughters aged 7, 8, and 9 all the time. For 2 adults, the separate captains chairs seating with arm rest and consol works very well.
Some here have complained about wind noise in their cars, but I have not had any experience with that...in fact, I have not had anything to address since I bought mine in December.........it is running perfectly and is very quiet. It loves to cruise at 75-80 mph and seems to get it's best mileage at that speed. I have had 2 older Land Cruisers, and a Sequoia, and was ready for a smaller, more nimble, but still roomy car, that also got quite a bit better mileage...........the new Highlander is it, and I have not regretted buying it one bit....good luck!!
Zoom IN / OUT
'I'm hungry'
Chinese Restaurants
ATMs
Map
Suspend Guidance
'Address'
..State
..City
..Street
..No.
..Enter Destination
These and more can all be done on the fly. The EMERGENCY options on the touch screen are always active.
If you go to test one either ask for someone who knows what the NAVI is about or take it yourself and play with it. Most sales people are threatened by it because even the thought of owning such a vehicle is so far beyond their horizon that they have no idea what a Navi does and why/how one might use it. Then there's the fear of technology too.
Others have commented on why you should never buy a built-in nav system...they prefer the portable units, but I find that a personal observation. With the Highlander nav, you get a nice, large screen, that also doubles as the rear view camera screen...something I really like and use all the time, and of course, it is nice and clean and built-in and there are no wires, etc.
It takes a little while to master the different commands, but I enjoy mine, and would do it again if given a choice. I would also highly recomment the Blue Tooth phone system........works really well and is very convenient, and also uses the large screen for access.
I kept the speed at 65 mph cruise control and watched the mileage on my AWD limited stabilize at right around 25 mpg. Not bad..Very sensitive to hills.....At 70 mph + I end up at about 20-21 mpg.(past trips) I am very happy with the vehicle. As to the last post dealing with the letstalk website I found that website less than accurate. Check with your cell service provider... verizon;s website seemed to be more accurate on which phones work but I can not vouch for all the phones listed.
I sure wish they'd had this when I got my HL in September.
When I'm showing a new vehicle with the Navi in it I play around with it before even driving off. The 'I'm Hungry' command and 'Go Home' gets everyone's attention and from that time onward they're looking for ways to own it. Giving it my old work address in Lower Manhattan while on the fly 600 mi away in SE VA opens eyes too.
OK - when's the switch?
Mississippian's building Toyotas....
NOT....!!!
Lots of new good paying jobs for more migrant workers, with good/decent work ethic, from Mexico...
Thanks.
All the nav does is find nearest fast food.
Even stopped, it doesn't allow one to find a POI along the "route" or near "destination"
I sure do miss my Garmin Street Pilot.
I guess this is really nitpicky, but I can't seem to locate the invoice prices for these two optional items on the 2008 Highlander (Sport, AWD). I have found them for every other option besides these two. (Wheel locks - $81 MSRP; and Carpet/Cargo Mats - $275 MSRP). Just trying to get all my numbers together for the best negotiations.
The local dealership currently has a special of 10% off all 2008's on the lot, which seems like a great deal. But it still comes out to right about 3% over invoice. I figure I might be able to do just a little bit better if I have all the information to present.
Thanks for the help! :shades: (Love these car smilies!)
Sandi
Edited to add: Would it be a fair argument that if I wasn't trading a car in for the dealership to mess with that they should give me an even better deal for the no-hassle factor?
And a question about leasing. There seems to be good deals on leasing a Highlander for the month of April. However, I do not qualify for the very best rate with my 653 credit score. Is it fair to say that if you don't qualify for the very best lease rate (.00082), that looking at purchasing the car through a conventional loan is the smarter thing to do? It's a difference of about $60 per month between the best lease rate available and the one I am able to get (.00137). I plan to also ask about how the residual amount will change, but I haven't done that yet.
I do think I might actually keep this car in the end, at least a lot longer than I usually keep cars (3 years). But my budget is limited and the best monthly payment is probably the way I will go. It just makes me wonder if I should try to just purchase the car rather than lease, especially since I don't qualify for the best lease rate.
Thanks for any opinions or advice!
What is the advantage to a dealership to only get paid exactly what they paid for the car? Is it an allocation thing, as in the more they sell the more they get allocated?
PS. I think all 2008 HL come with floor mats and invoice on those around $180 for 3 row seating
When I figured up the tally with all the other options and the 10% off, it came to just at 3% over invoice (if my math was correct).
I live in a somewhat small town and there are really only two dealerships nearby. I did let them both know that I am shopping their competitor, though.
Thanks for your time,
Sandi
I also tried entering verbally an address.......and got varied results. All went well to start...it asks for state first, then city, then street name. Street name for our office is "Pullman St", but I tried about 4 different times pronouncing it, but didn't get anything close....it keep listing other streets not even close to sounding like that.......I finally gave up. Then tried using my home address......same thing....got to the street name (Rhoads Circle), and had to say it at least 3 times....last time it finally accepted it, but not very easy. I had the radio off, A/C was not blowing loudly, and I tried saying it a little louder and also more slowly....still very difficult. Do you have any suggestions for verbally entering info like that........I would think a lot of street names are going to be curveballs........
