2013 and Earlier - Toyota Highlander Prices Paid and Buying Experience

allmil

The Extra Mile Option Package A for $807
-Security System Upgrade
-Fabric Guard
-Carpet Mat Set (5 Pc)
-Mud Guards (Color Keyed)
-Carpet Floor Mats
-Rear Cargo Mat
-No Charge Extra Mile Benefits:
-Roadside Assistance (3 Yrs/36,000 Miles
-Extra Mile Extended Life Tires
-(6 Years / 100,000 Miles)
The Extra Mile Option Package B for $1078
-Fabric Guard
-Carpet Mat Set (5 Pc)
-Extra Mile Aluminum Wheel Upgrade (5)
-Wheel Locks
-Mud Guards (Color Keyed)
-Carpet Floor Mats
-Rear Cargo Mat
-Road Hazard Tire Warranty
-(3 Years/36,000 Miles) -)

This is what they are, probably not worth it?? They have the good oh fabric guard in each one. What the heck is the security upgrade?

landdriver

Where would we be without fabric guard...

My take is these packages are bundling a large number of add-ons together so dealers can, once again, increase their bottom lines. If it were me I wouldn't take either package because most of the individual options I don't really want, but there are exceptions:

Security System Upgrade - not sure what this is either -- I've never had my car broken into so its of little value to me

Fabric Guard - never had it on any of my previous cars and the fabric and I fared just fine

Carpet Mat Set (5 Pc) - now this is an option I would recommend - carpeted floor mats add a very nice touch in enhancing the interior, and the Toyota factory mats are very nice looking IMO

Mud Guards (Color Keyed) - also an option I would recommend -- really sets-off the exterior with some sleek character

Carpet Floor Mats - sounds the same as the Carpet Mat Set (5 Pc) option

Rear Cargo Mat - this also should be included in the Carpet Mat Set (5 Pc) option - a recommended option as it adds a touch of class and protects the fabric in the cargo area

Roadside Assistance (3 Yrs/36,000 Miles) - not sure how much this costs but for the few times I've been towed I suspect I've come out ahead without it -- ask yourself if it's something you were planning on purchasing anyway to see if it is of value to you; it does offer peace of mind

Extra Mile Extended Life Tires - not sure if the extra miles you'll get out of the tires justifies the cost; possibly a rip-off

Extra Mile Aluminum Wheel Upgrade (5) - have no idea what the heck this is; probably a rip-off

Wheel Locks - never had my wheels ripped-off, so is of little value to me (if somebody is going to rip-off some wheels, chances are it won't be from a highlander!)

Road Hazard Tire Warranty - not sure what this is either; possibly a rip-off

However some people may value most of these items and it might be worth it for them; I personally would just purchase the specific options I wanted individually and pocket the difference!!

Good luck!!!!

buckeyepamela

Have you found out any new information about better deals in the future? How did you find out about the $2500 & 0% in 2004? When in 2004 was it offered? At the end of the model year? I too want to buy a Highlander, but my husband thinks we should wait hold out for a better deal than the current $800 rebate. The dealer I went to here in Ohio offered the invoice price right away when we went to look at it. What part of the country are you in & have you made any more progress toward buying? I'd really appreciate any more information you can give me on researching prices & manufacturer incentives/financing. Thanks!

vjk

where in boston did you get this price?

orcons77

Acton toyota.com, but the internet sales divisions of Woburn foreign motors and Acton Toyota both had similar pricing.

cathk

Hello:

One would think that buying a car with no trade would be a rather easy chore...but no such luck. At one dealer I had an appointment with the sales rep and after waiting for almost an hour for him I walked out. No call from the rep or mgr. the next day. I had to call the dealer for another reason and during the course of coversation I told another person I would be buying a Highlander but not from them. I told him my experience and he told the mgr. who did call me. I have no idea if I am being offered a good deal. I have tried to follow this board and read all that I can and now my head is spinning so can someone please guide me?

