2013 and Earlier - Toyota Highlander Prices Paid and Buying Experience

davidchantf · June 2009

Price includes all incentives, excludes fees

VIN .............: JTEDS41A792082994
Factory Installed Accessories: FE EH QB
Port Installed Accessories ..: B3 CT MF
Vehicle Base Model ....................: $ 27600.00
Total Accessories .....................: $ 1278.00

jpettibone · June 2009

Yes, that's a great price for the 6 cyl version. We paid just a bit less for the 4 cyl. Check to see if it has the 3rd row delete option. If you want the 3rd row, that model won't have it. That's one way to get the 6 cyl price lower. No big deal if you don't want that 3rd row.

chatauto · June 2009

Hi, jpettibone,

Appreciated if you can tell me where you are and what options are on your Highlander L4? I was attracted by an e-mail quote but turns out it is not there. Although I was told the options it would have are FE, EH, CQ, RL.

A different dealer said that it will not match that quote since the quote is just trick to get people in. The e-mail assumes 2 rebates that I would not qualify ( military personnel and new college graduate ). The fine print does say "e-price includes all applicable rebates and incentives" on the email. That different dealer quoted me $24776 and $255xx to get out of door!

Did any one in mid-Atlantic region get a L4 version Highlander for less?

Thanks.

jpettibone · June 2009

The problem with Toyota prices is that specific regions can only get specific packages of options. I'm in the MO, KS region, and ours had...

TH, DJ, PE, DR, EH, & Floor Mats for 24750 including dest. & fees. Tax was extra, since you directly to the state after a sale in MO. That included the $1000 rebate from the last period (which I think is $750 now).

Compared to the equipment on ours, I think that price is still a bit high.

I don't think there were any TH packages in the mid-Atlantic region, but I could be wrong. They can always get cars from other regions, but they may try to up the cost on you. Good luck.

chatauto · June 2009

Thanks to everyone who contributed here.

I went with the 2009 base Highlander (4 cylinders, FWD) with FE, EH, CQ, and RL. After dealer coupon and Toyota customer cash, I got OOD $23677 ( VA car sale tax is about 3% ). Unfortunately, no free stuff thrown in.

The dealer is "355 Toyota" in Maryland if you are interested.

Again, thanks.

jpettibone · June 2009

That sounds like a very good deal. Our sales tax in MO on cars is more like 8%, so consider yourself lucky.

chatauto · June 2009

jpettibone,

In VA we pay car tax (called personal property tax) every year.

Recall your comment about option availability for a region, I think you are right on. All the base 4 cylinders I saw have same options. Some may have additional floor mat, that is it.

chatauto · June 2009

Hi, fellow edmunders

I got my new base 4 HL, and the dealer is offerring lifetime oil change ( filter not included ) for $875. That price also include a set of floor mat ( I have already ordered weathertech floor liner for the HL, expensive ! ). I think the rest of them are just gimick... Should I bite the bullet?

Does any one have an idea how much does it cost for an oil change on a 4 cylinder SUV ??

Thanks in advance.

jpettibone · June 2009

Well, let's do the math. For the first 100,000 miles, let's say you change the oil every 5k miles. That's 20 oil changes. If you sell the car at 100,000 miles, and each oil change would cost you about $25 retail, that would be $500. Hard to make that deal work out in your favor at less than 100,000k. If you make it to 200,000, then we're talking $1000, and the deal would work out. Tweek the parameters to fit your exact situation. I'm not counting the cost of the floor mats, since they have no actual value to you. IMHOP, it's not worth it.

jpettibone · June 2009

We do that in MO too. I pay something like $400 a year personal property tax. That's in addition to the much higher sales tax. It's loose-loose.

I grew up in VA, so I know how they work over there. We've got nearly the same system here in MO.

chatauto · June 2009

jpettibone,

Thanks for your quick analysis. I felt the same so I postponed the decision. Now I am sure that I will not get it. Thanks again.

--- off topic ---
Sorry to hear that you are paying car tax to MO also. I guess these taxes will be around for some time

That aside, I congrats your new HL. Wish you enjoy it as much as I do.

Best,

jpettibone · June 2009

Thanks- we like it a lot. We have limited space in our garage, and our driveway is tight, so the HL was just the right fit for our growing family. It's got more cargo & seating than my old (and cursed, I may add) CR-V, while getting the same gas mileage, and not being too much bigger. I miss the perceived ruggedness of the CR-V, but I don't miss the noise and general ride quality.

