No Problem! The dealer is Smithtown Toyota. That place is SO Professional, courteous, and respectful. No BS, lies or pressure. Very relaxing In and out experience. Seriously you have to go there to know what I mean. Whatever you do DO NOT go to Altantic toyota or Huntington toyota. THEY ARE SCAM ARTISTS. Sunrise Toyota in oakdale is just OK but I think you will not want to buy anywhere else but Smithtown. Kenny was my sales guy. Tell him Greg C. Sent you. By the way, I just picked her up after waiting a couple weeks( put the deposit down first week of this month) and I am pleased beyond belief. It rides SOOOOO nice and is VERY QUIET. You will NOT be disappointed. Bluetooth is EXCEPTIONAL as well as the JBL sound system. So roomy and but engine and trans are buttery smooth. SO awesome! Let us know how it goes.
Thank you! My wife (who is only 5' 2" also did not think the running boards are necessary, so I am going with your recommendation and getting the side molding. Again, thanks.
Per conversations with dealers, NorCal Toyota forgot to order vehicles with rear a/c option and tow package. Now they are starting to offer tow package but still no rear a/c which is questionable considering the weather. Any word if or when the rear a/c is coming to NorCal?
Today I test drove two Limited Highlanders. Ride was ok but there is a problem with the software as I see it and the service managers agree that when you take your foot off the accellator the transmission thinks you are aking for more power and downs shifts the trans to a lower gear and vehicle starts to slow down instead of coasting. This was a deal breaker for me. I'm hoping Toyota will come up with a software upgrade later.
..on a 150 mi test drive. Well actually I drove it to a customer who wanted to see the new body while considering the hybrid version. I didn't notice anything different from our own '04 model except that it was a lot quicker and smoother in driving. My wife thinks it's a monster vehicle but it handled nicely.
It's amazing the widely divergent impressions; size, driving characteristics, styling, comfort. It seems like a mirror to the driving public. There is such a wide variety possible drivers and the vehicle seems to highlight each specific difference.
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#1215 of 1378 Good news for Northern California buyers by nimrod99 Aug 08, 2007 (12:26 pm) Bookmark | Reply I have just heard from a confidential source, that starting in September, the next batch of 2008 Highlanders will all have automatic rear AC and tow prep packages. The feed back from the dealers is there is a huge demand from customers asking for these options. However, don't expect to get a good deal. Its MSRP minus a little
I recently bought 2008 HL and only have front A/C with manual controls. I run A/C on very first setting and passengers on the back complain that it is freezing in a car (feels good in the front though). I live in Ohio but we had few days in 90s with high humidity and most of the time I drive with A/C on first setting with temperature control moved a little to the warmer side. A/C in 2008 cools very well and unless you live in very hot climate front A/C might be all that you need. My car also has controllable vents on the console by the second row and these vents deliver adequate cooled or heated air on the back of the car. There are also 2 vents located under front seats that blow air on the back. Don't take my word for granted, try A/C performance at the dealership before deciding that rear A/C is a necessity.
I remember your post, thanks. Just concerned that NorCal Toyota reconfigured their options and now offer the tow package, however, still missing is the rear a/c. Why do a reorder and still leave out rear a/c?
I think that is intentional, the older ones do it also (my '05 does). The purpose to provide engine braking (not for more power) and increase fuel economy. Part of most electronic trannies these days. For example, going down hill, if I take my foot off the gas, the tranny will drop down a gear to provide braking. You get used to it quickly IMO.
Wouldn't be a deal breaker for me, as many vehicles act the same way today.
I thought that the entire issue of 1-2 second engine/transaxle delay/hesitation on all Toyota and Lexus FWD and F/AWD vehicle was the result of an attempt to increase the safety factor of these vehicles.
Now some of you are complaining of the transaxle downshifting upon lift-throttle coastdown events. That's EXACTLY the opposite of the symptoms and foundation of/for complaints going back to the '98 RX300 and continuing to this very day with the Toyota Camry model.
"Automatic" downshifting of the transaxle, or even remaining in a lower gear as a result of previous acceleration, in a FWD or F/AWD can be extremely unsafe unless one is certain sure of roadbed conditions at the time.
By any chance has Toyota licensed the Ford Patent and is now using the OAT sensor to determine if the roadbed conditions "warrant" a downshift. Allowing, "using", engine compression braking provided the OAT is well above freezing?
The FWD F/AWD SUV products would certainly be a good place for initial trials of this nature.
"The purpose to provide engine braking (not for more power) and increase fuel economy..."
NOT!
Engine braking will ALWAYS serve to reduce coasting distances and thereby reduce, not increase, FE.
Toyota itself is on record touting the "willingness" of their automatic transaxles to ALWAYS upshift upon any lift-throttle coastdown event so as to increase FE to the n'th degree.
Personally I have always thought this to be a "cover" story rather than being fully forthright about the real, actual, reasons for these quick and certain upshift techniques. I believe the actual intention of these upshifts is to alleviate any significant level of engine compression braking on a FWD or F/AWD vehicle and thereby improve the vehicle's safety factor, especially north of the "snow" line.
