2013 and Earlier - Toyota Highlander Prices Paid and Buying Experience

landdriver · January 2006

$28826 is a killer price for a Limited; there must be some rebates in your area. Check out the invoice price on edmunds.com, subtract the invoice prices of the options you don't want from your dealer's quote and then add the invoice prices of the options you do want to get what they ought to charge you for your original options. Did they indicate there was a HL packaged with the options you wanted; options tend to be shipped in fixed combinations and thus the configuration you want may not readily exist.

Good luck!

landdriver · January 2006

Not familiar with Maryland doc fees but $1000 sounds high; you might want to verify it's typical for your state (perhaps call up some dealerships and ask them what their doc fees are, or post to Any Questions for a Car Dealer?).

isewell · January 2006

Hi all,

I ended up getting a Limited HH (no nav, no dvd), gold, for 34.6k from Carson Toyota in LA. It was well worth flying down from the Bay Area, we saved at least $2k!!

Excellent experience with Carson, and a below-invoice price. They picked us up at the airport, and the whole process went very smoothly. Highly recommended.

Ian

highlander123 · January 2006

Landdrive. The process fee is $100. This is a typo. Thanks for your reply. I may wait for several month to see what I can get because the new model will be in the market around August. I may get a good deal by be patient.I have checked Carmax in Laura and think they are good too. I will keep updating my experiences here.

golic · February 2006

I am just getting started on my venture to purchase a 7-passanger SUV and Highlander is on my list of choices. I am looking for to lease a 4x4 limited with 3rd row. Would appreciate and dealer/salesman recommendations.

Keep a smile,
golic

kyfdx · February 2006

You may include the dealership name, city and state in your post. Please do not post names of salespeople, telephone numbers, email addresses, or other contact information.

Thanks,
kyfdx

mevande · February 2006

Hello-
There are pics on the web of the 2007 Highlander. The style will be radically different. Why buy the last year of the current style? That being said, the best pricing of the current HH should be invoice or less. Why less? The dealer as some have reported gets a holdback (profit!) on every HH. These are the holdback #'s for each model.

Hybrid Hybrid 4x4 Limited Hybrid Limited Hybrid 4x4

( $661) ( $689) ( $758) ( $786)

It makes a big difference when you have all the info.

Cheers.

Mike

wcwiii · February 2006

I bought from Schaumburg Toyota and would say I had a very good buying experience. I also had a good email exchange from the internet dept at Libertyville (but they are far from me, otherwise I would have considered them). I've heard good things about St Charles, but don't have direct personal experience. Finally, I like the concept of no-haggle at the Toyota/Carmax in Kenosha.

I did not buy from dealer closest to me when I felt too much pressure during negotiations. In the end, I got a price $500 less from the dealer above compared with my local dealer. I wonder if the price difference was partly because I contacted the internet department first (where I purchaced the car) rather than making an initial contact with a salesperson (when I first went to my local dealership).

Good luck to you.

golic · February 2006

Question for the pond, those of you that purchased the Highlander, did you look at the Pilot and if so, what swayed you to the Highlander?

I am trying to find time to do a test drive, and my initial thought was that I would prefer the Highlander, but after seeing both, right now I am leaning Pilot?

-smile

moopy · February 2006

I purchased a Highlander about two weeks ago. At first I was leaning towards the Pilot, but after test driving them on the same day, I decided on the Highlander.
In my opinion, the Highlander had more of a car like ride, which I wanted. Also, when test driving the Pilot, there was a very discernible sloshing sound of gasoline in the gas tank when stopping and starting. This apparently has been a problem for some time and has not been corrected. As I intend to keep the vehicle for an extended period of time, the sloshing noise was unacceptable.

steel33 · February 2006

I bought a 2006 Highlander V6 (no third row) with following options for $26000 + TTL. Do you guys think I got a fair deal or did I pay too much? I tried all the different calculations - only made my head hurt!!

