2013 and Earlier - Toyota Highlander Prices Paid and Buying Experience

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Comments

  • spindoctor1spindoctor1 Member Posts: 5
    Do you mean True Market Value? How does a dealer stay in business selling cars below invoice (including incentives)? Where's their profit margin?
  • lj225lj225 Member Posts: 33
    Has anyone done it? Im kinda drawn to it the price seems right for an HL with options I want. But Never thought about doing the deal this way. It certainly would remove the Dealer Pressure/Sales tactics. Well what's your take.

    Price is $25,853 +tax title, about $577.00 over invoice. This includes:
    AW,Roof Rack,DR,CQ, Spoiler, Mud flaps,etc. Oh and this is the 6 FWD.
  • rmui1rmui1 Member Posts: 48
    Sorry I misread the price paid. Was particular numb-minded at the time.
  • triton86triton86 Member Posts: 7
    Yes, below invoice. I checked all the prices (car and option packages), and they match Edmunds. There is an added TDA, but a dealer incentive drops the total to below invoice.

    A question for any of you: what exactly is TDA?
  • eandyleeeandylee Member Posts: 28
    The invoice prices of Toyota on edmunds doe not include the TDA of $675(Toyota Dealer Advertising fee) that the Toyota Dealers charge you.

    So when a Toyota dealer claims Invoice+X you have to add $675 to the invoice price you see on edmunds.

    Toyota is the only manufacturer does that.

    All other manufacturere's invoice price exactly matched between the invoice price on edmunds and the dealers tell you.
  • eandyleeeandylee Member Posts: 28
    A Toyota dealer promised me of Invoice-1000+tax+tag but when I visited the dealer, I got surprised by the TDA fee they charge and the dealer tells you it is part of the invoice.
    I got pissed off.

    None of the other manufacturers do that.

    Be aware of it.
  • johnmc70johnmc70 Member Posts: 1
    I just bought a HL for my wife yesterday in So. California. Base model, 2wd with QO package and roof rack (don't they all come with a roof rack?)I had been waiting to see another ad in the paper for this vehicle at $19,995 and found it Friday and Saturday. Went to the dealer on Saturday and found a sales rep who just didn't want to help. According to most of the dealers I spoke with, this price is a loss leader for them and is only meant to bring in the customer so he can be upgraded to a more profitable car. I went back to the same dealer and found a different rep on Sunday.

    I think they got the best of me on my trade (93 camry LE 131K, fair condition). I got $1000 for the used car, which bought me after market leather. Classic soft trim quoted me almost $1300 and the dealer gave me some service work discounts and a free oil change, so I figure the trade was worth about $1400 -$1500.

    Here is the deal
    2003 HL $20,995
    After market leather $1,000
    doc fees $45
    Tax $1,708
    License $179
    Registration $9
    California Tire Fee $5

    Toyota Rebate ($1,000)
    Trade in ($1,000)

    Total Due $21,941

    The wife was fired up when I got home and I think I got fair deal. I posted tax title and license amounts because I did not know how much these would total. I would appreciate your comments.
  • modernmmodernm Member Posts: 5
    congratulation on your great deal. I wanted to get that $19,995 special also but I have to sell my odyssey first.

    What color is your HL?
    Is it possible for me to contact your sales person? maybe I will just trade in the odyssey.

    Thank you
    mm
    madameboba@yahoo.com
  • jh66jh66 Member Posts: 2
    Hello to those of you who have bought below invoice ... this sounds like one of those "too good to be true", but I'm very curious to learn more. One person asked "how can the dealers stay in business" if they're selling it below what they got it for. I'm wondering the same thing.

    I see from Edmunds that there is about 3K between MSRP and Invoice. A dealer here in Hawaii is offering about 2K below MSRP (1K above Invoice) and I thought this was pretty good. After reading folks are getting the Highlander "Below" invoice, I'm paying 1K or more too much.

    I realize Hawaii is notorious for holding to high prices, but I'd really like get guidance if I can really get a better deal than 1K above MSRP.

    Thank You!

