Toyota Highlander Owners: Meet the Members

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Comments

  • landdriverlanddriver Member Posts: 607
    The emblems that were removed are the "Limited" emblems on the sides and the "Highlander", "V6" and "AWD" emblems on the back -- received this advice from an auto detailer -- at first my reaction was "no way, this would make the vehicle look cheap", but followed this advice nonetheless and, in combination with the paint job, indeed gave the vehicle an expensive, specialized look.

    My philosophy is that its ok to be a little different, as long as its in good taste!
  • lioney111lioney111 Member Posts: 2
    Hi, first time posting a message. I've had a 2002 Highlander with 4wd for about a year. Dec. 16th was driving along in a driving rainstorm (late afternoon) when a Honda Accord crossed the double yellow line after losing
    control at about 40 mph her passenger side slammed into me head-on. I am happy to report that the safety features of the Highlander worked fantastically! The air bags deployed; engine dropped down, front absorbed impact, dash changed shape but none of glass shattered. 13 year old sat in front but with seat all the way pulled back and 10 year old in back behind driver seat. We all experienced stiffness and some chest pain next day, especially me, since I was sitting too close to the steering wheel, I've decided, since I really got walloped in the chest by the air bag.
    So this is a warning to petite drivers to move your position back from the air bag when driving! I am still a little achy a week later. But still very impressed with walking away from that impact.
    Car is still being examined to determine whether it can be repaired or not.
  • kybillkybill Member Posts: 44
    Glad to hear you avoided serious injury from what might have been a tragic accident. In that respect, sounds like you received an early Christmas present. Hope your new year starts off a little better.
  • lioney111lioney111 Member Posts: 2
    Have just heard from the Insurance Company that the Highlander is considered totalled! It took this long over the holidays to get it looked at.
  • kybillkybill Member Posts: 44
    Sorry to hear the vehicle was totalled, but glad no one was hurt. Replacing the vehicle, though, will probably be easier on your nerves, as you won't have those lingering doubts about the repair work.

    Going for another HL?
  • blee322blee322 Member Posts: 1
    I am looking at a new Highlander LTD 4x4 V6 with sunroof and leather package. What should I be looking to pay for this car in Chicago?
  • kybillkybill Member Posts: 44
    Hi, there. If you'll check my post #7567 on the Toyota Highlander board, you might find some useful info about our new HL. If you have specific questions beyond that, I'd be happy to try to answer them.
  • al63017al63017 Member Posts: 149
    Drive about 30 minutes north to car max and get one for about 400 over invoice.

    http://www.carmax.com or

    www.carmax.com

    They have Kenosha location in Wisconsin.
  • lbird1lbird1 Member Posts: 5
    Bought a 2002 Limited last month. Noticed on our first road trip up to the mountains that our HL has a really bumpy ride. Only on the most perfect roads is the ride good. We feel every rut and crack in the road. Does anyone else feel this ride is too harsh? We love it except for the ride. We read all the reviews which said this has a car like ride, comfortable and smooth, even supple. We know this is not a Lexus and we are glad about that. But... Haven't seen any postings about this. Please give some feed back. Thanks.
  • toyotakentoyotaken Member Posts: 897
    The first thing that I would check is the tire preasures. On very rare occasions, the dealer forgets to deflate the tires to their recomended preasure. They come off the truck with the tires usually at 50psi or so which would make for a substantially harsher ride.

    Just an idea.

    Ken
  • lbird1lbird1 Member Posts: 5
    Thanks for responding. The tire pressure is 30psi. Do you notice a harsh ride over ruts and bumps? Could the Bridgestone Duellers tires be part of the problem? We are finding it hard to believe that this is not a problem for others.
  • houstontexanhoustontexan Member Posts: 6
    Are there any other forums for Highlander owners out there? Thanks.
  • landdriverlanddriver Member Posts: 607
    Research I did a couple of years back yielded two active Highlander message boards, this one and another one that shall remain nameless as the member agreement says we can't promote other boards. This one appears to be way more active than the "other one." The "other one" has annoying advertisements that are randomly inserted in series with the posts and thus I don't frequent "the other one" for that reason.