I did try to buy using the quote system on Edmunds and one person told me his best price was 5K over MRSP. Give me a break. I guess it was his attempt at humor.

Here is what I am considering and I have two diff. quotes. Are either one of them good?
Thanks in advance for your help and experience.

Quote 1 MSRP 34,674.00 Dis. 3924.00 Tot price 30750 Rebate 800= 29950
Plus tax and a vehical Admin 224 (what the heck is this?)
2005 AWD 4 dr w/3rd row 6cyl
LP, SR, JY, AG, EJ, HD, TO,LF, EH, RL, FE
Z1 Did not find this on Edmunds
R7 Did not find this on Edmunds

It seems to me that the above is not the Limited but they tried to make it into one. One last thing about this quote - They did some work on another car and offered to reduce the bill from 800 to 400.

QUOTE 2 (diff dealer and through a buying group)
2005 Limited AWD 4 dr w/3rd row 6 cyl

Based on the photocopy they gave me:
Dealer 27158 with 2789 in options with dest. charge 565 + TDA (what is this) 450 + gas 6 + holdback 631 and whsl financial reserve 315 (what is this?) = 31914
In another column is a figure of 35554 but there is no heading for this.

Options include: FE, LA, HD, LL, TO, GY, VV and CF

On the worksheet they have 31914 - 200 - 800 = 30914
On the other side they wrote 35,554 and the bottom price 30414
Now, I cannot make sense of this but at the time it did make sense to me. The 30914 is the price I would pay.

One last question: If I graduated in May 2003 can I still use the 200 college credit? I read on the board it was good for 2 years and I am one month past the two year mark.

Thank you very much for your time and advice.

CathK

toyotaken

The last quote you have is $200 under invoice. For the most part, you can disregard all of the other line items on the end of the Invoice, just look at the bottom line for both the MSRP and Invoice Numbers as there are almost no dealers who are willing to discuss negotiating Holdback, etc. In either case, $200 under invoice on this type of vehicle is a VERY good deal.

Secondly, the college grad program is VERY strict in its rules. If you're even 1month out of the 24 month period, you do not qualify. I've had multiple discussions with Toyota Financial Services over the years when I was a Financial Services Manager, and the explanation given to me is that if they make exceptions in any way/shape/form they open themselves up to audits/etc. from banking comissions in regards to discriminatory practices. It won't hurt for you to have the dealer inquire, but don't factor the rebate into your final figures. If you get it look at it as a gift, but don't even assume you will qualify.

Hope this helps.

Sorry I couldn't help with the other quote you have, but it is a bit confusing.

Toyota Ken

ehoff

2005 Highlander Limited V6 AWD w/ 3rd row seat

FE LL NV LA HD TO GY VV CF

Sticker was 37,554.

They offered Invoice less 200 internet coupon.

Transaction costs added were a TDA fee of $500 and $71.50 doc/admin/gas.

Paid $32,409.50 after an additional $370 negotiated discount and Toyota incentive of $750

scottnrose

Hi mrowland,
I have previously posted my complete 8/04 experience in searching/buying (I live in Columbia, MD area). You can search for scottnrose to find this quickly. In summary, I would look at either Darcars or Koons Toyota Annapolis. I came very close to buying from Koons in Annapolis - they state that they will beat all other deals by $100. If you want to go that route, get an online quote from Darcars and take it to Koons. The advantage of Darcars is they have 3 sites and LOTS of vehicles. Therefore, you can more easily find the right color and included options.
Scott

ronaries10

Germain or the Delaware (byers?) dealership is the place to go. Tansky Toyota is very consistent in providing the level of service experienced by your parents! Fortunately, their service dept. has proved good tho since they are the nearest dealer to me!

