2013 and Earlier - Toyota Highlander Prices Paid and Buying Experience

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Comments

  • ohwhatafeelingohwhatafeeling Member Posts: 15
    I'm looking at a 2006 Highalnder and am curious to know what would be a good price for this car as I go into negotiation for it....

    Model Description: 4-dr LTD 4x4 V6 Highlander
    Model: 6938A
    Accessories: FE GY HD LA LL TO VV

    thanks for any and all insights and any current incentives (I think there's a cash back offer running).

    I'm in the PA/NJ area.
  • beantown111beantown111 Member Posts: 6
    Hi,

    After purchasing my new highlander limited, I realized that I love the car, but only wished I had opted to add in the navigation system. Though it seems the dealer invoice price for this option (at least in the pre-installed Limited models) is somewhere between $1400-$1800, my dealer has indicated that it will cost me $2600 to install in my Limited. Has anyone had experience with adding this option to a Limited, and could speak as to the fairness of the price my dealer quoted? I know adding an option after you bought the car is always more expensive, but any guidance/suggestions would be welcome.

    Thanks in advance.
  • landdriverlanddriver Member Posts: 607
    A rough guide is $30K before TTL/rebates would be an awesome price, $31K-32K would be a good price, and anything above this would be a fair to poor price. Check-out edmunds.com to get actual invoice and TMV prices. Good luck!!!
  • rugen6rugen6 Member Posts: 2
    Hi,

    I just purchased a 2006 4x4 V6 in NJ with the following options: Appearance package, preferred package, cold weather package, power sunroof, driver & passenger curtain/side airbag system, towing prep package, fog lamps, daytime running lights, carpet floor/cargo mat set.

    The purchase price was $28,203. The dealer is installing leather seats and trim for an additional $1,400.

    I think this is an okay price (and welcome your input or sense if I paid too much) and wanted to share it with others for reference in your car buying experience--as this forum is really helpful. :)
  • tgthsutgthsu Member Posts: 7
    Have you considered a portable one? We are thinking about getting one a little later. I have heard good things about them, and they are much less expensive.
  • sincero50sincero50 Member Posts: 1
    I just recently purchased a 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Limited for $36,199 from a great dealer in upstate NY. As I live in the southern part of the state I had to spend $650 transporting the car to Long Island but I must say that I saved several thousands of dollars compared to what my "friendly" local dealers wanted to charge. The car is fantastic!!!!!
  • buddha4buddha4 Member Posts: 3
    I'm negotiating for a 2006 Highlander base model (FWD, 4cyl) with 3rd row. I see that MSRP is 26000 and invoice is $23575. I see a recent price of $22000 w/out 3rd row. Anyone have other comparative price quotes? Other advice is also appreciated
  • ohwhatafeelingohwhatafeeling Member Posts: 15
    That's for a third row? $30,000 really surprises me when the MSRP is something on the order of $35,000.
  • ohwhatafeelingohwhatafeeling Member Posts: 15
    I don't see the $1000 cash back incentive on the toyota.com website. I only see it in the current promotions part of edmunds.

    Is there any place where I can learn what's coming up for February (after this one expires?)

    I'm trying to decide between a Limited V6 AWD with Third Row HL (leather, moon roof, side airbags, ACC) or a similarly equipped 2006 Rav4, which, in a V6 with third row wouldn't be available until February or March. So incentives for February and March on the Highlander would be relevant. If, however, this is the best I can expect, I may just shortcircuit the process and get the HL this week. I'd be interested in any incentive--I can finance or not, as I have the cash. I just want the best mix of incentives so I can get the bottom line price of the car down as low as possible.
  • anand4anand4 Member Posts: 6
    Fred Anderson Toyota is offering 25,150 out-the-door for a v6 2wd silver hl with the following options included: AG PE PG TO LF RL FE