1. AG (Appearance package)
2. DJ (JBL 1 disc CD player)
3. PE (Power driver seat)
4. TO (Tow Prep)
5. NE (Steering wheel audio controls)
6. Leather seats (dealer installed)

Also got floor mats and front window tint (useful) and wheel locks, VIN etch, door guards, stripes, sound dampening coating and other BS I wouldn't pay a dime for. Any thoughts on this deal?

highlander123 · February 2006

I am comparing these two SUVs too. Haven't had a test drive on either; have done a lot of online research; I see that Pilot has lower MPG (1 or 2 miles less than HL). I have Camry and Accord at home. My wife doesn't like Honda cars. She prefer to have a Toyota car. Nothing wrong with the quality of Accord just some uncomfortable(bad) designs. The dashboard on the door side has bumped my leg several times when I am sitting into the driver seat. I personally lean to HL too, but will test drive Pilot for sure.
I was also considering Acura MDX. But after reading posts in Edmunds about owners' problems, I really concern about its transmission and other mechanic quality. I believe Toyota has much more experiences than Honda to build high quality SUVs.

golic · February 2006

I thought about the MDX as well, but according to Consumer Reports, the Pilot has a larger interior and a better reliabity record for a significant cost less than the MDX.

I am hoping to get out this weekend and taking them both for a "ride" around the block. One of my biggest hang-ups on the Pilot is our family car is the Odyssey and I have some sort of mental block on owning two honda's *shrugs*

golic · February 2006

2006 Highlander V6 4x4 LTD
this vehicle comes with the power moonroof, side curtain airbags, leather heated seats, third row, 6 disc cd changer, and appearance package (they are all pretty much equipped the same).

Your special internet price, including the available rebate, is $31,789. Toyota is building very few with navigation, but I believe it is roughly $1,800 more. I can double check if that is an option for you.

Smile-

canaligator · February 2006

According to Consumer Reports, the DEALER'S cost for that vehicle is $29,737. Base Invoice:$28,322 (inc. destination chg. of $605, Dealer holdback of $637)
Air Bags:$559
Heated Seats:$352
Sunroof & CD PKG:$504

landdriver · February 2006

Ignoring any possible rebates in your area this sounds like a very good price based on what other posters have been reporting here; you weren't taken or anything!

landdriver · February 2006

This seems like a very reasonable price, though I'm not sure what rebates may be in effect in your area (check edmunds.com for this); you could get a couple more internet quotes from other dealerships to verify this is competitive.

steel33 · February 2006

I bought a 2006 Highlander V6 (no third row) with following options for $26000 + TTL. Do you guys think I got a fair deal or did I pay too much? I tried all the different calculations - only made my head hurt!!

1. AG (Appearance package)
2. DJ (JBL 1 disc CD player)
3. PE (Power driver seat)
4. TO (Tow Prep)
5. NE (Steering wheel audio controls)
6. Leather seats (dealer installed)

Also got floor mats and front window tint (useful) and wheel locks, VIN etch, door guards, stripes, sound dampening coating and other BS I wouldn't pay a dime for. Any thoughts on this deal?
-----------------

#1895 of 1897 Re: Help! Did I get taken? [steel33] by landdriver Feb 08, 2006 (8:55 pm)
Replying to: steel33 (Feb 07, 2006 9:56 am)

Ignoring any possible rebates in your area this sounds like a very good price based on what other posters have been reporting here; you weren't taken or anything!
-----------

The only availbale rebate I qualified for was $500. The dealer included this in the final price of $26000 +TTL

landdriver · February 2006

Even with the $500 rebate this was a very reasonable price; you didn't get taken or anything; if you want you can go to edmunds.com new car pricing and see what the invoice price and TMV (what others are paying) price are; but otherwise just enjoy that brand new, sleek-looking Highlander!!!

