2013 and Earlier - Toyota Highlander Prices Paid and Buying Experience

bigdad

John Fonti is right, I am about worn out (actually only have 1400 on the odometer after the first week!). I do have to drive a lot and that's why the comfort factor was important to me..I originally was going to buy an Avalon, but tried the Highlander (really didn't expect to buy an SUV) and was very pleased at ease in getting in and out for my elderly mother (85 and blind)so went with it. So far this year I have made many trips to FL. and put on 36K miles (Jan to Sept)...I am worn out!

Pickett

I couldn't agree more with the comments about lying sales managers and arrogant dealerships. I bought the right car at the wrong dealership. If you are in NW Missouri or Kansas City area, don't bother with Vic Toyota in St. Joseph. I'll never go back, but do love the Highlander. Concerned about MPG though. Later........

hughp1

I bought my Highlander for $24,000. It was advertised as $24,299 and I got them to through in a painted on pin stripe. It was the Highlander that we were looking for 4 cyl, front wheel drive, with the normal equipment they put on the low end Highlanders. I talked with an acquaintance who works for a Toyota dealer about 120 miles away and the best he could do was $24,100 and no pin stripe. If you are looking for this basic Highlander try Jim Lynch Toyota in St. Louis and ask for Howard. It was one of the easiest times I have had purchasing a new car.

davud

Over the Labor Day weekend, my wife and I worked a deal with Jeni through the internet for a 2002, 2WD, 4-cyl, Highlander with the basics (roof rack, power seat, quick order package, remote entry, AL wheels, towing prep). It seemed like these extras were common around the Bay Area as the most basic entry level Highlander. The price we got was $23,788 plus TTL. Other dealers in the area couldn't match this price. Jeni was a pleasure to work with (dealing with the internet manager is definitely the way to go). What was even more impressive was how we were treated when we finally arrived at the dealer. We worked with Mark Lewis. He used to be the customer service manager. This was very apparent from working with him. He is definitely the most honest salesman I've ever dealt with (it may have helped to have a price set with the internet manager before going to the lot). He went out of his way to thoroughly answer all of our questions, and spent quite a bit of time with us, even though we were considered fleet customers.

Anyway, if you live in the Bay Area, try Sunnyvale Toyota. I highly recommend the Jeni/Mark combination. Oh, I almost forgot, Mark was extremely knowledgeable about the Highlander. Much more knowledgeable than the salesmen at the Toyota dealership on Steven's Creek. He has been working for Toyota for a long time.

Regards,
Dave

solomonsga

I am currently deciding between a 4 & 6 cylinder highlander. I would be interested in performance on the 4 cylinder, and city gas mileages of both. Thanks.

goldston

Mr. Stu Solomon,

Our gas mileage for 2wd, V6, city driving (Phoenix Az) is 22.2 to 22.8 mpg for each of our Highlanders.
We own a 2001 & 2002 both 2wd, V6 limited.

We made two trips last winter into mountains to go snow skiing and got 25.6 mpg on each trip.

Best Regards, Philip

bigdad

I recently bought my 2002 V6 and get 22.2 mpg in routine city driving (but somewhat rural area). On the freeway I get 25 mpg at 75-80mph speed. I am very pleased with the V6 economy and am glad I bought it instead of the I4 that I was considering. Especially since I do trailer a PWC and Motorcycle occasionally (got 21mpg towing my PWC, about 1000# with trailer, on freeway at 70 mph). Go for the V6....here in Tenn it is hilly and I am glad to have the power...

landdriver

I've been averaging 21 mpg combination of city and highway driving, no hills, driving conservatively.

Previous posts have indicated mileage varies from as low as 17 to as high as 25 mpg for the two engine sizes; but on average most have been getting 19 to 23.

wanabelander

I am looking at a 2001 Highlander- V6 Util 4D Limited 4 WD in Austin, Tx. Comes loaded with leather seats, moon roof, heated front seats ( not much use down here unless you have back problems), all the usual Limited features. 17,000 miles. It is a sweet looking car and rides well. I can get it for $26,500. Any advice? Any known problems?

landdriver

Highlander is a great vehicle -- many of the people participating in the Highlander discussions simply love it. Some thoughts:

1. If you are not familiar with the 2002 and later Highlanders, you may want to take a look at the interior of one of these first as they added a sleek-looking center console that's integrated with the gear shift lever and also a nice looking rear-seat fold-down arm rest; the 2001 Highlander does not have these.