    JH
  • vintagegoldvintagegold Member Posts: 14
    I am in the DC area and got mine below invoice. The MSRP was $33,984, the dealer invoice was $30,441 and I paid $29,825 plus tax, title and tags...no other add ons. I don't remember the exact numbers but Edmunds.com's TMV was close to dealer invoice (a tad higher if I recall). The pricing report I bought from Consumer Reports indicated that the dealer invoice minus a dealer holdback would bring the actual dealer's cost even lower. I had always heard that the invoice price the dealer shows you is not what they really pay. Go in on the 29th, offer a figure below invoice and walk out if they don't give it to you. See what they call you with on the 30th or later that night. Of course a lot will depend on the supply and demand dynamics in your area. You do have the time of the month and a "not great" economy working for you as well as the 2004 model year breathing down their necks. If inventory there is high, you may be in a pretty good position to get the deal that you want.
  • jh66jh66 Member Posts: 2
    Thanks for your insight! I didn't think to pay for a consumer's pricing report with all the internet auto sites showing MSRP and Invoice. But you went the extra mile and I'm grateful. It now makes sense that people "could" get below Invoice since this is not the "real" invoice.

    I'll let you know what they say about my lower offer as you point out the timing leverage is on my side. BTW, a friend here in Hawaii bought a Toyota Sequoia for a ridiculously low price (nearly 9K below MSRP) via the internet here ... he just told me that's how he did it and I'm trying it and will see if the electronic means still offers mega value.

    JH
  • vintagegoldvintagegold Member Posts: 14
    I would try the internet method. I wish I had. I negotiated in person and over the phone and it was very stressful with calls alternating between the salesman and the salesmanager. O f course, they had to go beg for permission to sell the car for this low price that they are sure they are going to take a loss on (Yeah, right). I have wondered if I could have gotten a better deal, if I had negotiated via email. I get much less stressed out when I am reading and writing than when talking. I doubt I could have gotten much lower though, I was within $600 of what the pricing report indicated was the dealer's actual cost.

    I would be interested in how it turns out for you.
  • triton86triton86 Member Posts: 7
    According to the faxed invoice from the dealer, the TDA amount was $367, but all the rest (the base car plus the option packages) matched up with Edmunds' invoice prices. What I was also told was that the sales tax was to be applied before the $1000 dealer incentive, so the effective pre-tax cost would have been about $527 below non-TDA invoice.

    My problem is deciding whether I should go for it, or opt for the more sensible choice of a minivan. I have a standing offer on a 2004 Sienna XLE for $1800 over invoice.

    My wife really likes the Highlander (as do I), but the more practical side of me tells me that the minivan is the better long-term vehicle for a family of 4 (and occasional in-laws and/or guests).
  • palmerpalmer Member Posts: 33
    My sentiments exactly. My family will shortly be a family of 4. Highlander or Sienna? Can get a base highlander or a base Sienna CE for the 23K range. The limited highlander vs the Sienna XLE for about 30K. Decisions, decisions....
  • dgopelikadgopelika Member Posts: 7
    HLs are selling under invoice. Look at cars direct and use alabama, georgia, SC zip codes. That includes rebate and shipping. At least $1000 under is standard (unless rebate increases in May). Go to Toyota.com and pull up Dealers, then Columbia, SC. Two dealers in Columbia selling $3500-4500+ under msrp on the advertised price without negotiation (which includes shipping). State taxes and licensing extra. Dealers can do this because of incentive programs. They still are making 5% or more,but probably won't budge into those. Even if you don't like the internet which worked fine for me through carsdirect.com, don't walk into the showroom. Email the fleet manager and use carsdirect #s to bargain. If they won't, then use the internet. Call Alan Olmsted at carsdirect, who handles Toyota sales. Be willing to travel for big savings. Kind of stuck in Hawaii, though. Many are doing better than $1000 under. Check around.
  • baltimorebucbaltimorebuc Member Posts: 4
    Good Price? AWD V6 HL with Appearance package, sun roof, roof rack, mats, and spoiler added
    $27,590 – These guys only want to give me $1000 for my 1994 Honda Civic EX 4-door sedan. Pretty good condition w/ 113,000 miles, so I am thinking this might bee as low as they will go. Invoice on Edmunds is around $26,320
    I am near 2 Carmax (White Marsh and Laruel – both in MD) so I might try there to see what they would give me for a trade in, although this particular dealer is about $400 lower then the same type of vehicle at Carmax
  • botmanbotman Member Posts: 1
    Highlander V6 2WD
    ROOF RACK SYSTEM (DR)
    TOW PREP PKG & CONVERTER (TO)
    TOW HITCH (UQ)
    APPEARANCE PACKAGE (AG)
    CONVENIENCE PACKAGE (CQ)
    PREFERRED PACKAGE (HE)
    CARPET/CARGO MAT SET (CF)
    REAR SPOILER (SP)
    POWER SUNROOF (SR)