    This is the best offer I could get among the local dealers. I am going to buy the vehicle tomorrow.
  • ohwhatafeelingohwhatafeeling Member Posts: 15
    And a third row Limited, that is. 2006 Limited 4X4 with Third Row with all the listed accessories in my prior post (let's see, that was FE (Emissions), GY (Side Curtain), HD (Heated Seats), LA (Leather), LL (Limited), TO (Towing), VV (Value Package 2)). I dunno, $30,000 seems low, but I'm more than willing to go into the negotiations expecting that number.
  • infseekerinfseeker Member Posts: 3
    base w/ options listed:
    EH, AG, HE, JY, LF, RL, TO, CF

    before negociation, the dealer offered:
    MSRP = $30,929
    YOUR PRICE w/ rebate = $26,607 (by 01/31)

    I actually only like to have GY option, not all other options. But he explained in NE, the options comes in a lump. How much can I lower the price to have a good deal? How can I find out the invoice of the base + options? I tried to add all options to base on edmunds.com and the invoice turns out to be higher than what dealer offered. There must be some mistakes...

    thanks for sharing your thoughts,
  • landdriverlanddriver Member Posts: 607
    ohwhatafeeling you've obviously done a lot of thinking and research on your purchase!

    My $30,000 "awesome/killer deal/once-in-a-lifetime" price is admittedly a very rough guideline based on other posts to this board I've been monitoring over the past several years -- I agree the third row will increase this price some. This may be a good starting point in your negotiations -- chances are you won't get it based on the 3 row and the fact very few here have posted getting Limiteds below $30K, and when they have it was always $29,XXX. Probably better still to get exact invoice price and subtract any rebate to start negotiations with a "hard number."

    Now that the RAV4 2006 redesign is approaching the HL in size it's a popular contender in the mid-sized SUV segment.

    Turns out there's no way of finding out what rebates will be ahead of time, since if people knew this they'd put off their purchases, so this is a carefully guarded secret by the manufacturer. Generally for many models rebates increase as the model year progresses. For a more informed response post your question in the Rebates, Incentives, APRs - Questions & Comments forum and Car_man will answer your question within 2 to 3 days.

    Good luck in what you eventually decide!! :)
  • landdriverlanddriver Member Posts: 607
    infseeker according to the line in your post, "YOUR PRICE w/ rebate = $26,607 (by 01/31)," the dealer is subtracting a rebate from the invoice price, hence a total that is below invoice. You can find out what the rebate is by clicking the "Incentives" link when pricing your car on edmunds.com; it should also be shown as being subtracted from the TMV price.

    Not knowing what the rebate is this price looks to be a fairly reasonable deal. Toyota "options" do tend to come in groups, so your dealer is probably being forthright on this issue.

    Good luck!!! :)
  • rugen6rugen6 Member Posts: 2
    Ohwhatafeeling,

    I don't know if this is helpful or not, but you may be able to around $30K if you don't purchase the "Limited". You can essentially add the features and get the same thing. I just purchased a 2006 4x4 V6 in NJ with the following options: Appearance package, preferred package, cold weather package, power sunroof, driver & passenger curtain/side airbag system, towing prep package, fog lamps, daytime running lights, carpet floor/cargo mat set.

    The purchase price was $28,203. The dealer installed leather seats and trim for an additional $1,400. If you add the heated seats and steering wheel controls you are at about $30K.
    :shades:
    Cheers...Rugen6
  • buddha4buddha4 Member Posts: 3
    Thanks for the info. I've got to learn the option abbreviations! Our local tax is 6.75% - I'll bet yours is lower. Good Luck! Buddha
  • 530iturk530iturk Member Posts: 16
    Just bought a 2006 2wd v-6 Highlander (end of Dec). Couple of points.

    Not too hard to find prices of $1-1.5K under invoice plus any rebate. Through internet contacts though (not off the street).

    When you close the deal, watch out. Dealers use the Toyota computer program to print the final contract. The computer can add "secret charges" like $330 Toyota advertising fee, and $50 set up fee. The It prints out a single "cash price" for the vehicle. Know ahead of time what the exact price is (take kbb or edmunds list and a calculator).

    kbb.com has the most comprehensive option list that includes the two character code.

    Two cheapest dealers I found on the east coast; one in Wilmington NC (lists new cars for sale on ebay) and a toyota chain in MD (DARCARS Toyota - make sure you contact the internet sales consultant). I believe I found them through AutoTrader.com.

