2013 and Earlier - Toyota Highlander Prices Paid and Buying Experience

angiepdx · October 2003

Hi all,

I am still in the research phase of purchasing a 2004 Highlander. I live in Portland, Oregon. I need some assistance though.
I know there is the MSRP and the Invoice price... of course I want the
cheapest price and wonder how do I find out what price I should be
trying to get (even maybe less than the invoice?). I see some have saved like $2900 on a limited and I am also looking into a limited. But of course how do you figure out what YOUR target price is and yes of coures letting them make a modest commission.

Please post opinions.

Thanks,
Angie

pjaatpdx1000 · October 2003

Angie,

I'm also in Portland and shopping for a 04. Where have you found them? Let's keep in touch to compare notes. pjaatpdx@ispwest.com

mroatmeal · October 2003

What is a reasonable target price for a 2004 Highlander Limited with the following: LA (leather), GY (side air bags/curtains), HD (heated seats), SR (moonroof), TO (tow prep pkg), and EJ (audio upgrade)?
What do you know about the UBS (United Buying Service) price? Is it likely to get a lower price than UBS? How does UBS get compensated?

golfgod2k3 · October 2003

I would appreciate any advice here. I'm looking at the last '03 4x4 limited v6 on the lot. MSRP is $35.5k. I can get it for $31,447. The lease I'm looking at is 36 months/12k year/$494 tax included. Absolutely zero drive off. Residual is $18,907 (53%) and money factor is .0019. Does this seem good? Ideally, the '04 w/ 3rd row is better but if I'm getting a great deal here I'd consider it. Please let me know what you think. Thank you!!

angiepdx · October 2003

Have any of you looked into purchasing your Highlander through either Costco or Carsdirect.com?

I ran into a guy today that was taking stuff out of his 2003 Highlander and he went through Costco. He also said he loved his SUV which was good to hear!

I am curious if others have looked into either option.

Please post back.

Thanks,
Angie

landdriver · October 2003

I'm no car buying expert, but having read a book on and otherwise being interested in the subject, a general rule of thumb I use is the lowest dealerships will typically ever go is $500 above invoice, and this would be a killer deal (a couple in this discussion have reported getting their HLs for the low hundreds above invoice, and other unique circumstances may arise, so this rule is not absolute, but my guess is its rare when dealerships go below this).

Other factors that affect how low dealerships will go is how much the vehicle is in demand (in extreme cases the dealer won't even want to go below MSRP for vehicles that are in very high demand), how much a particular dealership typically goes as a rule (some dealerships are cheaper than others), and circumstances the dealer may be experiencing in any given timeframe (there may be certain times when a dealership is more willing to go down in price).

I use "invoice" above in the loose sense to mean the dealership's cost for the vehicle. To determine the dealership's cost, calculate the invoice price (includes destination charge (but not TDA (advertising) as some dealerships may want to have you believe)), then subtract any dealer incentives and/or manufacturer rebates (this information is available from various sources, including the web). This result is the dealership's cost for the vehicle. (This is why some dealerships appear to sell their vehicles "below" invoice.)

Start bargaining up from this price (forget what I said in an earlier post about starting from $750 above this price; you'll get a better deal starting at, or just a couple of hundred above, this price). If at the end of negotiating you get it for $500 above this price, consider it a really good deal. If you get it for $1000 to $1500 above this price, consider it still a reasonably good deal. Anything above this start to question whether you should walk (as in away from the deal).

Edmund's TMV (true market value) (available from Edmund's web site) is an estimate of the average customers are paying for their HLs, so you can use this as a rough guide as well. Of course this average is influenced by both the really shrewd negotiators as well as those who pay close to MSRP.

Other options are car buying services, and these are a viable option and you will probably get a reasonable deal, though not necessiarly lower than what you might get if you did some shrewd negotiating yourself. You can also go the internet shopping route, emailing local dealerships to see which one will give you the best price and then just go to that dealership. Edmund's web site has some good car buying articles on these subjects.