    Net before Taxes and Fees $25,570.00

    Thank you carsdirect
  • jimriffjimriff Member Posts: 2
    Hi,
     Just signed for a Highlander 2WD V6:

    DR Roofrack
    RL Daytime Running Lights
    AG Appearance Package
    CQ Convenience Package
    CF Carpeted Floormats
    WL Wheel Locks
    UZ Prewire (Alarm prewire)

    $24,489 (Before Sales Tax)

    This was just about at Invoice. Best deal offered by $1300+ from other dealers in the NY area via the internet.

    Could not get much help on the pricing for a few "after market" items I had in mind, including a spoiler, for which the dealer was asking $600+, and the wood grain appliques, for which the dealer wanted $350. Seemed pretty steep to me and the dealer would not budge on them. But, otherwise very happy with the outcome....
    Was initially considering going pre-owned but found the asking prices for what few used Highlanders are out there so high, I don't think you could begin to bargain them into reasonable numbers compared to buying new.
    Hope this post helps someone else... Good luck out there. It sure seems like a hell of a nice vehicle...

    Jim
  • landdriverlanddriver Member Posts: 607
    Regarding the wood grain appliques -- I've seen some on eBay occasionally for ~$150 to $200 depending on who's selling them; you may also try www.jcwhitney.com or just do a Google search for perhaps "auto wood grain appliques" to see if there are any online stores that sell these. I also see Highlander spoilers on eBay quite frequently; not sure whether they're OEM or after market. You may also try calling several dealer's parts departments and tell them you're price shopping for quotes on spoilers -- www.toyotaguys.com and www.toyotaparts4u.com may be worth a try.
  • roblsrobls Member Posts: 9
    In PA, just found out that Toyota dealers in this area are getting a $950 dealer cashback on the HL. Will be faxing the local fleet manager May 27th and offering below invoice. Will let you know how it works out. Just thought everyone would want to know about the cashback deal.
  • buckigrlbuckigrl Member Posts: 2
    Got a Millenium Silver Metallic - 2WD V6 for $26,100. It was $200 below the "dealers" invoice - after he kicked 1/2 of his $500 dealer holdback our way. "robls" mentioned a $950 dealer cash back - dealer claimed "No" to that, but said their was a $500 dealer holdback - showed us the documentation which he split with us. When I plug info into Edmunds, it come out to be $55 above invoice. Good deal or bad Deal? Options include: Appearance Package, Power Sunroof,Preferred Package, Convenience Package, Tow Hitch and Converter, Roof Rack System, Towing Prep. Package, Daytime Running Lights. We test drove a Chevy Envoy, a Nissan Xterra, and the Highlander was our favorite ride. I really tried to like the Envoy, but just felt it was to bulky. Could be partial to Toyota since I've had such good luck with previous cars.
  • buckigrlbuckigrl Member Posts: 2
    Wow -- Great Deal!! $530 better than my deal!
  • akincaakinca Member Posts: 8
    What a fantastic price!!! I was just quoted 29,343 for a limited with SR,BE,TO,UQ,EJ,CF RB. What do you think? Good?
  • i95cruisingi95cruising Member Posts: 3
    In reading recent postings it appears some dealers are willing to deal more than when I purchased 11 months ago.

    In negotiating to lowest price, it would help to be flexible as to color, etc.

