2008 Toyota Highlander

kdhspyder

Additionally if, for some unforseen reason, you have to replace the battery pack on a hybrid they run about $3,000. Generally this is not a concern but there are situations where it might come up.

Depending on the state where it's purchased the risk begins either at 100,000 miles plus or 150,000 miles plus. The incidence of battery failures/replacements is miniscule given the number of HSD vehicles on the road. Most of the original hybrids are just reaching their warranty limits. No one knows for sure what the actual risks will be for several more years, except that Toyota says that barring abuse they should last the life of the vehicle without replacement.

I will venture that many many more tansmissions ( $3000 ) will be replaced per thousand vehicles owned than battery packs replaced ( $3000 ) per thousand vehicles owned.

jmpage2

you won't get any argument from me on the unlikelihood of a hybrid battery needing a replacement but it is a possibility. As you say, other major mechanical systems are probably more likely to fail before the batteries do. The batteries are just an additional thing that CAN (but probably won't) go wrong.

As far as comparing luxo vs. non luxo cars, they have every right to be compared when the non luxo car gets priced into luxo territory.

I see absolutely no problem whatsoever of comparing a $42K Toyota Highlander with a similarly priced Acura MDX.

kdhspyder

I assume that the $42K price was a 4WD loaded up as possible with Navi and RES and every option possible.

The Pricing on the ones we have inbound are ~$38K as a 2WD Ltd w/Navi and $40300 as a 4WD Ltd w/Navi

jmpage2

Someone else posted the $42K price and it floored me. We are in Colorado at 6200 feet so while AWD is not something most people need we wouldn't consider a vehicle without it.

Is the 4WD Highlander full time AWD or does the 4WD have to be manually engaged?

Acura MDX is $40K but does not have Nav or RES (w/nav it's $44K and includes a few other features, with RES and NAV it's $46K). Not sure if we really need either option. In my experience such options actually bring very little back in terms of resale and can actually hurt resale compared to models without those features.

pablox

I went to Toyota's site and built a RAV4 in both an NYC zip code and a WV zip code. The base MSRP and option prices were exactly the same. What Toyota does do is change what options are available (or at least easy to get) in certain regions. They also occasionally do different option packages in different regions. However, if you configure like for like, the price is MSRP is exactly the same. Destination charges were also the same.

So, in short, it may be difficult to buy a certain configuration in a certain area but the base msrp and option prices are always the same. Once again, the price you can negotiate may differ also.

pablox

I really doubt the Highlander will seat 8. I doubt 2 adults would be comfortable in the 3rd row regardless of what the reviews say. The Pilot, MDX and CX9 are all a similar size to the new Highlander and none are what I'd call comfortable in the 3rd row.

The MDX and Highlander are the only two Japanese CUV's that tow 5000lbs. The Saturn Outlook tows about 4500 and the BMW X5, MB ML and VW Touareg will all tow around 6000 if equipped correctly (Ignore the Touareg's 7700lb rating, it's limited to a 650lb tongue weight which effectively limits it to a 6500lb trailer).

My wife and I test drove a new MDX last week. It's really, really nice. It drives as well as a lot of luxury sedans and felt nothing like an SUV. Unfortunately, I don't think the Highlander will drive as well. If you want to come as close as you can with one, get the Sport.

kdhspyder

This is true that in the 'Toyota' regions the Bases are the same and the options are the same price, but as you correctly note you might not be able to get certain options or packages in one region or another.

Now try Miami and Dallas...Don't forget to add the SET Administration Fee. SET and GST are privately owned regions not part of Toyota.

jmpage2

Yes, I was basically decided on the MDX to replace my wife's current vehicle. In the test drive I was absolutely wowed with the fit and finish of the vehicle and the driving performance felt more like a medium sized sports sedan than an SUV or truck.

The only thing that got me looking away from MDX and towards Highlander and others was gas mileage of the MDX being only average for the segment.

Apparently there are deals to be had on the MDX as well, in the pricing thread it seems that more and more dealers are willing to let them go at close to invoice. With the HH it is likely there will be a several month waiting list if it gets great reviews and it will probably be sold at or near sticker price.

