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Considering the orders went in on Apr 7 and the vehicles won't be rolling in until Jun at the earliest, I'd think they'd be able to build them to order. I'm not a car manufacturer, but that seems like adequate lead time to me.
I too am no. 1 on the waiting list (signed up last Oct.), but I'm beginning to believe anyone who asks is no. 1.
I was also told NO after-factory modifications or add-ons (electrically speaking) or it will void the warrantee. I guess they don't want people messing around in the electronics of this baby.
http://www.simonizusa.com/demoend.asp
For some reason, the factory installed DVD entertainment system isn't available. But, the port- or dealer-installed system will be available.
As far as ordering the Highlander hybrids, they are being built specific to folks' needs. If you wish to have a Limited with no NAV, you need to find a different dealership to order from who knows how to do this. The dealership you spoke to about the NAV being on 100% of the cars is either incorrect or a liar. It could be either. Beiong misinformed never makes one a liar... but passing on bad info is one way to get "thought of" as a liar. :> Anyway, HLH cars are order-able in Limited both with and without NAV. That's a fact.
CrazedCarNut
:shades:
Also, does anyone know what the allotment schedule looks like? TIA. L
I did order a Limited 4WD with Nav.
Just curious: How does the Magnuson-Moss Act prevent a manufacturer from telling the purchaser they can't tamper with the existing system without affecting their warranty? As an extreme case, for instance, let's say someone rigs up an outlet to power their sump pump during a power outage.
http://www.toyota-industries.com/product/electro/technology_center.html
I live in an area that was hit by two hurricanes last year and love the idea of having a car that could power my refrigerator and a few lights if we have another exciting year.
I can wait until the end of the third year of service after purchased new (the end of the new car warranty).
I can buy, at a high discount, the extended warranty from another Toyota dealer which offers this... there are at least two dealerships which do this and are listed in the Prius 2004 Forums. If anyone is not aware of these, I will look them up and post them here.
btw, my last message was deleted by the Moderator because I mentioned a web site for Toyota which the Moderator considered a violation of my agreement to not post anything for sales. So, I have been hesitant to mention the following but will do so since it should not be a violation of the "agreement" with this Edmunds Forum:
New info has been posted recently at Edmunds.com regarding the 2006 Hybrid Highlander. This appears in several related sections including one which says that the next HH re-design will be in two years and probably use some features of a new concept car of Toyota. This seems to be a design which incorporates a SUV and sedan specs and I think it might have a more powerful engine.
Personally, I would not want the next generation if it is smaller and with a more powerful engine (should have worse fuel consumption with a more powerful engine)
I agree that making the hybrids capable of power generation would be great (like the GM pickups), but I suppose that Toyota must have a reason.
What bothers me is not a slight loss of power, but whether that loss of power results from knock detectors kicking in and retarding the ignition with regular gas. If it is on the verge of knocking, might there be long-term damage done? Since I assume many HH buyers are interested in lowering their fuel bill this seems like an important issue. Why save 20% on mpg and lose half of it back buying more expensive gas? Maybe I should be asking Lexus hybrid owners if they know. But I am first on my dealer's list for a HH.
I don't think a week would be a problem. They say on the Prius you have to disconnect the battery or it will discharge. I don't think Toyota has got a handle on this situation. That was one of the things that deterred me from the Prius was not being able to just leave the car for 3 to 6 weeks in a parking garage, then just come jump in and take off.
In Msg 1064 of the Lexus RX400h forum, tsotsi made the comment that Lexus has issued warnings about the effect of leaving hybrids in storage -- that is without the battery getting a charge -- for more than a few weeks.
That leaves one to wonder what happens if one does, and what the remedy is. Perhaps get out your 600v battery charger :surprise:
I had a dead 12 v battery in the Prius 2004 because I did not drive it for 3 weeks and did not turn off the Smart Entry. It was very easy to jump start using the very accessible terminal under the hood. I used another car and jump cables. The manual explains this very well. The Prius 12 v battery can be jumped with even less of a charge... reports are of multiple large lantern batteries jump starting the Prius.