    Regarding your posts in the Highlander discussion, I've found that Highlanders on dealer lots range in MSRP from the mid 25Ks to the mid 35Ks. I typically see several 4 cyls on lots in the SF bay area, so not sure why they don't have them out in Texas, but I don't think I've ever seen a totally stripped (i.e., not a single added feature) model. But posts here indicate they're out there and some said they paid in the low 20Ks before tax and license. Sounds like you're up on dealer costs, so I suggest figuring out what colors and features you like and then contacting as many dealers in your area as possible to review their inventory. If you're like me and you actually like visiting dealerships, then by all means drive around town and walk through the lots. Otherwise, call and/or use the internet. You may have to special order one if you don't have any luck otherwise, but note that dealers typically aren't as willing to go down in price quite as much as on the models that they have right there on the lot.
  • houstontexanhoustontexan Member Posts: 6
    "...but note that dealers typically aren't as willing to go down in price quite as much as on the models that they have right there on the lot."

    That's a good point. I'm going to make some calls today to the various sales managers. I don't need it "stripped down" necessarily, just not all the bells and whistles that these vehicles had.
    I used one of the internet car services to locate a dealer for me. We played phone tag and when I finally reached the guy he seemed that HE was doing ME a favor and didn't seem to willing to do anything.
  • aggie0201aggie0201 Member Posts: 1
    If anyone has purchased a 2003 V6 4WD or similar in Houston, Texas or nearby areas please do let me know. Thanks.
  • murrayoperimurrayoperi Member Posts: 5
    I've posted this previously on the How much did you pay thread, but thought that I should officially intro myself as a member.

    Bought this HL on April 30 using the fax attack and info from fightingchance.com. It's Indigo Ink Pearl and it is a wonderful replacement for the problem-filled (mostly clutch related) Subaru Legacy wagon. We live in Portland, OR. Here are the details:

    HL LTD 4WD
     with

    Z1, LA, TO, UQ, SR, HP, N1,
    BE, VD, HD, SD, EJ

    Dealer Invoice 31557
    MSRP=35939
    We paid 31667 before ttl and group ad charge

    The interesting thing was that the deflector and the hood protector were not listed on the dealer sticker or invoice, but were added at the dealership and we were not charged for them. Also, they had added side window deflectors too. So, we got some options for free and thus really paid less than invoice.

    Also, Toyota sent us a check for $500 to help us choose the HL over the Pilot.

    fighting chance.com and the fax attack method made this a completely stress free experience--no hassles, no worries, no stress and 1.9% financing for 48 months!

    The dealer handled us with kid gloves. We were in and out of the dealership in about an hour during which we went over the vehicle carefully, did the credit app, listened to the dog and pony on the owner's manual, met with the finance guy (no pressure to buy ext. warranty, undercoating etc)and signed all the paperwork.

    It is an awesome vehicle! The family is enjoying it and we feel we got a great price.
    MP
  • batrob52batrob52 Member Posts: 1
    Hi. Wanted to share my experience as well. Just got a new 03hl,"sundown red pearl",v6,awd.
    Got it for about 26k. 1st toyota since coming from owning vw and ford's.
    I'm impressed with the quality . I drove the pilot and although its has the 3rd row it really drives like a minivan. The highlander is more agile and not as heavy.
  • reklawcreklawc Member Posts: 27
    I recently heard from a Toyota sales person that the passenger capacity for the Highlander may be increased (3rd seat)in 2004. This is hard to believe unless Toyota increases the size of the vehicle. Has anyone heard anything about changes for 2004? Thanks.
  • landdriverlanddriver Member Posts: 607
    One or two posters have heard similar rumors from sales people. The only written evidence I've come across is from an automotive magazine's web site called Ward's Auto World (see Highlander Gets Third Row Seats), but the article doesn't state in which model year the seats will be added. Motortrend's and Edmund's future vehicle forecasts currently don't say anything about the 2004 Highlander.
  • rugby65rugby65 Member Posts: 81
    Im not impressed with the steering in my 2003. I only took a short test drive (Big mistake) so I didn't notice that it pulled to the right when the road crowned too much in the center. It also seems like it's dead steering when driving straight down the road. I took it back to dealer (2600 miles) and I talked to the front end technician and he said the front end was not out of alignment but the steering column was not alinged properly (what ever that means). The technician advised me to keep 35pbs air in all the tires to get the ride that the suspension is tuned for. Im still not pleased with the steering. If you are reading these post's in order to make up your mind wheather to get a HL I would like to advise you to take at least a 20 mile test drive with out the salesman or at least ask him to not talk while your test driving. They are trained to talk to you so you can't consentrate on the vehicle's performance.
    Mine also stumbles through second gear under normal driving conditions.
  • junepugjunepug Member Posts: 161
    Sounds like you got a lemon. Best contact Toyota USA.

