2013 and Earlier - Toyota Highlander Prices Paid and Buying Experience

kdubs1

Can anyone get at Toyota HL for invoice? I am used to buying cars at or $200 over dealer invoice, but have never purchased a Toyota. What are the chances of paying only a few hundred dollars over invoice?

normkol

While some Toyotas will go near invoice, you are not likely to find a Highlander for that. Sellers' market right now. I put in an order for a 4 x 4 V6 at $1,000 over cost, in Staten Island, NY. Now they have to find me something with the features I want.

Norm

jonr5

In the market for HL...dealer has told me they are willing to deal on the 01's....How much should I pay for Limted,6CD changer,fender flares, and carpet mats...salesman told me for about $27,000 on a 01..also..what are the pros and cons on leather vs cloth?

runpanther

Steer clear of this dealership as they will rob you blind. Not only will they barely budge from Sticker but will also tac on an additional $900 for a "Advertising Fee" (I REFUSE to pay this. Especially since it is already included in the Invoice Price).

Also - they were going to charge me over $2800 for leather interior (dealer installed), along with some other "dealer installed" options. When I showed them my invoice information they told me that this information from Edmunds is all wrong.

Needless to say I hightailed it out of there and wound up purchasing a beautiful green Highlander from Hudson Toyota ($1,900 above invoice). I also shopped at Condit Toyota in Sussex County and they were more than fair to work with. Did not purchase from them because they didn't have the selection I was looking for. Good Luck all in your adventures.

candyman85233

I paid strictly $500 over dealer invoice and got 6.8% financing for 60 months. I was preapproved with financing through e-loans.com at 6.7% but they wouldn;t accept it, so they offered me 6.8%. Just bring in the e-loans doc's with you so they have proof and they will match. Big Two Toyota in Mesa, ask for Ed B or Norman H in Fleet/Internet.
Tell them Rob S. sent you!

dominor5

How much you pay over invoice, assuming you want the vehicle now, will depend a lot on availability--be it a FWD or an AWD. Where I live, the NY-NJ-CT tristate area, you can get a FWD at around $550 over invoice directly through the dealer or carsdirect.com; but this is because there's so many of them sitting in the dealers' lots and not configured with too many options. AWDs, on the other hand, are a different story. These vehicles sell fast that the best price you can get will likely be $2000 over invoice or $1000 below MSRP.

I paid $2000 over invoice for my SIlver AWD at Hudson Toyota just like runpanther. At that time, around 2 weeks ago, carsdirect.com was selling the same at close to $1000 over MSRP. I was very content with my purchase: I found the vehicle with the options and color I want at Prestige Toyota's web site, notified Hudson Toyota, they picked it up for me, and I had the vehicle in 4 days. Prestige is 25 miles from where I live, Hudson is only about a mile. In addition, for some strange twist of fate, I was able to get this Unlimited with VSC--an option only available on the Limiteds in my region. So now I have AWD, side airbags, and VSC without having to pay the price for a Limited. Considering the safety of my kids makes this purchase even more satisfying.

Regards to everyone and drive safely--replacements willl not be easy to find :-).

barfield1

Just finalized the purchase of my HL yesterday. We paid about $1400 under MSRP before a couple of extras were thrown in. Adman2 had mentioned Courtesy Toyota in a message back in March and after having a negative experience with the dealer in my area, my husband and I drove to Brandon (an hour's drive) to try our luck with them. The people at Courtesy Toyota are the best. They are knowledgeable, friendly and go out of their way to get you the vehicle you want at a great price. We were extremely picky about what we wanted in an HL right down to only one color being acceptable and it had to be a 4X4 so we can get in and out of the lakes with our boat. They took the time to find exactly what we wanted and added the few extras (gold pkg., fender flares, etc.) at the price we had agree upon -- an incredible price considering the dealer in our area would not budge from the MSRP and wanted us to settle for a vehicle that did not have all the extras we wanted. And then because it took them a couple of weeks to locate and have the vehicle ready for us, the sales manager threw in a couple of more extras. The people we dealt with were Jared, Trey, Todd, and the sales manager is Don. My husband and I absolutely would not buy a Toyota from any other dealer after buying from them! It was well worth the hour's drive there and back!