strunk · February 2006

I am in the market to buy a 2006 Highlander. This is a competitive price. Are you a dealer? How do I reach you?
Thank you

highlander123 · February 2006

Hi All, I am deciding on buying a Limited or non Limited HL. After doing research, the most attractive feature to me is the 17" Alloy Wheel. I know Limited has Climate Control which non Limited doesn't have but this is not a must feature I want. On www.darcar.com, they have Limited with Curtain/Side Airbag and all other options(No Res and Nav) for $30,500. I think the price is not bad. I also compared with Pilot options and find that Pilot provides more features for money. For $30,500, you can have Pilot Ex-L with Res and $1000 more for Navi. Any comments on Limited or non-Limited, and Pilot vs. HL?

landdriver · February 2006

If you havn't done so make sure you physically look at the interior of both the limited and non-limited -- I wanted something that looked expensive and went with the limited after looking at the interiors of both. If you're happy with how the non-limited looks, save some money and go for the non-limited!

Both the HL and Pilot are very good vehicles and you'll probably be happy with either. The HL is a bit smaller and perhaps more refined and sedate-looking, while the Pilot is larger and has more character in terms of styling.

$30,500 is indeed a decent price for a base limited HL.

andrewsmama · February 2006

Bear with me please, I have never posted before but I need some advice and thought someone out there could help me.

I am looking to purchase a 2006 Highlander AWD Limited w/3rd row fully loaded except navigation system and entertainment system. I am getting a quote of $30,500. I live in the NY area. Is this a good price? Should I take the deal?
Thanks for any info you can give me.

Andrewsmama
Andrewsmama

adam4 · February 2006

$30.5K is an excellent price, especially for NY. Actually, you beat me by $100 when I bought mine a few weeks ago (Southeast). I had the same options as yours. I have done a lot of post-mortem research (as well as pre-buy of course) and haven't seen better deals out there for that price. I still fee I got a great deal. Go for it!

landdriver · February 2006

Looks like a great price to me too -- I also recommend going for it!!

anthony921 · February 2006

Hi,

Can you list the dealership location where you got this price ? It sounds like a great deal. Were there any cash rebates involved ?

Thanks

andrewsmama · February 2006

First, I would like to thank adam4 and landdriver for their great advice. I will be going to order the car tomorrow and feel much more comfortable doing so now that I know I am getting a good deal.

Second, to anthony921. I will gladly give you the dealership. It's Lee's Toyota in Jamaica, NY. I do believe that I got a $750 cash rebate.

Again thanks to all.

Andrewsmama

james46 · February 2006

I just bought a 2006 Highlander V6 LTD (with 3rd row seat)for $27,900 + TTL. This included a $1,250 rebate.

Additional options included:

1. JBL AM/FM/6 Disc Changer
2. Power Tilt.Slide Moonroof
3. Tow Prep package
4. Carpet Mats/ Trunk Mat
5. Leather Seats
6. Driver & Passenger Seat Heaters

It seemed like a good deal, actually slightly less than what my son paid for similiar model in 2003. He helped me negotiate on this one.

kelvam · February 2006

Hello,

I'm new to the board, and it's going to be hard to read all 96 pages of messages. I am pretty sure I am buying the Hybrid Limited 4WD, the only decision to make is to get with Nav or without Nav system (which I have yet to find the dealer invoice price of this particular option).

I live in Southern CA, and here's the price I've been bombarding the dealership with Internet quote:

4WD 3.3 L, 268 HP Highlander Hybrid Limited
Bluestone/Indigo Ink Pearl Metallic with Ash Interior
http://www.toyota.com/highlander/models.html
Dealership Invoice Price $34,021.00
Edmunds Invoice Price $35,198.00
KBB Invoice Price $35,803.00
Toyota Published MSRP $39,290.00, a 9.74% markup
My target price $37,235.12
Sale Tax $3,071.90 8.25%
CA DMV Fee $306.00
Tire Tax $8.75
Doc Fee $45.00
Destination Charge $605.00

Out-the-door Est. $40,666.77

If a dealership is willing to let me walk out of the door with roughly 41k total, does this sound like a good deal or not? I saw that the floor mat is like $200 (dealer's invoice on it is $126)... which likely I'll see if my bargaining power will be able to get me those included as well.