    In my case, I became fixated on the India Blue with heated Ivory leather seats, side airbags, 4WD V6 and towing package. To get these, I also had to accept (and pay!) additional options that I would not have necessarily ordered.

    I purchased a V6, 4WD, Limited with the following: Leather, heated seats, JBL 6 disk CD, sunroof, side airbags, tow hitch, tow package, skid control, carpet kit, wheel locks, hood protector.

    MSRP $35,601
    Dlr cost $30,657

    Deducting the holdback and allowing 5%profit, I should have been able to purchase for $32,761. However, the dealer in Annapolis, Md, said he had an advertising budget of $500 per vehicle and would not budge from $33,079, or $318 more than Edmunds suggests. My HL had to be brought in from 400 miles away. Had I been more flexible, I could have saved myself $1,500 by buying a HL off the lot, but I got what I wanted, and it remains a beautiful, trouble free car.
  • roblsrobls Member Posts: 9
    I got the $950 dealer cashback info from www.fightingchance.com. They asked for my zip code and that is what popped up. May be different in other parts of the country.
  • baltimorebucbaltimorebuc Member Posts: 4
    Baltimore Dealer
  • baltimorebucbaltimorebuc Member Posts: 4
    Sorry about that......

    V6 AWD Indigo Ink

    MSRP 31,129

    Running Lights, Sunroof, Tow Prep Pkg and Converter, Convenience Pkg, Roof Rack, Heated Outside Mirror, Side Airbags, Appearance Pkg, Preferred Pkg, Mats, and the Spoiler

    Invoice $27,641
    I paid $27,639
  • jackmickjackmick Member Posts: 39
    2003 Highlander with the following options: roof rack, tow prep package,tow hitch,appearance package,convenience package and preferred accessory package. Vehicle is a 4x2 with a V6.Color is vintage gold.Price paid was $25,461 plus Tax and lic. which came to $27,770 out the door,minus the $1000 rebate. So I gave the dealer a check for $26,770. Dealers name is I-10 Toyota La Quinta, CA.
  • brunnabrunna Member Posts: 53
    Looks like you got a decent deal - congrats! Please post the dealer name, or email me with your details. I'm looking for a Limited (I want leather) and I'm just beginning my search. I will be using the fax or email approach. Hope it will be as easy as buying the wife's Odyssey in February.
  • roblsrobls Member Posts: 9
    Base V6 AWD Indigo Blue with the following options:
    Z1 Accessory Pkg.
    AG Appearance Pkg.
    CQ Convenience Pkg.
    HE Preferred Pkg.
    TO Towing Prep Pkg.
    SR Moon Roof
    RL Running Lights
    DR Luggage Rack System
    EH Mirrors
    BE Restraint System
    RF Spoiler
    WL Wheel Locks

    MSRP $31,600
    Invoice $27,702
    Paid $27,900
  • murrayoperimurrayoperi Member Posts: 5
    Bought this on April 30 using the fax attack and info from fightingchance.com. Here are the details:

    HL LTD 4WD
     with

    Z1, LA, TO, UQ, SR, HP, N1,
    BE, VD, HD, SD, EJ

    Dealer Invoice 31557
    MSRP=35939
    We paid 31667 before ttl and group ad charge

    The interesting thing was that the deflector and the hood protector were not listed on the dealer sticker or invoice, but were added at the dealership and we were not charged for them. Also, they had added side window deflectors too. So, we got some options for free and thus really paid less than invoice.

    Also, Toyota sent us a check for $500 to help us choose the HL over the Pilot.

    fighting chance.com and the fax attack method made this a completely stress free experience--no hassles, no worries, no stress and 1.9% financing for 48 months!

    The dealer handled us with kid gloves. We were in and out of the dealership in about an hour during which we went over the vehicle carefully, did the credit app, listened to the dog and pony on the owner's manual, met with the finance guy (no pressure to buy ext. warranty, undercoating etc)and signed all the paperwork.

