Toyota Highlander Accessories and Modifications

gwkiser

I don't know how quickly you want her to be able to access it, but what about the little storage area on the right panel in the rear? Assuming it would fit there, this would leave the front area between the seats still fully useable (for her purse, etc.). Also, I wonder if it would fit underneath one of the front seats (probably the passenger side)? Were the glove box just an opening door and not a "rotating box", I would suggest there as probably the best candidate. Unfortunately, I'm afraid that there might be too much vibration for the changer to operate reliably.

Best I could think of. Good luck.

pdalpsher

I have a HL that came with alarm pre-wiring. There is an alarm system I can get through the parts dept. Has anyone here installed one of these themselves? Or, had their dealer do it?

My dealer said they'd do it but couldn't give me a quote on the labor since they haven't done one. I don't feel like giving them a blank check so I'd appreciate any feedback
thanks!

seeadler290

We bought our HL in the rain about a week ago and immediately ordered the all-weather floor mats. I must say that I am not particularly thrilled with them. First they have no rim to hold slush/mud and second, the front passenger mat almost seems to be for some other vehicle. It certainly does not fit the well in any logical way. It does in fact fit a slightly better backwards (with logo upside down and pattern opposite the drivers mat). As the two mats proudly proclaim "Highlander" and were molded together I am sure there was no switch from another vehicle. Anyone else come to the same conclusions?

hylndr61

I am generally pleased with the "all weather" floor mats. I agree with you that the front passenger mat fits oddly. The lower left corner has a scalloped pattern that leaves a spot of carpet unprotected. There is a slight rise in the carpet in this area and there appears to be something mounted under the carpet. Could it be that this "something" needs to dissipate heat? Just a guess. I noticed that the carpeted mats have this area cut out as well, though not as oddly shaped. I went to our local hardware store and bought a small amount of clear vinyl carpet runner to cover up this unprotected spot as well as the area between the rear mats. Others should be aware that the "Oak" color is a dark brown that appears to match the oak plastic trim found on the "Limited" models. I have a non-Limited with the hammered metal trim but it still looks OK.

wcp

seeadler290,
Where did you order your mats from? Also, is your HL a 2001 or 2002? If yours is 02 does it have the new center console? Is it possible the new console requires a different fit of the mats?
I ordered my mats from toyotaguys about a week ago for my 02 HL. They haven't arrived yet. Toyotaguys claim the mats fit both the 01 and 02. I wonder if I will have the same problem as yours.
Thanks.

seeadler290

WCP-I ordered them from toyotaguys.com.
The HL is a 2002, all of which come with the new console.
I doubt if the new console is the issue, as the drivers mat fits perfectly, while the passenger side fits well in one corner...if the mat is put in backwards.
Sounds like you should expect the same fit. hlndr61 is also right about the color.
The mats are better than nothing, but before you cut them apart, try test fitting the passenger side. If you live in an area with a real winter, you might want to consider another product. I have no association with Husky, but the widely available "Huskeymat" with deeper rims may be a better solution.

wcp

I live in the great white north -- Canada. So we do have real winters. I'll definitely take a look at the Husky products.

hylndr61

I have posted a photo of the Highlander all-weather mat installed in a 2002 Highlander. Note the strange scalloped pattern. The link is http://homepage.mac.com/hylndr61

I still like the design of these mats and plan to them. The rubber has a soft feel as opposed to some that have a more plastic feel. Any more ideas as to the weird fit of the front passenger mat? The other three mats fit like a glove.

wcp

In the picture the mat appears to be for a different vehicle!
The fit (or unfit for that matter) is worse than I had imagined. In fact worse than the ones I can buy at WalMart.
I think I am going to return my mats once I get them.

hylndr61

I received a response from Toyota today concerning the seemingly poor fit of the front passenger all-weather mat (see message #152 and #157). After reviewing my photo a "specialist" in the Highlander area stated that my mat was installed upside down. This is absurd. If the mat is reversed it will not match the direction of the mat on the driver's side, the "Highlander" logo will read upside down, and the molded ribs designed to contain dirt and water will be at the top of the mat and not at the feet area where they belong. I wonder if this is a factory defect?

robsfhl

I notice the 2001 center console is now available at Toyotaguys for $198. Does anyone know how difficult it is to install? I thought I read in an earlier posting that it requires removal of the existing cupholders and other major work. If it requries dealer installation, I suppose I might as well purchase it at the dealer.