I paid $1800 above invoice / $1000 below TMV / $800 below a web-based car buying service for mine, but back then (2001) HLs were fairly new and thus going for a higher margin.

From what others in this discussion have been saying in recent months, some dealerships have been selling 2003 HLs for just a few hundred above invoice (clearing-out for the 2004's).

hlfan · October 2003

Going thru the AAA (any AAA member qaulifies - check AAA.com) I got $300 above invoice, with a further $1000 cash back, or 0.9% APR (both from corporate), on a loaded '03 V6 Ltd, with no hagling necessary. This was before the '04 was anounced, or even discussed on this forum, so the '03 was still hot stuff. Remember there is a published 2% hold back value on the invoice price, so it is not as if the rdealer goes hungry.

I bought my Rav4 this way 3 years back as well, it really works well. Check it out if you are a AAA member - all you do is call them and pick up your car at the closest participating dealer.

I was ready to drive off - I test drove it twice, for 20+ miles - when I discovered this forum, and the rumoured mods on the '04 convinced me to wait.

The '04 will probably not qualify for the above for a few more months at least, or it will be for $1000 over invoice, not $300. I'll try it as soon as I see it at my dealer, and post back.

nlv

spencer327 · October 2003

Will be picking up my 04 Highlander Monday,
It just came in , Ltd/3.3L/5speed/3rd seat/Nav
leather/etc/etc. Will keep everyone informed

angiepdx · October 2003

I just went and test drove both the 4 cylinder and 6 cylinder. The 4 cylinder seemed powerful enough. And you can get what it looks like to me, all the extras the 6 cylinders have. Am I wrong? I mean why would you not go with a 4 cylinder unless of course you want to tow something?

Brutally honest feedback please..thanks.

Angie

spencer327 · October 2003

For Angiepdx
While the 4 cylinder will motivate the highlander
If you want accelerate in traffic or cruise on the road the 6 cylinder is definitely the choice.
Usually gearing for the 6 is "taller" means the engine will have to do less RPMs per mile. Means less wear and quieter ride and a very small penalty in gas mileage. If your getting 4 wheel drive I would not consider the 4.

rmui1 · October 2003

I have a 4 and I like it for the better handling, lower maintenance cost, easier oil and filter change and lower insurance cost. No problems passing, and I like and have owned fast cars. Only feels a little slow when loaded full with passengers and the AC on. But definitely would not buy the 4 with the weight of 4WD or if towing.
Of course the driving experience is subjective and it's very important to compare the two engines on a long test drive using the same route, compared back to back. Be sure when testing that the tires at least look like they are properly inflated, tire pressures can significantly affect a vehicles's handling feel and comfort. Happy shopping.
!

mzopinonated · October 2003

I bought the 4 cylinder but there are many times that I wish I had the 6. In the mountains of the Carolina's the 6 would have been better. I live in fairly flat country, Central Fla, so for everyday driving back and forth to work less than 5 miles and never over 40 it works fine. When I go to get on the interstate I wish I had the 6. I have a friend that drives a 6 to work everyday and actually gets about the same gas milage I do.

angiepdx · October 2003

Thanks for the responses on the 4 cylinder versus the 6 cylinder. I am still debating the 4 cylinder versus 6. I wonder too if a resale value would be not good on a 4 cylinder and that most would want a 6.

Also, trying to since there is no "Limited" in the 4 cylinder, I wonder if I can add any options that the 6 cylinder Limited has. Anyone know? I can't tell from the website for sure.

Thanks,
Angie

mzopinonated · October 2003

you can go to edmunds web site an accessorize the car. that will pretty much tell u. I know that several of the dealers in central florida have on there web sites what these cars are equipped with.

cellularcity · October 2003

I am in So. California and had some bad experience when I was trying for find a 2004 Highlander to test drive in th elast 2 weeks. Both dealers I called told me that they do have the 2004 in stock. But, when I visited them, at the biginning, they still said they have and led me to the lot of 2003 highlander saying those are 2004. They admitted that they don't have 2004 after they found out that I was only interested in 2004. The way they handled my inquiries are almost the same. 2 Toyota dealers trying to deceive the customers, anyone has similar experience?

hlfan · October 2003

I'm in SoCal as well, so please share if you're willing. I've been very happy with South Coast Toyota, in NB, where I bought my Rav4 in 2001. Service since has also been good. And you'll get a great deal if you go through AAA.

