2013 and Earlier - Toyota Highlander Prices Paid and Buying Experience

03bluestone

How can one compare OTD - Out the Door - prices when each state and locality have different sales tax rates ?

cfu000

assuming you are talking to me...

No, one can not compare OTD price down to
the last penny, it just gives one a ball park
number to play with, and I think that is what
we do here

FYI, DMV/doc/tax total about $2550, give or take
a few.

BTW, sadly, I just found out I made a error in the math, so it is $450 over - no wonder it is so
easy

high_road

First of all, does it take 4 months to get one?

Secondly, I too am interested in getting the same
deal you got for the 2003 V6 2WD. I'm in San Francisco and would like to know your dealer. Was it a good experience? Thank you for your help in advance.

nimrod99

How does this look
AWD V6 LTD with
LA Leather, TO Tow prep, SR Moon roof, EJ CD changer, BE Side air bags, HD Heated Seats,
VD Skid control, N1 Auto dimming mirror, Z1 preferred accessory package

Toyota invoice (inc dest) $31,876 + $500 dealer profit
Kbb and Edmunds invoice is $31,349 so I guess the dealer invoice includes $526 for misc stuff.

Any comments anyone?
Thanks

darko1996

Sorry it has taken me so long to reply- I have been out enjoying my new car. Thi is in reference to post 491

So, here goes.
They waived the destination charge.
I have the following
'03 HL 4wd V6
SR moonroof
BE airbags
TO tow prep
UQ tow hitch
VD vehicle skid control
LL limited package
EJ upgrade stereo (which isnt as bad as everyone says it is- I am picky about sound and it sounds good to me)
LA leather
HD heated seats
N1 auto dimming mirror with compass
CF carpets

nimrod99

Thanks - but I would still like to know what you paid, and what you thought the invoice price was

thanks

n17

HI -
I have heard conflicting points of view on this - looking at the LTD AWD v6 HL - if you bring the tire pressure down to 15psi, will it be able to handle driving on the beach - Long Island , New York area ... does anyone have any experience with this? I have been in a subaru outback - AWD that went fine on the beach without the tire pressure lower ...any help would be great - thanks

reddevilfish

Would anyone have any suggestions on how I can preserve the front leather seats on my Highlander? I have looked into seat covers, however most of them are not equipped to handle seats with side air bags(safety reasons) Thanks.

nimrod99

Sorry to say - but if you use seat covers - why did you bother to get leather in the first place?

If you have leather - you can still enjoy them and look after them. Use a good leather cleaner - preserver.

ww888

I think I just got a great deal. I just picked up a 03 Higlander Silver, 6 cyl, AWD (Without Moonroof & not the LTD)for under just under 27000.

dougweaver

We did a special order of the following HL:

2003 Vintage Gold 4CYL FWD
with Quick Order Package (QO)
Molded Dash (8E)
Gold Package (GP)
Towing Prep Package (TO)
Side Airbags (BE)
Power Drivers Seat (PE)
Luggage Rack (DR)
Vehicle Skid Control (VD)
Aluminum Wheels (AW)
Rear Spoiler (RF)
Carpet/Cargo Mat Set (CF)
Heated Mirrors (EH)
Mud Guards (MG)
and Leather Seats (Dealer Installed)

We paid $274798
$934 over the invoice price of $26545
$2687 under the MSRP price of $30166

Not great but I'm satisfied. dpw

bhullar

How much should I be paying for 2WD, 4 cylinder base highlander in Detroit/Michigan? The dealer I went to was asking 25,000 OTD.

ww888

You should first build your car using Edmunds (new Car Quotes)with all the options you want and bring it with you to the auto dealers. I did that and they practically gave me the invoice price on Edmunds. You can also use kelly blue book too. Good luck!

amitab98

I'd appreciate any feedback I can get from you all... This is for a deal in the midwest. The dealer is adding the $510 Destination Fee a $6 Fuel Fee and a $389 TDA Fee (some advertising fee) to the Invoice. The car is a Standard 4x4 V6 with FE, DR, RL, EH,SR, TO,UQ,AG,CQ,HE,CF MSRP of $31069, Invoice of $27773. He's adding a $199 documentation charge on top of invoice... has anyone heard of that? or the TDA fee? So he wants to sell it for $27972. Any ideas if I'm just getting BS on all these fees? Thanks for all your help....