If you are shopping price , don't fail to contact the Cleveland/Akron area Toyota dealers - they often will beat Columbus area prices readily. Check in the Plain Dealer weekend issues for prices/phones. Good luck.

happynow

I had read positive things about internet purchases with DARCAR in Frederick. Looked online, and decided to drive up from Northern VA after visiting a couple of dealerships down here. I WOULD SAY, STAY FAR AWAY FROM DARCAR FREDERICK. I have NEVER been treated with such disregard by a manager, who furthermore put his sales rep in a horrible position, the manager left both the sales guy and us hanging, much more interested in his hamburger than his customers, and then sent this sales rep out to basically insult us with a rediculos offer.

We did very well with Toyata in Leesburg VA. What a world of difference.

boyer

Looking for what prices to expect on a 2005 Highlander 4cyl 4WD 3rd seat CD and cassette - no need for the moon roof or alloy wheels.
Most of the prices I find on the board are for 6cyl.
Help?
Deborah

typesix

Don't think you can get 4 cyl AWD with 3rd row seat, believe 3rd row only comes with FWD version. In Boston area which Toyota won't sell FWD 4 cyl with 3rd row, dealers are selling basic version(FWD) for about 21k.

wgrafer

allmil- I got my '05 HL 4 in April and have found the gas mileage to be pretty close to the 22/27 listed. Around town w/AC I'm getting a steady 21, and on a trip from FL to NC mountains loaded w/AC got 25.5. Pretty sure it will get better when it breaks in around 5k, but am only at 3.4k so far. The surprising thing was how well the 4 handled the mountains - downshifted on the really BIG hills, but no problems; smooth and capable on regular hills, and very comfy cruising at 75-80 mph. Very satisfied. BigW (traded '02 Explorer that had lots more cargo room but gas mileage was 15/19)

dawnee

So you are happy with the 4cyl and recommend it overall for power and gas mileage?

Had been told the resale on 4 cyl is less than 6 but may have to sacrifice resale for something that is more in our budget and gets good gas mileage

With your info, think the 4 will be sufficient for everyday driving in less mountainous terrain of NC.

If you don't mind, can you elaborate on pricing you got on your 4 when you purchased in April. Are dealers willing to negotiate on 4 cyl models?

rdw1

Hi,

Can you tell me where this dealership is?

rdw1

Hi,

Can you tell me what city exactly this dealer is?

wgrafer

Dawnee - For my purposes the 4cyl has ample power both here in flat FL and in the mountains of W.NC, but of course the 6 is smoother and quicker. The main point is that I just love the 4cyl gas mileage - really amazing considering the space and practicality. So resale is projected lower than the 6 - as a % of MSRP? Really? 1. the 4cyl costs thousands less, so it should have a smaller resale value, and 2. wait til gas hits $3/gallon and then see about the lower resale value. LOL.
IN April I bought through the internet dept. at a big dealer - very satisfactory. They had to trade for mine from another dealer since I wanted a moonroof, alloys, and mudguards and NO 3rd seat. Price was $100 over invoice less the then-current $1250 rebate. MSRP was $27.4, deal was 23.7. I'm happy.

dawnee

Wgrafer,

Thanks for info and pricing.

BTW, I owned an Explorer from 1999 to 2002, it was terrible on gas so that is why I thought about the 4 cyl HL so as not to take a chance on the 6 cyl HL being a gas monster like the Explorer.

hllover

I got a discount which is $3300, so how about the final price $24800+TL+tax for 4x2 V6 HL with options FE AG TO PE CF? will go this weekend, really need your kind suggestions. Thanks.

landdriver

Sounds about as low as HLs go, for the features you listed, based on the prices people have been reporting here -- an excellent deal; go for it!

imolared

Here are the options and price paid out the door.