However they assured me many times over in Aug/Sept, that the 2004 HL will only differ in colors available. I very nearly bought one, but discovering this forum made me wait, as I'd much rather wait for the 3.3L 5 spd, than take the 03 3.0L 4 spd. Having said this, I choose to believe it was them not knowing any better, I'll still buy my 04 HL from them...

Most other dealers in my area strucked me as rude, pushy and not very knowledgeable. They only want to push the 4Runner / Sienna / Tacoma / Sequioas, and treated me as if I'm gay for wanting a HL.

jrt629 · October 2003

Another option is to purchase a used HL still under the bumper to bumper warranty. I live in the SE and recently purchased an '02 HL (Like new condition - 22K miles)with the V6 for $21,500 at a Ford dealer about an hour from my home. I chose not to buy one of the higher priced Toyota "Certified" cars to save $$ and I sure did! I figured it had plenty of warranty left if there were any problems. Personally, I wanted the V6 due to its smoothness and power. I had a 4cyl Honda Accord and was ready for a 6cyl again... Good luck in your decision.

bristar · October 2003

I am ready to purchase a 2004 Highlander V6 AWD in Toronto, Canada. Does anybody know the Canadian invoice cost for 2004 Highlander V6 AWD and if there is any good deals available at any of the Toyota dealers around Toronto? Thanks.

angiepdx · October 2003

Why is it at edmunds.com, when I go to 2004 Highlander, it lists the choices for the different types of Highlanders as fwd AND awd? At Toyota.com you can get FWD but no mention of AWD. Is this old information that is posted under the 2004? I was just going to try to "build" a 2004 Limited fwd at edmunds.com but it seems like its not correct.

Thanks,
Angie

Base Styles (MSRP: $24,620 - $27,930)
Fwd 4dr SUV Auto. 2.4L 4cyl TMV Price
Fwd 4dr SUV w/3rd Row Auto. 2.4L 4cyl TMV Price
Fwd 4dr SUV Auto. 3.3L 6cyl TMV Price
AWD 4dr SUV Auto. 2.4L 4cyl TMV Price
Fwd 4dr SUV w/3rd Row Auto. 3.3L 6cyl TMV Price
AWD 4dr SUV w/3rd Row Auto. 3.3L 6cyl TMV Price
Limited Styles (MSRP: $30,520 - $31,920)
Fwd 4dr SUV w/3rd Row Auto. 3.3L 6cyl TMV Price
AWD 4dr SUV w/3rd Row Auto. 3.3L 6cyl TMV Price

rcasel · October 2003

Angie,

I thought that was odd, too since there's no mention of an AWD model at Toyota.com...hmmm.

On of the more confusing things about the Highlander are the option packages. After carefully studying the 3-page 2004 Highlander pdf from Toyota (and making my own chart!) I realized that some options cross-reference in different packages.

Anyway, I put together the following at Edmunds:
2004 FWD 3.3 6Cly - no third row seats, with the following option packages: LP, AG, GY, EJ CQ, HD, RF, TO, LF, RL and EH. This gives an invoice of $27,410. Then I found out that some "accessories" I wanted were not listed, so I had to add: auto-dimming mirror, running boards and rear spoiler which might add another $1000 or so. (Still seems like a lot of bang for the buck!)

So far so good. Hey,I'm ready to buy. But I've heard that trying to build-to-order with Toyota can be problematic. I intend to keep this vehicle for some time so I really want to get everything I'd like to have. I hope this doesn't stop me from buying. Plus, no dealers near me (east coast) even have any 2004's yet. I'm hoping to get some calls in a few weeks.

Robert

mwlander · October 2003

Angie, FWD stands for "front" wheel drive on Edmunds, and toyota is using it to mean "four" wheel drive.