    Florida and Georgia buyers have an extra cost layer due to a middle man (distributor fees?).

    6.75% sales tax sounds good. here in S. CA, we pay 8.25%

    Good luck.
  • 530iturk530iturk Member Posts: 16
    It is an excuse. My dealer charged $45 doc fee.
    i found that the dealers with moe competition (other nearby Toyota dealers) have lower charges.
  • 530iturk530iturk Member Posts: 16
    Check eBay out for new car deals, especially on Hybrids.

    Some so-so deals and some aggressive deals.
  • ohwhatafeelingohwhatafeeling Member Posts: 15
    Thanks, landdriver. I put the final moves on a negotiation this weekend and have gotten into the low 31s with your guidelines (that's before rebate, so low 30s with). I suspect threre will be some further motion down, but I'm happy with the number as it stands and willing to take whatever comes off further as found money.

    Very happy, thanks! I'll post my purchase price tomorrow.
  • kenito2050kenito2050 Member Posts: 1
    KarenS -

    If you haven't purchased your Highlander yet, I'd wait a bit until you check out the site fighting chance

    For a subscription price of $34.95, you get invoice pricing & MSRP of not only the Vehicle you're interested in but also the packages available.

    I myself am looking to purchase a Highlander base model (code 6910) with Packages EY (Rear Entertainment), SR (Power Tilt & Slide Sunroof) & AW (Alloy Wheels). I found out the invoice price of these options is $1416, $720 & $416 (respectively) from Fighting Chance.com. MSRP for these options is $1770, $900, & $520 (respectively)

    I also found out that Toyota has holdback of 2% of base MSRP ($490 for the 6910 model Highlander whose MSRP is $24,530) and 1% wholesale financial reserve ($245 for the 6910 model Highlander whose MSRP is $24,530). Basically, this means that the Dealer could sell you this vehicle and the above optional packages at Invoice price and still make money from Toyota.

    There is also an incentive program of $500 for the Highlander that lasts until January 31st.

    Check out Fighting Chance if you haven't already. They walk you through the negotiation (which is the most frustrating part). What's good is that Fighting Chance shows you how to get multiple Dealers to give you price quotes on the vehicle configuration that you want. The point: Multiple Dealers competing for your business means price savings for you.

    Good Luck.
    Kenito
  • broborisbroboris Member Posts: 1
    I am shopping for the highlander and just went to a dealer today who told me there were "no vehicles" with trailer packages in the 5 state area". I was looking for the small v 6. No trailer packages come up on the "build and search" toyota web site. Where did you find them please. The highlander is the only crv that I do not bump my head getting into and have some head room. The Lincoln MRX my hair brushes the interior roof for 35K!!!
  • ciaobabyciaobaby Member Posts: 2
    Hi,

    I'm trying to buy a Highlander Limited 2WD V6 with Moonroof, leather heated seats, tow package and the 6 Disc CD changer. The dealer gave me a price of $29,978. The car doesn't have side air bags. It was supposed to be at the dealer last Monday and isn't there yet.

    I was going to do outside financing and qualified for 5.75% with my credit union. Could go lower with direct deposit, but don't want to do that. They are having an incentive in my area of 3.9% interest or $750 rebate. I told the dealer and he said I then wouldn't be able to get the car for the $29,978 as that already included a dealer rebate.

    I think they are full of it as I received on the Internet (from another local dealer) an offer of $200 below invoice and either an additional $750 off or the choice of the 3.9% financing. When I do the numbers, I come up with $29,817 (inc. destination charge) as the invoice price.

    I would appreciate any advice you might have to offer. I'm getting tired of all this and I really need to maximize my expenses. I spent way too much on my lemon Saab last year, with the culmination that I had just spent 2 grand and 4 days out of the shop, it dropped a valve.