A few things I saw so far after getting 10+ replied from online quote request: TDA ($400), Dealer Holdback ($785), Whsl. Financial Reserve ($392). I wonder if anyone what's the last item is. I've read consumer report explaining dealer holdback, and TDA I believe is some Toyota advertising fee that the dealer is "forcing" us to pay.

Any insight would be greaty appreciated!! :shades:

james46 · February 2006

I just bought a 2006 Highlander V6 LTD (with 3rd row seat)for $27,900 + TTL. This included a $1,250 rebate.

Additional options included:

1. JBL AM/FM/6 Disc Changer
2. Power Tilt.Slide Moonroof
3. Tow Prep package
4. Carpet Mats/ Trunk Mat
5. Leather Seats
6. Driver & Passenger Seat Heaters

It seemed like a good deal, actually slightly less than what my son paid for similiar model in 2003. He helped me negotiate on this one.

Sorry I forgot my name

James46

kelvam · February 2006

Hi Ian,

You said you got one from Carson Toyota for 34.6. Is it a 4x4 AWD or 4x2 FWD? So the price I assume is the basic HH limited since I believe the Nav and DVD is the only 2 options available on the car.

do you happen to have a contact at Carson, I'm definitely gonna look them up! :confuse:

Thx! :shades:

Kirstie_H · February 2006

Sorry, but we don't permit contact information - just dealership, city & state per the red lettering above the "post a message" box.

kirstie_h
Roving Host
Host, Future Vehicles & Smart Shopper discussions

kelvam · February 2006

Sorry about that Kirstie_h. Unfortunately I can't edit the posted message. Hopefully I could at least get the spec of the car that Ian purchased so that I can see if I am comparing an apple with an apple.

kelvam · February 2006

I have gotten a few quotes now, and they all are pointing the TDA as a fee that I (the buyer) have to pay the dealership for even before TTL (tax,title,license). Is that the case?

Have anyone been able to negotiate without paying the TDA?

What's TDA for anyway, Toyota Dealers Association / Toyota Dealer Advertising Fee? Those are what I can find online so far...

Thanks

brisintrepid · February 2006

2004 highlander v6 4x4(non limited) 14 500 miles moon roof fog lights steel wheels side and curtain air bags front and rear. inside and out clean my mechanic gave it the ok however not toyota certified seller not a toyota dealer
21,000$ ????????? deal or no deal? thanx new york metro area

landdriver · February 2006

TDA I believe does stand for Toyota Dealer Association and is their term for advertising. It's something most dealers add if you're negotiating near invoice. edmunds and/or Consumer Reports say you can "expect" to be asked to pay for advertising.

The main thing you need to be concerned with is what the bottom line is -- get a few quotes as you've already done and go with the lowest, after all fees have been included; no need to worry about what those fees are.

Good luck!!

landdriver · February 2006

Not an expert on used car pricing but gut feel is it's a fair to good deal, considering a new V6 AWD with the options you listed would start around $25K maybe, and your HL is only 2 years old with only ~15K miles and Toyotas hold their value well, assuming it's in near-new condition!

kelvam · February 2006

Thanks landdriver! I've been dealer with around 15 different toyota dealership in Southern CA (toyota site listed 48 around LA area...). A few are pretty well known top notch one, a few are more local.

The most difficult part so far for me is to get an actual price quote in dollar amount in email. Everyone of Toyota dealer site have quick-quote feature, but they always come back to me with some very vague promise

I'm crossing my fingers that I'll actually get some good quote $. So far I am leaning towards Carson Toyota (they've been mentioned a few times here in this forum). A highlander hybrid limited 4WD with Nav+ Rear Entertainment system, they are giving me a quote of $39455.00 before TTL. That's basically the top of the line I think. In the email all they say is that price "plus you county tax and lic.", so I'm really crossing my fingers there :shades:

So far, I think that's the beat deal I've seen. What do you all thnk?

tjkwak · February 2006

Just bought in the DC/VA/MD area.
V6 AWD Highlander Hybrid (Silver)
Only option was Wheel Locks.