Robert, the '04's arrived in Indianapolis last week, so I would think they are close to arriving in your area. I bought mine the day after they arrived. Pay close attention to the option packages listed on the Toyota.com webpage. All the vehicles I looked at in the area had one of those options, with very little variability. I went in it to thinking there would be a greater selection.

stever · October 2003

And I thought the arguments about 4WD v AWD v FWD v 2WD v RWD were confusing enough!

Steve, Host

angiepdx · October 2003

Finally I made a decision today and I am all ready to buy and live in the Portland, OR area. Have contacted AAA to see what they can do, plus 2 internet dealers from two dealerships here locally in Portland, plus I am going to contact Costco. Any other suggestions? Are there any rebates or any discounts that I need to be aware of for the 2004 Limited FWD Highlander? I got back one quote from one internet dealer and he says he sells at $500 above invoice. That doesn't seem to bad but maybe I am missing something.. maybe not.. just checking with others. Please post.

Thanks,
Angie

angiepdx · October 2003

I need some brutally honest opinions here and reassurance that THIS is a good deal and that I should go ahead and order my 2004 Limited V6 4WD Highlander. The dealer is quoting invoice plus $1113 (was told this includes advertising and then what he makes).

See details below.

Please post back. Thank you - Angie

Base 2004 V6 Highlander/Limit 4WD 28,466.00

With these options added:
Leather Trim - 1120.00
Side Curtain Air Bags - 559
Heated Front Seats 352
Pwr Sunroof 720
Towing Prep Package 128
Preferred Accessory Pkg 268
Hood Protector 67
Auto Dimming Rearview Mirror 185
Running Boards 410

Total of Invoice price of Highlander plus options: 32,275
+
Car salesmans part/advertising
would bring TOTAL PRICE OF: 33,388

hlfan · October 2003

I think $1113 on $32275 ($3.5%) is not great, but as good as you'll get given the limited availability of the '04 HL right now. I was thinking of aiming for $1000 over invoice, with exactly the same specs as yours. I'd go for it if it's the color and options you want. You might get it for $113 less, in a few weeks, but having it now is probably worth the $113 for you.

If you ponder too much (you already did ponder a lot, admit it) you'll just end up hating the experience, and possibly the car. Just lie back, and enjoy it !

Be sure they "activate" the alarm/immobilizer for this price, I was conned into paying an extra $450 over the agreed price, simply for them to connect some wires...

Was this through Costco, AAA, or online broker, in the end ? Where is your dealer located ?

angiepdx · October 2003

This quote was from a dealership here in Portland, but more specifically an "Internet Dealer." I wonder if I should just counter price to him then like tell him I'll take it for $500 over, not the $1113. I guess all he can say is no!

I need to get ahold of Costco again with what I want and AAA couldn't get close to that price. It was more like $34,500 with them. Are there any other places I can get quotes that I am just not thinking about?

Thanks also for the tip about the "activation of the alarm" and I will be sure to get that in writing that it is included, once I get to that point.

Angie

------------------------------------------------------------------ ---------------
#772 of 772 Angie - I'd go for it by hlfan Oct 27, 2003 (8:23 pm)
I think $1113 on $32275 ($3.5%) is not great, but as good as you'll get given the limited availability of the '04 HL right now. I was thinking of aiming for $1000 over invoice, with exactly the same specs as yours. I'd go for it if it's the color and options you want. You might get it for $113 less, in a few weeks, but having it now is probably worth the $113 for you.

If you ponder too much (you already did ponder a lot, admit it) you'll just end up hating the experience, and possibly the car. Just lie back, and enjoy it !

Be sure they "activate" the alarm/immobilizer for this price, I was conned into paying an extra $450 over the agreed price, simply for them to connect some wires...

Was this through Costco, AAA, or online broker, in the end ? Where is your dealer located ?