(STDEN-02) Engine: 3.3L V6 DOHC SMPI
(STDTN-01) Transmission: Electronic 5-Speed Automatic w/Overdrive
(STDTR-02) Tires: P225/65R17 AS BSW
(STDWL-02) Wheels: 17 in. x 6.5J Aluminum
(STDST-01) Front Bucket Seats
(LL-01) Limited Package
(STDAX-01) 3.478 Axle Ratio
(STDGV-01) Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: 5,360 lbs
(PAINT-01) Monotone Paint Application
(LA-01) Leather Seat Trim Package $1120
(GY-02) Driver and Passenger Curtain and Side Airbag System $559
(VV-01) Value Package 2 $504
(HD-03) Driver and Passenger Seat Heater $352
(NV-01) GPS Navigation System $1700
(TO-02) Towing Prep Package w/3500 Pounds Torque Converter $128
(FE-01) 50 State Emissions
(CF-01) Carpet Floor/Cargo Mat Set (5 or 6-Piece Set) $126
(208069-88) Customer Rebate Expires 08/01/05 ($1000) which was automatically taken off during delivery so no forms to fill out and submit.

Total with 8.75% Bay Area tax was $36259.40 which is really good price I think.

hllover

The 3300 discount includes the 800 fananing discount for Toyota. So the price is 25,600+ttl+tax with 2.9APR or 24800+ttl+tax. Is that still a good deal? Urgent, offer expire tomorrow. Thank you.

hllover

Dear Landdriver
4x2 V6 HL with options FE AG TO PE CF. MSRP is 28100. The 3300 discount includes the 800 fananing discount for Toyota. So the price is 25,600+ttl+tax with 2.9APR or 24800+ttl+tax with cash. Is that still a good deal? Urgent, offer expire tomorrow. Thank you.

dabing

Anyone bought a HL 2005 recently? Is there any special offers (cash back or low financial rate) in the coming months?

I am thinking about the following HL 2005, what's the reasonal price I may pay for?

6928 model, FE, AG, RL, JY, LF, EH, SR, PE, TO, CF, V5, SONORA GOLD PEARL COLOR.

Thanks!!

landdriver

Dear HLLover
Still sounds like a very good deal for a V6 plus the options you listed (though never hurts to counter with a price ~ $1000 lower than what they proposed just to see what happens!); this offer still qualifies for landdriver's official "go for it!"

metazone

Buying in central New Jersey (NJ): I received a quote on a 2005 Highlander 4X4 (AWD) V6 w/ 3rd row seat, automatic transmission with the following options: FE, EH, LF, AG, TO, RL, SR, JY, and 'Z1' (the latter is not on Edmunds; it's a dealer package that includes floor mats, cargo holders, etc.). it is NOT a Limited. The quote is: $29,500 (the dealer said that the MSRP is $32,135). This is WITHOUT the destination charge, DMV, doc, etc. fees.

When I add the options from Edmunds invoice prices (without the Z1), I get $2,055 (FE=$0; EH=$48; LF=$88; AG=$480; TO=$128; RL=$32; SR=$720; JY=$559; Z1=??). I figure throw in another $250 for the Z1. So ... I get $2,305. The invoice price from Edmunds is: $24,553. Therefore, the invoice price is around: $26,858.

If my analysis is correct (let me know if it isn't), the quote seems awfully high - at least $2000 too high. Am I correct? I want a model w/ the extra safety (JY package - side curtain airbags) and the dealer told me that the lowest-configured model that includes that JY package is the one I specified (I don't care about a sun/moon roof - SR package; nor do I care about many of the other items). Does anyone know if other dealers offer lower configurations? Is the JY really needed?

Thanks

toyotaken

Invoice on a vehicle such as what you're describing (assuming it's a V6) is around $28,500 including destination. The dealer is being upfront with you as for the configuration of vehicles with the JY package. The way that they are sending them to the NY region (which NJ is part of) is exactly as you're describing. The only other thing you might be able to do is see if they can get one without the Z1 or CF option but IMHO the CF option at least is well worth it with the mats you get.

So it looks like you're getting a quote somewhere around $1000 over invoice which is pretty good. Not necesarily the best absolute deal (you honestly may be able to get another $100 or so more off) but that's about what they're going for here in western New York as well, So if you're otherwise happy with your salesperson and dealer, sounds like they're being upfront so far.

