2013 and Earlier - Toyota Highlander Prices Paid and Buying Experience

floridagal

Has anyone found a good deal in the Tampa Bay area of Florida. I'm emailing with the Internet Salesman of Autoway, but I've never dealt with someone over the internet before. I am looking for a 2004 Highlander for under 27,000.

I want to find one with the following options:

FWD, V6
Side Air Bags
Anti-Lock Brakes
Running Boards
CD Player (optional)
Power Adjustable seats w/Lumbar or heated
Power Adjustable mirrors
carpets
Tilt Steering w/Cruise control (cruise is optional)
Moonroof (Optional)

beccab

I've been quoted $27,350 for a 04 Highlander with 3rd row and v6. It has the following: FE, EH, AG, HE, CF, RL, TO, CQ, DK. I've been told this includes all charges except tax and tags. Is this a good deal? If so, I'm planning to buy tomorrow...Let me know what you all think.

sunangela

beccab

sunangela: It's an all wheel drive

ripple4

Just came back from looking at a Highlander.Dealer has only 4 in stock. 2 in blue 1 silver and 1 black. All are equipped the same. FE,CQ,EH,AG,GY,
HE,LF,RL,SR,TO,CF,GN,WL. MSRP of 31,930. Model 6928 AWD w/3rd Row. I am only interested in CQ,GY,CF,GN. All the other options I don't want and add extra cost to the car. AG,HE,and SR add $2,135 to the MSRP I live in Northern N.J, is it possible to get Highlander with the options I want or is it these SUV's automatically come with all the extra's ?

mzopinonated

When I bought by 03 Highlander, I tried all the dealers in Tampa. I ended up going to Central Florida Toyota near Orlando. It saved me close to $1000.00 I can drive the hour there to save that kind of change. I dealt with the internet mgr. Happy hunting and good luck.

devs01

I'm looking for a '04 HL FWD/V6 (not the Limited), with the JBL Premium Audio (single CD). Couple dealers in NJ area have told me that option is not available in the region. Has anyone been able to get this radio with the steering wheel controls on this model HL? Want to purchase this vehicle, but really would like the upgraded radio and steering wheel controls. Willing to try other geographic regions, if anyone knows of any where this is offered. Thanks.

shaweet

I didn't plan on buying the HL til next year (tax purposes) but saw that Toyota had a 25 anniversary sale so called up Piercey (San Jose, CA). HL was part of the 25 anniversary deal meaning 0% financing (3 yrs), 1.9% (4 yrs) and 2.9% (5 yrs). They had the one I wanted in stock (silver w/stone leather). Couldn't pass this up since this offer will last til 1/5/04 so drove down there to discuss further....HL is sitting in my garage now. Here's the deal that they gave me for an 04 V6 Limited with Navigation and the following options:
FE - 50 states emissions
GY - Driver & Pass. Curtain & Side air bags
     & sun visor w/illumination
HD - Seat heaters
LA - Leather package
NV - Nav. premium JBL stereo
SR - sunroof
TO - tow prep
C4 - carpet Floor mats

MSRP - 37,776
Invoice - 33,807

Got it for $200 below invoice! The result:

33,607 + tax/licenses/DMV

Price out the door - 36,697

landdriver

Of all the Highlanders I've seen the JBL (whether single or 6 disk changer) only seems to come equipped in Limited model Highlanders, and the only type of sound system that Limited model Highlanders come equipped with are the JBL. You might ask the dealer if the configuration you want can be special ordered from the factory. (I'd be interested to know the answer).

lchouston

Hi all, I'm new to this message board but I've read a lot of good tips. I live in the Houston/Katy area and am ready to buy a 2004 Highlander V6. Any thoughts about the difference between the 4 and 6 cylinder? Also what have you paid-don't need many options but cars on the lot seem to all come pretty loaded. I do want power seats, privacy glass, convenience package, any suggestions?

newyear

I found there are special internet pricings in dealer's web page. The price for Highlander is about $1000 below invoice. What do you think? Thanks.