gklatv

On Edmunds the $510 Destination Charge is part of the invoice and of the MSRP. The fuel Fee is included in the sticker price (~MSRP), so it should be part of the invoice also. The $389 TDA is a bit higher than mine $325 in Indiana, but is not that unusual. The doc fee I paid was $90; the $199 is high, but could and should be negotiated.
The calculation should be as follows: Invoice(from Edmunds) + $1000(for MidWest)+$325(TDA)+$90(docs)=Price (before tax). Crunching the numbers, I've got over $29K for HL with your options.
You said that "..he wants to sell it for $27972" - That's a fantastic deal if already includes all the fees; otherwise it's a big mistake, and you should look elsewhere. Good luck.

amitab98

Thanks for your insight. I appreciate it alot... I'm off to buy the car, all the fees are included. I did try to haggle on the documentation fee but they were pretty much stuck solid there, but that's ok all things considered. I had thought the TDA charge had been struck down in a lawsuit against Toyota a few years back, and that they had to settle with the new car owners... but I guess my information there was bad. Thanks for your help....

troyy2k

I am in the process of considering leasing either a 2003 Highlander Limited, or a 2003 Acura MDX. Because of the higher residual value of the MDX, it seems I would be paying the same, or even a little less, to lease a $35,000 Acura MDX than if I were to lease a $31,000 Highlander. Am I wrong here? The 36 month residual on the Acura is something like 62 percent, and the highest residual I've seen on the highlander is 55 percent.

toyotaken

A few other issues to look at when you're leasing. First, the money factor can make a huge difference in a lease payment, just like an interest rate can make a big difference in a loan. Secondly, look at what company they're using for the lease. Some are very customer service oriented and won't nit-pick on turn-in about tiny issues and look at what the disposition fee if any they have.

k9xox

Anything to the ol' story that dealers make the best deals at the end of the month?

kybill

The vehicle we purchased this week was a Millennium Silver, AWD Limited. Since these are manufactured in Japan, it came pretty much fully loaded, with few options available to add or decline. It came with vehicle skid control, the 6 C.D. changer, side air bags, heated leather seats, photochromatic rearview mirror, towing prep pkg., power moonroof and floor mats. Some of these items I might have passed on, but trying to order a vehicle equipped as I wanted, may have been too time consuming, with no guarantee of availability. All told, the MSRP was @$35,500 and we were able to purchase it from the dealer's stock for @$32,100 + tax, title, tags. I'm guessing that this was only @$250 over invoice, compared to the @$1,000 or so, they seem to get on Highlanders in the Cincinnati area. However, this is the third car we have bought from this dealer, so we managed to get a significant concession on price. I'm happy with the deal, any comments?

mauriceojeda

'03 2WD V6 w/CQ, DR, FE, PE, PG TO, UZ, B0, F1, P1, Lighted Running boards for $27,500+TTL.

I can't find an invoice price on the B0-Extra Mile Option B.

Let me know if I'm getting a "decent" deal.

Thanks all!

jbucey

I'm in the Pittsburgh, PA area...does anyone know Toyota's advertising fee around here?

bk1

What is the typical mark-up above MSRP for the HL in MD or nearby states? There seems to be plenty of HL's on the lots and it's getting to be end-of-year. I am hoping dealers are looking a aggressive pricing.
-wjk

tomccoy1

Model V6 AWD 2003 – Purchased 12-6-2002 – Carsdirect.com
Base Invoice Price $ 23,904.00
TDA (advertising in invoice) 488.00
Destination Charge 510.00
Convenience Package CQ $256.00
Preferred Pkge HE $516.00
Appearance Package AG $728.00
Daytime Running Lights RL $ 32.00
Roof Rack DR $176.00
Carpets/Floor Mat $112.00
Towing Prep TO 128.00
Side Air BE 215.00
Allow Wheel locks 37.00
Heated Mirrors EH 24.00
Profit to Cars Direct/Dealer 500.00
27,626.00
Plus Tax 6.00% 1,657.56
Doc Fee 187.75
Registration Govt Fees 150.00
Total Price w/tax & registration 29,621.31

Picked up from Hudson Toyota in NJ - wrote a personal check for $29,621.31 and got the keys. The ability to do all the negotiating on the phone, and have Cars Direct do the work in locating the car and making the deal was certainly worth the $500 over invoice in my opinion. (Dealer keeps the 2% holdback)

Convenience Package ( Keyless & Toneau), Appearance Package, Daytime Running Lights, Roof Rack, Carpets/Floor Mat appear to be required options in my area - and they add about $1,300 to the base price. I was also told that power seats could not be obtained without getting 4WD.

allston2

On 12/11/02 I paid $100 over invoice for a V6 Highlander Limited with the following configuration:

