2013 and Earlier - Toyota Highlander Prices Paid and Buying Experience

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Comments

  • martdad626martdad626 Member Posts: 9
    hey jim i agree 100%
    what a pain in teh ^%$% they are- every little thing-
    drove me to look at the kia
    good luck
    joe
  • drstephdrsteph Member Posts: 3
    Recently purchased my Toyota Highlander from Central Florida Toyota of Orlando. All in all, it was a good experience and I was pleased I got a higher than expected trade-in value on my aging econobox. Dealt with a professional and high-volume internet sales team.

    V6 Highlander FWD with sunroof (SR), Conv.pkg (CQ),pwr seat (PE),aly whls (AW), tow prep (TO), daytime running lts (RL). Paid $300 under invoice, plus dealers' fee of $600ish. Had leather added aftermarket as it was impossible to find the leather package without the useless third row. Saved at least $1000, and the aftermarket leather is as good or better than the standard.

    Was able to avoid toyoguard on the vehicle, but be appraised that if you live in the southern states, you will be paying the premium for southeastern toyota if you buy new. Evidently some guy was real smart a long time ago and got a permanent distributorship, which basically amounts to a $600 profit for him which the dealership is forced to pass along. To add insult to injury, they force the Toyoguard FA&S package on as well, which at MSRP can easily add a total of $1000 to the price of the car which the dealer is paying too. (toyoguard option on kelly blue book.com invoice priced at $150 if you must buy it)

    David Maus in Longwood would have matched price but didn't have the car on the lot. Remainder of orlando area dealers weren't close. Most of the other internet reps were unreachable, or just trying to get me into the office.

    I'm pleased with the car, but will be upgrading the base sound system - it is not really up to par for real music.
  • lamontbondlamontbond Member Posts: 15
    where and how much did you get the aftermarket leather?
  • mikefm58mikefm58 Member Posts: 2,882
    CF Toyota advertised $20985 plus tax, tag, title & $699 dealer fee for a base 4 cyl. HL. I stopped by and could not believe no salesmen approached me the entire time I walked through their lot. Usually, they're like flies on cow dung, can't get rid of them either. Who did you contact for internet pricing? All I see on their website is an email for sales@centralfloridatoyota.com
  • jstrawjstraw Member Posts: 8
    I've seen current (through 6/1/04) buyer incentives for Highlanders advertised in the Boston and Denver regions - both from a credit union buying service and from a couple of dealers' web sites - but edmunds and kbb haven't yet listed them. Are they real? If so, why the delay here (and in kbb)?
  • kmartinkmartin Member Posts: 427
    I am very interested in buying a Highlander. Please share with me your experiences in the Phoenix area (I live in the NW valley). Thx! -km-
  • mikefm58mikefm58 Member Posts: 2,882
    Just bought a new 2004 HL 2WD 4 cyl black, options (fog lamps, quick order pkg, tow pkg, floor & trunk mats), total MSRP $26005.
    .
    Purchase price minus $1K rebate $21485.
    dealer fee (standard in SE) 700.
    loan proc. fee (don't remind me) 100.
    Florida state fees:
      sales tax 799.
      battery & tire fee 7.
      registration 167.
      doc. stamps 73.
                                            
    total price $23331.
    .
    Dealer also gave me $10300 for my trade (2001 Accord LX 4 cyl, auto, 25K miles). Bought it from Central Florida Toyota here in Orlando.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    I find current incentives for a Boston zip (02215) of $500 for Highlanders, or low financing.

    Start at the Incentives & Rebates page to see what your zipcodes say.

    There may be some other regional incentives that we don't have, and you could be seeing something like that advertised.

    Steve, Host
  • jstrawjstraw Member Posts: 8
    Thanks, Steve, for checking and for responding. The Denver area May 4 - June 1 incentive now shows up too on edmunds.com, though I'm fairly sure it wasn't there a couple days ago - roughly halfway through the incentive period.

    Is there a typical delay for posting of incentives? autos.msn still doesn't show an incentive for any of the Toyotas in what they claim to be a nation-wide summary. kbb.com shows for the Highlander only a 4-cylinder engine incentive in the Southeast region and a possibly limited availabililty College Graduate Cash incentive.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    Yep, it takes time to gather the info and update the web pages.

    And manufacturers are loathe to disclose upcoming incentive information ahead of time (for obvious reasons!).

    Steve, Host
  • janedjaned Member Posts: 1
    Am looking to buy a HL in Dutchess County, NY and would like some input from anyone who has bought one recently. Thanks!
  • bloomingtongbloomingtong Member Posts: 4
    We are ready to purchase a new Highlander.