    My 2003 V6 non limited Highlander is absolutely perfect in all ways. The steering is right on the money and the transmission shifts perfectly.
  • spencer327spencer327 Member Posts: 106
    Will pick up my 04 Highlander tomorrow
    LTD 3.3/5 speed/leather/3rd seat/nav etc
    Will keep everyone informed.
  • rugby65rugby65 Member Posts: 81
    No, I didn't get a lemon but the steering could be better. I just got use to the steering on my Oldsmobile 98. I'm not through with the dealer on this issue.
  • spencer327spencer327 Member Posts: 106
    Picked up 04 Highlander Limited Monday.
    Bluestone(metallic) with Stone(gray)leather, AWD,
    NAV,etc,etc
    First 100 miles
    vehicle is awesome,quiet, feels heavy, bigger engine and 5 speed tranny. Rides firm but not harsh. Corners flat, steers right on. Gave up my rear opening window.
    3rd seat ok for small ones.Still playing with Nav systems.From a Blazer to this is beyond comparison
    Also have 2003 Avalon.
    Toyota is making me a believer
  • hlfanhlfan Member Posts: 46
    Please, give us more info !
  • spencer327spencer327 Member Posts: 106
    to hlfan:
    Msrp 38200 net 35898. Lucky to get that price.
    Only 04 delivered locally. Lucky to get it. Didnt want NAV but only came with it. Toyota will be loading up the limiteds for a while, almost had DVD but stopped it at port installation. Stone leather is a first for highlander. The chronic helicopter is still in effect at rear windows and sunroof. At speed only open sunroof 75%. May be better with deflector. Had same effect in my 97 pathfinder, just not so severe. Middle seats slide front to back for easier entry to rear. Still has full size spare, drops down under the hl
    First impressions excellent. NO rear opening window and helicopter are the 2 things I did not like going in. I never open the rear windows so that is not a factor, but I will miss the rear opening window. Life is a lot of compromises
  • cgoddard1cgoddard1 Member Posts: 4
    Hi I am close to buying my first Toyota (Highlander) but am not sure about the extended warranty. I was burnt before bu not having one (with Ford) but since it is quite expensive I don't want to waste the money needlessly.

