Though Multitronic can handle massive power output (like VW's W12 engine) there have been some issues wedding it to the quattro system in a way that it meet's Audi's standards. I don't know the specifics, but Audi plans to introduce multitronic + quattro in the near future.
No idea when Toyota will begin shipping CVTs with their vehicles.
I have ordered from Toyota Guys and been satisfied with teh service. Now, whenever I click on that link, I get asked for a password. That doesn't seem right. Does anyone have an address for them? Are they out of business?
Regarding the visor stickers .... Are they not required by law? I am very certain auto manufacturers would not put them there unless they were required to do so. If you find them that objectionable, I would cover them, leaving them in place for resell time. I believe they are required to be there when you sell too. I would not want the liability of removing them and having a future buyer have a problem and come back on me for removing them and selling it that way.
I was reading Edmund's reviews of mid size SUVS and noticed that the review of the Toyota Highlander was a 1 on ALL cagegories with a final score of 1.0. I dont understand this because I dont believe any SUV is that bad.
I moved your post over here so more people would see it. The Editors Rating doesn't look right and I've asked Editorial for clarification. Steve Host SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
They may have rated it that low because they discovered for themselves that it really isn't AWD, the VC is filled with the lowest viscosity fluid that could be purchased.
They rated EVERYTHING on the vehicle a 1.0. Not just AWD. Every category was a 1. The Editors rated Visibility 1.0........they rated Headlight Illumination 1.0........Cupholders 1.0......every single system on the vehicle was rated 1.0. It is done nowhere else in Edmunds Editor's ratings. The Consumer Rating was 9.0.
Well, we bought a Legacy L wagon (not Outback, the monotone model) for $17,827 last Friday. Just could not beat the value offered by Subaru. The wagon is roomy and has AWD, ABS, A/C, cruise, keyless, power everything, etc.
As noted before, I liked the Highlander, but it was hard to justify spending that much. The same dealer sells Toyota and Subarus back to back, so I could compare no-haggle prices directly. Even a Camry LE would have cost me a grand more, and I'd give up the space of the wagon. Plus I'd have to special order - I found NO 5 speeds with ABS, hard to believe.
Thanks to all the friendly folks here for your help and advice. My neighbor across the street bought a new Camry on Saturday, so it was fun to have a "new car" day on our block. :-)
Maybe the Editors Rating was so low in EVERY category because the Highlander is NOT made in a truck factory like most other SUVs. Maybe the Editors dont consider it an SUV.....then they should rate it elsewhere. I just read yesterday "Where are the new SUVs headed? Toyota's Highlander is a signpost pointing the way. It's not a truck, neither in its parts list nor its personality." It must be admitted that the majority of mid size and small SUVs are not purchased for off road driving. The wife is seen driving one to the grocery or dropping the kids off at soccer. Highlander's unit body is a sibling in the Camry family the Lexus RX300 is another. The Highlander and RX300 are built in the same factory. Edmunds in their First Drive report said of the Highlander "An SUV for Your Needs Rather Than Your Wants" "the Highlander is based on the same platform that is used for the Lexus RX 300 (which is itself similar to the Camry). This means that, like the Lexus, it has a car-like unibody design rather than the 4Runner's truck-based body-on-frame design." THAT does not sound like a 1 to me.
Hl vs RX. If the HL had HID then it would be virtually equal to the RX and I would be buying the least expensive HL (AWD 4Cyl) and getting virtually EVERYTHING the RX has with the exception of dealing with single marque Lexus dealers who are very much into gouging their customers at service time.
A too reliable and not a large enough installed base to support a single marque service shop.
Hello Everyone, This is Karl Brauer, Editor-in-Chief at Edmunds.com, and I want to assure you that the Editor's Rating for the Highlander is not accurate. We've been having trouble with the tool that lets us enter our vehicle ratings, so we used the Highlander as a "test" case to show the tech guys how the tool wasn't working. Since it was only a test, we didn't worry about the actual scores, we just entered "1" in every category to test the system. Guess what? The system decided to work that time (sort of like when you take your car to the dealer to show them a problem...and it runs just fine). So our Highlander "ratings" went live on the site. This problem is being corrected as I write this. Sorry for the confusion.