Driver/Passenger Side Air Bags
Leather Package Includes: Leather Trimmed Seats with Headrests & Door Trim,
Limited Package: Fog Lamps, Color-Keyed Rear Spoiler, Aluminum Wheels With P225/70R16 Tires & Full Size Aluminum Spare Tire, Color-Keyed Mudguards, Roof Rack, Auto Climate Control, Outside Temperature Gauge, Keyless Entry, Daytime Running Lights, Power Driver's Seat, Heated Foldable Outside Rear View Mirrors, Privacy Glass, Tonneau Cover, Chestnut Wood Dash,
Auto-Dimming Mirror with compass
Carpet/Cargo Mat Set
Driver/Passenger Side Air Bags
JBL AM/FM/Cassette/6 Disc In-Dash CD Changer
Power Tilt/Slide Moonroof
Rear Spoiler
Tow Hitch
Tow Prep Package & Converter

I got this price by submitting a request through Costco (www.costcoauto.com), who then referred me to Toyota Carlsbad (San Diego, California area). After I showed the dealer my Costo card they quoted me a price that was $100 over invoice. I confirmed that the invoice price they quoted me was accurate by ordering a $12 price breakdown list from Consumer Reports. I called three other Toyota dealers in San Diego and none of them would beat the Costo price. Nor could CarsDirect, so I bought it from Toyota Carlsbad. I don't have the exact price with me, but it was invoice+$100+ 7.75% sales tax+license fee+$45 documentation fee (that the dealer would not remove). Overall, I was very pleased with the Costco/Toyota Carlsbad experience.

calibus

Just bought a 2003 Highlander 4x4 V6
Silver and grey Int
Fully Loaded MSRP $31,408.00
Invoice $27,209.00
Through CarDirect.com at Autoland on Rt 22W in NJ.
$27,500.00 plus taxes.
So i got the car for $291.00 over Invoice Price.

k9xox

Kept on emailing different dealers. According to Edmunds, invoice is around $28,900 + shipping/adv.

Carsdirect.com quoted me 29,794.

Two dealers quoted me 29,388, two quoted me 29,888. Dealers said that 29,388 was invoice. Will buy the car in county with lower sales tax and save another $300.

GREAT success emailing dealers back and forth getting the details down. Thank you all for your support.

k9xox

A local dealer said they's sell us a Bluestone for $29,388 but it would take as much as a week to get. Bluestone is "rare" here in So Cal. I emailed another dealer to thank her for her offers but no thanks. She emails back that she's got a Silver for $28,999. That is $99 over Edmunds purported invoice.

Of course, the Missus insists on the Bluestone.

My point is simply if you keep up the emailing (and are polite), the dealers WILL negotiate. Internet car buying is the best thing since DSL.

jones27

Just purchased a 2002 Ltd. with Sunroof, Leather/Heated/Tow Prep/Disc Changer/Auto-dimming mirror/Side Air Bags/Traction Control, etc. This is fully loaded with a MSRP of $35,500. Bought it at $31,537 (invoice). Could have had a 2003 with the exact same options and MSRP pricing for $32,057 ($500 over).

Think I got a great deal. Chose the 2002 because I tend to put a few too many miles on cars anyway. Better to have a low mileage car, than a high mileage car!

mattr30

I purchased a Highlander 2WD, Limited, with Leather Package, the 6 disc in dash CD player. I also had wheel locks (probably a rip off, but I was tired and also look what I did pay for this), and the carpet/mats for it as well.

Invoice (including dest): 27,956
MSRP: 31,883
TMV from Edmunds: 29,450

What I paid: 28,993 (457 under TMV, and 1047 over invoice)

I originally was sent a quote from the dealership that was $150 over invoice, but on a different vehicle. The salesman was extremely helpful going through the options we wanted and finding one for us. I feel pretty good that I got under TMV, and this was the first car buying experience for myself that I did not feel like I got totally ripped off. The knowledge from the internet really helped.

Here are a couple of observations: In SE US unless you special order a vehicle you will only be able to get certain options grouped together. As an example, my wife and I also wanted side airbags and traction control. Well to get those options we would also have to get a moonroof (something we did not want). That is just the way the vehicles are made for this part of the country it seems. Also, all of the vehicles had the tow prep package on them. I really did not want it, as I know we will never tow anything, but unless we wanted to wait 60-90 days, I was out of luck. So, ok, I paid the $150 for it.

Good luck and happy driving!

Matt

vass1

Has anyone had a good experience in purchasing a HL in NC. I am in Pinehurst area but willing to drive anywhere in state or southern VA or northern SC. Currently looking at several 2002 Limited locally. Would appreciate any help with GOOD/HONEST dealership recommendations. Thanks!

al63017

In Greenville South Carolina

http://www.carmax.com

or www.carmax.com put this in your browser you will be amazed what they can do on a H.L. they are most reputable.

Probably about 200-400 over invoice.