    I would appreciate info on "realistic" expectations on what the vehicle could be purchased for. From this board, I have found posts that list a fairly wide range of pricing.

    The model we are looking at is a Limited/AWD with sunroof, leather, heated seats, curtain air bags, 6 disk changer, tow prep, floor mat group and first aid kit.

    I have found on Edmunds that Toyota is offering 2.9% financing. Are there any current incentives for this vehicle other than this financing?

    Thank you in advance for the assistance.
  • birdmanbirdman Member Posts: 8
    Bloomingtong, where is your location? Pricing will vary by location.
  • bloomingtongbloomingtong Member Posts: 4
    Hello Birdman.

    Bloomington, IN.

    Thank you.
  • mterrillmterrill Member Posts: 3
    I haven't bought a car in years and am new to this site. I'd first like to thank everyone for their thoughts and comments, I find them very valuable. Now, for the reason I'm here.....

    I am working with a sales rep in Cincinnati to buy a Gold Pearl 2004 Highlander Limited AWD w/ 3rd row. The SUV has all bells and whistles (Leather Package, sunroof, side curtain airbags, heated seats, 6 disk CD changer, towing prep). Really, the only thing it won't have is the DVD system and navigation.

    Looking at this site and the TMV pricing report, the TMV price with these options is $33049. My price from the dealer is $32333 (includes $100 doc fee which seems like a joke to me). Anyway, with tax and title, the overall price is $34622 which can be financed at 1.9% for 60 months.

    So, my question is, am I missing anything? In this a good deal? Any hidden costs I need to ask about? On paper, it seems like a good deal to me :o)

    Thanks!
    Missy
  • birdmanbirdman Member Posts: 8
    Bloomingtong (and Missy, too),
    I'm on the north side of Indy. I was able to get a 04 Limited with your same features down to invoice plus about $300 of the "Toyota advertising" fees. These "advertising fees" aren't mentioned until you get right to the end of negotiations and opinions differ on whether they are a real expense to the dealer, but I gave in since I got everything else I wanted up to that point. Yes, a doc fee is common and $100 is not bad. I also secured financing 1.9%/5yrs, but I'm not sure what's available now. Compared to the Edmunds averages, I felt I did pretty well.

    I'll give you a hint. You should never have to pay more than $400 over invoice. If you are a Costco member, you show your card and they will immediately start at $400 over invoice, because if they are not the authorized Costco dealer in the area, they will have to match the Costco deal or risk loosing you. A Costco membership for $35 may be well worth it.

    Finally, I'll tell you that after 3 months of driving, the V6 AWD Highlander is an outstanding vehicle. Fabulous ride, performance, and build quality. I don't think you can go wrong with it, unless your needs don't match the vehicle.
  • mterrillmterrill Member Posts: 3
    Hey Birdman, thanks for the reply. The costco tip was a good one. Your $400 over invoice comment would be on the TMV Pricing report Invoice price correct? I ask because in my situation, the dealer said "his" invoice price was $32,233. Based on TMV Pricing report, that amount is really $31,495. Just trying to figure out what the real invoice price is.

    Thanks again,
    Missy
  • birdmanbirdman Member Posts: 8
    Yes, I was using the TMV pricing report. $31,495 is the price. Mine came to $31,926 after adding $325 (not $400) for advertising fees, $6 to fill the gas tank (they insisted), $99 doc fee, and $1.25 title fee. I opted to delete the floor mats/cargo mat so I could buy my own (much cheaper). Ask your dealer to break down his invoice price. There might be some option that he's adding. Print out the Edmund's or Kelly Blue Book listing of the invoice prices for every option and start matching up the prices. If you take these printouts to the dealer, he's going to be very impressed. And if you have a good salesman, he'll be cooperative and straight-forward with you, seeing that you are an informed customer. He should be willing to match this price, if not, Indy dealers will.
  • mterrillmterrill Member Posts: 3
    Thanks... I'll report back and let you know how it goes.
  • ntertainuntertainu Member Posts: 1
    Am I getting near the low end of current prices in the Southern California area?

    I am getting quoted $28,980 on 2004 Highlander V6 2x4 with an MSRP of $34,467 with:
    Limited Package w/3rd Row
    Leather Package
    Moon Roof
    Tow Package
    Premium JBL Sound w/6 CD Changer
    Floor Mats/Rear Mat

    Am I near the bottom range of prices? Anyone know a dealer that will go lower?

    Thanks!