BTW, the Highlander deserves far better than a "1" in any category. It's a great vehicle.
My wife has owned her RX for over a year now. It has gone up and down the state of California several times and we couldn't be happier with this exceptional auto. I know perceptions can be subjective but the HL I test drove had pronounced engine noise and a firmer suspension. I think the RX is far superior. Plus if you loaded up the HL you are not far from thr RX price.
Thanks Karl for the info. I knew something must be wrong. Consumer Report chose Highlander Limited V6 as the number one CHECK RATED mid size SUV and I knew the two services could not be that far apart. BMW and Audi All Road were a tad higher but not CHECK RATED.
HI all. I am going to purchase a Highlander, but this will be my first NEW car purchase and I have a couple of questions before I go to the dealer and get robbed.
1. can you explain the difference to me about 4wd and 2wd. I am just wondering if I really need to spend the more money for the 4wd. I am scared to drive in snow, so I really wouldn't be driving in snow. any clarifications.
2. can you clarify the difference between leather and cloth seats. doesn't leather get hot in the summer? also, N checked on the toyota web site and they said that the color HL i want doesn't come in charcoal leather trim. does this mean that it does not come in charcoal leather at all??
Thank you. i know i must sound like an idiot to you all. but this is so new to me
Where do you live? Do you get alot of snow/rain/slush/sleet? Do you live out in the country or way out in the open burbs where you get alot of wind? Do you live in the city? How is the snow plowing in your area? Our family (cousins aunts uncles etc.) have own Toyota's for at least 15 years now and I wouldnt go to another car. I would say it depends on where you live. We are in the burbs of Chicago and the snow get heavy sometimes but the streets are pretty clear after a couple of hours. I own a 4by2 front wheel drive Highlander, IMO the best color which is Bluestone Metallic and Charcoal cloth. If you do get the leather and you do live in some cool or cold climate I would opt for heated seats also. The leather comes in Ivory. The 2wd is fine for my area. The 4wd would come in handy for my cousin who lives out in the country and needs it to get thru the snow. If you opt for 4wd I would load it up with VSC/Trac control and the works. It depends on what you want to spend and what is important to you. Safety is important to me. There are certain pkgs that go along with the 4wd and 2wd Highlanders and they pkgs them according to the area they are shipping them. Check this site also for Invoice of the Highlander and deal from the Invoice on up. You should be able to go between $500 to 1000 over invoice or at least 2000 down from the MSRP. It is a tight market out there and when I check the Internet sites on availability of some they dont have alot in stock. The one you want will jump out at you, dont let the dealer sell you something that you dont need or want. The one that I bought on a Thursday came in that Tuesday and was the one we were looking for. If you can and have a couple of dealers within 30 miles of you, you can shop and see where you can get the best deal. I hope I have been some help to you. Happy Hunting for your Highlander
I live on the east coast.. don't get a whole lot of snow.. and went with the 2wd. Saved a couple of thousand dollars. I've had several 2wd drive (front wheel drive) cars before and have never had any problem with snow. If you don't intend to drive off road or in the snow, you do not need 4wd. I think you even get a little better gas mileage with just the 2wd.
If you should decide that you want or need AWD then look at something like the Ford Escape first. The AWD "label" on an HL or an RX is nothing more than that, a label. The center diff'l's VC is so slack and of such low viscosity that the AWD system is virtually useless in environments, low traction surfaces, where it might be needed.
Additionally snowchains CANNOT be used on the rear wheels of the HL/RX and while the owners manual recommends snowchains ONLY on the front Lexus readily admits that this configuration, extremely high roadbed traction on the front vs the rear, can be extremely hazardous on certain low traction surfaces.