As for Taxes, well, they are a fact of life. Might as well curse the wind.

beantown111 · June 2009

Hi,

I am in Massachusetts and I am looking to buy a new 2009 Highlander Limited (gas model - loaded with EVP #8, navigation and entertainment system,etc).

Without any haggling, my local dealer quoted me $38,000 for such a model, indicating that this is a great deal given low inventories (since Toyota cut back production). He also indicated that the current incentive program (which he says may be one of the last) ends on July 7, offering a cash back incentive, or more interesting to me, 3.9% financing for 60 months,

A few questions. Generally is this a good price? It seems in line with what carsdirect suggests for this model and options. Is he telling the truth about incentives going away? Or am I better waiting until August/September when the 2010s are released and try then for a 2009?

Would $36,000 ($2,000 less then his offer) be an unrealitic ask for this model/options?

Thanks for any guidance.

svofan2 · June 2009

..I am sorry, but i\I look into CarsDirect and their price on a hIghlander Limited is about $600 above invoice, also the Lexus RX350 is a $1700 above invoice...what is so great about CarsDirect?...they do not account for any additional items that one can select...NOT all Limited units are the same..those prices and maybe even better should be reasonable to hegotiate ourselves, don't you think?...I don't know maybe I am off but something does not add right (to me anyhow). So I would suggest that you follow the TMC at Edmunds...which I think is more advantageous..shop...shop until you drop..then you WILL get the right price....my 2 cents..good luck

rl newbie · July 2009

I got a Highlander Ltd with EVP #8 (which includes NAV) but NO entertainment system for $36,000 + tax in May, Came with roof rack and floor mats. Stock was running low in the NY metro area at the time. Dealer brought my car in from 300 miles away just to make the sale. No charge to me.

Try offering $36,000 and negotiate from there.

I did not get a great trade-in price for my 10 year old Sienna minivan, but if I would have kept it, I would have needed to put $3,500 into it (timing belt, rear brakes, shocks, pipe to catalytic convertor, 90,000 mile tuneup, etc).

Good luck.

makbuyingcar · July 2009

Is this a good price? Basically, it is $199 over invoice (not including the $750 rebate). I see that the invoice has $607/- as TDA (Toyota Dealer Advertising). Isn't that too much and is that negotiable?

Does anyone know if the $750 incentive will continue after July 6th?

Thanks in advance for any feedback,
Mak

jpettibone · July 2009

That seems high unless it's loaded with extra features. As for the TDA, my Toyota dealer made a point of not charging for advertising. $607 for ad seems quite high, and would pretty much take back whatever rebate you would get. I'd try to keep negotiating. As for the rebate, it was $1000 last period in many regions, then dropped to $750. Could go back up, could go back down. Hard to say.

whomai · July 2009

Thank you all for helping in the past.
I got an invoice from my local Toyota dealer and they said there is no way to offer a price lower than their invoice. My question is "Is this a true dealer's invoice? How much for this Highlander would be fair?"

<img src="http://img18.imageshack.us/img18/5811/732009100034pm.png"

thewoolf · July 2009

Being offered a 2009 Magnetic Gray Highlander Limted with EV #7, power rear door, carpet mats, & Toyoguard Protection which lists at $37,108. I have an offer on the table is $31,811, $599 admin service fee, after taxes (7%) the total cost is $34,700. Is this a good a deal as I can get? Should I jump on it?!?! I live in Atlanta if that matters.

kyfdx · July 2009

That does look like an actual invoice... Something to keep in mind, the holdbacks and financial reserve amounts are rebated to the dealer... so that's another $800 to work with...

whomai · July 2009

Thank you kyfdx
I will try to work on the other $800 to see.

jpettibone · July 2009

I agree- that price looks about $800 high. Edmunds estimated price for that configuration is 25,532. One other thing- it looks like they're charging for window tinting. That's included from the factory, unless they've tinted the front windows too. I'd ask about that- they may be charging you double.

whomai · July 2009

Thank you jpettibone for helping. I will pay special attention to the windows tint.
By the way does anybody know whether there is incentives for Highlander in the gulf state in the coming month.
Thanks.

kyfdx · July 2009

From the looks of the rest of it, I'd say that invoice might be from a SouthEast or Gulf States Toyota dealer, who has to buy their cars from a third-party distributor..