    Happy Driving.
  • max227max227 Member Posts: 2
    Today I bought a 2WD, V6 Highlander (Bluestone Metallic w/Ivory cloth) in Los Angeles with:

    FE (emissions)
    GY (side curtain airbags)
    AG (appearance package)
    CQ (convenience package)
    TO (towing package)
    CF (carpet mats)
    EH (heated mirrors)

    MSRP was $28,197. I paid $24,208 (plus tax and license), or about $275 above invoice. I got the $1,000 rebate which ends tomorrow, and didn't have to pay dealer ad costs. Total out the door was $26,588.

    I MIGHT have been able to squeeze another hundred or two out of the deal. But it seemed fair and I wanted the car. I was also afraid the rebate might have gone away for a month or two.

    Anybody have any thoughts on this deal?
  • wildredwildred Member Posts: 43
    Highlander 6918 (2WD V6 w/3rd Row Seat) with the following package:

    FE (emissions)
    GY (side curtain airbags)
    AG (appearance package)
    CQ (convenience package)
    TO (towing package)
    CF (carpet mats)
    EH (heated mirrors)
    HE (preferred package)
    LF (fog lights)
    SR (moon roof)

    MSRP $30,382
    Invoice $27,212
    Paid $27,000 (plus $45 doc, tax, and license)
    Took Toyota financing, not the rebate.
  • loucapriloucapri Member Posts: 214
    what is your term & APR from Toyota?
  • wildredwildred Member Posts: 43
    The offer is the following:

    0% for 3 years
    or
    1.9% for 4 years
    or
    2.9% for 5 years

    Took the 5 year for the lower monthly payment. Wish it was 0% too. But still beats credit union's offer of 4.2%.
  • loucapriloucapri Member Posts: 214
    Even at 2.9% for 5 year it wasn't bad at all. Just about $2000 on interest. I pay 3.89% for my HL (used)

    I remembered I paid about 9% for my 97 Camry at that time and thought it was a good APR.

    One think for sure is we will see less and less 0% APR unless it's a so-so car that not in high demand
  • kshields99kshields99 Member Posts: 2
    What's the name of that dealership? I am considering purchasing online, but I'm willing to work with a dealership. I've been looking in the Chronicle for a few weeks but I'm apprehensive about dealing with a car salesman. How did you feel about the service received?
  • brunnabrunna Member Posts: 53
    I have test driven and posted about several sportwagons just now to come to the conclusion that I can't live without the optional 3rd row seat in the HL. So now I'm looking for advice on pricing. I live in Baltimore area and saw the post about Darcars so I called them 1st. I'm wanting a 4x4 V6. Their price of $26,628 (plus dest.) vs the MSRP of $31,118 seemed great. So I took the info to the local dealer and we looked at invoice - seems like they are "losing" about $1,000 on the car. Something's fishy. Anyway, Jones Toyota offered the vehicle for $28,200 including dest. It has the following options: conv, pref, acce, moon, mats, heated mirrors, tow prep, daytime lights and side curtains. A good price and 1.9% for 60 still available until 6/30/04. Does anyone know when the 05's will come out? Is it worth me waiting for any additional incentives for them to move an '04? I'm not in a hurry, but I love the vehicle. Any advice folks?
  • mitchsmitchs Member Posts: 5
    Just purchased Highlander 4-DR LTD 4X4 V6 Oasis Green w/ 3rd Row Seat
    Options:
    SR- Sun Roof
    GY- Curtain and side air bags & lighted visors
    TO- Tow prep
    NV- Navigation and JBL 6 CD
    LA- Leather
    HD- Heated Seats
    CF- Carpet/Cargo Mat set
    GN- Cargo Net
    WL- Wheel locks

    MSRP: 37,975
    I paid $35,000
    1.9% Finance for 60 months

    I purchased in Northern New Jersey but I live in NY.

    Sounds like a good deal.

    Thanks
  • ron1690ron1690 Member Posts: 9
    2004 in Bluestone Met. Ash Int. 6 Cyl. 4X4
    Appearance Package (AG)
    Convience Package (CQ)
    Perferred Package (HE)
    Toeing Package (TO)
    Daytime Running Lights (RL)
    Heated Mirrors (EH)
    Fog Lights (LF)
    Installed VIP RS 3200+ Alarm with Glass Breakage Sensor for $150