Does anyone have any insight on what a 2008 HH Limited is supposed to go for? One of the local dealers said it would be about a $3,000 premium over the gas version, but in some of the early previews/reviews they seem to be predicting a price premium of $6K which could push the price of the HH to almost $48K if it was loaded.

kdhspyder

The buyers who have opted for the Highlander in the past were generally looking for a vehicle smaller than the Pilot. Toyota has the luxury of having the Sequoia but Honda does not. The Pilot/MDX bridge the needs of 6-8 passengers. The new Highlander should be just a tad smaller than the HOnda twins.

sbell4

MSRP includes destination charges. below are common factory ordering combinations.

Vehicle Series: 2008 Highlander
Vehicle Description: 2WD 6946 - V6 (6946)
CQ,DJ,RL,SD MSRP = $27,897

Vehicle Series: 2008 Highlander
Vehicle Description: 4WD 6948 - V6 (6948)
CQ,DJ,QM,RL MSRP = $30,502

Vehicle Series: 2008 Highlander
Vehicle Description: 2WD Sport 6950 - V6 Sport (6950)
HJ,PB,QC,SD MSRP = $30,827

Vehicle Series: 2008 Highlander
Vehicle Description: 4WD Sport 6952 - V6 (6952)
HJ,PB,QC,SD MSRP = $32,277

Vehicle Series: 2008 Highlander
Vehicle Description: 2WD 6954 - V6 Limited (6954)
EJ,HD,PBQR,RF,SR MSRP = $36,522

Vehicle Series: 2008 Highlander
Vehicle Description: 4WD 6956 - V6 Limited (6956)
EJ,HD,PB,QR,RF,SR MSRP = $37,972

pablox

That is a good point about the administration/advertising fees. They're BS imo but can only be negotiated out on slower selling cars.

pablox

Do you have the full list of option codes?

drfill

I really doubt the Highlander will seat 8. I doubt 2 adults would be comfortable in the 3rd row regardless of what the reviews say. The Pilot, MDX and CX9 are all a similar size to the new Highlander and none are what I'd call comfortable in the 3rd row.

Not sure the goal of the HL is to seat 8 adults. 5 six footers and 3 adolescents should be valuable to some buyers.

Space efficiency is an art form, and some makers practice it more than others.

The HH should be a strong value for under $40k.

DrFill

pablox

The 08 Highlander is only designed to handle up to 7 passengers. The 3rd row seat only has two seatbelts. If you want an 8 seater, the Saturn Outlook or a minivan are the only options without going to a full-size, truck based SUV.

As for space in the new Highlander, it has very similar dimensions (length, wheelbase) to the new MDX. I suspect interior space will be very similar.

scottgbwi

One of the negative aspects of the MDX would be the need to use the higher grade fuels. Fuel price is high enough using the lower grade fuels.

sbell4

quote: "Do you have the full list of option codes?"

yes, all of the pricing has been released and I am confident that Edmunds or other sites will update shortly if they have not already.

Not being rude but it would take a bit of time to go through and post each model's codes and description.

stever

For those actively shopping, don't forget the Toyota Highlander: Prices Paid & Buying Experience discussion (and don't forget to focus on the "out the door" price).

Good to see you visiting SUVs, Sbell4. Been a while since I've seen you in here.

qs933

If you search for Highlanders on Atlanta Toyota's new car inventory site, you'll see photos of the vehicles that have been processed at the port.

This is a good way (though the photo quality is nothing to brag about) to see real-life photos (none of those staged press photos) of the various colors.

For example:
A Sandy Beach Metallic Limited

Some of the listings have photos, some don't. I'm sure they'll add them as the cars come in.

Edited to add:
I finally found one with the running board option installed:
Classic Silver Metallic Limited with running boards

mackabee

That looks like a "staged" photo to me. Look at the painted background on the wall. The pics on pressroom.toyota.com are taken outdoors.
Mackabee

mtairyordge

These prices for the MDX are not reflecting reality for what people are negotiating. For a MDX with Tech(NAV) and RES invoice or less is very doable.

qs933

The old links to the photos don't work anymore. Here are the revised links:

A Sandy Beach Metallic Limited

and a

Classic Silver Metallic Limited with running boards

and a

Classic Silver Metallic Base model with the 17" wheels

Regarding the comparison between the Highlander and the MDX, I think it's a fair comparison given that a fully optioned Highlander can hit $40K. Personally, I don't care for the MDX's styling in person (in photos, I thought it looked great).

microbust

I'm guessing the 3rd row seats don't have LATCH anchors for child safety seats. Does that sound right?

sbell4

quote: "That looks like a "staged" photo to me. Look at the painted background on the wall. The pics on pressroom.toyota.com are taken outdoors."