gwkiser

Hey, congratulations on the new purchase! Now you have to post a photo so we can see those flares. We in the Gulf States distribution area (TX OKLA, LA) can't get them.

barfield1

Gwkiser: I don't know why you can't get the fender flares in the Gulf Distribution area. My dealer had to order them from the port, but it was no big deal and I only have to wait a week. If Toyota has options and extras - they ought to make them available to everyone! I'll post a photo when I get them put on.

gwkiser

It's a regional thing and not offered by Toyota US. I know Southeast Toyota has them and maybe some others too.

danyo

I am looking for a dealer in the Mid-Atlantic, preferably in Maryland or Virginia who are selling V6 4x4 Highlanders for less than $1,000 over invoice. Anyone know anybody? I think someone mentioned some dealers in VA at one point selling for $600+ invoice. Any help is greatly appreciated.

sxsaha

Danyo,

Try the Koons Tyson Toyota in VA. These guys quoted me 600 above invoice prive for 4x4 V6 HL. the invoice was around 31.1 They were offering it to me 600 above invoice. If you need the name from whom I got it then email me.

Thanks

sxsaha

Danyo,

I stand corrected. The Invoice price was 30.4 not 31.1 as said earlier by me

danyo

Thanks Samir! I may end up waiting for the 2002s at this point, but if I can seal the deal I will tell them you ref'd me.

Thanks,

Mike

thekurgan

Samir,

Please post your email so I can contact you, or post the name of the guy at Koons Tysons who offered you 600 over invoice. I contacted them last week, and they were asking for 1500 over invoice for a 4x4 V6 with DR, SR, TO, AG, CQ, HE. Other area dealers are in the similar ballpark for offer.

Thanks

Tony

thekurgan

For the model listed in my message above, Edmunds lists the invoice as 26498, I've had 2 dealers claim it to be about 27100. Can anyone explain the difference. I had wondered if it was the 2% holdback (about $600), but was under the impression that Edmunds includes the holdback in their invoice figure. Please enlighten me.

Thanks

Tony

svtcobraconv

Tony,
The Toyota dealer advertising fee (TDA) is added to the invoice. The actual dealer invoice you will be working with when negotiating with the dealer on will always be a few hundred more than the Edmunds (or Kelley) invoice price. This fee varies from area to area. It is $250 in my area. I don't know what the upper limit is, but I suspect it could be $600 and more in some areas depending on the cost of advertising in a particular market. I know it doesn't seem right that advertising is passed on to the consumer on the invoice price, but no matter what it is a cost of doing business, and if it isn't on the invoice it would be buried somewhere else. This is just the way it is. When I am pricing Highlanders and am shooting for, say 3% over invoice, This is how I determine what I would pay here:
1. Determine invoice price from on line source (i.e., Edmunds)
2. Add $250 to this price
3. Increase that amount by adding 3%
4. This is what I would offer dealer before tax, title, etc.

Hope this helps.

danyo

Hi Tony,

From my conversations with the guys at Koons Tysons, you probably need to ask for an internet sale mgr and take something off the lot to get the best price. Like you, I am looking for an options combination that they don't normally package together(I think the sunroof only comes from the factory with the Limited pkg). The best deal I have been able to find thus far is $1,500 over invoice to do a special order from the factory. I was also told I would probably need to wait up to 6 months for delivery.

Good Luck,

Mike

danyo

What I don't understand is why you can get out of paying the TDA on other Toyota models, but not the highlander. I know some dealers in Maryland will back off on the TDA if you refuse to pay and threaten to walk away. I wonder if it is just because the Highlander is in demand right now.

I don't understand why auto manufacturers insist on loading in the TDA this way. Is it a tax savings thing to exclude it from the invoice? It just makes the customers angry and makes it more difficult on the dealer sales people. I realize the fee varies by region, but they should just forcast what they intend to spend on advertising and load the average cost into the base vehicle price.

