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This will be a quantum leap forward in maintenance and repair. Currently, if there is a problem with an engine computer, you must replace the whole unit. In the future, repairs and updates can come over the Internet. I would also assume that Toyota would be able to pull data from the cars as well to make more rapid decisions on recalls and recurring problems. Cool stuff, but not a twist of a distributor cap.
Still want to know if FWD and VD are possible?
Anyone?
Also - a much less technical question. Given a kid and a dog, does cloth or leather make more sense? I've never had leather but the current car has cloth and it is looking pretty beat after 7 years. Would leather hold up any better or do I just have to do a better job of cleaning the car?
Can anybody recommend any dealers within 300 miles of New York City who are willing to sell HLs below MSRP and either have a decent stock of cars or are interested in helping to find what I'm looking for? Maryland and Northern Virginia are clearly within my 300 mile radius.
Thanks in advance.
Very cool stuff. Thanks for the info!
I'm not a dealer, but I checked the Toyota site and I see nothing to indicate why you couldn't get VD (VSC) with the FWD model. From a technical perspective, all RX300s (FWD or AWD) come with VSC standard, so it's entirely possible.
With reagrds to leather vs. cloth, kids and dogs are the #1 reason to have leather in a vehicle! I'll admit I like cloth in terms of comfort, but the leather will be easier to clean over the long term if properly maintained.
Cliffy1: it seems to me (an average consumer) Toyota has an outstanding marketing tool with the T1 line directly from a dealer's service department to Toyota factory. "Take your car to the service department of your local Toyota dealer and be assured of the most up to date information to treat your car." This would help combat me from taking it to my local mechanic.
Steve
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Somewhere out there is a cloth weave upholstery that is impervious to dog dirt, slobber, and everything else. But we haven't seen it in a vehicle. Scotchgard your heart away - it doesn't help that much. Neither do the dealer-inflated protection schemes.
After 23 years of leather-equipped Volvos, Dodge Vans, Acuras, Mountaineers, and now a Lexus - go leather.
It cleans up great and should last a lot more than 7 years. I've seen cloth interiors in other Dog-Mobiles look shabby after just a few years.
Of course, if Spot puts a hole in the leather, you will need to find one of those miracle workers that repair them at your home, office, or their site. I had such a dime-sized hole in my Acura and, $90 later, I couldn't find the scar.
Good luck!
Drew
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Drew
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I had the same thoughts as others in that HL is a good buy at an MSRP of ~$30k and $2k under. We were looking at an Escape at $25k. The superior quality of the Toyota (very obvious) and the larger size are well worth the $3k price premium.
I drove an RX, MDX, and Limited HL all on the same day. The RX was nice but really shines when you add on a few options. I don't know how to explain it but it just seems complete at about $38k. Little small in the "trunk" though and the stylized rear door opennings inhibit ingress/egress.
The MDX has a smoother motor, more powerful but not very significant. We didn't like the outside at all and the inside was very mini-vanish. I esp. did not like the seatbelt from the roof for the center rear seat that requries a key to unlatch. I found the 3rd row seats to be useless for us so we'd have them shut all the time. You do lose some 2nd row legroom b/c of them. Combining this with the very long wait, esp for a non-touring, non-nav version put it out of the running.
So at the $35k+ mark, I'd take an RX and for $30k- I'd go with a non-limited HL. So how did I end up with a loaded HL instead? I really wanted VSC/TRAC and you cannot find that on a non-limited 4wd HL. Ditto for side airbags. Leather was also our first choice. We were just about ready to buy a non-limited HL w/o the features for $28k when I found a HL with everything (except heated seats) and got it for $2900 off MSRP (better than the best non-limited deal). So for $4k more, the many extra features were worth it.
Sorry about the length. Feel free to send me email if for more info.
G
Having said that, I'd be looking at other factors to help make your decision.
The MDX has an on-demand 4WD/AWD, meaning it is really FWD until it senses slippage, then the AWD kicks in. It's more of a "reactive" system. Both the Highlander and all Subarus have full-time AWD, ("proactive"), as compared to the MDX. I personally prefer the Highlander/Subaru systems.
Depending on which Subaru you're considering will determine what kind of AWD system you will get. All automatics, except the H-6 VDC, get a 90/10 normal front-to-rear power split. The VDC gets a 45/55 power split, and all manuals get a 50/50 power split. On all models the front-to-rear power split can and will vary depending on road and driving conditions. Also, Subaru automatics, in first and second gear, have a 50/50 power split. It then changes to 90/10 in third and fourth gears. Finally a number of Subarus also have a viscous limited-slip rear differential.
I believe(?) the the Highlander has a 50/50 front-to-rear power split. However, I'm not sure if that power split varies front-to-rear split like the Subarus do, depending on traction conditions. I don't know if an LSD is available.
That's the best I can do comparing the AWD systems. In "real-world" terms, I'm not sure it really makes much difference. As I said, they're all good, and will do just fine in snow.
Bob
I live in the Phoenix metropolitan area and bought our HL from Camelback Toyota. My sales person is Sam Sanchez.