No, you didn't do anything to the nut in the frame. It is not spring loaded.....it is held in place by a metal plate that you (probably) bent when trying to get the bolt in. When I brought my Hidden Hitch in for rework, they had to cut holes in the frame, drop in bolts from above, patch the (cut) holes, cut off a piece of the hitch and extend one of the bolts holes on the hitch. I can post the gory pics if you'd like. The installed hitch looks great but in retrospect, I never would have bought it. Any hitch that requires modifcation or won't allow all the bolts to be put in, is definitley below par. I e-mailed Hidden Hitch and also intend to call them.
I purchased a Hidden Hitch about two months ago and either I got real lucky or you fellows that are having a problem got very unlucky. First, it installed in less than 1 hour. The only problem I had were the brackets which mount on the side of frame were to close and had to be bent outward to clear. This done, hitch slid right into position , started the two side bolts first and then a few taps with a hammer and the four bottom bolts lined up just fine. Tightened everything up installed a Reese patch cord which I ordered from "ToyotaGuys" which comes with mounting bracket for 4way plug and even the 20 amp Fuse. It looks great works just fine and am very happy with same. Like I said either I got very lucky or you fellows that are having all these problems got very unlucky. However good luck in the future and hope all works out well. Gene in Martinez, CA.
You mentioned:"The only problem I had were the brackets which mount on the side of frame were to close and had to be bent outward to clear." The Hidden Hitch 70777 does not have brackets that mount to the side of the frame. The hitch mounts flush to the bottom of the frame with 3 bolts on each side, no brackets. You must be thinking of another hitch.
My Hidden Hitch 70777 also installed without any problems. I first put 2 bolts in one side, just finger tight. Then went to second side and had to put a little pressure on hitch to get holes to line up. Then put all 3 bolts in that side and finally the last bolt in the other side. Total of 6 bolts. All install from bottom, none from side. Took less than 30 min.
Since the issue of charcoal leather has not been addressed by anyone yet, let me help. Basically, the only FACTORY leather color is oak/tan. Those with charcoal leather (which in our case is actually a light gray) have purchase it in one of three ways: installed at the port of entry, better known as a PORT INSTALLED OPTION, installed at the dealer level by a third party firm, or installed directly by a third party for the customer (as in a business transaction between the customer and the leather installer only). It is important to consider each of these options carefully should you choose a non-factory leather as warranty coverage and claim procedures usually are different with each.
As far as comfort, living in South Texas doesn't offer much exposure to the impact of a cold climate on the leather, unless it's due to the A/C running. Our PIO leather happens to have perforated center panels and so, IMHO, allows for more comfort year round.
I'm sure mine would have gone in fine, had I not screwed (no pun intended) it up. I was just posting what I thought to be a somewhat amusing story, which would hopefully also serve as a heads-up to others. If the bolt's not going in right, and it looks like it's lined up, don't force it. I probably could have re-aligned the nut and put the bolt in, had I not cranked the hell out of it while on an angle.
I'd recommend the hitch, just don't be a moron like me while putting it on.
Doesn't sound like you need AWD, but it is hard to argue that AWD with skid control and ABS is safer than 2WD on rainy or otherwise slick roads.
As pointed out by another who doesn't like Highlanders, this is not a hardcore off-road vehicle. But, it has more interior room, a better ride and better gas mileage than a hardcore off-roader of similar size and cost (see 4Runner). Different needs for different folks.
This is a very good road car, with the ability to handle poor weather driving or do the occasional off-road jaunt.
As for the leather, my tan leather was never too cold in the (mild) Wisconsin winter we just had - not too concerned about the summer.
In regards to my description of my Hidden Hitch installation. Whom ever pointed out that there were no side bolts was right. I installed a 90647 which is a class11 hidden hitch which matches the Highlander Towing Cap and tongue weight. What I do not understand is why anyone would put a class 111 hitch on a vehicle whose specs clearly call for a class11. Would someone please give me the logic. Gene in Martinez, CA.
just purchased '02 2 wheel drive limited. immediately found if you put 2nd. passenger window or windows down there is terrible wind turbulece,buffeting and noise in vehicle. is this normal..as dealership claims? help!