Ken

metazone

Thanks, Ken. I'm a little confused with respect to using Edmunds. Edmunds says that the invoice price for the "2005 Toyota Highlander AWD 4dr SUV w/3rd Row (3.3L 6cyl 5A)" is $24,553. I then added the invoice prices of the items that are included (except for the Z1) and I get $2,587 (sorry - I made a mistake on my initial calculations). I look at Edmunds and they come up w/ this same number, (note: in Edmunds' TMV column, they have an extra $108 for 'Regional Adjustment' based upon my zip code). This gives me an invoice price of $27,705 - it includes the $565 destination charge but excludes both the regional adjustment of $108 and the Z1 package. Why is there an $800 difference? Is the Z1 package that expensive?

Thanks,
Bill

toyotaken

The Z1 package isn't that expensive, $345 MSRP, but there are costs in the invoice that Toyota charges us, the dealers that Edmunds that differ depending on the region and sometimes the district within the region your dealer is from. These include Gas (usally about $6), TDA (Toyota District Advertising), Holdback amongst them. There is a whole forum discussion about these other invoice costs if you want more specifics, but to cut it short, when the dealer actually purchases the vehicle from Toyota, these are actually charged although some come back to the dealer to cover expenses so are VERY rarely if ever negotiated.

It may be easiest to ask the dealer you're working with to see the actual invoice and it will list all of them more specifically for you. It will also give you a starting point for your negotiations or at least a reference point for where the price you have is based off of.

Hope this helps.

Ken

tait

I'm new here and I must say that reading these posts has been most informative. I do however have a few questions.

When does the 2006 model come out and should I wait to buy a 2005 until then thinking the dealer will want to get rid of the 2005s?

Also can someone explain what a Dealer Holdback and a Factory to Dealer Cash is and how do I find out the amounts of those?

I'm in Central Texas and willing to travel to get a good deal. If anyone has any suggestions as to what dealership to try, I'd appreciate it.

Thanks,
Jeff

toyotaken

There are a couple of forums regarding both of these terms, so you may want to do a search. Holdback is an amount that is given to the dealer after a vehicle is sold by the manufacturer to cover costs such as floorplan expenses (bank charges for the short-term loan the dealer uses to keep vehicles in inventory) etc. This is not usually, and almost never something that a dealer will negotiate in a deal. As for dealer cash, Edmunds has a good listing of incentives, both rebates and dealer cash based opon the area.

Hope this helps.

Ken

Kirstie_H

Hi tait,
In addition to the info that toyotaken provided, you might find these discussions helpful:
Dealer Holdback questions
Rebates, Incentives, APRs - Questions & Comments

kirstie_h
Roving Host
Host, Future Vehicles & Smart Shopper discussions

metazone

I'm looking to see people's experiences buying a Highlander AWD V6 3rd-row seat w/ side curtain airbags in NJ. Package configuration (e.g. FE, EH, LF, AG, TO, EL, SR, JY).

metazone

What are the standard packages that are rolling out with the 2005 Limited? Can you get one with just the GY (side curtain air bag) package?

Thanks

toyotaken

It depends on the area of the country you're in. If you give us an idea of where you're at, we can be a bit more helpful.

Ken

metazone

I'm looking in NJ -- central NJ (Monmouth County)

onthecheap

I'm looking to by a HL within the next month and I'm looking for suggestion on the lowest price dealer in Fairfield, Ct or Westchester, NY.

Also, would it be best to wait for the 2006 models?

k1omo

Hi. If you don't mind telling me, I would love to know where you got that deal! I'm in NJ & haven't been able to find anything like that. Thanks for your time!

thepaulfamily

It seems like there are deals to be had in Ohio. Are you close to MI?

thepaulfamily

Any recommendations for good deals in the Detroit or Ann Arbor areas?

metazone

2005 Highlander V6 AWD SUV in NJ w/ following options: FE, EH, LF, AG, TO, RL, SR, JY, and 'Z1' (Z1 = $350 package of cargo organizers)

Dealer quote: $29,500 (includes destination - tax, title, doc, etc. are not included). Edmunds' invoice and TMV (w/ Z1 added): $27,400; $28,700

Quote is well over invoice and TMV. Even w/ rebate, 2005 models don't seem attractive - when I can wait a couple of months & get a 2006.