To dominor5, I was wondering how your rear bumper guard installation went and what you think of it so far? After getting numerous scratches on my rear bumper from people who must believe parallel parking requires bumping the car in front, I am considering getting one. Thanks in advance for any input.

seeadler290

Looks like my suspicion was correct hylndr61, but it was the designer, not the factory who screwed up. Put the scallop in the wrong corner and never finished adjusting the shape from a previous car pattern, I would guess. I'm an Architect, and this is what back-checking your staff's work is all about.
I am going to keep mine anyway (since I cut them apart)until they wear out.

hlron

I "second" robsfhl's question regarding the center console for the 2001s....has anyone put one in? I do see that Toyotaguys offers, in addition to the console itself, the template set for $70 for installing the console, and that the template can be returned for a full refund in orginal packaging. I am tempted to try it....although I do sort of like have the open area between the seats. Any comments from someone who put in, or had put in, a console will be much appreciated! Thanks. /Ron

jrfiero

re 162 Second the motion - Center Console/Waag Rear Bumper Guard by hlron Dec 18, 2001 (10:36 pm), included below -
The factory 2001 console isn't much to write home about - the cup holders are especially weak. I would investigate other options before spending what Toyota wants for them. Somewhere back on this list there were suggestions.
>I "second" robsfhl's question regarding the >center console for the 2001s....has anyone put >one in? I do see that Toyotaguys offers, in >addition to the console itself, the template set >for $70 for installing the console, and that the >template can be returned for a full refund in >orginal packaging. I am tempted to try >it....although I do sort of like have the open >area between the seats. Any comments from >someone who put in, or had put in, a console >will be much appreciated! Thanks. /Ron

mgbcab22

i had one installed for $300 all labor and material. it's not the best thing but for me it works, the cup holders holds my cell, garage door and a key, the main body holds a decent amount of stuff, there might me something else out there, the problem i found with anything was the width does not fit highlanders! they do remove the "doors" to the existing cupholders. and there is alittle room on both sides once installed (store newspaper or something thin)

dominor5

I finally got to install my WAAG Rear Bumper Guard yesterday. The end result was nice, the process kinda hard:

1. The mounting brackets utilize the same front screw holes as the tow hooks. Removing the bolts was not fun, it felt like they were on for good. Actually, I removed the tow hook on the muffler side because it was blocking one of the holes on the bracket. Also, because of the muffler, you will have to swap the brackets (opposite of what is illustrated).
2. The metal plate on the side of the muffler was a pain. Be careful not to cut yourself: gloves and a long ratchet extension come in handy.
3. I had to buy washers for the bolts supplied for the mounting brackets--the package doesn't come with it. Also, I used a couple of them to even out the bracket on the left side because I bolted over the remaining tow hook.

Let me know if you experience otherwise, I may not have gone about the installation optimally. Good luck.

hylndr61

Has anyone purchased and installed the Highlander fender flare kit available from Toyota? If so, were you satisfied with the quality and appearance? What about ease of installation? Thanks!

toyray

We couldn't wait for the Toyota factory to ship Highlanders with DVD/entertainment systems in the spring -- we needed a vehicle quickly.

Has anyone purchased and installed an after-market entertainment system for the rug rats in the back seat? What brand did you buy and how was the installation done?

Kirstie_H

I'm curious about those systems too. I remember when auto CD players came out, they were so new that you could only really listen to a CD on highways/interstates. Any bumps in the road and it was like listening to a funky re-mix. I'd like to know if anyone has the entertainment system and how well does it work during normal driving?

kirstie_h
Roving Host
Edmunds.com

roosh31

Can any of you Canadian HL owners help me out with some info on a local Edmonton auto parts dealer called Aero Car Parts Co. They offer a combination fender flare, running board, mud flaps add-on for the HL. I found them on ebay offering their product. They seem very attractive product and made of fiberglass. Do any of you Canadian owners have these installed on your HL?
Any info you can give would be appreciated. Thanks.

hlron

I have been asking my dealer about the consoles for the 2001 Highlanders recently...they were not able to get them until now. Although my dealer let me know today they now have them, it was too late for me....I ordered one from Toyotaguys.com, and it arrived yesterday. It seems I did a little better anyway, price wise...my local dealer's....which I should comment in this case is the parts department, of course...quoted price was $230 plus $100 for the installation kit (I have received great service from my dealer from time of purchase in June of my Highlander to present, including sales, parts, and service, by the way, and will continue to use their parts department for other things, as well as contiue to use their service department). I bought my console from Toyotaguys for $198 and $70 for the installation kit.

As a side note related to prices, I did find the hood protector for my HL was cheaper through my local dealer....suppose like anything else, we just need to shop around.

I agree 100% with mgbcab22's posting (#164) regarding this console.

I installed mine myself...uhhhh....a bit of a challege, at least for me (I'm mechanically challenged, though, anyway). But, I got it installed okay, and it actually wasn't too difficult, just indeed kind of challenging. /Ron

hylndr61

I recently completed installation of the optional fender flare kit onto my 2002 Highlander. The photos can be viewed at: http://homepage.mac.com/hylndr61

I found the installation to be easily accomplished by anyone with average mechanical skills. I have included a link within the above web page where the installation instructions can be dowloaded and printed.