Due to closed "tightly sealed" volume to the rear of an open window with wind moving pass reasonably rapidly. Frequency of buffeting will be a function of the volume and loudness will be a function of forward motion.
Chrysler T&C, ML w/sunroof, X5 all of electrically operated rear, quarter panel, vent windows to alleviate this problem. Ford station wagons you could lower the rear glass slightly.
We once rented a dust-buster GM minivan and it had the worst case of buffeting I've ever experienced. You simply could not open the windows at even city speeds.
Recently installed a hitch and wiring harness purchased directly from the Toyota dealer. The installation went very smoothly - on in about 1 hour. All holes lined up perfectly and the wiring harness plugged into predrilled holes in the hitch as it went from the main connection to the one mounted on the bumper. Two points of information - this installation used 10 bolts and although this was a Toyota hitch (with toyota part number) it was not the same hitch that comes installed from the factory. Came with harness for $320 + tax. Not cheap, but a joy to install.
You asked "Why install a class III hitch on a HL?". It does not hurt to have a hitch that will handle more than it is actually used for. I only put 30lbs. of air in my tires but did not think it was necessary to downgrade my tires because they hold a max of 45lbs. Same goes for my roof rack. I also found a class III hitch to be more compatible with the large number of bike racks out there. Most require an adapter for a class II hitch.
I am planning to buy Highlander and am concerned about my long-term ability to keep the cloth seats clean. The "charcoal" appears to me to be light grey and the ivory is indeed almost ivory. Leather not a great option due to local climate (think Washington, DC in the summer) and the additional cost (must buy Limited...and all the options typically on those models). Question for the group: what do you do to keep your seats clean? Frequent Scotchguard applications, "no drink" rules for the youngins, or seat covers? Nothing?
I agree with Mikey00 above. I have towed my boat and trailer (different vehicle) with a 1 1/4" Class II hitch, with the total weight being around 2000 to 2500 lbs. Every time I went over an uneven bump or had torsion on the trailer tongue, I was afraid that inch and a quarter diameter reciever was going to tear right off the hitch. With the Class III hitch and the two inch diameter reciever, I feel I can tow anything within the weight towing limits of the vehicle. Its not just the weight of the tongue and what you are towing that is important, but all the other stressors that could be a factor. In my town, the local Toyota dealer only installs Class III hitches on the HL.
I saw that hitch with the 10 bolt installation at my Toy dealer. That hitch is really ON. I was impressed with the redundancy of the attachment. I don't think anything would get that hitch off!
In addition to wwest's and others responses, there are many postings way back on this board regarding the rear windows only down with and the turbulence. Of course, rolling the front windows down takes care of the issue.
Personally, I have had my HL for 11 months, 16,500 miles, and I have not considered this issue to be of concern to me.
We have owned our HL for 14 months, the seats are like new, but then there is just two of us (no children). I bought the charcoal interior, because the tan seats on the dealers lot was already dirty. We have enjoyed the charcoal .... plus, I personally like the dash better.
I immediately scotchgarded the cloth. That seems to have helped.
What are your opinions of the HL headlights? The editors review gave them a low rating. When I see HL'ers on the road - the lights look pretty bright. How are the fog lights - they are only 35 W bulbs, seems low?
Finally - anybody heard if the 2003 will get Navi and darker leather options?
The headlights are fine. I drive on mountain two lane roads and have no problem at all. The fog lights are a little weak. It's hard to tell the difference whether they are on or not. They do throw a little light to the sides which would help in real foggy conditions, but not much.
Been reading your posts about the Land Rover DII vs Hilander/4runner/Pathfinder/Jeep GC. Let me preface this w/ the following info I don't own any of these, but I have been following them closely and have test driven them all. Mainly because I am in the same market as you, but I'm also a bit of a car/truck/motorcycle nut like the rest of us. Here's my humble perspective on these SUV's.