    Our out the door cost with TTL and the group advertising charge was $32382

    It is an awesome vehicle! The family is enjoying it and we feel we got a great price.
    MP
  • dmoyerdmoyer Member Posts: 27
    All I see are new HL prices. How about some input on previously owned prices for 01 and 02 model years, or is it foolish to believe anyone has already traded in their favorite HL?
  • landdriverlanddriver Member Posts: 607
    In addition to any posts you see here there are typically several Highlanders for sale on eBay at any given time.
  • gbenningergbenninger Member Posts: 2
    Live in SF and went Toyota dealer last night for 3 hrs. Left at 11pm because I didn't feel I clearly understood the terms.

    The Highlander V6 2WD on lease...3yrs $370 inclusive of taxes with a residual of 14,977 with 15K mi. per year. Can walk away with no commitments or purchase car...should blue book be less than 14,977 the dealer will pay the difference. Looks like I would pay $1,347 under 28,500 MSRP.

    In turn they are offering me 15,500 trade in for my 2002 Honda Accord with less than 10K miles.

    Could use some input before I go back and close the deal or look else where.
  • murrayoperimurrayoperi Member Posts: 5
    there are helpful places to look for this info.

    Try

    carbuyingtips.com

    for one. That site does have some resources on leasing.

    I'd also contact fightingchance.com. They do offer packets for leasers, but you may be too far along for their help. But if you call them they can give you some sense of it. Go to their website to get their phone number.

    Good luck
  • gbenningergbenninger Member Posts: 2
    Thanks I will surf those sites and see what I come up with.
  • cmunizcmuniz Member Posts: 604
    Some quick comments on your deal. It seems that $1,347 under msrp is too high since there are incentives on the Highlander at the moment. Check Edmunds new car prices to get the current TMV and then subtract the Toyota to customer incentive. That should be the best price that you can get. Secondly, what interest rate are you getting? They are pretty low right now you should be able to get around 5%. I am not sure about residual values on the Highlander, but make sure you are getting a good price on your trade-in. Look up the price on Edmunds used cars to verify you are getting a good price. Finally, how much you owe on your Honda will determine how much you have to finance on your lease. Given all of that it will be difficule for somebody here to tell you if you are getting a good deal since there are so many variables. Leases with a trade in that is still being financed are complicated transactions and it is easy for dealers to get the best of you without doing a lot of research. Good luck. One thing I know is that the Highlander is a very good vehicle and you should be happy with it once you decide when and where to get one.
  • mauijim3mauijim3 Member Posts: 3
    Picked up tues 6/3, White, Base with convenience pkg, tow prep, 8-way drivers seat,roof rack, back privacy glass & carpet/floor mats
    MSRP 27,740
    Paid 22,000 +tax title, stamps
    Installing moonroof- elsewhere @ $300.00 under dealers price... 3 hours to negotiate but very happy with deal Pompano/Deerfield Beach area
  • webber2003webber2003 Member Posts: 1
    Hi Mauijim3,
    Congrats that's a good deal. Could you share what financing rate you got? Who is the dealership? Did they have 1K rebate at that time? I am thinking of a highlander but the price seems around 24K. Your response is very appreciated.
  • skhoslaskhosla Member Posts: 22
    Limited V6 AWD with the following options:

    Leather
    Side air bag
    CD changer
    Tow prep pkg
    Floor mats
    VSC
    Heated seats
    sunroof

    Total invoice: 31274

    Price being offered: 31346

    After cashback: 30346.

    I am trying to close in to 30K flat.

    Thanks in advance,
    Samir
  • murrayoperimurrayoperi Member Posts: 5
    Sounds like a great deal to me. How much more time and effort are you willing to invest to get this a below invoice? Is your time worth something? WHat kind of financing are you getting? EMail me for a tip if you are interested.

    --M
  • misteremistere Member Posts: 5
    I purchased an 03 Highlander 2WD V6 in June 03 from Hudson Toyota, Bayonne, N.J.
    List price 27,740 Invoice 24,750 Paid 24,071
    Paid price incluedes 750 rebate, does not include tax or registration.