2. With good negotiating skills you can probably get a new Highlander that has these features for roughly 31 to 32K, not including tax and license, so a ~5K savings seems good to me.

3. At least one person on this message board has argued (correctly so) that for that price, you can get a brand-new non-limited model, so consider checking-out some of these to see if you like them.

If it were me, I'd get a 2002 or later Highlander because I think those with the sleek center console look way better than those that don't have them (not to say that Highlanders that don't have them don't look cool; and also unlike me some people prefer the Highlanders that don't have the console for various reasons), and I'd get a Limited but only because I like cars with fancy trim and extra features.

wanabelander

Thanks Highlander....good advice. When I compare the 2001 limited with the non-limited it looks more and more like a sweet deal all things considered expecially the $$$. And what is with not having a center console! There is just a big hole there...

nyguy

I was quoted a price of $25,400 for a 2003 4x2 V6. with the convenience pkg./privacy glass/daytime running lights/roof rack/and pre-wire for alarm. What do you think of this deal?
The MSRP is $26,860 and the invoice is $23,880 based on Edmunds.

I was also considering the V4 but I'm not sure it has enough power. Any thoughts?

landdriver

You're welcome. No big deal on the console; just wanted to make you aware of the options in case you weren't.

landdriver

$1500 above invoice is a good deal (I paid $1800 myself). Others in this discussion group have quoted figures of $800 or even lower (see posts for the last month or so), so you may consider negotiating some more if you like negotiating alot.

The consensus of recent posts in one of the Highlander discussion groups is that most owners are happy with the four cylinder and it has enough power, but if you like the extra power when you drive or you plan to haul a boat or trailer, then go for the V6. I myself test drove the 4 cylinder and would have gotten it had it been available on the Limited models; I really liked its smooth, efficient-feeling shifting which didn't have the heavy, clunky feel of the automatic transmissions on some other vehicles.

ch1133

I sent severatl e-mails to dealer internet departments for a quote on 03 Higlander and one dealer quoted $600 above invoice. When I compared with invoice pricing on Edmonds it was 1200 abve invoice. Dealer explained the additional 600 with advertizing and finance charges for the car that he will pay to Toyota.
Does everone pay those additional charges above "factory" invoice?

raybear

Edmunds even posts a disclaimer regarding invoice prices. Yes, there is such thing as advertising fees additional to what Edmunds says.

john_fonti

Dealers will always try the mark-up-from-advertising approach when they can. Then you go in expecting an easy deal and then discover that you are far apart on bottom-line price. It happened to me but it didn't work. Now that you know about it you are empowered compared to others!! However, $300 is normal not $600. Financing is the dealer's own issue not yours. You shouldn't pay for it at all. However, everything is negotiable but only to a point. Bottome line is price. Conclusion: who cares what they call the items that make it up.

I've walked twice recently when the dealers and I were $300/400 apart and no one would budge. In August I paid $300 above dealer invoice for a 2002 which included $300 advertising charge.

Good luck. And bring your slime repellent!!!

sunsoko

I bought my H/L 3 weeks ago and paid 28,900 O.T.D.
I got the following packages.
DR, BE, TO, AG, CQ, HE, CF, and WL.

bmolloy

My girlfriend has just taken delivery of a new Highlander and is considering extended warranty from the dealer. Can you advise me what her options are and how much she should pay ?
thanks

gwkiser

I'd recommend that you got to http://www.toyotawarranty.com/ and check it out. As the HL is not listed, you might have to email them for the quote. Once you have it, take it to the dealer she purchased the HL from and get them to match the price. If they don't, simply order it online. The site is that of a dealer and the warranties are 100% factory (not third party) and will be honored at all Toyota dealers nationwide.

I personally used this technique and my dealer matched the price.

Good luck.

bmolloy

great tip, I will try that. Thanks for your help.

pdalpsher

My local dealer discounts the warranty coverage to the same level that you'll find on the website so you might want to check with your dealer before you buy online. I decided to get the warranty this spring (have had my HL just over a year) and had the pricing quotes I got when I bought the HL.

maxvac32

As much as I want a new car, having to play all these games to get a good price is driving me crazy! I don't have time to go through fighting with them and walking out. I'd rather do it via email or fax or one of the car buying services.