devs01

Thanks for your response, Landdriver. The dealer told me it would be at least a 4 month wait to place an order. Obviously, it's something they don't want to do.

devs01

I think I'd like to know that dealer's web page. Can you share the dealer's name and location so I can check it out. I realize we're not allowed to post direct links to the dealership site. Thanks.

landdriver

The 4 cyl vs. V6 question pops up on these boards occasionally. The consensus is the 4 cyl isn't underpowered on the Highlander as it sometimes is on other cars, so most people are happy with its peppy feel, but if you like the idea of having the extra power for when you need it, then go for the V6.

aeb025

We are about to pick up our highlander in NJ tomorrow. The finance rate from the dealer on a buy for 72 months is 5.99 %. We keep seeing the highlander advertised in the Toyotathon for 1.9%.
It says the offer expires Jan. 2nd. Does anyone know if this 1.9% is on a lease only?

shaweet

aeb025 - Not sure if the toyotathon is the same in northern ca (bay area) compared to NJ. I got the deal on a purchase. It's 0% for 3 yrs, 1.9% for 4yrs, and 2.9% for 5yrs.

devs01

cplbaum - sounds like a great deal. In the options you listed, I was able to identify all but "FE". Could you please describe that option. Also what was the MSRP of the vehicle. Thanks!

cplbaum

devs01 - FE = 50 STATE EMISSIONS (whatever that means). MSRP was $29,677 before taxes and fees with an invoice of $26,587. They offered $1500 below MSRP ($28,177)as a final price after taxes & fees. I countered with an extra $1200 off ($26,977). We settled at $27,500 as the FINAL price including all taxes & fees (about $1,161.80)

2003tls

That means that the car is certified for all 50 states, as opposed to 49 (not California). Really only important if you live in a state that has strict emission laws (California and a few New England states).

cplbaum

Just bought a Toyota Highlander FWD 4DR V6 W/3RD ROW with options: AG; Z1 (Preferred Accessory Package); FE (50 state emission - whatever THAT means); TO; SR; CQ; RL; HE for $248.80 below invoice from Koons Toyota Tysons in Tyson's Corner, VA. They had a deal going for $1500 below MSRP as the price AFTER taxes, tags, processing, etc. Told him it was a good start, but he needed to take another $1200 off to get me to buy from him. He shook his head and asked where those numbers came from. I pulled out a printout of the Edmund's base vehicle with all the options listed, their MSRP, INVOICE and TMV and showed him ... then said that I'd worked too hard on the research to pay what everyone else was paying on the vehicle. I wanted a DEAL. Had his manager sitting at the desk within 4 minutes explaining to me that he couldn't do it ... he writes out the invoice price and then adds in the taxes tags and processing to demonstrate that he'd be taking a loss on the sale of about $250. I smile at him and ask whether there's a dealer hold back on that invoice price. A: Yes. Q: What amount? A: Don't know off the top of my head. Q: C'mon. You can either go back to your desk and find out, or you can give me a solid ballpark. A: $500 Q: OK - I'll take it for a final price of $27,500 - you get a slight profit, I pay below invoice, [the salesman] starts the year off right by selling his first car in his first 15 minutes of 2004 and everyone goes home happy. A: Alright.

Done deal. No trade-in. Cash sale.

billsoter

Kay Jennings Toyota in Springfield, VA is advertising Highlanders for $1,500 under invoice. This does not equate with other posts to this thread. Can anyone explain this? I'm interested because my daughter wants to buy a Highlander soon.

ohmygosh

Okay people let's have some good feedback !! I am from the Philly area and am ready to buy the '04 Highlander. I am looking at a 4 x 4- 6 cllinder with the convenience package and other popular options. Not a limited. No moon roof or leather seats. If they have a Navigation system or wireless headphones, these would be desired options. I do not need a 3rd seat but I think this is standard with the 4 x 4 '6' cylinder. Is this correct ? What can I expect to pay and what interest rates over a 5 year plan ?? I need some negotiating power......JET