DII - Pretty impressive off road capability. It also has unique character and a certain level of curbside appeal, if image matters to you. Nice to have the extra seating as an option for those times when you want it (the only one of these 5 that has/will have it). That said I drove one for several months when I lived in Europe. Granted this was few years ago, but I have checked out the recent models and some of these next observations persist. Very poor interior ergonomics (kinda remind me of 1980's GM products). The drive trains can feel anemic at times on road (not an issue off road). Finally (I think/hope this has been fixed) the frames from 5 or so years ago had a tendency to rust through and eventually fail. I didn't believe it until I saw it my self when I was in Europe.
Jeep GC - equally impressive off road capability, great engine if you get the V-8 (not so great w/ the new 6). Decent interior. They still have some fit/finish issues and questionable quality control. Stay away from the Quadra-drive. In theory it's a terrific solution to the locking/open differential problem that avoids abusing the brakes like the Hummer/Mercedes/DII/new Toyota systems. In practice it's a nightmare. My sister-in-law is a service manager at a combined Toyota/Jeep dealer (how ironic is that). She sees a constant nonstop flow of Jeeps coming in for a variety of problems, but the Quadra drive leads the pack.
Hilander - Not as capable off road since it has a viscous coupling center diff, but the tracs/vsc systems can mitigate this shortcoming. Decent engine and nice interior. Toyota quality/durability, but their customer service seems to vary widely, depending on the dealership (FWIW I own a Honda and the same can be said for them). Better mileage than the others here, but towing/off-roading is limited by unibody construction, and lack of a lo range.
4-runner - Real off road capability, but I personally preferred the locking differential that went away in 2001. The current tracs system is similar to the Mercedes that uses the brakes to counter wheel spin. Body on frame design provides greater towing/off road capability. Same toyota build quality (my sister in law rarely sees either Toyota come in for other than run of the mill maint. stuff.) Interior is definitely dated. Current engine is weak, but there is an optional supercharger that bumps it up to approx 260hp! Also the runner's getting a complete redesign for 2003 w/ 2 new engines, a v-6 and v-8, both more powerful than the stock 183hp currently available.
Pathfinder - Great engine (best here IMHO). Nice interior. Unibody construction limits towing. Has an awd option w/ a traditional 4wd system is time tested, and covers most peoples needs. It's not that inventive and has nothing other than a limited slip differential (worthless IMO) to limit wheel slip.
This was probably more than you wanted, but I haven't seen too many responses to your inquiries.
I too am annoyed by the over abundance of ugly yellow stickers in expensive vehicles. Stupid people have now managed to ruin the interiors of cars. The Highlander is especially bad - it looks like a taxi cab with all of those stickers. Someone could make a lot of $$$ selling custom visor covers.
Stickers: I too dislike the stickers. I suspect it is the Federal Government protecting us from ourselves ... after all, they know better that we do. Now I suppose a law will be passed warning women that having male babies will shorten their lives .... (latest research).
HL lights: They are the best of any vehicle I have ever owned. Significantly better than my 1992 Acura, or the Ford Explorer I owned prior to the HL. I do not think it is a fair test to make teh judgement of approaching vehicles. The proof is in the driving.
The HL is not a perfect vehicle, but it is pretty darn good. I think, however, it will be interesting to see how it sells against the newer models that are coming on the market. I, for one, am grateful that mine was assembled in Japan on the Lexus line .... I think that is a "plus."