The fender flares came pre-painted with all supplies needed for installation. The best price I could find was at http://www.toyparts.net (1-888-435-8022). The kit was $499 with $20 added for UPS shipping. It arrived in about a week with all the items secured in a box made specially to protect the contents (expensive!).

Installation questions can be directed to hylndr61@mac.com

bikerjohn

For anyone in LA area, Check with Carson Toyota. They have the same ones that come prepainted with hardware & instruction at $495.00. Steve Gantz is the parts manger.

He can also get the SE region flares, but they will cost more.

rivergirl

We just bought a 2002 Highlander and want to buy a plastic cargo liner to protect the back while hauling our two rather dirty Labs. The back of the 2002 looks different from the 2001 and we're not sure the 2001 cargo liner would fit in the 2002. Does anyone know if a 2002 cargo liner is available yet? We don't want the fabric one that is already offered by Toyota since our dogs are sometimes wet.

stevesr1

Anybody out there figure out how to do this yet? It looks like the plastic covers at the ends of the rails are the key. Does anyone know how to remove these without breaking them? I tried prying on one of the front ones but only was able to get one latch loose before I gave up.

Thanks,

Steve

1strider

we recently bought a 2002 HL V6(not limited). one of the few things on the limited i think is worth adding are the fog lights. i am not interested in the functionality of the fog lights, because i will rarely use them. however, i love the look, especially on the black HL(which we have). anyone know if the lenses are available, possibly aftermarket and if so are they diff. to install??

kenkneeb

Does CD Head Unit in 2002 Ltd. have outboard amp? I'm thinking of upgrading the amps in the 2002 HL Ltd. stereo system. Anyone know whether the head unit has an integrated amp or whether the amp/amps for the speakers is a total outboard jobbie? I'd rather tap into the preamp outputs from the head unit if its possible than to tap off of the speaker level signals. You know, sound quality rules!!!

Thanks in advance, ken@safeworld.com
kenkneeb

jmarouse

I called Toyota Customer Support - They told me to buy the Highlander Repair Manual. Go Figure...

I also think the Stereo is whimpy. I saw the suggestion to buy a sub/amp combined at the following.

http://www.infinitysystems.com/caraudio/category.asp?Cat=SUB

But -I would like to add better speakers and a stronger amp - Anyone tackle this yet ?

Thanks

1strider

if you're considering adding an amp, you should plan on eventually changing the speakers. my '98 civic said it came with a 40 watt concord stereo factory equipped. i think they meant 10w x 4. when i changed to a 45w x 4 JVC,i blew 1 of the rear speakers. looking at the rear speakers, they are rated at 15w!!

uks

Where can I order fender flares for HL? I read one post referring to toyparts.net,but didn't see on their website.
Also, is it worth removing color-keyed mudguards to put fender flares?
Has anyone put any other accessory on HL to make it look cooler? Like grille guard?

As far as my experience with the car (SUV), I got a 4cyl FWD. I always thought I can't live without a V6 on any car, but when I test drove the 4cyl model, kinda got impressed with it. And to be true, didn't consider V6 model because I wanted to save a few bucks. So can't compare or recommend the 4cyl over a V6.

The 4cyl drives good with sufficient low RPM power (that's what impressed me). From a stop to go, this engine has enough torque. However, as observed by others, accelerating from 50mph to 60mph when passing may sometimes need effort.

I said "sometimes" because here is what I've observed (in my relatively shorter period of driving the HL - 2 weeks). If you're driving at 60, and you suddenly decide to pass another vehicle. You step on the gas pedal and the car does respond favorably. But, if you are entering a highway, hence gradually accelerating from 30 to 50, and in that period of gradual acceleration you decide you wanna rush to 70 mph to pass, the car hesitates. In my understanding, this has more to do with the gear choice made by the automatic transmission than the power of the engine itself.

Another reason why I find the 4cyl sufficient is that I've FWD model, which is lighter than a 4x4.

I remember at this point, I notice a ticking sound coming from the hood after turning the vehicle off after a drive. I wonder if it's like a metallic thing that expanded because of heating and is now shrinking because of cooling. Has anyone else noticed this sound? Note that this is different from the ticking sound that others have mentioned in some posts. That one, I guess, if for V6 engines, and it comes from within the passenger compartment.

I'll post more once I cross the 1000 miles break-in period. Btw, I can't stop myself driving at 70mph on this new car, though toyota recommends not crossing over 55mps for first 1000 miles. Any ideas if this is really bad for longer term?

bikerjohn

You might check your local Toyota Parts dept.