The digital picture is taken when the vehicle is getting the PDI so it can be hosted on all of the dealer's sites.

bhut1

Looking for a new brochure for my parents yesterday, the dealer gave me his product reference guide as well as a cd for new owners. The info on the cd is also available on ToyotaiGuide.

I haven't really gone too in depth into it, but I figure it might give you guys some more info.

The reference guide lists all options, but not how they're packaged.

shimmer11

Thanks for the info bhut1! We are getting closer to actually seeing one in person.

BTW, it anyone in the Southern WI area has seen one at their dealer, let me know!

-Andy

bhut1

The dealer (in St. Louis) said that theirs had arrived at the port (Gulf, I assume), on the 6th or 9th, can't remember. Expected them on the lot next week.

shimmer11

That is good news.

Can anyone confirm the official release date? I heard that the website will be updated on Wednesday July 18th?

-Andy

verdugo

Thanks for the link.

I'm pretty impressed with Toyota. That is a very useful site.

pablox

NP, I understand that's a lot of typing.

scottgbwi

Very good link bhut1. Thanks.

stepan

Just got the new 08 brochure. It looks like the regular gas versions have a Shifttronic +/- gear selector option. If you look closely on the web site, you can also see it.

Does anyone know for sure whether the Highlander will have this option?
thx!

shimmer11

Stepan,

May I ask which state you received the brochure from?

-Andy

drfill

But it inherits the Camry's V6 drivetrain, and the Avalon and Camry both have it.

DrFill

stepan

Hi Andy,
Got it from San Francisco Toyota. (er. California?)

shimmer11

Awesome thanks stepan. Was it the full brochure? I was able to get a small one a few weeks ago. I will check with my dealer (here in Southern WI to see if they have the brochure yet).

kdhspyder

Ours and Mackabee's ( we're on opposite ends of town ) are sitting at the Port of NY. Apparently they're waiting for the 'GO' signal.

The full brochures arrived yesterday.

scottgbwi

When I test drove it, it did have what is probably referred to as "shiftronic". He basically said it allows you to kind of drive like a stick shift if you want or to pick your gear. I didn't try driving with that feature.

stepan

Yes, the full glossy, heavy brochure with fold out pages. Maybe 20 pages? My sales guy (same one I bought my Sienna in 2001) said they got it in on Tuesday, and sent one to me right away.

stepan

Stupid question:
I am thinking with this type of manual override of the automatic, I may be able to squeeze 1 more mile per gallon out of the car by up shifting sooner. Of course I lose the torque, but for most casual driving I don't think I would miss it.
Anyone have any insights into this? Thx!

stepan

Don't you have a Carmax down there? They look like they have good prices.

cubssoxs

Does anyone know if the Highlander Base comes with power seats?

No 2008 highlander sightings yet in Illinois

tomd

Does anyone know if all of the window switches light now as opposed to just the drivers's window switch? I still can't believe that on my '07 Limited that just the driver's window switch lights up at night. Would love to see the homelink buttons and the mirror buttons light up too but I doubt that will happen since I don't even think Lexus does that.

rcoplien

94.1 Cubic Feet with all the rear seats down
42.3 Cubic Feet with just the 3rd row seats down.

Not bad at all!!!!!1

pablox

The MDX is only 84 cubic feet. Nice.

shimmer11

I am curious to see how they are loading up the 2008 HL packages initially. My wife and I want just the base model, so we may need to custome order one if we want it.

-Andy

microbust

In talking with salespeople, they seem to be initially getting mostly Limiteds and perhaps a Sport, at least here in Nor Cal.

shimmer11

Yea microbust. This is what I figured. They are going to load 'em up for the initial run.

-Andy

kdhspyder

Yes all vehicle launches are like that. The recent Tundra was the exception and the buyers rebelled, too many V6 work trucks. 'Where are the Limited Dbl Cabs and CrewMaxs?'

They had to crank up the Limited versions ASAP

The initial buyers often are 'I want everything on it and price isn't that important.' Sending them a stripped down V6 work truck was like selling watered down beer.

blufz1

I let my auto shift down whenever it wants so as to put less stress on the drive train. Drive train is more valuable than lugging an extra mpg from you vehicle.

qs933

> Does anyone know if the Highlander Base comes with power seats?

According to the ToyotaiGude site, the Base comes with a manually adjustable 8-way driver's seat.