In theory it does as the name implies; limits wheel slip. The problem is that the way this is accomplished. In very broad terms it tricks the open differential that is slipping by applying extra pressure to the spider gears and keeping them from spinning freely, which is exactly what a differential is designed to do. This extra pressure comes from extra plates squeezed into place next to the spider gears. One problem is that if you are experiencing major wheel spin (ice, snow, mud etc...) then it's effect can be overcome and you are just as stuck as if you had an open diff. As time goes buy, every time you turn your vehicle (which makes the inside wheel track at a different speed than the outside wheel) you are slowly wearing out the "slip limiting" of the differential. Eventually you have nothing more than a regular diff. This is not the worst thing that could happen, but in an off-road/limited traction situation it could get you stuck. Might as well save the $250-$500 it cost, cause it prob won't be there when and if you need it. Additionally the recent advances in awd and 4wd technology all but makes this option a stop gap and outdated. Like I said this was a very broad explanation. If you want a more in depth explanation check out some of the posts at the "4wd systems explained" topic or goto www.4x4abc.com .
I recently purchased a '02 V6 2WD HL, and I am a little dissapointed with the smoothness of the V6. It seems as though the steering wheel and the excelator pedal communicate a little to much engine vibration at all RPMS. Has anyone else experienced this, please help. I've had the opportunity to drive '02 RX 300 for a few days and never encountered this problem. The HL shouldn't be far off from the RX 300 with respect to the smoothness of the engine, as the engines are identical!! Please help.
Comments
No idea when Toyota will begin shipping CVTs with their vehicles.
Regarding the visor stickers .... Are they not required by law? I am very certain auto manufacturers would not put them there unless they were required to do so. If you find them that objectionable, I would cover them, leaving them in place for resell time. I believe they are required to be there when you sell too. I would not want the liability of removing them and having a future buyer have a problem and come back on me for removing them and selling it that way.
Happy HL'ing to all.
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/toyotaguys/?yguid=81553190
If you already have a Yahoo! email address, simply go to the site and "Join" the group.
If you would rather see the dealer site, here's the address: http://www.romaniatoyota.com/
Good luck.
I dont understand this because I dont believe any SUV is that bad.
Steve
Host
SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
It is done nowhere else in Edmunds Editor's ratings.
The Consumer Rating was 9.0.
As noted before, I liked the Highlander, but it was hard to justify spending that much. The same dealer sells Toyota and Subarus back to back, so I could compare no-haggle prices directly. Even a Camry LE would have cost me a grand more, and I'd give up the space of the wagon. Plus I'd have to special order - I found NO 5 speeds with ABS, hard to believe.
Thanks to all the friendly folks here for your help and advice. My neighbor across the street bought a new Camry on Saturday, so it was fun to have a "new car" day on our block. :-)
-juice
I just read yesterday "Where are the new SUVs headed? Toyota's Highlander is a signpost pointing the way. It's not a truck, neither in its parts list nor its personality."
It must be admitted that the majority of mid size and small SUVs are not purchased for off road driving. The wife is seen driving one to the grocery or dropping the kids off at soccer.
Highlander's unit body is a sibling in the Camry family the Lexus RX300 is another. The Highlander and RX300 are built in the same factory.
Edmunds in their First Drive report said of the Highlander "An SUV for Your Needs Rather Than
Your Wants"
"the Highlander is based on the same platform that is used for the Lexus RX 300 (which is itself similar to the Camry). This means that, like the Lexus, it has a car-like unibody design rather than the 4Runner's truck-based body-on-frame design."
THAT does not sound like a 1 to me.
A too reliable and not a large enough installed base to support a single marque service shop.
This is Karl Brauer, Editor-in-Chief at Edmunds.com, and I want to assure you that the Editor's Rating for the Highlander is not accurate. We've been having trouble with the tool that lets us enter our vehicle ratings, so we used the Highlander as a "test" case to show the tech guys how the tool wasn't working. Since it was only a test, we didn't worry about the actual scores, we just entered "1" in every category to test the system.
Guess what? The system decided to work that time (sort of like when you take your car to the dealer to show them a problem...and it runs just fine). So our Highlander "ratings" went live on the site. This problem is being corrected as I write this. Sorry for the confusion.
BTW, the Highlander deserves far better than a "1" in any category. It's a great vehicle.