Model Number: 6948A
Model Description: 4-DOOR 4X4 SUV
Year ............: 2008
Interior Color ..: FC10 FC10
Exterior Color ..: 01F7 SILVE
Body ............: 4-DOOR 4X4 SUV
Number of Cyl ...: 6
Factory Installed Accessories: FE EH CQ PE RL TO
Port Installed Accessories ..: CT
MECHANICAL & PERFORMANCE
3.5L 270HP 24-Valve V6 Eng w/Dual VVT-i
4-Wheel Drive/4-Whl Ind Suspension
5-Spd Automatic Trans w/Sequential Shift
Electronic Power Steering System
4Whl Pwr Ast Vent Fr/Solid Rr Disc Brake
Hill-Start Assist & Downhill Assist Ctrl
17" 6-Spoke Alloy Wheels/245/65R17 Tires
Full Size Spare Tire on 17" Alloy Wheel
SAFETY
Star Safety System Includes:
Enhanced Veh Stability Ctrl w/TRAC
Anti-Lock Brakes w/Brake Assist & EBD
Dr & Fr Pass Advanced Front Airbags/
Driver Knee Airbag, Dr & Fr Pass Seat
Mounted Side Airbags, 3 Row
Roll-Sensing Side Curtain Airbags
Dr & Fr Pass Active Headrests
Direct Tire Pressure Monitoring System
3-Pt Seat Belts - All Seating Positions
2nd Row CRS Lower/Top Tether Anchors
EXTERIOR
Color-Keyed Bumpers/Dr Handles/Foldable
Pwr Outside Mirrors/Small Rear Spoiler
Slvr Painted Fr Grille/Rr Lic Garnish
Blk Fog Lamp & Rr Step/Bumper Lower Cvrs
Fr Variable & Rr Intermittent Wipers
Flexible Mast Antenna / Rr Privacy Glass
Multi-Reflector Auto-off Headlamps
COMFORT AND CONVENIENCE
Front Air Conditioner w/Clean Air Filter
AM/FM/CD w/6 Spks, Mini Plug
Power Windows & Door Locks/Cruise Ctrl
Remote Keyless Entry/Conversation Mirror
Urethane Tilt&Telescopic Steering Wheel
Cloth Int, 8-way Frt Dr/ 4-way Pass,
40/20/40 Splt 2nd Row Seat,w/Fold-Flat,
Recline, Fore & Aft Slide Adj & Rt-Hand
Walk-in Function + Center Stow Seat &
Center Stow Console, 3rd Row Seat
w/fold headrests / Fold Flat Into Floor
3-12V Pwr Outlets/10 Cup/4 Bottle Hlders
Optitron illuminated instrument meters
Retail Dealer Total
OPTIONS
50 State Emissions .........................
Cold Weather Package Includes: Heated ...... 60.00 48.00
Power Outside Mirrors, Windshield Wiper ....
De-icer Grid ...............................
Convenience Package (Black Roof Rails and .. 240.00 192.00
Tonneau Cover) .............................
8-Way Power Driver Seat .................... 320.00 256.00
Daytime Running Light Package .............. 130.00 104.00
(includes auto on/off light control ........
system) ....................................
Tow Prep Package includes: 5,000lbs ........ 220.00 176.00
towing capacity, Heavy Duty Radiator .......
w/Engine Oil Cooler, 200 watt fan ..........
coupling, Transmission Oil Cooler w/ Water .
Cooler,150 amp alternator, and Pre-Wire ....
Harness ....................................
Carpet/Cargo Mat - 3 Row Seating ........... 275.00 180.00
Vehicle: 2008 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER 4WD 6948 4dr Wgn
Stock #:
VIN: AddChangeVIN
Miles: 0
PURCHASE OPTION
Vehicle Price: $30,680.00
Preferred Customer Discount: Edit Retail Price - $3,447.00
Selling Price: $27,233.00
Sales Tax (estimate): + $1,658.58
Tag/Registration Fees (estimate): + $10.00
Documentation Fee: + $150.00
Balance Due (estimate): $29,051.58
tidester, host
SUVs and Smart Shopper
Ken
Not at all.
I'm originally from NE AR, Attended Humes in Memphis from age 15 to 17, have relatives and friends in AR, TN, and MS. Just returned, about a month ago, from 10 days spent in Olive Branch MS.
And have a business, LABOR intensive business partner relationship, a profitable one, in MS.
I would suggest that you be weary of any vehicle with a sideways mounted engine that you plan to operate on adverse roadbed conditions, snow, ice, etc.
Provided you really do need AWD functionality I would suggest the BMW X3 or X5 or the Acura RDX with SH-AWD. That latter being the only AWD vehicle with a sideways engine that I would be comfortable riding in on an adverse roadbed condition.