     Ed
  • awsteckawsteck Member Posts: 6
    I live in Boston area where dealers are offering invoice - $200 plus invoice. On the Pilot 'How much did you pay
    ' group I heard of people buying out of state so I checked dealers in central NY (Syracuse. Binghampton, Ithaca area) where my parents live and found similar deals ($150-$300 above invoice) BUT there is a $750 factory rebate in their region. Now that's a lot of money that can be used for lowering payment, adding accessories or paying for your new Ipod (my gift to myself). After calling all dealers found one with my preferred color (Bluestone) and it was manager's demo car with 1000 miles. They offered me $200 below invoice and with $750 rebate saved myself nearly $1000. Did all negotiating with Sales Manager (ask for sales manager) over telephone, paperwork couldn't be easier, pay tax in Mass not NY and I'm off to the races. Note: Parents are delivering car on their visit to see grandkids at end of month. Folks, you can get Highlanders for either invoice or less than invoice, it seems that Toyota dealers either have too much inventory or 2004's are breathing down their necks. Good luck. Aron
  • ilboyilboy Member Posts: 4
    In my neck-of-the-woods here in central Georgia we have one Toyota dealership advertising $1 over invoice sale. One question though, is it the true invoice from Toyota or another price the dealership has? I don't know but I'm itching to find out this week. Maybe your right awsteck, that dealers just have too much overhead and the economy hasn't picked up all that much. I've seen adds on TV with bigger incentives for domestic models this month. Is Japan car companies following suit?
  • dealerkillerdealerkiller Member Posts: 5
    HL 2WD 4dr SUV V6

    MSRP $28,110
    Invoice $24,889
    Edmunds TMV $24,644

    From Edmunds, there is a $800 customer incentive and a $950 dealer incentive. I offered 22894, which is $24889-($800$+950). Dealer declined.
    Dealer offered $24,889.
  • tigerteeztigerteez Member Posts: 1
    Dick Dyer Toyota in Columbia SC advertising on website (www.dickdyertoyota.com) all Highlanders $1200 under invoice. Rebate in SC is $1000. Most vehicles also have advertising fee of $550 included in invoice. Seems he is using this as wiggle room. Plan to buy one myself later this summer.
  • balberchakbalberchak Member Posts: 2
    Hi,

    My wife and I are close to signing with a Toyota dealer in Pennsylvania. I am aware of the two incentives that are being offered on the Highlander, and I am being told that the incentives "do not apply to this region due to the strength of sales on the vehicle".

    What we are being offered is as follows:

    List 28,272
    Invoice 25,461
    Selling Price 25,223

    The dealer will then add the running boards and tail fin at cost, 410 and 200 respectively.

    Can anybody tell me if the "incentives not being offered in this area" is BS? Is there any way to check with Toyota?

    Thanks.
  • palmerpalmer Member Posts: 33
    I have heard about the incentives on the Highlander as well. However, I have gotten the same response as you from the Philadelphia area Toyota dealers I have dealt with, "no incentives in this region on the Highlander." Your price does look good however.
  • houstontexanhoustontexan Member Posts: 6
    My brother works for the Toyota company. He and his relatives (me!) are entitled to certain deals. I have the price guide for the Highlander. Something I don't get...the information I have shows the Highlanders "dealer price" at $20,536 for the 4x2 4 cylinder. That's before ANY other prices are added to it. Consumer Reports show the dealer "invoice" to be $21,251.

    Why wouldn't Consumer Reports or Edmunds have the same number that I have? The effective date for my price was 8/1/2002. I called the department at Toyota that deals with this and they said the price is still effective.

    What gives? Also the latest info I have from Consumer Reports shows no dealer incentives BUT a dealer holdback of $478.

    Thanks.
  • balberchakbalberchak Member Posts: 2
    Thanks Palmer, we did purchase the vehicle yesterday. Just need after-market fog lights now. Toyota pricing ridiculous on such items.

    Houstontexan - my understanding is that the dealer has a 2% holdback. So, on a 28K vehicle the holdback is $560.00. This is what allows the dealer to go "under invoice". Of course, the dealer really makes their money on the "scheduled maintenance". Just ask my local Volvo dealer, average scheduled maintenance bill on my S70 is around $450.00. We will do the same with the Highlander, keep it on the schedule at least while it is under warrenty.
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