Who has gotten a good deal on a HL in North Carolina recently? Please share to spare some of the rest of us some grief! I'm willing to drive a bit (from Raleigh) if it's just to go pick it up!!!

dougweaver

If you don't like the hassle of car buying join Costco for $45 and use thier car buying service. It really makes it easy with less hassle. Good luck. dpw I'm sure Sams Club has the same type of program but I don't know for sure.

landdriver

Also a common technique I've read about in a number of sources including Consumer Reports and Edmunds.com is to mail, fax or email to a number of dealerships in your area the exact model and features you want and solicit a firm written quote for the best price the dealership is willing to make on the vehicle, and then go to the dealership that sends you the lowest quote. See http://www.edmunds.com/advice/buying/articles/43091/article.html for additional info.

maxvac32

Yes, those are good options. I was hoping someone around here would recommend a good salesperson/dealership too so I can cut to the chase. I've heard that if you get the wrong person at the dealership that can hurt negotiations.

Seems like a lot of people have had success using the internet salesperson at a dealership and that cuts down on the haggling.

pl897

I bought a 2002 Highlander one month ago. It is not the Limited edition. 4X4 V6 in Gold with Ivory interior. I paid $30,900 which includes the tax, title and registration. It also came equipped with DR (Roof Rack), RL (Daytime Running Lights), EH (Heated and Folding Rear View Mirrors), SR (Moonroof), BE (Side Airbags), TO (Tow Prep Package), AG (Appearance Package), CQ (Convenience Package of keyless entry and tonneau cover), HE (Preferred Package), 3Z (a first aid kit), V5 (security system), and "delivery, processing and handling fee." Any thoughts from anyone regarding this price? Just curious to see if I got a good deal or not.....

gwkiser

I concur with dougweaver. However, at the time, there weren't any Costcos in our area, so I used both Sam's Club and AAA auto buying services to get the names of their participating dealers. I then called the contacts for pricing info.

reitdude

Through CarsDirect.com I secured a vehicle for LEASE:

2003 Toyota Highlander 4x4 V6
Millennium Silver/Charcoal

MSRP $30,237
Invoice $27,152
Sale Price $27,712 <--- $600 over invoice
Residual $17,078 (56.5% - Wow!)

$728 down (inceptions only)
TMCC 36 month lease .0027 (6.5% - kinda high)
12,000 miles/year + $0.15 penalty
Monthly Payment $423 + 6% NJ Tax

AG,BE,CQ,DR,EH,HE,RL,TO
Carpet/cargo mat set
Alloy wheel locks
Cargo net

Only other post-factory option I've considered is the RS3200 security system.

Other financing companies offer lower APR, but also lower residual and higher penalty miles, efffectively netting-out any savings, considering I don't plan on buying it at lease expiration.

I will meet the CarsDirect rep at the dealership this weekend. Would appreciate if anyony could find some holes to poke into this deal.

gklatv

Don't know about lease deals too much.
But as for a security - would recommend a 3rd party (DEI, for example) system instead of RS3200. They provide more options, much better range, usually come with a lifetime warranty for about the same (or lower) price.

highinkc

Hi everyone:

Im new to this bulletin board but have been reading everyones posting for the last six months. Thanks to everyone on pricing input. Here is the deal I just got for a Super White AWD Limited in Kansas City. Basically $800 over invoice which included all advertising and "doc fees", and the charge to go get it (was out of area). My highlander has leather, 6 disc, sunroof, tow package, compass mirror, running boards, heated seats, everything minus VSC and SAB. The limited, let alone white, is very rare (one in a 4-state area) here so I feel I got a great deal. Paid $32,000 MSRP was $36,000. Love it!

gklatv

highinkc, that sounds like a great price.
I got 03 HL V6 LTD in red color equipped
like yours with VSC and SAB (but no running boards)
3 wks. ago in Indiana for $32,400.
Congrats to you!

cfu000

Hi,

I am looking at a potential custom-built order for a 2003 HL, V6, 2WD at S.F.
Bay area, with AG,CQ,HE,RL,SR,DR,BE,TO,VD,RF.
add in
[1] $510 dest.,
[2] $438 adver. fee, and
[3] $500 profit

total comes down to $27,636.

Any input?

Thanks.

reddevilfish

02 HL V6 LTD in silver, fully loaded with plenty of options including SR, BE, TO,VD,CF,EJ,LA,CN(cargo net) RB(running boards) HD, WL. Even came with a first aid kit. MSRP was $35,911. Invoice price was $31,968. Paid 1.5% over invoice which came to $32447 which included everything but the tax.

raybear

Looks right. $500 over is a good deal in the Bay Area.

darko1996

I have been checking out these boards since April. I have read everything and i have so many notes that it is hard to keep things straight.