==============================

Base 2004 V6 Highlander/Limit 4WD 28,466.00

With these options added:
Leather Trim - 1120.00
Side Curtain Air Bags - 559
Heated Front Seats 352
Pwr Sunroof 720
Towing Prep Package 128
Preferred Accessory Pkg 268
Hood Protector 67
Auto Dimming Rearview Mirror 185
Running Boards 410

Total of Invoice price of Highlander plus options: 32,275
+
Car salesmans part/advertising
would bring TOTAL PRICE OF: 33,388

angiepdx · October 2003

So should I not be paying for this "Advertising" fee that he told me about, but instead pay the $500 that he originally quoted over invoice? I mean he didn't mention advertising markup til the end when I asked him why my adding up of the invoice price plus the $500 didn't equal out to what he had mentioned. And he said it was because of advertising. Is this balognee? Or is this really correct and I should assume responsibility for the advertising as well?

Angie

hlfan · October 2003

I think it's Bull (a more universally accepted, and easier to spell version of baloney ;-)

If $500 over invoice is what he said, that what it should be. No way you need to share responsibility for advertising, that's part of his business worries, not yours ! I think he adjusted the $500 to 113 to get to 3.5% and just made up some pitch to justify it. Oldest trick in the book.

If it makes you feel better, he gets to keep 2% ($640) of the price, even if you buy at invoice flat. It's not as if he'll go hungry or anything...

Just for this, argue him down to $500, or tell him to shove it !

geminijax · October 2003

Hi! We're very close to purchasing a '04 HL Limited without any extra options. Has anyone here bought one of these recently? If so, would you please share the price paid (including the breakup) and the name of the dealership.

I'm in the N.Fla. area. Yesterday, I received a call from a local dealer who claimed that currently they were selling this vehicle at $1 above invoice. Sounds somewhat strange, considering that these are popular vehicles. I can't help but feel that the dealer may try to make up the profit somewhere else. Any recommendations about what I ought to watch out for?

Thanks in advance!

angiepdx · October 2003

Ok I am going to shoot the guy an email and tell him I will pay the $500 and nothing more.

Thanks for explaining all that. I am glad to have you all here for input!!!

Angie

angiepdx · October 2003

Hey I got a response back on an email I sent to the dealer about the "Advertising Fee" and he wrote back saying "Advertising fees are part of the invoice. I cannot do anything about them."

Is this really true?!!! Advertising fees part of an invoice???

Opinions please.
Angie

stever · October 2003

Ad fees are part of the invoice for Toyota, afaik.

One way around this issue is just to concentrate on the out the door price and let the dealer worry about allocating ad fees, doc fees, etc.

Steve, Host

Kirstie_H · October 2003

A major news magazine is looking for an enthusiastic Toyota customer, preferably a buyer (or soon-to-be buyer) of the Sienna, Highlander or Tundra Double Cab. Please provide your daytime contact info and vehicle status to jfallon@edmunds.com no later than Tuesday, October 28, 2003.
Thanks!
Jeannine Fallon
PR Director
Edmunds.com

hlfan · October 2003

If add fees are part of the invoice, why do you have to pay the extra $613 ? He originally said $500 above invoice, and then changed it to $1113 over invoice, citing add fees as the reason. So is it included in the invoice price or not ?!

If it is, you pay only $500 over the invoice he shows you, as he originally quoted you. If it's not, he's changed his story and you shouldn't pay the extra $613.

Remember he should show you the invoice, and compare the vin number to the real vehicle. I guess it's easy to fake the invoice, but now we're talking fraud, he won't do that (I hope)

That said, I still think $1000 over invoice is not bad.

Kirstie_H · October 2003

Deadline extended til Monday, Nov. 3 - thanks for your help!

angiepdx · October 2003

Well I can go in and tell him to show me the invoice or else ask other dealers that question.. if add fees are a part of the invoice. Looks like the one guy that did respond, did say that it is a part of the invoice. I don't know why there is so much debate on this with some people saying it is and others saying its not. Talk about confusing.

Thanks for your input and I will definitely verify all of this.