    Do you think it is required generally? Any advice please

    Thanks

    Charlie
  • robvnrobvn Member Posts: 5
    Purchased 4 cylinder "stripper" with QO package, roof rack, mats, towing prep. Paid $22,300 in FL including the distributors charge of $500 for the priviledge of buying. Wish "strippers" came with side airbags. Disappointed in gas mileage; around town = 22MPG; half load on highway mileage = 23. During break-in period achieved 26 MPG by not exceeding 45MPH. Got 19MPG on highway with chairs on roof. I suspect aerodynamics - what have other owners experienced?
    Car has had no problems so far and survivied first oil change at dealer where Mobil 1 was put in. No change in gas mileage.
  • landdriverlanddriver Member Posts: 607
    My 4WD V6 averages 20 MPG combination city and highway driving; conservative acceleration.
  • cmunizcmuniz Member Posts: 604
    As you know, whether the extended warranty is worth the price depends on many factors such as, how long you keep the vehicle and what price you end up paying for it. As a genral rule Toyota has an excellent reputation for reliability so my personal opinion is that they are not worth the money. However, if it will give you piece of mind and entice you to keep the car longer it might be worth it. I would recommend buying it from Toyota, not a third party, and negotiating the best price that you can via the internet and among several dealers.It sounds like you may have had a 95 Ford Windstar with engine/transmission problems. I, too, got burned, but not with mechanical problems but because the resale value plummeted when the problems surfaced.
  • ch1133ch1133 Member Posts: 43
  • robvnrobvn Member Posts: 5
    Purchased 4 cylinder "stripper" with QO package, roof rack, mats, towing prep,'TOYOTA Protection Package'& dealer installed pin striping. Paid $22,300 before tax & title in FL including the distributors charge of $500 for the priviledge of buying. Wish "strippers" came with side airbags. Disappointed in gas mileage; around town = 22MPG; half load on highway mileage = 23. During break-in period achieved 26 MPG by not exceeding 45MPH. Got 19MPG on highway with chairs on roof. I suspect aerodynamics - what have other owners experienced?
    Car has had no problems so far and survivied first oil change at dealer where Mobil 1 was put in. No change in gas mileage.
  • Karen_SKaren_S Member Posts: 5,092
    Consumers' Most Wanted Vehicles for 2004 Survey
  • brutus_1brutus_1 Member Posts: 10
    I bought an extended warranty for 6 years or 100K miles from the dealership. It was in November so I don't remember the exact amount but it was a little over $1000. The cool thing is if I still own the car (which I plan on) in 6 years and haven't used the warranty I get my money back!
  • shawkangshawkang Member Posts: 5
    Just got a 04 HL v6 that comes with a moonroof. Q1. A single swith to control sliding and tilting. But it doesn't have one touch auto shut like the driver side window's. So you'd have to hold the switch until its shut. My problem is to find the right moment to release the switch to make sure its tightly shut. For example, if I'm slidingly closing it, I have to hold the switch until it closes, but have to release it at the right moment; otherwise, the moonroof would continue on to tilt opening.

    Q2. Does the universal garage opener switch thats mounted right next to the above switch really work?

    Q3. The Manual says regular unleaded fuel (octane 89) is fine, but premium unleaded (93) is recommended. Which of these do you fellow owners pump to your HL? I think premium unlead for every tank would be a waste. So my plan is to pump premium once every 10 fill-ups.

    Thanks for the help.
  • spencer327spencer327 Member Posts: 106
    The moonroof has to be cycled correctly. There is a procedure in the owners manual. Once done the roof operates correctly.I dont know why the dealers dont do this a part of the prep.I vary my gas, but get slightly better mileage from premium.
  • tomsr1tomsr1 Member Posts: 130
    I liked the Highlander ever since they came out but only the loaded Limited.Because the Honda CRV was a lot cheaper I got that in 2002.I was not happy with cheap interior bits in the CRV never mind it's low power.So I traded it in and took a bath on that act.I wanted the bell and whistles plus the power of a V6 so I got it with $4000 off msrp which makes up a little for the loss on the CRV.The onboard computer that gives instant MPG readings is fun to watch and makes you aware of wasting fuel habits.When I have my two grandkids over the third row seat will be great to stop fighting.The JBL sound system is concert hall great.The only thing to make it perfect would be the pink slip.
  • massmanmassman Member Posts: 21
    buying vehicle thru private sale
    has dr rl eh be to ag cq he cf dh and rf

    19K bluestone with ivory cloth interior

    probably paying $24000

    any comments on price or buying a 2004 vs this 2003
    thanks

    Also how is vehicle in snow? can I use same tires that came with truck
  • landdriverlanddriver Member Posts: 607
    The price is fair (but not a killer deal). For 2K or 3K more and negotiating near invoice price, could probably get a brand-new HL; may want to check edmunds.com to get TMV price (what others are paying) for a brand new HL with the same features to better compare. Note the 2004 V6 is larger (3.3L vs. 3.0L) than the 2003 V6 in case power is a consideration for you. 2004 also adds an optional third-row seat.

    I don't drive in the snow but most feel the 4WD handles really well in snow, after replacing the original factory tires.

    Good luck, and welcome to the HL boards!
  • lisakayelisakaye Member Posts: 1
    Toyota suggest premium gas the dealer said it was ok to use 87 unleaded. Has anyone had any problems using 87 instead of 93 octane. I pick my car up Sat.
  • casanova2casanova2 Member Posts: 40
    I run my '04 HL using regular gas and it goes just fine.

    Note that some manufacturers *recommend* that you use premium gas but few actually *insist*.