So.. the window tinting is probably an extra tint.

steven1357 · July 2009

There are no incentives on the 2009 Toyota Highlander Limited in my area. Apparently, our economy is not bad enough to qualify for those.

After searching the internet for all of the available car buying programs & finding that the VAST MAJORITY did not have dealers in my area, I settled on the Sam's Auto Buying Program which was Invoice + 2%.
Even they had only 1 dealer approx 76 miles away from me.

When trying to sell my used car to a used car dealer just a couple of miles from me, he said he had a contact at another new car Toyota dealer just 25 miles away from me & would I buy from them if they honored the terms of the Sam's Auto Buying Program. He would try to sell my used car outright at the price I wanted for 30 days (plus a $500 markup for him). If it did not sell within 30 days he would guarantee me an amount which turned out to be $300 more than the trade-in I was offered by 2 separate dealers.

So, I got prices from both of those dealers. Other dealers who were contacted through other services who merely got dealers to give me a quote resulted in similar quotes. The one dealer just 3 miles away from me & a couple of other dealers also approx 25 miles away in other directions sent me the automatic reply to my direct contact online with a promise to "contact me soon". NONE of these even bothered to give me a quote.

According to the Toyota dealers, the "demand for the 2009 Toyota Highlander Limited exceeds the supply". Yet, every similar Highlander Limited continues to sit on at least 4 separate dealers' lots almost 4 weeks after I began my purchase attempt.

Both of the dealers who honored the Invoice + 2% terms of the Sam's Club Auto Buying Program added that 2% to "their" So Called Dealer Cost and not to the True Dealer Cost. The other quotes I am getting seem to be going down the same path. Can you say "price-fixing"

Since Consumer Reports estimates that the 1st year depreciation on a 2009 Toyota Highlander Limited would be $ 9,000, it just does not make any sense to me to buy a 2009 Model at the prices being quoted to me. I could pay full MSRP for a 2010 Model early in the 2010 Model year & still be better off.

Yes, I do understand that if I kept a 2009 Model for 5 years that depreciation decline would average only $4,400 per year. Only $3,469 per year if I kept it for 8 years. But, it is the fact that a 2009 will be a full year old in just 2 or 3 months depending on when the 2010 Toyota Highlanders will be out.

There is also a hint that there may be "minor enhancements" to the 2010 Model.

Am eagerly awaiting your and others comments and / or corrections.

If you can NOT see that Excel file below, follow the following link to get to it.

http://www.carspace.com/steven1357/Albums/steven1357%27s%20Album/CCF00772009_000- 01.jpg/page/photo.html#pic

See more Car Pictures at CarSpace.com

big12sports · July 2009

I'm in the same boat. Emailed dealer to justify edmunds "what others are paying"
and received this reply:

Edmunds is only a guide, it doesn't take all the other fees toyota charge their dealers;

D.O.# 811369 LOAD# 012 ALC-DT/# 20090701-12 DLR 42073 VSL 429 POE HO DSCD
INV-DT/# 20090702-470368 DRFT-DT/# 20090706-698632 CLR 01G3(MGRAY )/LA10(LA10
MFG BASE PRICES DLR $ 28771.00 MSR $ 33070.00
TOTAL FACTORY OPTIONS DLR $ 1675.00 MSR $ 1905.00
TOTAL PORT OPTIONS DLR $ 475.70 MSR $ 813.00
DELIVERY/PROCESSING/HANDLING DLR $ 855.00 MSR $ 855.00
T.M.F. DLR 995.00 MSR $
T.A.F. DLR 0.00 MSR $
2% HOLDBACK MSRP DLR $ 661.00 MSR $
PIO HOLDBACK DLR $ 43.00 MSR $
DEALER ADDED OPTIONS DLR $ 200.00 MSR $ 695.00
FLEET PRICE PROTECTION DLR $ MSR $
1% FINANCE RESERVE MSRP DLR $ 330.00 MSR $
FLEET CREDIT DLR $ MSR $

** PRICING TOTALS ** DLR $ 34005.70 MSR $ 37338.00

I've received offers for about the same price for 2010 Pilot. Which will be a better deal for a 2010 then 2009

svofan2 · July 2009

ah!!!! ...here is where the rubber meets the road as they say...those are a lot of numbers that mean something to someone and not neccessarily you as a buyer...but you be the judge..the price is $3300 below msrp...besides Edmunds guideance.. I used to calculate 10% off the msrp and I considered in good territory after considering other variables like availabilty, demand, stock at the dealer..etc..
I have never seen a sales or manager give so much detail but again who can verify its avlue based on the truth..??????