    New Holland Toyota, PA. Small Dealer,but hungry

    Invoice 26,686 Paid $27,120 Retail $30.197
  • tomsr1tomsr1 Member Posts: 130
    4X2 LIMITED V6 WITH EVERY POSSIBLE OPTION FOR
    $30300.MSRP WAS $34500.
  • bobchandlerbobchandler Member Posts: 5
    I'm new to site, so please excuse if this is a repeat question. Gas prices in my area are $2.10+, so I am looking to purchase a V4 versus what appears to be the more popular V6. Factoring in gas mileage, what are the down sides to going with the V4?
  • bobchandlerbobchandler Member Posts: 5
    Does anyone know if their will be a gas only 2005 verison, in addition to the Hybrid? If yes, does anyone know a release date?
  • loucapriloucapri Member Posts: 214
    I don't think there will be a big change in 2005 model
  • loucapriloucapri Member Posts: 214
    Power will be the only different.
    I have a 4 cyl HL and I have no complaint. Since I don't carpool and don't do any towing, so most of the time only my wife and I will be inside the car. To my own experience, it works fine.

    I didn't buy the HL for it's "speed", I bought it for it's space in the rear sit. I don't really see any down sides with the 4 cyl. The V6 has more hp by numbers but I think it won't make a lot of different unless you carpool with 4 or 5 adults all the time.
  • ch1133ch1133 Member Posts: 43
    If you can press the accelerator down you will have no problems with 4 cyl Highlander.
    Most of the time I find myself in stop-go traffic or pressing the brake pedal. Driving 6-cyl wont help me here
  • brunnabrunna Member Posts: 53
    I drove the limited and then decided I didn't need all the extras. besides, anyone else think the color palatte is a bit strange? burled wood, 3 shades of taupe, silver on parts of the dash? Too much. I went back to a silver 4X4 v6 with ash cloth, MSRP $31,822. I offered $27,900 incl dest. I will be going back on Monday hopefully to pick up my new car - the sales manager said he thought my offer was doable, including my trade (200 Civic for $7,500). Is this a fair price for the HL, well equipped? Any thoughts from you guys?
  • psssstpsssst Member Posts: 1
    Wow, where do I start...well let me give you the basics and please give me any and all input. Highlander, 4 cyl.

    THE GOOD:
    Went to Toyota dealership in LA - Salesman quoted $26,310.13 out the door price. Pkg includes: QO, PE, Z1, Spoiler, Moonroof, Alarm, Tax and License, Registration, Tire fee and rebate (1K). This Salesman says that his profit is $100 over invoice -- appears to be true based on all the research (edmunds, carsdirect). Based on these figures, I planned on financing $20,000 through outside source.

    THE BAD:<b/>
    Get to finance. Write check for $2,300, post date check for $2,700, finance guy tells me to fill out blank finance check for $23,300.13. Finance man tells me that the contract I've signed will be invalid once financing goes through. Toyota interest rate: 12.25%; my outside financing: 9.95%. I notice the contract shows $26,310.13, next line shows $495 for alarm, tax, lic, reg., doc fee (remember all this was already added before I got to finance)Now the cost of car is $29,065.13. But I'm remembering that once my financing goes through, that contract w/ Toyota and that downpymt and no longer an issue.

    THE UGLY:

    Received my completed paperwork from my finance co. Shows amt financed $23,300.13 + my $2,300 dwn pymt = $26,300.13 (the cost of the car that was quoted to me). Contract signed w/ Toyota is invalid. $2,700 check should not be cashed.

    NOW WHAT???
    Toyota attempts to cash check -- bank rejects check. Hubby and I go to speak with Salesman and his boss. They, of course, have changed numbers to reflect the signed contract. I bring in original notes and figures which were quoted. We go back and forth and now they won't install the options which I paid for until I fork over $2,700. We have a meeting with the GM on Monday.

    I'd appreciate some different opinions on this. This has turned into the worst car buying experience of my life! UGH!!
  • landdriverlanddriver Member Posts: 607
    Considering that the lowest anyone reported getting a base HL for is around 24K, that 4-wheel drive and V6 together add about 3K, that you indicate that it is well equipped, and especially that the offer is about 4K below invoice, I'd say it definitely falls within the realm of being a fair price. I'd check edmunds.com or other online resources to calculate exactly what the invoice price is, subtract any dealer incentives and manufacturer rebates, and present this detailed info if the dealer tries to go above the "doable" $27,900. Not familiar enough with trade-in values to say whether $7500 is reasonable for a 2000 Civic, though this strikes me as being a bit low; check the newspaper to see how much 2000s are going for.
  • bangorangbangorang Member Posts: 7
    1060 of 1094 Best Price/Experience/Service in Phoenix area? by kmartin May 16, 2004 (11:00 am)
    I am very interested in buying a Highlander. Please share with me your experiences in the Phoenix area (I live in the NW valley). Thx! -km-

    KM, I bought a ltd 4x4 without Nav over the weekend. sticker 35867, came down to 32500. 500 over invoice. Bell Road. don't pay 289.90 for the window etching theft protection. 1.9 percent for 60 months is a great deal. I was on the fence but that is practically free money. Good luck. By the way, brakes on this vehicle won't stop on a dime. not a safety hazard but must be real careful here. other than that, the vehicle is very nice.
  • loucapriloucapri Member Posts: 214
    Go for it.
    They will take your trade for $7500, lucky you.
  • loucapriloucapri Member Posts: 214
    I can't believe it cost that much for window etching ($280?)
    No one should pay any for it in my opinion.