2003tls

Stopped by the dealer today. Was told that 2004 Highlanders are sold at Invoice + 4%. Since one company owns all the Toyota dealerships here on Oahu, there are no other dealers I could go to. Is this a fair price? I am also looking at the Pilot and price is one of the decision making factors.

stickguy

Having recently shopped Highlanders in south Jersey, I'll weigh in. First, you will not find a van w/o leather and roof with the Nav system (you need to step up to a limited for that). There are also very few configurations to pick from. I don't recall exactly what is available, but most of the AWD 6 cyls. are pretty loaded. You may, however, be able to find a cloth non-moonroof with little else on it.

Go to the Toyota website (you need to get to buytoyota.com I believe). You can see exactly which configurations are available in this area.

remember, when you are looking at Toyotas, there are lots of combos that exist only in the minds of the product planners that put together the brochures, since they are never actually built.

ohmygosh

Thanks stick guy.......I had the opportunity to visit a dealer in Philly. They had a black beauty with 6cl and 4WD and convenience package,etc. It was not a limited. It even had a wireless DVD set up that dropped down for rear seat viewing. It listed for $32,500 and sold immediately for about $3,500 below invoice. I missed the boat on this one. They are out there !!!

gklatv

ohmygosh - did you really mean it?

rtrager

$3500 below invoice. Why don't you scan that sales agreement and post it on the web. You know what they say ... seeing is believing!

Call me cynical, but I have the feeling that there are a few people posting here that have nothing better to do than to yank everyone's chain.

ohmygosh

Sorry people.......$3500 below sticker price....OOPS!!!

explorerx4

in the ads in the local paper.

rtrager

That makes alot more sense!
I bought mine for $3224 below sticker.
Limited AWD with eveything except Nav and DVD.
Sticker $36150 Paid $32926 $650 over invoice with customer care. They pick up vechicle for service and leave a loaner, even for a $20 oil change for the life of the car. I'm happy with that deal.

chriswb

Just got my 04 Highlander(not ltd) last week. V6, AWD, Sunroof, JBL stero, running boards, etc. Went out the door for $29K. We have done short drives so far, and really enjoy the ride. Excellent!

sledsfo

I just returned from a Toyota dealer here in the San Francisco Bay area. I was trying to get him to match or better an internet quote from another dealer nearby on an AWD Highlander with NAV which was $500 over invoice (with $450 advertising aka TDA). He came in at a slightly lower price and said that include the $750 rebate. I didn't know there was a rebate on the Highlander or I would have lowered my desired pricing by $750. Edmunds does not show this rebate. Does anyone know anything about this?

stever

Incentives and rebates change often and are hard to keep up with. If this one started on the 1st, chances are we haven't updated the site with it. I don't see any Toyota incentives at all for my zipcode. (link)

Steve, Host

sledsfo

I did a quick check on incentives for 94010 where I am at the Kelly site and it shows $400 cash rebate for recent college grads. That promo has been on for a while but doesn't show up at Edmunds. Unless there is some place else to check, I guess I can ask another dealer on the phone if it is being offered.

atalalay

I wanted a V6 AWD with curtains and it was hard to find out West. I needed it in WA but I live in Northern VA... WA dealers could not get what I wanted and then would not deal on anything that was at all close to my requirements. Ended up buying package B (appearance, convenience, sunroof, side bags, heated mirrors, etc) plus carpets, wheel locks and hood protector at Carmax for $27.7k (before TTL) for the unit that had (factory) MSRP of $31.9k. It took 2 weeks (because of holidays) to get it to Seattle for $1k.

Carmax.com posts their prices (often under invoice) which give a good reference point but I was offered even a better price probably because I ordered out of the supply chain. Did everything over the phone and internet and had to show up to pay and sign (45 minutes). Smooth sailing!

HL works well on ice and through significant snow! Drive terrain and electronics are first class although the interior is not as roomy or flexible as that of my '03 EXL Pilot.

sledsfo

The rebate is good until February 4.