Wish there was one of them in the Midwest you are fortunate to be so close.

cmuniz

I bought mine at Toyota of Boone and had a great experience. Very honest people. They have a website, toyotaofboone.com. It will be a drive for you, but they routinely sell cars to people throughout NC due to their reputation.

vass1

I will check out carmax site and Boone Toyota site. Anyone else have thought re message 567? Thanks

kevin114

Special ordered mine. 2003 HL 2WD 4 cyn auto with "JUST" these options:
Roof rack
Tinted windows
Driver/Passenger Side Air Bags

Price $23,100 (out the door)excluding tax and title which are about a total of $800
Final price will be 23,900
Gotta wait for about 4 to 7 months though for it to be built in Japan. Not bad if your in no hurry.

tielgirl

Vass1, I strongly recommend doing a search of the southeast inventory for the Highlanders you think you want (options, colors, etc). Then you can request a quote on a particular vehicle from any dealer that you want in the southeast region (can find all the dealers within a state from Toyota's website). They will all differ quite widely I assure you - if you are willing to drive there are good deals out there. The best quote I got was from the dealer in Lugoff, SC. Due to other circumstances did not purchase from them but they were at or below invoice on a V6 limited model at the time. Some of the Columbia, SC dealers were also quoting some good figures.

sbell4

is a high volume "one price" store. I have heard good things from them.

 http://www.jbarkleytoyota.com

vass1

THanks to 572 and 573! I will work your suggestions. VASS1

junepug

Try Toyota West in Statesville. We purchased a Camry and Highlander within the past 6 months. The Camry was around 3% over invoice and the Highlander went for $150.00 over invoice. The sales staff and management are all very helpful and interested in customer satisfaction. We also tried Hickory Toyota and found them to be rude and overly greedy.

strange3

Thanks for the info on Carolina dealers! Conspicuously absent were dealers in the Raleigh/Durham area. Anyone have an opinion about them for price, service, or friendliness?

Those already listed aren't close to us, but I will check them out. The drive may be worth it.

wheeler526

All of the vehicles I looked at (Houston) had a base price plus some options I could price out here on Edmunds. But they also had a LOT of "Distributor Installed Options". How can I judge a fair price on these options?

Door Edge Guards 119
Nite Mirros 335
Glass Etch (a rip off) 199
Wheel locks 62
Sunroof deflector 69
Running boards 699
Mud Guards 80

These options bring the total MSRP from 26,685 to 28,248, and they are quoting me a bottom price of 25,737.

Thanks for any input.

landdriver

I agree that the glass etch is a rip-off. The only item I can speak to is the sunroof wind deflector, and the price listed is a reasonable price for it. Have you tried other dealerships? Good luck.

rmui1

Hello, just purchased base model with Quick Order package, roof rack, floor mats, daylight lights, mud flaps, MSRP 25,544. This is one of the standard configurations that come over from Japan. Vehicle was a loss-leader and was priced at $21,488 plus $198. documentation charge. I paid that plus $400 for alarm system with remote start (dealer list $699). Sundown Red with ivory interior.
Got Toyota 2.9% financing for 48 months (current Toyota promotion 1.9% for 36 months, 2.9 for 48 months, 3.9 for 60 months). Purchased at Boch Toyota near Boston, similar prices available from other area dealers as loss-leaders, otherwise around $22,700 to 23,300 for same vehicle/options. They also offered a MSRP $29,400 vehicle for $26,400 via Internet quote I requested, still a pretty good price.

jcfishing2000

Just purchased highlander from Hudson Toyota for $27,460, $100 above invoice. It seems all NY and NJ are running 1.9% 3 years APR. Good Luck everyone.

jsaint625

I am looking to buy an 03 Highlander in the next couple of weeks. The pricing looks to be around $26,500 for an AWD, 6 cylinder Highlander with roof rack and some of the appearance packages. Is this a good price for one?

robmath

Does it come with a sunroof in your purchase? (SR)

curlyinchicago

Recommendations needed for a dealer in Chicago or North Suburbs that give fair/honest (as honest as possible) price?

jrjjrj

Purchased a Millennium Silver V6 4x2 Highlander with an MSRP of 29427 at invoice for 26363. Talked with numerous dealers in Maryland. Two classes, those trying to take you for a ride and those offering all Highlanders at or close to invoice.

So, you can get a Highlander at invoice.

scanner

How come Edmunds' True Market Value is so high when everyone is getting their Highlander so close to invoice?

paulek

I got my best price for my '02 hl v6 fwd at Brown's.
At that time they were 700 over invoice, no hidden charges or any out of line charges, such as inflated advertising fees. I was pleased with their staff.