    My HL has it and I didn't pay any money for it.
    Also my insurance company actually come out and do it for FREE on my Camry too.
  • snuffysnuffy Member Posts: 2
    Sat bought a High LTD with gold pkg, AWD, air bag curtains, appear pkg, safety pkg with MSRP
    of 36,539 and they came down to 32,250 (with the
    $750 rebate). Today they call and say they can't get the car but found another one in the same color, NO GOLD, NO GLASS BRKG SENSOR, NO CARGO BAG, NO First Aid kit with a hitch. We don't want a hitch. So they agreed to take off hitch and deduct $280. This car has MSRP of 36,357 and would sell (w.o. hitch) for 31,970 BUT I'm not getting gold pkg, glass brkg and cargo. I think they need to come down at least
    $269 for the gold pkg I'm not getting and $122 for the anti-theft it's missing. AM I wrong. They're acting like I'm a fool not to take this.
    We're in ND.
  • brunnabrunna Member Posts: 53
    Thanks to everyone one these boards for your advice and discussion - it really helped me make the decision. I just picked up my milennium silver 4x4 V6 Highlander tonight! It has ash cloth and the following options: FE,RL,EH,SR,GY,TO,AG,CQ,HE,LF,CF. The MSRP is $31,822 incl dest. The people at Jones Toyota in Bel Air, MD were fantastic - I highly recommend anyone in the Balt-DC area to give them a call. Here's how the deal went down: my offer of $27,900 was accepted (which was below invoice with the options it has), but they wanted to give me $7,200 for the Civic (which I knew was a decent price considering what they are currently fetching at the Mannheim auctions and blue book trade was $6,250). I agreed to the deal if he reduced both the price of the trade and the HL by $5,000 to save me the additional $260 in MD state tax. They obliged! I did purchase the extended warranty for $1,175 which covers 5yr/75k bumper to bumper. It's a platinum plan, FULLY refundable at any time, including at the end of term if you never used it ($50 fee). I doubt I'll find a better deal on the warranty, but it gives me a 60 days opt out with no fee. I gave them some more cash and financed the rest at 1.9% to get my payment to $282/mo. I'll report back sometimes on how the car is working out. Right now, happy as a clam!
  • pjnethpjneth Member Posts: 3
    I am thinking of getting 2005 HL. Is it worth the wait and extra cost?
  • brunnabrunna Member Posts: 53
    I couldn't find any definitive answers on when the 05's were coming out, but the hybrid isn't showing up until Jan-Feb at the earliest. There are no changes for the 05 since they just added the 3rd row seat this year and the 3.3L engine. I pulled the trigger on my 04 b/c of the 1.9% financing that ends June 30th. Short term rates are about to start going up and I don't imagine seeing any great deals on cars like the HL anymore. Good luck.
  • pjnethpjneth Member Posts: 3
    What will be the best way to order 2005 Highlander?
  • loucapriloucapri Member Posts: 214
    go to the dealer and show them the cash.
    Seriously, if you really want one (and you know there will be a waiting list), tell the dealer you are going to buy one and tell them you are putting $x. amount up front, then you will have a good change getting one before another does.
  • secondrigsecondrig Member Posts: 21
    Just came home with my second Highlander. Traded an 01 for a lovely new Oasis Green Ltd. $400 over invoice and the experience was pleasant in all ways. Can't recommend K.C. Summers in Mattoon Illinois highly enough.
  • bobchandlerbobchandler Member Posts: 5
    I'm being offered "invoice" on a 2004 Bluestone Metaliic 4cl AWD car. The price offered is $24,783. I then get to take $750 Rebate from that. The Highlander has the Quick Order Package, Daytime Running Lights and a Towing Prep Package. Is $24,008 a good price?
  • landdriverlanddriver Member Posts: 607
    24,008 is a super price, about as low as has ever been reported here. Note that some feel AWD models are too heavy for the 4 cyl engine, so you may consider test driving it some more under aggressive accelerating conditions to make sure you'll be satisfied with it.
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