At this point, I may end up waiting until Christmas and just go take a 2002 off the lot. I think I may have the best chance of getting a good deal without the TDA then if they increase production or demand levels off.

frankhall

I purchased my silver HL 4x4 non-limited v-6 the end of May'01 for $28,000 from Sloan Toy. in Devon Pa. I think buying at the end of the month helped but still got nailed on options I could not use. Just got back from a drive to Maine and so far the HL is great.

candyman85233

In AZ for my vehicle, I paid TDA of $500 and $500 over invoice, period. That is all I would agree to. Ask to see the actual invoice. I shopped the internet/fleet dept's of 3 Toyota dealers, I started with the online 'get a free quote' then the fleet people emailed me and I told them what I wanted. I waited and shopped around until I found what I wanted in options.

annapolisal

I PURCHASED MY HIGHLANDER AT FITZGERALD AUTOMALL IN GAITHERSBURG MARYLAND. I PAID 500 DOLLARS OVER FACTORY INVOICE. THEY HAVE AT LEAST TWENTY HIGHLANDERS IN STOCK. WEBSITE IS WWW.FITZGERALD.COM

danyo

Hi Al,

Were you able to get Fitzgerald to drop the TDA?

Thanks,

Mike

goldston

I'd the same as you did with the purchase of my Highlander back in February. The only difference was that I paid $600 over invoice.

Which dealership did you finally buy from?

I bought mine at Superstitions Springs Toyota.

Philip

frankhall

How about real bottom line dollar numbers like $29,897 not $500 over invoice?? 89 games to play w/ invoice pricing.

annapolisal

DANYO, I paid 500.00 dollars over factory invoice plus 25.00 dollars dealer processing charge. Taxes and tags were extra. The vehicle I bought was a V -6 , 4 x 4 with following equip. Limited package LL. Side impact air bags BE , carpet/cargo mat set CF1, Prem 3in1ETR/cass/cd changer EJ, Heated driver/pass seats HD, Hood protector HD, Leather package LA, Moonroof SR, Tow prep package and converter TOO, Tow hitch UQ, Vehicle stability control VD, Wheel locks WL. The total price of this vehicle was 31,625 dollars plus taxes and tags. The website is www. FitzMall.com. I hope this helps you. AL

candyman85233

I went to superstition but they only had 4 and the salesman was a feeble old man who was only interested in sitting down in the shade.
So, I finally ended up getting mine from Big Two in Mesa. Very easy sale, 2 hours in and out. Of course it helped knowing what I wanted and was willing to pay.

goldston

Great story about Big Two Toyota. I bought a Landcruiser from them back in 1991. Sorry to hear the saleman out at Superstition Springs Toyota, I have had a very good saleman that worked with me back in February. And like you I had about 2 hours of time at the dealership.
My Highlander is a 2WD 2x4 V-6 Limited - Millennium Silver
Base Vehicle Model 6914 $22,332
Limited Package (LL) $2,796
Leather Package (LA) $812
Center Console (SK) $145
Floor/Cargo Mats (CF) $104
Cassette/DC/8 Spars (DJ) $296
Pwr Moon Roof (SR) $652
Destination Charge $480
TDA (Toyota Dealer Adv.) $540
Over Invoice Fee $600
Subtotal $28,757
Plus 7.2% tax, Dealer Doc Fee of $240 and plates.

Hope the you are enjoying and Highlander(ing) the Labor Day Holiday.

Best Regards, Philip

danyo

Thanks Al,

Looks like you got yourself a really good deal. I think I'll give Fitzgerald a try.

Mike

daveb01

I live in No. Illinois and am planning to purchase Highlander V6 2wd. Can anyone recommend a dealer that they had good luck with? I appreciate this is like finding a needle in a hay stack but I need to start somewhere.

sxsaha

thekurgan,

I am sorry I did not have access to the net as my m/c had conked off but here goes.
The guy whom i spoke to in koons is Pushkar and he drew up a PO for me with $600 above invoice so the total was 31,600.00 for the HL limited + LA + SR+ EJ+ PE+ BE + CF + FE + HD + SK + TO + VSC + Security.
You can ask for him and tell him that i sent you his way.

sitka

I'm interested in V6 4WD Highlander with VD (vehicle skid control) the dealer I've contacted tells me VD is available on the "loaded limited model." Does anyone know if this is truly the case?

rndhahn

Every Toyota that comes into Florida automatically gets "ToyoGuard" added to it, adding about $650 to the price. Does anyone know of a way to get out having this largely useless Dealer mark-up feature added, or at least how to get out of having to pay for it?