Karl Brauer
Editor-in-Chief
Edmunds.com
BMW and Audi All Road were a tad higher but not CHECK RATED.
OK, OK, calm down folks. I'm only kidding!
1. can you explain the difference to me about 4wd and 2wd. I am just wondering if I really need to spend the more money for the 4wd. I am scared to drive in snow, so I really wouldn't be driving in snow. any clarifications.
2. can you clarify the difference between leather and cloth seats. doesn't leather get hot in the summer? also, N checked on the toyota web site and they said that the color HL i want doesn't come in charcoal leather trim. does this mean that it does not come in charcoal leather at all??
Thank you. i know i must sound like an idiot to you all. but this is so new to me
For more info than you probably want about 4x4, check the "Toyota 4WD systems explained" link in the left navigation bar.
Also check the main edmunds.com page for all the new car buying tips and hints.
Steve
Host
SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
Our family (cousins aunts uncles etc.) have own Toyota's for at least 15 years now and I wouldnt go to another car. I would say it depends on where you live. We are in the burbs of Chicago and the snow get heavy sometimes but the streets are pretty clear after a couple of hours. I own a 4by2 front wheel drive Highlander, IMO the best color which is Bluestone Metallic and Charcoal cloth. If you do get the leather and you do live in some cool or cold climate I would opt for heated seats also. The leather comes in Ivory. The 2wd is fine for my area. The 4wd would come in handy for my cousin who lives out in the country and needs it to get thru the snow. If you opt for 4wd I would load it up with VSC/Trac control and the works. It depends on what you want to spend and what is important to you. Safety is important to me. There are certain pkgs that go along with the 4wd and 2wd Highlanders and they pkgs them according to the area they are shipping them. Check this site also for Invoice of the Highlander and deal from the Invoice on up. You should be able to go between $500 to 1000 over invoice or at least 2000 down from the MSRP. It is a tight market out there and when I check the Internet sites on availability of some they dont have alot in stock.
The one you want will jump out at you, dont let the dealer sell you something that you dont need or want. The one that I bought on a Thursday came in that Tuesday and was the one we were looking for. If you can and have a couple of dealers within 30 miles of you, you can shop and see where you can get the best deal. I hope I have been some help to you. Happy Hunting for your Highlander
I think you even get a little better gas mileage with just the 2wd.
The AWD "label" on an HL or an RX is nothing more than that, a label. The center diff'l's VC is so slack and of such low viscosity that the AWD system is virtually useless in environments, low traction surfaces, where it might be needed.
Additionally snowchains CANNOT be used on the rear wheels of the HL/RX and while the owners manual recommends snowchains ONLY on the front Lexus readily admits that this configuration, extremely high roadbed traction on the front vs the rear, can be extremely hazardous on certain low traction surfaces.
(It's a must have for my wife!)
Thanks,
The Hidden Hitch 70777 does not have brackets that mount to the side of the frame. The hitch mounts flush to the bottom of the frame with 3 bolts on each side, no brackets. You must be thinking of another hitch.
As far as comfort, living in South Texas doesn't offer much exposure to the impact of a cold climate on the leather, unless it's due to the A/C running. Our PIO leather happens to have perforated center panels and so, IMHO, allows for more comfort year round.
Good luck.
I'd recommend the hitch, just don't be a moron like me while putting it on.
As pointed out by another who doesn't like Highlanders, this is not a hardcore off-road vehicle. But, it has more interior room, a better ride and better gas mileage than a hardcore off-roader of similar size and cost (see 4Runner). Different needs for different folks.
This is a very good road car, with the ability to handle poor weather driving or do the occasional off-road jaunt.
As for the leather, my tan leather was never too cold in the (mild) Wisconsin winter we just had - not too concerned about the summer.
Due to closed "tightly sealed" volume to the rear of an open window with wind moving pass reasonably rapidly. Frequency of buffeting will be a function of the volume and loudness will be a function of forward motion.