    Thank you much.
  • ohwhatafeelingohwhatafeeling Member Posts: 15
    I paid $30,427 ($31,427 pre-incentive) for a Highlander Limited 4x4 V6 with the following options: Side curtain airbags, heated seats, limited package, value package (upgraded audio and moon roof), leather, tow prep, and then I got two extra packages that weren't under the prior quote: preferred owner's portfolio, cargo net/cargo mat set, first aid kit, and glass breakage sensor. Tax and then $128 for new tag, registration and title.
  • leongerleonger Member Posts: 6
    $38599 was my price before taxes ($3131) and trade-in (only got $3000).
    I got the price via an online site (don't know if I'm allowed to name them on the forum) who then had several dealers contact me. Also, my dealer had four Highlander Hybrid AWD Limited vehicles available, all different colors.
  • leongerleonger Member Posts: 6
    My dealer is Sunrise Toyota in Oakdale, NY. I had a good experience with them. They let me test drive the vehicle twice and I ended up purchasing my test drive vehicle ... I was the only person to put its 5 miles on it. :)
    I visited another dealer and they tried to sell me a "new vehicle" with almost 200 miles on it! :mad:

    My price is before tax ($3131), tags, and extended warranty ($1375). I also took advantage of Toyota Financial's 3.9% over 48 months financing.
  • robg4robg4 Member Posts: 32
    We had intentions of purchasing a Highlander but ended up with the 4-runner. Anyway, we were in communication with several Toyota dealerships during our search. The one we purchased at said they get 2 vehicles back for everyone sold because of their volume in sales. Their a huge dealership and had deals on all their models that the other dealerships couldn't come close to. Matter a fact, we couldn't believe the prices. Anyway, that may be something to consider.
  • landdriverlanddriver Member Posts: 607
    Generally speaking based on posts here $29,978 is a killer price for a Limited in the configuration you described, although with the rebate you may be able to negotiate them down a bit more. You need to go to the other dealer to see if their quote is indeed real -- a common tactic is for them to add advertising (a legitimate cost that the dealer incurs, and a common practice to add to the invoice price). Find out what their true price is and if it is indeed lower than the first dealer's then buy from the second dealer.

    My general impression is Toyota dealers usually like to add at least $700 over invoice to cover advertising and profit.

    Hope this helps.
  • landdriverlanddriver Member Posts: 607
    Congratulations!
  • wcwiiiwcwiii Member Posts: 5
    I got my 2006 Highlander Hybrid AWD Limited w/Nav today for $37700 (vehicle, navigation, floor mats, destination) - MSRP $42094. I live in the Chicago suburbs.

    My research showed an invoice price at $37629 for the items above - another dealer showed me a summary printout with the inovice price at $38139 which included the Toyota advertising and possibly other fees. That other dealer would not budge from a $38189 price which I didn't think was too bad either.

    It will be especially nice if the 2006 hybrid tax credit comes through on top of this too. Good luck to others out there who might be hoping to get a similar Highlander Hybrid.
  • infseekerinfseeker Member Posts: 3
    landdrive, thanks for your previous reply!

    I remember you had a fromula to set the bargain price. The highlander I'm targetting (v6 4wd w/ lump options) has :

    invoice: $27,248
    dealer holdback (estimated): MSRP*2% = 30,730*2% ~= 600
    customer incentive: $750
    college graduate incentive: $400
    dealer's cost: $27,248 - $600 - $750 - $400 = $25,498

    estimate dealer's profit: $25,498*5% ~= $1275
    my price to bargain: $25,498 + $1275 = $26,773

    however, the price dealer offered is $26,207, lower than my calculated bargain price. I think I must have missed the dealer incentive in the formula. But I don't know what range that number would be?

    Also, dealer wants to charge me $270 for registration, state inspection, dealer. Is this a normal fees associated with car buying?
  • ciaobabyciaobaby Member Posts: 2
    Thank you for your reply, landriver. They really try to rip us off in Las Vegas. What's interesting (and not surprising) is that now the other dealer hasn't contacted me back (over the internet). I guess I will just have to drive over there.

    In the meantime, I have a dealer in NC that really wants to sell me a car and gave me a price of $29,500, but I would think the shipping charges would be rather expensive. I have to go to NYC the last week in January and it is very tempting to just fly down there and drive my new car home.
  • leongerleonger Member Posts: 6
    That's a great price!!!