I really want to buy the Highlander, but its hard to justify the significantly higher price tag.

Any recomendations for best price dealer in Central Florida?

barfield1

rndhahn: Bought my HL a couple of weeks ago at Courtesy Toyota in Brandon, FL. We had the best experience we have ever had purchasing a vehicle. I found out about them on this website as adman2 also purchased his there and had a good experience as well. You can see what I said about them and who to contact in dealing with them by clicking on my name. They went out of their way to get us exactly what we wanted at the best price. I can honestly say we would not purchase a toyota from anyone else! By the way - we live an hour away from Brandon, but it was well worth the drive. Good luck!

barfield1

rndhahn: Bought my HL a few weeks ago at Courtesy Toyota in Brandon, FL. We had the best experience we have ever had purchasing a vehicle. I found out about them on this website as adman2 also purchased his there and had a good experience as well. You can see what I said about them and who to contact in dealing with them by clicking on my name. They went out of their way to get us exactly what we wanted at the best price. I can honestly say we would not purchase a toyota from anyone else! Tell them you heard about them from this website. By the way - we live an hour away from Brandon, but it was well worth the drive. Good luck!

mir_r

I got the following deal in Chicago, IL.

HL 2WD, V4 2.4L, Gold Color with Options:

* MSRP = $24,949
* Dealer's Invoice = $22,640 (includes dealer holdback, TDA $250, Factory Options, Dealer Options, fuel, Destination Charge).
* Purchase Price = $23,100
* Purchase Price + IL State Tax = $25,050

* 60 month / 15,000 miles LEASE = $346.45/month (includes $250 Acquisition Fee).

Dealer Name : ALI QURESHI from Schaumburg Toyota, IL.

Rizwan

litzinger

I'm planning on purchasing an HL next week. If I agree on a price with the dealer and put down a sizeable deposit, how long will I have to pay the rest? I'm waiting on my autodraft which may not arrive by then. I'm getting 5.99% so I assume Toyota won't be able to match.

swivel

Hey litzinger (msg #238).
Where are you getting 5.99% on a new car loan?

candyman85233

What I did when I bought my HL and got prequalified from eloan.com, I brought all my documents with me and told them that was part of the deal. If they couldn;t match the 6% rate, then no deal, just because they don;t like eloan, doesn't mean I should be penalized. They matched it.

frutiger

we purchased our 4cyl 2wd on Aug 24. we paid $700 over base invoice+ options (incl delivery). no TDA . $45 document fee.
options: 50 state emmissions
alum wheels
8 way power driver's seat
quick order
floor/cargo mats
roof rack
alarm pre wire
out the door cash price $26,010.
good luck

jgmcinnis

I used a modified Motley Fool (www.fool.com) approach and e-mailed 40-50 dealers within ~250 miles. I received about 18 replies. Of these, 5 or so were obviously in contention. I played these five against each other until I got a "No" from most. I paid about $250 more than the lowest offer to get the color combination (Bluestone / Charcoal) I was looking for and to buy from closer to home (~ 1.5 hours vs. 4).

2001 V6 2WD with:
CQ,UZ-Convenience Package (keyless, cargo cover)
PG - Privacy Glass
PE - Power Driver Seat
TO - Tow Prep Package
DR - Roof Rack
SK - Center Console
CF - Floor Mats
XY3 - Toyoguard Protection ($PROFIT) Package

I didn't want the Toyoguard or console, but most in the Southeast region have the Toyoguard - and I wanted this color combo....