2003tls

Where did you confirm this rebate? Does it apply to all states and trim levels? My dealer didn't mention anything about it when I stopped in on 1/4/04.

sledsfo

Go to Carsdirect.com and its incentives page and check Highlander rebates for your area code. Their pricing for Highlanders will also credit the rebate. The two dealers I contacted I had to remind them of the rebate. Because it is a consumer rebate, it will be shown as a credit to the price over invoice or below MSRP you negotiate. So whatever price you agree on has to be clear as to whether it is net or gross of the rebate.

rtrager

It's available in CA. Not back east.

2003tls

Thanks for the link. Unfortunately, it does not apply in Hawaii.

cnlwo

I negotiated to 33,185 before tax,tags
Kelly Blue Book 33,200 shows for "New Car Blue Book"

04 V6 4WD Limited
LA Leather
TO Towing Pkg
SR Moon Roof
CF Floor Mats
EJ JBL 6 disc chgr
GY Side Curtain Airbags
HD Heated Seats

Colorado Area

2004hl

"ohmygosh" - I'm also about to purchase - probably this week. Regarding 5 year interest rates: barring special rates from a manufacturer like the 1.9% that is sometimes available you will be hard pressed to beat 4.29% which I just got.

Regarding incentives: I understand supply and demand and different market areas - but I still think it stinks that Toyota are giving $750 cash back on Highlanders in some parts of the country but not in my market! Started 1/06/04 and expires 2/02/04. Plug a CA zip code in on buyatoyota.com to see for yourself.

2004hl

they have a V6 AWD with just about everything except leather and sunroof and they want $100 over invoice. Think I'm going to be driving a new Highlander later this week!

(yes, I know, they still make money on it through holdbacks and whatever. This is America - they're entitled to make something...)

rugby65

Have you been scammed by an auto dealer?

http://www.citizen.org/autosafety/dealerscam/

echatte

I'm about to purchase a 2004 Highlander and want to make sure I'm getting a good price. I've been quoted $27,200 "out the door" with the following options:
FE, CQ, DJ, AG, HE, NE, To, CF.
This is for the 6 cylinder and 3rd row seating.

2003tls

Just signed the papers on a brand new 2004 Highlander yesterday. $29,850 out the door for a 2004 V6 AWD Base with 3rd row seat, Convenience Pkg, Appearance Pkg, Preferred Package, Side Curtain Air Bags, DRL, Rear spoiler, and mats. Not bad, considering that one company owns all the Toyota dealerships in Hawaii so it is difficult to bargain. I passed on the dealer's 3rd party extended warranty (7 year / 100,000) miles for $2,000. Anyone know of a better deal? Is there an official Toyota Extended Warranty?

2004hl

I'm being offered V6 AWD, 3rd row, Convenience, Appearance, Preferred, Side Curtain Air Bags, DRL, Mats, hood protector, VIP Alarm, and wheel locks for $28,683 plus tax and motor vehicle fees. No incentives in my market. No idea about extended warranty except that you can shop around for that after the sale.

cwbarrett

I was watching this board before my purchase and unfortunately didn't watch it long enough to learn that these Highlanders should go for invoice. The deals are there. Do the math. Go in at invoice. They'll try do add the dealer advertising fee as invoice. Your final price should definately not be above invoice + Dealer add cost (about $400).

ohmygosh

Gettin' ready to make the move !! Tryin' to hold out until I visit the Philly Auto Show at the end of the month. Also, trying to see if Toyota will offer an incentive.
I am going after the 2004 Highlander Limited V6 4WD (SE). Leather Trim Pkg., Towing Prep Pkg., and Stainless Steel Step Bars. Looking to max out at $30,000. Is this doable ??

2003tls

Checked out the official Toyota website. An official Toyota Extra Care 7 yr / 100,000 mile No deductible Service Contract for a 4x4 Highlander is $1,425 MSRP ($1,250 for a 4x2). Some dealers will sell it for less. Do not pay more than this!