superman12 · July 2009

hi, iam interested in buying a highlander. can you let me know the dealer where u purcashed and can i know ur name and sales man name?
the drive out price looks good to me

bbb9 · July 2009

So, test drove a HiHy. I was expecting to have the ability to down-shift (useful for slowing down or starting up when there's snow) but that's not an option on the HiHy. The sales person indicated the "B" (under drive) was to some sort of means to slow the car without using the breaks. It was hinted that it was a way to save the breaks. Maybe, but I get the feeling it's real value is to slow the car by using wheel revs to gen power to the battery which as an effect slows the car down.

COuld someone clarify what this "gear" is for and how it's used?

Thanks

mike1112 · July 2009

Highlander FFW Limited + package #7+Power rear door+spoiler+carpet mats+..
Price : 32,450 + 3% TAX + title
OTD : 33,552

Doesn't matter i did good or not, but I love my highlander. great car. still 3 days of ownership and way to go more. I was fully prepared to buy 2009 Pilot but at the last minute Ive changed my mind and i am so glad i did.

jkl99 · July 2009

I feel the same frustration trying to purchase 2009 Highlander limited as well. Per the dealers I have contacted, they all said the number of Highlander I am looking for is very low - only 5 in whole California. If I can wait 2 to 3 weeks, he can order one for me. It looks like I should wait for 2010 Highlander is available or purchase 2010 Honda Pilot now.

steven1357 · July 2009

This message (Failed Attempt To Purchase 2009 Toyota Highlander Limited) has been re-submitted as a separate discussion in the Toyota Highlander forum.

This was done because it was becoming lost in the huge " Buying & Leasing Experiences" discussion in the same forum that actually has some posts dated a couple of years ago.

steven1357 · July 2009

I tried that "order" route.
But, apparently, 2009 Highlanders can not be ordered - at least not in the Gulf States Toyota Distributor area.

In my area, the dealers also claim that shortage. Yet, they still have not sold the Limiteds I saw on their lots over 6 weeks ago.

Plus, there are still some brand new 2008 Highlanders that have not yet sold.

mike1112 · July 2009

I just bought Hilander Limited. Dealer quoted me $1,495 for 7 year 100K warranty. i rejected it. Did anybody bought extended warranty online? from where? any comments?

teoteebob · July 2009

Mike,

That sounds like a fair price. Does the 3% sales tax suggest that you are in
North Carolina? I am in Durham, NC and if you are in N.C., would you mind giving me the dealers name and salespersons name?

I'm leaning toward a Pilot EX-L at this time but the Highlander is my second choice. I presently have a 4Runner which I have been extremely happy with. But I would like to go to something that rides better.

svofan2 · July 2009

..are you guys sure about this being a good price?...have you checked in TOYOTA Natiom web site?..there are member getting this extended warranties much cheaper or so I remember seen ...maybe I am wrong but if you have not check aroubd the web please do..maybe you can find the same Toyota waaranties (not 3rd party) cheaper...just trying to help

jtsmith · July 2009

Recently purchased a 2008 Toyota Higlander awd with 37,000 miles in MN two weeks ago. The dealer finance dept. offered 5yr/60k extended warranty for $1800, which I didn't accept. Any ideas on best website, etc to purchase around 5yr/ 75,000 extended warranty or similiar? I plan on keeping the vehicle many years to come and would like some piece of mind, and I am not very mechanically inclined.

jtsmith · July 2009

is that www.toyotanation.com? I am looking to purchase a extended warranty for 2008 highlander purchased a couple weeks ago?

mike1112 · July 2009

i bought at Scott Clark Toyota in matthews, near charlotte. I worked with Mike Black in sales.

I was buying Pilot EX-L also, but at the last time i've changed my mind. Pilot has good usability and really ugly exterior while highlander has good look and OK usability. So, I choose highlander. I am so glad that i changed my choice. I love highlander and now, i hate ugly Pilot.

Hope you can decide what you want.

svofan2 · July 2009

Yes...try to look there for the forum of those looking for exteneded warranties...I was surprise to see the difference...I was in the VENZA forum...but look around...good luck..I think that even here in Edmunds you got forums about these warranties...

walktofast · July 2009

For a Highlander base model 4X2 no third row seats. Dealer $23,864 less $1200 discount. Is this a decent price for this Highlander? 2009 model.