A cheap trickle charge battery will easily keep the 12 v battery's charge. If you buy the type which shuts off when a full charge is accomplished, that works the best. If someone is available to push the power button and just get the car in the "Ready" status for several minutes periodically, that keeps the charge also.
The car does not need to be started completely.
I assume that the same procedure can be used with the Hybrid Highlander.
This "problem" is not a significant one and should not deter anyone from buying the Toyota hybrid.
If you left the car long enough it's possible the HV battery would discharge to the point where it could not start the engine, but I think you're talking well over a month for that to be a problem. Also, the HV battery can charge much more quickly than the 12v battery, so a few minutes running would top it off.
When you consider, the Prius has been on the market over five years, and it still has a long waiting list....well, as # 83 on a list for a new HH, you will probably be lucky to see it a year from now.
That would trouble me. Currently, the gov't $2500 tax credit will expire at the end of 2005, and drop to $500 after that, unless GWB's energy bill passes. Also, not widely publicized, as it's a one shot deal, that for the 2005 tax year, one can deduct their total State Sales Tax paid in 2005 off of their federal income tax. That is why we ordered the HH and the Prius for delivery in 2005. That is a serious consideration for many people. Wish you the best of luck.
Ken
1. does anyone know if this information is correct? on the corner the site said "Powered by Edmunds" but I would think Toyota would have double checked if there was an inaccuracy.
2. Is there something preventing the HH from mounting a hitch? I thought I remembered reading or hearing that the HH had a 3500 tow capacity- why would that be published if it wasn't designed to tow.
3. and just WOT, don't you think, if this info is true, that it seems odd that the RX would get the tow pkg but not the HH. In my narrow mind, I would envision more HHs towing something than Rx's
Just my thoughts and I hope this helps.
Ken
1. Can I expect the final MSRP to change significantly from what has been posted on Edmunds and the Toyota HH mini-site? Does anyone remember what happened when the prius came out?
2. Since I am waiting until the dealer knows what is actually being shipped to them, does anyone have an idea of when dealers are being notified of the final configuration of their first shipments? I'd prefer to not keep harrasing my dealer every so often trying to find out, but I will if need be.
Hope this helps.
Ken
By the way, the Tow Prep Package is standard on the Hybrid, but the hitch itself is a port- or dealer-installed Accessory.
Here's what I'm wrestling with... I don't mind paying MSRP for the car. But at the same time, I don't want to be one of the "last" people who paid MSRP when I could have waited 2-3 months for the waiting lists to dry up. If getting a "discount" means waiting 3 years for the demand to subside, then I will gladly pay MSRP today. if it means waiting 3 more months for inventories to build, I would be happy to wait to save some money.
I don't have a crystal ball. if the HH makes "car of the year" or there's some resurgance of popularity, then demand will continue to be strong and supplies will continue to be short. As with the RX400, I think there's some "investers" who are buying the car to turn around and sell for a profit, artificially boosting demand. I just think I fell for the hype and it's wearing off, and now I'm afraid I'll be holding the bag as the HH buble bursts. Don't get me wrong, I'm still going to buy a HH, I'm just wondering when I should.
How long has the current Prius been out? 18 months? They are still paying MSRP for it. Why? In part because it is the only "midsize, high mileage" hybrid.
The HH is also going to be the only "reasonably priced midsize 7-passenger hybrid minivan" for QUITE some time after it's release. I have a sneaking suspicion that the "MSRP or higher" trend for the HH will continue for SOME TIME, so any hopes of getting below MSRP in a few months time seem to be going against all trends.....
I was told of a special deal, where you lease the regular Highlander and at the end of the lease get yourself the hybrid when you buyout. Interestingggggg.
I have downloaded seecifications of both autos and can find no mechanical differences. Can anyone else help with this. I did find spension differences.The hype for the 400h has been overwhelming. I am begining to resent Lexus loading up their cars assuming customers want the pretentious add-ons.
Can anyone tell me of any mechanical differences between the two.
Thanks