Angie

pjaatpdx1000 · October 2003

If you see an actual invoice, you'll note that the TDA ad expense is itemized in the dealer cost. One dealer said to me, when questioned about the validity of the expense, said quite simply: I write them a check for it; therefore, it's a bonafide dealer expense. In looking at Angie's cost, it matches up with the Edmunds list. Also, remember there is a transport charge.

angiepdx · October 2003

Thanks for further explaining!

Angie

lobuche · October 2003

Does Highlander 4WD come with 3rd Row Seats too? Brochures tells me that they don't come together.

bluemink · October 2003

I bought a new HL 2004 yesterday. I wanted the minimum options on top of 4WD, V6, 3rd row. I found the one with:

Sun Roof
Towing Prep Package
Convenience Package
Appearance Package
JBL ETR/CAss/CD with 8 speakers
Steering Wheel and Shifter with Cruiser
Preferred Package
Carpets

I paid $28,060 for it. Is this a good price? What do you guys think? I live in LA.

bluemind2 · October 2003

Look like you have a good deal. I am looking for 04HL v6, 4x2, with
Towing Prep Package,
Convenience Package,
Appearance Package,
JBL ETR/CAss/CD with 8 speakers,
Steering Wheel and Shifter with Cruiser,
Preferred Package,
Carpets
And they give me a quote of 27,022.
Since you have more than what I plan, 4x4 and sun roof, and it is ~1000 over my quote.
I probable do more negotiate with them. I keep up date, I plan to get the car this weekend. I live in Orange County

geminijax · October 2003

bluemink, is that the OTD price or did you pay more in assorted fees & charges?

bluemink · October 2003

$28,060 does Not include tax, processing fee and license reg. fee.

bluemink · October 2003

Bluemind2,

I can give you my dealer info if you need it.

bluemind2 · October 2003

it is Toyota of Garden Grove

end_high · October 2003

I am getting a 03'HL LTD w/ the following options :
DVD,
Auto Dimming Mirrors
Running Guard
Tail Guard
Sun Roof wind deflector
Rain deflector
Rear View Camera - I am not sure what that is??

All these options for a demo model w/ 5k miles for 33,800.
Is this a good deal or is it a rip-off???
Please let me know..

hlfan · October 2003

AFAIK the '03 HL never had the DVD option, is it maybe after market installed?

The rear view camera (like on the Rx330) displays video on the NAV LCD screen on your dash when the car is in reverse gear, to prevent your wife from wiping out the low sports car behind her in the Nordstrom parking lot...It's quite sweet on the Rx330, I did not know it is available on the HL (even for '04).

So, your "deal" is hard to compare...

landdriver · October 2003

The rear view camera is a video camera that allows you to see where you're going via the DVD screen when you're backing up, increasing visibility especially for low objects that are difficult to see. IMO assuming the standard options such as leather seats and sunroof, if a 2WD then is close to being a rip-off; if a 4WD then a fair deal and definitely not a rip-off.

end_high · October 2003

Thanks landdriver and hlfan.

All these options(DVD and rear view camera) are after market installed.

This car is AWD LTD w/ VSC. The salesman says all the options are for more than 6k.
The DVD is custom fitted w/ LCD screens into the head rests of both front seats.
So I am not sure if this is a good deal or not.
In the NJ area, its really hard to negotiate a deal for the 03 LTD if there are any. I was offered 31k for a demo model before.

Let me know what you think. and if anyone has bought an 03 LTD recently and could share their experience.

hlfan · October 2003

..that a lot of options e.g. VSC, TRAC, etc that used to be options on the '03 are included in the '04 base price. Compare the '03 and '04 models here on edmunds to see what I mean. Also remember that the '04 has a a bigger engine, better tranny, mor options avalaible; it really is a bettrer car for the same money.

They should be begging you to buy the '03, not the other way round. I had a $31k offer on a brand new '03 FULLY loaded with all options, before the '04 was anounced (so the '03 was still the best HL available), so I don't think your deal is that great, although the DVD / camera sounds nifty; who installed it ?

2013 and Earlier - Toyota Highlander Prices Paid and Buying Experience

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