Thanks.

emt27 · July 2009

Sounds pretty good to me. What is the MSRP? Which dealership offered this price?

wvgasguy · July 2009

So, test drove a HiHy. I was expecting to have the ability to down-shift (useful for slowing down or starting up when there's snow) but that's not an option on the HiHy. The sales person indicated the "B" (under drive) was to some sort of means to slow the car without using the breaks. It was hinted that it was a way to save the breaks. Maybe, but I get the feeling it's real value is to slow the car by using wheel revs to gen power to the battery which as an effect slows the car down.

COuld someone clarify what this "gear" is for and how it's used?

I'll appoligize for responding here as it upsets some, but this can be posted in another thread for further discussion. It's a little complicated and you need to study up on the hybrid system as well as the Toyota features such as down hill assist and the traction control.

The saleperson could study up a little as well to give you a little more complete information. The B mode works basically as engine braking so yes you can use it to slow down if you desire. I never used it on my TCH and haven't use it on my HH yet. I have seen though on my 2010 Prius where it has application. It will slow you down, especially on steep slopes. The main time I use it is when I want to slow down without riding my brakes if there is traffic behind me. Riding your brakes in the hybrid system (down to a certain speed) simply reverses the generator to provide charge to the batteries. I try to do it often. It does not use your hydraulic friction brakes. However people behind you may not want to see the brake lights, especially when you are doing it to maintain speed rather than to slow, and especially in heavy traffic where that would cause a safety concern.

You can use it to slow down, but the brake action is an integral part of the charging system for the hybrid and you really don't want to avoid that. As for starting out, the traction control and other features will not allow you to spin the tires. If you are in snow I would recommend driving with snow tires to have adequate traction, but the 4wdi system will do a lot better than the 2wd hybrids in maintaining traction.

high_lander · July 2009

Guys, I got a quote from dealer in Omaha area for 2009 Highlander 4 X 4 Base. It has following options:

Cold Weather Package
Convenience Page
8-Way power driver seat
Daytime Runngin light Package
Carpet/Cargo Mat - 3 row seating.
Body side Molding
Cross Bars

He quoted me : $28659 (excluding tax/title/Reg)

Please let me know if it good. I would appreciate any advise!!

sbuhler · July 2009

I was looking at the Highlander's a few weeks back before we purchased a Murano. The Highlander is definitely a great vehicle, but we were just impressed with the features of the Murano.

In my area there were no rebates on 2009s except hybrids. So the best I was able to do was right at invoice when I was looking. I would say a good deal would be about 90% of the MSRP minus any rebates that are out there. Of course, someone could always beat that deal, but I think it is reasonable.

saltysmom · July 2009

We just bot an 09 highlander sport 2wd in blizzard pearl with cloth seats (the dogs hate the leather!) with the extra value pkg #5 yesterday. Paid $29,750 before 9.5% tax, license and other random fees. Total of $32,361+ change after $750 rebate. This was a cash deal.

Did we get a good price on this car??

(we initially went to one dealership (the largest in the sf bay area) and were given a bottom line price which was approx 1k more and not the special paint color. they would not budge even a tiny bit on the price).

edukatedredhed · July 2009

I have a 2008 Highlander Sport, blizzard pearl, 4x2, with beige leather, navigation, cold climate package, 3rd row seat, and only 10,600 miles that I'm thinking of selling. If anyone within the North Georgia area is interested, let me know. I bought it in Tennessee, so it's not from the SE Toyota Group, it's all factory accessories except the XM antennae.

There's nothing wrong with it, I just get car fever every year and a half or so. I bought it February 2008 ... time for something new! :shades:

kree79 · July 2009

The B mode is used as an engine brake mainly for hilly/mountainous areas. Yes its main purpose is to regenerate battery power but as a side effect it helps save brake pads. By the way, anytime you brake with any Toyota hybrid it does not technically use your brakes anyway, except for emergency situations when you use excessive brake force. What we were told in training classes is that you only usually use the brakes from 3 mph to 0. You can switch from B to D anytime, or you can run it in B the whole time, it doesn't matter. Hope this helps.

krd08 · July 2009

How can I get in touch with you? Am in ATL.

kanseou · July 2009

Toyota Highlander Base 4L (White color)

MSRP: $27050

Quotation: $24200 + tax and 3.9 % for 60 month.

Is this good deal ?

2013 and Earlier - Toyota Highlander Prices Paid and Buying Experience

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