MSRP : $35,094
INVOICE: $32,097
Paid : $31,600 + Tax + Tag + 100 Processing Fee

Purchased near Baltimore, MD @ RH Toyota.
I went through the RH Internet Sale Department and
the experience was very pleasant.

I also got quotes from other dealers in the DC Metro area.
Quotes were all over the board.

My worst experience was at Kay Jennings Springfield Toyota, I will never go or buy anything there again. :confuse:

Carmax in Laurel MD has 68 Highlander Hybrids in stock!
They are not moving at all. :surprise:

tjkwak · February 2006

One side note on the TAG/TITLE FEE at RH Toyota.

MSRP : $35,094
INVOICE: $32,097
Paid : $31,600 + Tax + TAG + 100 Processing Fee

The TAG/TITLE fee was $250, it is normally around $70, (explaination was, for out of state(MD) they use a third party service to process DMV work)

Takes some shine off the deal.

jlum866 · February 2006

I am wondering if this is a good price quote. I am looking at a 2006 Highlander V6 w/3rd road seat with the following options:
EH
AG
HE
JY
LF
TO
CF
The quote given is $ 25,811 after rebate and includes destination charge BUT does not include tax, license and registration fees. Any input is greatly appreciated.
jlum866

landdriver · February 2006

Just got through buying a new Ford via the internet route and had similar experiences -- wanted a factory order with a specific set of options -- sent out ~15 requests for an out-the-door quote and received ~10 responses, but only 6 of those actually contained an out-the-door quote; I ignored responses such as "will beat any other quote by $100" (not fair to those who were the first to to give quotes) "will sell for $100 under invoice" (it's amazing how much "invoice" varies from dealer to dealer), etc. Of those 6 quotes 4 were within $100 of each other, one was $400 below the rest, and one was $1000 above the rest. Went to the dealership that was $400 below the rest and when there they increased their quote by $300, left on principle they weren't being honest with their initial quote. Ended up going to a 7th dealer's internet department in person and implied that I'd buy from them if they gave me a really good price -- their quote was $75 less than the other dealer's, and that's the dealer I ordered from.

Not calibrated to Hybrid prices but do a search of this discussion using keyword "hybrid." Considering you're getting nav & entertainment, $39455.00 may be reasonable.

You're in a different situation in that the Highlander Hybrid is a hot car and there are still waiting lists. Word in the Highlander Hybrid discussion is Hybrids are finally starting to go for under MSRP at some dealerships, while at others they're still holding out for MSRP, so prices vary widely. I'd personally visit several dealer's internet departments, get some firm out-the-door quotes, and then compare prices -- because internet departments are swamped with quote requests (only ~5% turn into actual sales), it may be hard getting firm quotes on a hot vehicle without a personal visit.

Good luck!

landdriver · February 2006

For 2wd is a good price based on other posts here; gut feel is they may be willing to go down $500 or more if they really want the sale; never hurts to counter with $800 less just to see what happens (use an odd figure to imply you're comparing prices, like "can you beat $25,178?").

Otherwise go for it!!

moggie1 · February 2006

Got a pretty loaded version (everything except Nav & DVD) for what they said was the invoice price -- $30,749 -- and then another $750 off for the Toyota rebate, so final price, including delivery, was $29,999. They also gave me a decent trade-in price for my ugly '00 Sienna minivan with 69K miles -- first they offered $8,500 and then upped it to $8,700.