Chrysler T&C, ML w/sunroof, X5 all of electrically operated rear, quarter panel, vent windows to alleviate this problem. Ford station wagons you could lower the rear glass slightly.
-juice
It does not hurt to have a hitch that will handle more than it is actually used for. I only put 30lbs. of air in my tires but did not think it was necessary to downgrade my tires because they hold a max of 45lbs. Same goes for my roof rack.
I also found a class III hitch to be more compatible with the large number of bike racks out there. Most require an adapter for a class II hitch.
Personally, I have had my HL for 11 months, 16,500 miles, and I have not considered this issue to be of concern to me.
I immediately scotchgarded the cloth. That seems to have helped.
Happy HL'ing to all.
The editors review gave them a low rating. When I see HL'ers on the road - the lights look pretty bright.
How are the fog lights - they are only 35 W bulbs, seems low?
Finally - anybody heard if the 2003 will get Navi and darker leather options?
Thanks
DII - Pretty impressive off road capability. It also has unique character and a certain level of curbside appeal, if image matters to you. Nice to have the extra seating as an option for those times when you want it (the only one of these 5 that has/will have it). That said I drove one for several months when I lived in Europe. Granted this was few years ago, but I have checked out the recent models and some of these next observations persist. Very poor interior ergonomics (kinda remind me of 1980's GM products). The drive trains can feel anemic at times on road (not an issue off road). Finally (I think/hope this has been fixed) the frames from 5 or so years ago had a tendency to rust through and eventually fail. I didn't believe it until I saw it my self when I was in Europe.
Jeep GC - equally impressive off road capability, great engine if you get the V-8 (not so great w/ the new 6). Decent interior. They still have some fit/finish issues and questionable quality control. Stay away from the Quadra-drive. In theory it's a terrific solution to the locking/open differential problem that avoids abusing the brakes like the Hummer/Mercedes/DII/new Toyota systems. In practice it's a nightmare. My sister-in-law is a service manager at a combined Toyota/Jeep dealer (how ironic is that). She sees a constant nonstop flow of Jeeps coming in for a variety of problems, but the Quadra drive leads the pack.
Hilander - Not as capable off road since it has a viscous coupling center diff, but the tracs/vsc systems can mitigate this shortcoming. Decent engine and nice interior. Toyota quality/durability, but their customer service seems to vary widely, depending on the dealership (FWIW I own a Honda and the same can be said for them). Better mileage than the others here, but towing/off-roading is limited by unibody construction, and lack of a lo range.
4-runner - Real off road capability, but I personally preferred the locking differential that went away in 2001. The current tracs system is similar to the Mercedes that uses the brakes to counter wheel spin. Body on frame design provides greater towing/off road capability. Same toyota build quality (my sister in law rarely sees either Toyota come in for other than run of the mill maint. stuff.) Interior is definitely dated. Current engine is weak, but there is an optional supercharger that bumps it up to approx 260hp! Also the runner's getting a complete redesign for 2003 w/ 2 new engines, a v-6 and v-8, both more powerful than the stock 183hp currently available.
Pathfinder - Great engine (best here IMHO). Nice interior. Unibody construction limits towing. Has an awd option w/ a traditional 4wd system is time tested, and covers most peoples needs. It's not that inventive and has nothing other than a limited slip differential (worthless IMO) to limit wheel slip.
This was probably more than you wanted, but I haven't seen too many responses to your inquiries.
HL lights: They are the best of any vehicle I have ever owned. Significantly better than my 1992 Acura, or the Ford Explorer I owned prior to the HL. I do not think it is a fair test to make teh judgement of approaching vehicles. The proof is in the driving.
The HL is not a perfect vehicle, but it is pretty darn good. I think, however, it will be interesting to see how it sells against the newer models that are coming on the market. I, for one, am grateful that mine was assembled in Japan on the Lexus line .... I think that is a "plus."
Happy HL'ing to all.
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