    I live in the NY Metro Area and only one other dealer would match the $38599 price. One dealer would only go down to $39K and another wouldn't budge from $41K.
  • landdriverlanddriver Member Posts: 607
    infseeker your formula looks good to me -- you subtracted rebates and holdback to get the true dealer cost, which you calculated to be $25,498. This is the starting price for negotiations from your standpoint. The starting point from the dealer's standpoint is the quote the dealer gave to you, in this case $26,207 (or $26,607 according you your earlier post).

    Obviously since 5% over dealer cost is more than what the dealer is quoting you, you want to pick a lower value, say a few hundred dollars above dealer cost and see what the dealer comes back with.

    Generally my observation is on the Highlander dealers want about $700 over invoice minus rebate. (Dealers usually resist dipping into the holdback.) So in your case 27248 - 750 - 400 + 700 = 26798. Since your dealer's quote is less than this, you're getting a pretty good deal.

    In terms of dealer incentive if it isn't shown on edmunds.com on the same page as the rebate (edmunds calls dealer incentives "marketing support") then there isn't any national dealer incentive, though there may be a regional incentive but I don't think there's any way of finding out what it might be.

    Registration fees are dependent on the state where you live; am only familiar with CA fees so can't help you there. You might try in Any Questions for a Car Dealer? and see what they have to say.

    Good luck! :)
  • landdriverlanddriver Member Posts: 607
    Internet salespeople are overwhelmed with quote requests -- I read that maybe only 5% of these quotes turn into sales, so it's hard to get their attention.

    Granted $29,500 is an ultra-killer price, but NC to NV is a long way to drive to save $500 -- it depends on how much you'll loose taking time off work to make the trek! :)
  • 530iturk530iturk Member Posts: 16
    As I stated earlier, I found several (not a lot) dealers that would sell for $1-$1.5k below invoice, plus rebate. Not on the Hybrid.
  • 530iturk530iturk Member Posts: 16
    If you don't mind coming out to Ventura, CA (just north of LA on the Coast), Toyota of Oxnard will give you $1.5k plus rebate ($500) under invoice, but then they add advertising fee of $330, and a set up fee $50. Make sure you ask for the INTERNET SALES DEPARTMENT. That's where I ended up buying mine. They'll send you a quote via email and stand by it. Found them through edmunds.com through the pop-up that asked if you wanted a quote on a new car. I had leather installed for another $1,000. Gave me a rental car while it was in the shop.
  • infseekerinfseeker Member Posts: 3
    I'm qualified for a new college graduate incentive, do you think some dealer would be willing to offer me $1-1.5k lower plus $750 toyota-to-customer incentive and $400 toyota-to-newgrad incentive. Which specific area are you referring to? I'm in new england area.

    Some dealer said only if I finance through toyota, I can get new grad incentive; but others would provide cash rebate.

    thanks,
  • 530iturk530iturk Member Posts: 16
    First of all, the rebates are regional. The college rebate requires that you finance the car in the ex-students name. I actually bought the Highlander for my son, but he didn't qualify for the Toyota financing so we didn't get the $400 (West Coast). We did get the $500 rebate (which is higher on the east coast- $1,250 I think). They are two separate rebates and you are entitled to both if you qualify.

    There were only two dealers I checked with on the east coast. One is a chain of dealerships around the MD area, DARCARS Toyota. You have to go through their web site to get the cheap rate contacts (not allowed to post names here). You can even get a quote right off the internet.

    The only other way is to use on online quote, such as edmunds. They have a popup that offers three names to you. I would try one in your area, one not too far away, and one a little farther out.

    My local dealer didn't offer much of anything. They think they have a captive market.

    Good luck.
  • 530iturk530iturk Member Posts: 16
    Here is the website.

    http://toyotass.darcars.com/new_inventory.htm?reset=InventoryListing

    Use the tool bar to narrow your search; model.