The price I got is lower than what Edmunds' says people are paying so I hope I did well (no matter what I do I always assume I'm getting snookered somehow at car dealerships). When I told the saleswoman that I read on the Internet that dealers were selling the Highlander for invoice, she didn't bat an eye and immediately went to the manager and brought back an offer: Invoice plus 2% profit. My husband and I didn't bite so the manager came out and knocked off the 2% and then a few minutes later upped the trade-in allowance by $200. The saleswoman said the manager was giving us a good price because it was the end of the month.

One thing: Edmunds says the rebate is $500 but our local dealer (Albany NY area) said it's $750. In the southeast states it's apparently $1,250 but then they gouge you with "advertising fees" of $1,000.

I liked the Toyota dealership we dealt with: Northway Toyota in Latham, NY. Not too much tricky stuff (for a car dealership) and the whole negotiation process took less than a half-hour.

Any input anyone can offer would be greatly appreciated. We don't get the car until tomorrow so if I got ripped-off please let me know!!

P.S. Yippie! No more minivan!!!

landdriver · February 2006

You got a good deal!

jlum866 · February 2006

Located in San Francisco. Test drove one about two weeks ago at San Francisco Toyota. Looking for 2006 HL V6 w/3rd row seat with the following options: FE, EH, AG, HE, JY, LF, TO, and CF. Went thru Edmunds.com internet pricing to get quotes. Dublin, Marin and San Francisco returned good quotes. Walnut Creek and Hayward are jokes. They sent emails to tell me to call them???? Got the best deal from San Francisco and Dublin. Buying from SF because they are closer. The first quotes were about 10% off MSRP. My MSRP is $29,489.
Final price is $ 26,005 ($25,255 plus $750 rebate)
fees $294
tax $2,214.25
total gross $28,513.25
less rebate $750.
out the door $27,763.25
Will be picking the car tuesday. Any comments, suggestions, and observations greatly appreciated. Any suggestions about extended warranty.
jlum866

andrewsmama · February 2006

Can you tell me dealership, state and city?

Thanks

Andrewsmama

landdriver · February 2006

Looks like a pretty good price -- by getting several quotes via the internet you're usually going to end up very close to the best price there is. Go for it!

jlum866 · February 2006

Here is an update. Agreed to buy car from SF Toyota. Told the SF salesman that there was a chance I will be unable to come in by Tuesday to sign and purchase the car because my two daughters were home sick. The salesman then told me that I HAD to come in by Tuesday to sign for the car. I got very angry when he demanded that I come in and had no concerns about my family. I lost it and told him he was being unprofessional; to take a flying leap and the deal is off. Just wanted to know if legally, was I bound to buy the car? Unbeknowst to me, Dublin Toyota was keeping in touch with my wife and kept coming in and sweetening the deal. First less $ 75, then less $ 200, and then promised to drive the car to me in San Francisco. Needless to say, I was floored when my wife told me Dublin was willing to do anything for this sale. Plus he was never pushy, kept asking thru email what it would take to make this deal. I told my wife to call Dublin and accept the deal. Dublin drove the new car to my home last night in the rain (about 2 hours to get to me) and 1 hour to get back for a total of 3 hours). We did all the paperwork at my home and was not pressured at all for extended warranty and any extras. I will highly recommend anyone in the Bay Area to give Dublin Toyota (The internet department)a chance. I will never go to San Francisco Toyota again. Here are my final figures:
MSRP: $ 29,489.00
Dealers invoice: $26,561.00 (includes TDA of 455.00)
Paid: $ 25, 771.82
Doc Fee: $ 45.00
Sales Tax: $ 2,194.43
License: $ 230.00
Cal Tire Fee: $ 8.75
Subtotal: $ 28250.00
less Rebate: -$ 750.00
Paid: $ 27,500.00
jlum866

kml337 · March 2006

I have been quoted $32,400 for a fully loaded Highlander LTD 4x4 with all the options except rear entertainment (includes navigation) by a dealer in philadelphia area. Is this a reasonable price?

Thanks,
kml337

2013 and Earlier - Toyota Highlander Prices Paid and Buying Experience

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