HOWEVER- ladies and gentlemen- I managed to get myself an 03 4wd limited for $285 over invoice.

I have never purchased a new car by myself before and I pat myself on the back for doing such a fantastic job working these dealers to the deal I got.

cmuniz

It pays to be an informed consumer, especially when you make an expensive purchase like a vehicle and where there are so many options and so much BS.

nimrod99

Great news - $285 over invoice.
Can you tell us what you paid and what options you got.

Someone's invoice number is not necessarily someone else's number

thanks

john_fonti

$500 is $150 more than I paid in Sunnyvale but if you got what you want and with minimal hassle then why quibble. However, if the price starts going higher than I'd push anf if need be, I'd walk.

worcesterpc

I just purchased a 2002 vintage gold highlander, v4 4wd, upgraded stereo, other than that base equipment. Has 4k miles on it, from a fairly trusted dealer (at least the service dept, where I have relatives working) for $22900 (after talking them down from 27k and giving me 9k for my 99 concorde trade-in.... I'm hoping I didn't get screwed too bad, everything seems to say no, Kelly dealer retail is 27, kelley trade-in is 23300, edmunds has it new at around 24 (can't see it w/4k miles) vehicle used as employee car, never sold, and opinions?

quattrohead

2002 V6 4WD limited loaded with all options.
$34,334 total. Best of all was the trade in they gave me on a '98 Audi A6 Avant, $14,000. That was exactly what I was looking for and 2 months later, it still sits out the back of their lot.
I feel no one got screwed on this deal.

nimrod99

please could you tell us what invoice price you used and what options?
Did you already include advertising in the invoice?

thanks

hudda_a

Did you pay 350 over invoice including destination and advertising fees? I am aware that destination charges are normally included but am not sure about advertising fees.

jmc1264

curious where you got your new HL. I live in the Indy area and was wondering where you purchased yours. How does the $32,400 compare to invoice with the options you purchased? Just starting to look and would appreciate any advice. Thanks.

n17

Hi -
I am looking for some help locating a dealer in the NYC/Long Island area - I am looking for a - '02 or'03 HL V6 LTD in Silver ..anyone have success negotiating with a dealer in the area? Any that you would recommend? What should I expect to pay? I appreciate the help.

gklatv

for jmc1264: Butler Toyota in Indy. I've got some more info for you, but since it's local - please email me. The email address is now enabled in my profile.

vinod_s3

n17: If you're willing to drive a little, lotsa dealers in NJ and Metropolitan areas who offer great deals. East Coast Toyota is where I bought mine for a decent price.

reddevilfish

n17 a majority of the Highlanders in our area that are the limited, are loaded with options and our AWD. It is somewhat difficult to get the exact opions you prefer. That being said, you can expect to see a fully loaded HL AWD LTD for about$35-36K sticker. With some good negotiating, and waiting till the last week of the month you can probably land one for 32 -33K(before taxes) Good Luck!

grenaud11

Highlanders are readily available near the "invoice" price. We just purchased a 6cyl 4wd silver from Spartan Toyota (supposedly the #1 volume dealer in Michigan) at $225.00 over "invoice". They will do that deal all day long, 4cy, Limited, etc.. give them a call. Their website advertises specials on other Toyotas at 1% - 3% over invoice. My advice - just agree on a dollar amount, or % above invoice, and then find the right combination of options for you. Once you do the deal, it can be applied to any vehicle.

Please note that I use quotation marks with respect to the "invoice" price, because Toyota includes an extra ~$450 of TDA, or Toyota Dealer Advertising in their invoices, and many dealers will gladly show you this on their invocies. So when you do the math, the Edmunds invoice price wil be short by that ~$450...

But, in the end we were VERY happy with our Highlander - equipped just like a Pilot EX for $3,000 less. No 3rd row vs. $3K, faster, better quality, better resale - easy choice.

cfu000

In the end, it is $30250 OTD on a
2003 V6 2WD, Bluestone/Charcoal, with
AG,CQ,HE,RL,SR,DR,BE,TO,VD,RF,CF

I figured it is about $360 over invoice
(edmund invoice + $510 dest. + $438 ad) if my math is right.

And the funny thing is the fleet manager did
not even resist at all, all it takes is 4 emails
- wonder if I can get even lower

Now the four months wait begin.....