Carson Toyota, here in LA area will sell them for $495. They come prepainted, with hardware & instructions. He can also order the ones from Toyota's SE region, but they will cost more since they are not preprinted.

SE front flare is different from the standard one that all other Toyota regions sell.

Also, this site has the for $280.

  http://www.stylinconcepts.com/parts.cfm?categoryid=2&orderby=0&partfamilyid=147&subcategoryid=8

bikerjohn

If you call Carson Toyota, ask for Steve Gantz. Tell him John referred you to him. He ordered & installed the SE flares on my Highlander.

baseball5

I saw the HL TRD Sport Muffler advertised on the Toyotaguys web site for $589.00. Seems a little high priced for a muffler so I have lots of questions. Has any one purchased and installed one of these? Have you noticed any difference in performance? How does it sound and how does it look? Hope to hear for another HL owner. Thanks!

gasman1

I don't recall the exact price on the TRD sport exhaust system, but believe it was about $100 less. Check it out. No personal experience to share.

shoedog

Has anyone bought a Highlander with option V5 (the security system ) Does it work ok,any problems? It seems like a good price ( $185.00 invoice)

jwfjwf

Most HL owners posting here seem to be pleased in general with this system. I don't think many of us have been able to invoke the glass break sensor, which makes me wonder if that feature is really functional on this system.

mber467

Is there a better aftermarket console than the cheesy one Toyota has for the 2001?

llofgren

anyone have a pic of the hidden hitch on their highlander?

msws_1

Hi folks:

Does anyone have a Highlander without a luggage rack? Could you post or send a picture if you do?

I will probably never have a need to put anything on the roof (haven't needed to in my 28 years of driving so far) and wanted to know what a HL looks like without it.

Thanks!
Scott

msws_1

I, too would like to see a picture of a Hitch on the HL. Particularly the Toyota accessory hitch.

Anyone have a shot of one you can share?

Thanks,
Scott

dominor5

To those interested, WAAG just posted 2 pictures of my vehicle at http://waag.com/clubwaag/showroom.php. It's the silver-colored one. I guess they didn't post the one of the front because they no longer manufacture that specific bumper guard. I did prefer it, though, to the current FrontRunner or Full 3-piece they offer: looks the best with the hood protector in my opinion; I used the 3M thick plastic for the headlights.

daisiesx6

i'm new to the boards and don't know if this topic has been discussed before. can one have a 6cd changer put in a non limited HL? if yes is it expensive and should a toyota service dealer do it, or should i look elsewhere? where should i look. i would need to have it installed.

paul450

Just purchased a HL Limited 4wd and I love it so far!!
Does anyone know the specs of the 6cd changer 8 speaker stereo are? I would like to get more out of it.
Also, is there any way to get the doors to lock themselves??
Thanks!
Paul R.

msws_1

Greetings:

In case anyone gets the flares, I would like to buy your mudguards (both won't fit). If the dealer puts the flares on, ask for the mudguards back, they are valuable.

E-mail me at

scott.1 @ mlec.net
(with no spaces of course)

Thanks!

dmanzi

I've been looking around for a car-top solution for luggage (nothing heavy) for the Highlander (with racks), and have seen many variations on a theme--a semi-soft nylon bag with multiple straps and a zipper system. Does anybody have experience with these? Any recommendations? I'll only be using this thing once or twice a year, so I'd prefer not to spend hundreds on a hard-shell solution.

osoriob

I believe a TOYOTA brand disk changer can be added to the highlander standard but disk changer and the harness that hooks to the back of your current stereo are going to have to be purchased at a toyota dealer, BIG BUCKs....
the cheaper option its getting an after market changer that feeds the signal through a FM station on your current radio, and of course the last option is to replace the whole head unit with a CD changer controller.

I hope this helps

dream74

I was wondering if anyone knew what the tallest and widest tires (in a 16") would fit the HL and not rub during turns. I put a set of chrome rims on and stayed with 16" due to the fact that going to a 17" limits the tires sizes in the style I want. Thanks for any help. I'm in the process of completing my stereo upgrade and will post results soon. (Infinity Kappa 10", Kappa 6 1/4 separates and 2 MTX amps)

cmuniz

The limiting factor will be the rear struts. Take a look and you will see there is very little clearance. I would not recommend going any larger.

rlambertinga

I just bought a limited 2wd highlander but forgot to get the floor mats. Where can I get them over the internet for a competitive price. If I buy over the internet, will they be the same as the one I could buy from my dealer? Also, has anyone had any from Walmart, Target, etc. that look as good as the genuine Toyota ones?

mcmatt

Try partznet.com. The whole set is only $57. They are OEM and much nicer that generics. I got them on special with no tax or shipping, but I think that has expired.