Hugo
But it takes a fully equipped HL at $35+K to get close to the MDX, and that $35+K doesn't necessarily even guarantee you 4-wheel drive.
Drew
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Regarding a "ticking" sound .... I am beginning to believe it is the sound of the fuel injectors. I personally cannot hear any ticking (I am a bit hard of hearing) but my wife says she can hear a ticking sound when idling.
Happy Motoring
Please advise
Thanks,
A 4WD Limited here in SoCal (MSRP) with everything possible here, ie. SR BE TO LL LA EJ CF and perhaps SK GN is $33719. Even adding the "VD" and "heated seats" and gold package, I can't hardly hit $35000.
And, those are the exception to the rule, as 4WD Limiteds are not plentiful here. I think what I meant that you might not be getting is that the average Highlander stickers here at $28000 to $30,000, Limiteds at $32000 to $33500 and that's really still not Acura MDX territory.
I hope that makes better sense?
Di
Just the thought.
Thoughts? Thanks. Don
I'm not sure what folks here mean by tapping, it could mean "knocking" or "ticking".
As I have previously stated before, the "ticking" sound (which not everyone is sensitive to) is the fuel injectors on the 3.0L engine. I've had two different Lexus lead mechanics confirm this independantly.
TC
JGCs roll like hotdogs.
I just saw a HL without the limited package at a local dealer and it did have VSC and side airbags, I am almost certain. I commented that that is how I would want it configured, so I don't think I am mistaken. It was AWD and stickered for 31K+. So they are available.
The dealer is in Minnesota, if that works for either one of you.
;>
Dianne
There is a center console available for the Highlander. You don't have to get a one from some other vehicle. Note that it is not as big as the RX's. It is about as high as the seat so you still use the seat armrests. It does have upholders on the front.
Personally I don't like mine. We prefer the open space. I am probably going to remove it if I can. Anybody interested in buying an Ivory one that is 4 days old? Send me a note.
I
available with the Limited package.
Obviously this is not true elsewhere.
Can anyone shed some light on this topic
Road Runner
I understood what you were saying. But I also found it easy to see why people will compare the HL to the MDX, since when similarly equipped, there is little difference in price.
I like the HL, by the way: it is a vehicle that is moving away from some of the insanity of the SUV craze.
PS: I did not want a damaged vehicle, also, it wont be repaired until the end of this month...
I do not have a center console. I do not think we will add one.
One option I wish we had is an outside thermometer. I have not had my HL long enough to ask around, but I wonder if the Toyota thermometer can be dealer installed? Any thoughts?
Happy motoring
FYI - Over in the "Toyota Highlander Owners: Meet the Members" group
there was some discussion of aftermarket items such as the outside temp
I'm wondering if Dianne or one of the other Toyota experts could tell us what this consists of.
Also, general FYI, it seems about 90% of Highlanders in the Milwaukee WI area are V6 AWD (no surprise) in silver, gold, or black.
Thanks!
As for the RS 3200 security system, I also found it very confusing. The brochure says it can't be ordered on cars with keyless entry, but the HL I test drove (not a limited) had both listed on the sticker. Does this mean you're paying for keyless entry twice if you get the convenience pkg. and the RS 3200? Since the car we're looking at would be prewired for an alarm, we asked our salesperson how to add the alarm, and even he was confused.
Anyway, I really liked the car and have decided to purchase the HL instead of a minivan, but getting correct information about the options has been a little frustrating. My thanks to all who have posted here...you've helped me a lot! :-)
Regarding the outside thermometer, "back in the old days" ( a month ago) when I was waiting for a Ford Escape) there was quite a few post about owners installing after-market mirror - thermometers. It was fairly expensive, and required a lot of removal of interior components. I wonder if the wiring is already in the HL? I wonder if we can purchase the thermometer from Toyota and install it ourselves or even the dealer?
Keep up the post, and happy motoring. After reading the post on other threads, and reading of their continuing problems, and doubts, I feel we really made a wise purchase in the HL.
Another very useful feature, in foul weather, is heated mirrors. This feature makes the outside mirrors usable when it's raining or snowing.
Our Forester has one other unique feature: an electronically heated windshield, as well as the regular front defroster. There are heating wires, like those found on the rear defroster, at the base of the windshield, which helps prevent ice build up on the wipers when in use. It also helps free the wipers quickly when you have to clean a fresh snow off your windshield This is a GREAT feature! I've used it, and it works.
The heated mirrors, heated windshield, and heated seats (another great feature) are all part of the "All-Weather Package" which is standard on some Subaru models, and optional on other models.
Bob
Bob
I decided against the green paint because it is too much of an "emerald green" - too primary. My Pathfinder is more an olive (Rainforest)green, similar to the Grand Cherokees.
Sunday we went to the dealer's lot and they had a silver Ltd.(my 2nd choice). The vehicle looked great from the outside but when you look inside does that tan leather and black dashboard ever clash with the silver exterior! Toyota HAS to have more colors available(interior & exterior) next year.