PAID $25,238 + $299.50 Doc fee + $300 SC tax
$25,838 out the door. Other dealers had reduced or eliminated the "doc" fee, but the bottom line prices weren't as good. By the way, vehicle purchased from Gene Reed Toyota in N. Charleston, SC. Other reasonable offers came from:
Rice Toyota - Greensboro, NC
Butler Toyota - Macon, GA
West Ashley Toyota - Charleston, SC

Good luck to all! - One week and four-hundred fantastic miles. Love the car!

madkaz1

If you dont mind about an hour drive, check out Smart Toyota in Madison, WI. They are one of the largest in the Mid-West. I got a great deal on a custom ordered HL just last week. They were friendly, knowledgeable, and will have plenty of stock on the 2002's. John Dolan, and Tony Scialabia were great to deal with. 5901 Odana Rd. Madison. 608-275-7808

mybenje

I was wondering what's the going price for a V6 4WD highlander in southern california and from which dealer?

I am looking to buy one in the next two weeks.
Is there an AWD option on the highlander or just 4WD?

Thanks

georgejackson

I picked up my HL from Crown Toyota in Long Beach. Check with Mike McClure at 1-800-918-8888...a good guy to work with. I wanted one with side airbags, but not the LL option. Most dealers said it could not be done. He was the only dealer that really tried...and he was successful! Took about 100 days to order it and paid about $950 above invoice. Car price was $26975 (includes $270 national ad fee which is not in the Edmunds's list) plus license, tax, doc fees, tire waste fee, etc made the overall total $29406.60.

mcneilcab

We just bought a V6 4x4 in bluestone in whitehorse, Yukon in early sept. I flew from alaska to whitehorse and picked up the highlander from Mic Mac motors. I'm assured that this vehicle can be serviced at any toyota dealership with no hassels. The anchorage area dealer had only one highlander in stock and was
far from a reasonable price so we checked out whitehorse. We found the vehicle cost about 25500 total, including travel expenses, a 2.5% duty ,(japanese made) and the exchange rate being very favorable. This vehicle came standard with roofrack, carpeted mats,color keyed mudflaps,daytime running lights,heated mirrors,privacy glass, and keyless entry w/engine imobilizer and alarm. these standard features are options on the USA model. We
also bought the options of a tow hitch and prep and the winterization pckg wich includes a block heater and battery blanket. speedometer and odometer are in kilometers. I figure we got the highlander for under USA invoice and it was a beautiful drive home. Checking prices here I think we got a good deal, and it seems like a great rig. hopefully it'll handle our alaskan winters.

daveb01

This week I ordered a 2002 Highlander 4x2 V6

AG Appearance Pckg
CQ Convenience Pckg
UZ Alarm Pre-Wiring
DR Roof Rack
RL Daytime Running Lights
PE Power Seat
CF Floor Mats

$26,602 (less TTL) This represents $1000.00 over dealer invoice. I shopped a few different dealers and only one wanted to deal. I negotiated the same selling price at another dealer but they were really pushing the 2001 and refused to order a 2002 at this price.

I wanted to check the dealer invoice against that posted on the net but, after trying Edmunds and Consumerguide.com, I realized that the 2002 pricing is yet to be posted.

Anyway..I hope this helps someone. Any comments on my pricing would be appreciated.

Thanks,

hkdonhonda

DR - ROOF RACK
SR - MOONROOF
TO - TOW PREP PACKAGE
UQ - HITCH
AG - APPREARANCE PACKAGE
CQ - CONVENIENCE PACKAGE
HE - PREFERRED PACKAGE
CF - MAT SET
RF - REAR WING

BRAND NEW LEFTOVER WITH 94 MILES ON IT:

$28850 + TTL + 5.8% Financing

That's 8 thousand less than the MDX and RX I was looking at! The Highlander is an outstanding vehicle for the $$$. I would highly recommend it (NPI).

daveb01

I incorrectly posted my net price...$26,062 not $26,602...sorry

jpsmith

I assume you got a "Base" model, not the Limited?

jseg77

The dealer is telling us invoice (his cost) is 29,500. His offer was 31,500 including destination only. I believe it also had side air bags, moonroof and anti-skid (not included in limited). Still, this seemed so much higher than edmunds.com invoice. Wondering what others in southern california paid for theirs.