    In reality, premium gas is just a blend of 87 and a higher octane rating, average of 93. There is no such thing as "premium" gas on the refining side, far as I am aware.
  • glanwinglanwin Member Posts: 28
    I always use regular (87 unlead) on my 99 Sienna. I even pumped 86 unleaded during a trip to Zion National Park. My wife just got her 05 HL Limited and I told her just use regular unleaded also. It has been a month already and I do not see any problems with her car.
  • jackmick656jackmick656 Member Posts: 61
    Own an 03 V6 HL, purchased 03/03, live in the low desert of So.Cal. Average summer temps are 108 degrees. Runs fine on 87 octane.
  • ramkramk Member Posts: 4
    Hi members,

    I am planning to buy a new 2005 HL next week with all the features like 4x4, 3rd row seat, 6 cyl, moonroof,leather interior, heated seats and even the navigation system. I live in NJ.

    Can any suggest the best price i can pay for it..

    I am not so particular about Limited edition.

    And also, any particular dealer? please help me buying a HL at a reasonable price !!
  • scotsvikingscotsviking Member Posts: 1
    Greetings. I own a Salsa Red 04 limited FWD V6 Highlander. I live in Oklahoma City, work at Tinker AFB and I am 65 years young. This is my second Highlander, the first being a 2002 AWD non-limited V6. I went from it to a 04 Sienna in May of 03, but it was rear-ended within 45 days to the tune of $13,000. While it was repaired very well, I just did not feel good with it, so I sold it and got a 04 Camry XLE. I was disappointed with the ride which seemed kinda rough compared to the Sienna, so I sold it and went back to the Highlander. This car seems to ride better then that Camry, and it is almost as quiet. I have been reading the messages on Edmunds for several months but this is my first posting. Glad to be a member.
  • ddpstcddpstc Member Posts: 44
    I heard that Congress reennacted an old law that allows deduction of SUV sales tax in 2004 and 2005. You must itemize your deductions to claim it when you file income tax. This is a good news for people who bought SUV in 2004 and 2005.
  • vlanman25vlanman25 Member Posts: 49
    HI All, I bought a 4 Cyl. FWD 2005 Highlander a few weeks ago. I have a whopping 750 miles on it and so far am happy with it. Power seems OK, granted it's not going to break the land speed record, and it handles well. Hopefully it will last a few years here in the northeast. I'm also curious to see how it does in snow. -Ken
  • a_dad66a_dad66 Member Posts: 3
    Greetings! We bought an '05 HL V6 AWD three weeks ago. Car history is '82 Tercel Hatchback (my first car), '85 Jeep Cherokee, '96 Ford Windstar, plus some driving of the '83 Honda Civic my now-wife owned before we got married and traded the two small cars for the Jeep.

    So far, the Highlander feels good-- roomier than the small sedans, more comfortable than the Jeep, more solid than the Windstar. We're still getting used to having doors on both sides for the passengers, and not having the mobility inside the car that the minivan had, but all in all I'm happy to be back in the Toyota family.
  • dennisgdennisg Member Posts: 12
    Hi all,

    Dennis in Seattle here. As I write this, I've owned my HL Limited for a total of 12 hours, and I can't remember a time when I was more excited about a vehicle. I upgraded from a Subaru Outback, a truly wonderful car. But I was ready for something bigger and something in which I could put my bicycles, as opposed to hanging them off the back of the vehicle. I had both the worst and the best buying experience with my Highlander. The worst was at Michael's Toyota in Bellevue, who did everything but bludgeon me with a baseball bat in order to get me to buy a vehicle I only wanted to test drive. On the other hand, Burien Toyota was low key, helpful, and a joy to work with. Anyway, it's great to be a Highlander owner. I look forward to many years of adventures in it before I palm it off on my brother.
  • grahampetersgrahampeters Member Posts: 1,786
    G'day

    Responding to Dennis's post above, I also traded aan Outback for a Kluger (Highlander to you) about a month ago. So far so good although there are a few minor rattles that irritate. So far, I have been very impressed althoough it is not as fun to drive as the Subaru.

    The discovery that the speedo reads a little below the true speed is a worry. particularly after i'd gone past a photo speed trap.

    Cheers

    Graham
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