    I have no affiliation with them and did not purchase my car through them. They would not confirm the terms and purchase before I flew out, so I bought close to home.
  • chuchutrain621chuchutrain621 Member Posts: 6
    got an offer in Los Angeles area for V6 w/o third row with the usual options: FE, AG, HE, TO, CF for $23,788 with the $500 rebate. Is this a good price?
  • landdriverlanddriver Member Posts: 607
    Looks to be an excellent price -- you might counter with a figure in the very low $23K's just to see what happens, but otherwise I'd say go for it. :)
  • kclinusakclinusa Member Posts: 3
    Hi Richard,

    Have you got the car yet? Which delership you have gone through?

    Thanks!

    Kevin
  • kclinusakclinusa Member Posts: 3
    Do you mean $23788 after $500 rebate?
  • kclinusakclinusa Member Posts: 3
    I live in bay area in california.

    I got a quote from deal for the above model with 3rd row. With the extra features of AG, HE, JY, TO, LF, EH, CF , deal's asking for $25.6K after rebate. It differs from Edmund's invoice about $500 more. Is it the charge from the deales's 'advertising fee, set-up fee etc'?

    Some previous postings disclose there might be 1.5K extra rebate from the dealer. Is there anyone close to Northern California?

    Thanks for your info in advance.
  • krumpirkrumpir Member Posts: 1
    I picked up mine yesterday in Hollywood - I used their internet sales desk. Black with Gray interior, with Navigation and floor mats: $37,000. He showed me the invoice, and it was only about $250 over.
  • highlander123highlander123 Member Posts: 29
    Hi all,
    This forum is extremly helpful. I have kept reading all post for last several months. All postings are informative. I am in the market to look for a V6 AWD, 3rd row with side airbags(GY or JY). I have sent two quote requests to two dealers in Maryland. One is Koons Toyota at Baltimore, the other is Fitzmall at Geithersburg. Koons gave me following options:
    EH - Cold weather package,
    AG - Appearance package gives you the alloys and mudguards,
    HE - Preferred package gives you the power driver seat Homelink, engine immobilizer,lighted vanity mirrors,
    JY - side airbags and 1st and 2nd row roll sensing
    side curtain airbags,
    LF - fog lamps, RL - daytime running lights,
    SR - sunroof,
    TO - tow prep package, DK - Preferred owner's portfolio,
    CF - Carpeted floor mats and cargo mat.

    The price is $27,551 (include rebate), doc fee $1000 plus TTL. The out the door price is $29,330.

    The guy in Fitzmall quote me $27,768 without sunroof. I guess the one should have sunroof because if you want side airbag, Toyota will put sunroof with it. The guy just didn't list it by mistake. Anyway, it is higher than Koons.

    I also check the Darcars website and found the one with above listed option priced at $27,113. I will send email to them to see what is there final price.

    Is there anyone in Maryland or Virginia buying the same type of HL? Could you share your experiences with dealers here? MD and VA have bunch of Toyota dealers and I feel I can get competitive price by sending emails to them.

    Thanks and happy new year.
  • isewellisewell Member Posts: 3
    Anyone know of any Toyota dealers anywhere in the Bay area that are discounting off MSRP? I'm looking for a Limited, preferably without Nav or DVD. Most dealerships don't seem to be willing to drop below MSRP as they are selling them so easily.

    So far the most willing has been Walnut Creek - he said $500 off MSRP of the ones in the lot and maybe more but I'd have to come down. I'd also go out to Sacramento too if the scene was any better there.

    carsdirect and costco were both dead ends.

    Thanks
  • aikman33aikman33 Member Posts: 1
    My first experience with internet car shopping. I am looking at a Limited 2WD 4Dr. I would like the GY and EJ options on this model. The dealer wants to sell me the Value Pkg, Lighted color-keyed running boards, Tow Prep pkg and carpet mats on the Limited model. Price $28826.00 + taxes,tags and dealer fee. The extra options are nice but is the price? And what do you think I should pay for my original options? Any help would be appreciated.
  • wcwiiiwcwiii Member Posts: 5
    What I did to get good pricing was inform myself of a Carmax Toyota no-haggle price - yes, they sell new cars there. At least I could see online the difference between MSRP and their selling price. There is such a Carmax dealer in Maryland like there is in the Chicago area for me. This, along with research at Edmunds and other sites, gave me confidence in the price point I was looking for when I dealt with dealers who happened to be located closer to where I live.
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