Opinions?

k1omo

I'm also in NJ, looking at 2005 Highlanders & have been disappointed with the prices I'm getting.

I just found a dealership in Maryland. Try their website at darcars.com. They had some very interesting prices, I thought.

I spoke with someone today, who was extremely nice. Let me know what you think.

metazone

Very negative experience with Prestige Toyota im NJ. I asked for a quote and the representative called me and asked for the car that I was interested in. I told him and said that I was looking on Edmunds to see the packages, etc. He sent me a 'quote' - it was an email with the MSRP for the car and each package. I sent two emails asking if I could get a real quote and they've ignored me. Basically, I think they were trying to just play games with me.

It didn't feel good ... I wouldn't go near them. Especially because I was very reasonable and not pushy on the phone.

parrotheader

I haven't followed the situation long enough to know if they continue to offer rebates when the new model years roll out or if they pull the incentives temporarily on a new model year launch.

Here in Alabama for the last few months they've had rebates ranging anywhere from $1,000 to $1,500 for the model I'm looking at. So the potential prices have been pretty attractive. But we've had a hard time finding one with the options we want and I've been told by one dealer they'd have to place a special order for the specs we want and since it wouldn't get here until October it would be considered a 2006 model. Therefore they couldn't quote me a price since they wouldn't know if there would be any rebates/incentives. I wasn't sure if the rebates were something that just progressively ramped up toward the end of each model year or if they pretty much kept them going at roughly the same level year round in various areas.

aec1

I live in Maryland and Darcars does not have a good reputation. You may be able to get a great price but their advertised prices rarely reflect their current stock (always low prices in the paper w/stk number and when you get there and inquire, "that vehicle sold yesterday". I have personal experience on that from years ago. I will not do business with them. They also own a dealership in Rockville called "355 Toyota". It is Darcars. Check Laurel Toyota (Carmax), they have a bunch of Highlanders in stock and if you are willing to come this far south, I know that Miller Toyota in Manassas, Va has a pretty good reputation. You can check the inventory of all these dealers on line and then send emails to the internet managers. If you are going to drive a distance, then do as much of your negotiating up front via phone and email. My brother in law bought a used car at Carmax in Laurel (they are one of a few Carmax's that actually are a Toyota dealership) and a number of years ago my parents bought a Camry from Miller Toyota. Good luck.

mvd1

We recently bought a 2005, Silver, HL Limited with LA, HD, TO, GY, VV, CF, DK & GN options at Thompson Toyota in Doylestown, PA. The list price after the Value Package discount (-$540) was $35,603. We paid $31,324 including the $750 rebate. Thompson gave us Kelly Blue Book "Good" trade price for our 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited. The whole transaction, except for the final trade price, was handled over the internet. They gave us the HL selling price in their first email response. Final trade appraisal and closing the deal took ~30 minutes. A lot of NJ folks were at the dealership when we visited and the internet sales manager told us about 1/2 their sales are NJ folks. When we bought our HL, they had most colors in stock. They beat our local dealer(s) pricing by ~$1K.

jbollt

Congrats on the new HL....You're gonna love it. (I have a Red 05 HL Limited and a Gold 03 Non Limited) Just outa curiosity, what option is "DK" I can't seem to find that.

ba4la1

Im in the market for a 2005Highlander and a dealer is offering me a 2004 model. What kind of prices should I be negotiating for this older model. Its apparently still brand new and the limited edition. I have been able to get a price of 800 below invoice for the 2005 models including all incentives.

rdw1

On the 2005 Highlander Limited Automatic Transmission! Can anyone tell me what the difference is and is the 5-speed automatic transmission better than the 4-speed? There is a 4-speed listed at a dealer and it says MAKE OFFER. I need to know if the 4-speed is as good as the 5-speed I am looking to buy. Thanks