I just checked the "build a highlander" feature on Toyota.com. A few weeks ago - they only had 2 package options listed (no TO or QR) Now they have 10 packages listed (A thru J)
Here is the list for option J (for NorCAL) It has QR and TO
Rear-seat DVD entertainment system with 9-inch display, rear-seat audio and two wireless headphones [11] (includes 115V power outlet and RCA jacks) [12] (EY) - 50 state emissions (FE) - CFC-free rear automatic digital climate control system with integrated multi-function display and air filter [5] (QR) - Carpet/cargo mat - 3 row seating (CT) - Color-keyed sport-styled rear spoiler with LED center high-mount stop lamp (CHMSL) (RF) - Exhaust tip by Valor (E5) - Mudguards (MF) - Multi-stage heated front seats (HD) - Power rear door with jam protection (PB) - Power tilt/slide moonroof with sunshade (SR) - Remote engine start (V4) - Ski/Snowboard attachment with cross bars (3T) - Towing Prep Package [3]-includes 5000-lb. towing capacity, heavy-duty radiator with engine oil cooler, 200-watt fan coupling, transmission oil cooler with water cooler, 150-amp alternator and prewired harness (TO) - VIP-glass breakage sensor (V2) - Voice-activated DVD navigation system[8] with JBL® AM/FM 4-disc in-dash CD changer, satellite radio capability [6], MP3/WMA playback capability, hands-free phone capability via Bluetooth® [7] wireless technology and nine speakers including subwoofer in seven locations (NV) - XM satellite radio (P7)
After the prior post I took another longish ride in a base Highlander 2WD. At full speed and cruising there was no sensation of what I'll call 'lugging down' or 'downshifting' at all. It was smooth and seamless all the time while in the 50-65 mph range.
However in the rolling speeds of 20 mph or so I did notice a slight feeling of 'lugging down' or 'downshifting' or 'engine braking'. It was as if 'No power from the pedal = no pull from the engine'. In driving a Prius for the better part of 6 yrs I do notice that when lifting off the pedal the engine normally turns off or goes to idle depending on the speed so that there is little or no forward pull by the ICE.
This is close to what I felt in the new Highlander at low speeds, i.e. lifting off the pedal seemed to 'turn off the ICE'....but that doesn't happen in the non-hybrid vehicles ( unless they've snuck something by us ).
At present, for Walnut Creek (94596), we don't have the QR (rear a/c option) available. There are now 5 packages but none with rear air. Can I ask what area you are in, or what zip code to plug in?
Has anyone towed with their 2008 HL? For $699 I am wondering whether the factory drop hitch receiver is a different rear bumper that has an integrated receiver like the newer Suburbans or whether it mounts below the regular bumper. The spare tire doesn't seem to allow enough clearance to install a hitch below the regular bumper, but maybe there is. If so, is there an aftermarket hitch receiver that can be purchased and installed for less than $699?
When I plug in the Fremont, CA zipcode, on Toyota.com I still only get 5 option packages for the Limited and 4 for the Sport, and none have the QR rear air option. I'm not sure how you are getting the 9 or so option packages including one with QR.
I do not need 3rd row seats and I need to rear area to be flat. I looked over inventory of one smaller dealer and I did not see High. without 3rd row seats. Is this going to be a special order?? I am looking for sport trim with few additional options (homelink etc)
Well, from the Toyota website eBrochure, the Ltd will all have the 3rd row. They show the availability of either 7 or 5 passenger seating (ie 5 is without the 3rd row.) However they show it for both the Sport and Base seating as 7(5) which implies generally that you won't see too many fitted as a 5 seat configuration. I think it will be something akin to when I bought a Previa years ago, on the books there was as manual transmission. I don't know that they ever actually produced a manual transmission version for the US. Good luck! I too do not want to pay for the 3rd row, do not want to pay for the gasoline to carry the weight around, etc. I think Toyota is irritating several loyal customers on this point. It isn't a Suburban afterall.
that's one thing i don't understand. i live in south florida and when i put in my zip code it gives me a bunch of options, but not rear dvd entertainment. does this mean that if i were to buy an '08 Limited Highlander, it would have to be without rear dvd entertainment? does it mean that they don't sell the '08 highlander limited in south florida without rear dvd entertainment?
Well, in the worst case I'll get the sport with 3 rows and live with it. I just wish they folded flat. I'd rather do that than special order and wait for months and probably loose some negotiating leverage.
I am in the Atlanta GA area and will be picking up my 08 Limited Highlander on Saturday. I am getting a rear DVD, but they will be installing it after the fact. The dealerships, around here anyway, don't have any of the rear DVD systems in stock to install yet, but they can do it. And you don't have to have the power moonroof, contrary to what the webpage indicates
DO NOT let them install the DVD after the fact It's supposed to be a factory installed option
I don't see how they can do that because there is a video jack on the side passenger panel for auxiliary inputs.
Unless of course you are getting an after market DVD player. It won't be integrated into the front Audio system like the factory system would be. (Driver can turn off and control the rear DVD player)
That's silly advice. We've installed over 1000 DVD RES units in everything from Camry's to Highlanders to 4Runners to Sequoias to Tundras with no problem at all. The aftermarket units are just as capable and most times far less expensive than the factory installed units.
? sure go ahead and spend your $1200 to 1500 for a factory DVD player. That's a joke. Aftermarket DVD players are 1/2 that price. Car makers have always inflated their DVD prices way over what they should. Of course for the saps that have the money they probably don't care anyways.
Silly Advice? I thought the poster was saying that the dealer was putting in the toyota factory option. They would destroy the car, because in order to get all the features (side auxilary video imput, front audio head stack integration etc) someone would have to rip apart most of the interior panels, cut holes to mount the jacks etc.
If that happened, there would be interior rattles and electrical wiring problems.
Yeah - go ahead an put in an after market DVD player. You will still trash the interior of the car. NO ONE will be as careful as the Japanese workers at the factory in Japan.
With an aftermarket install, have a pimple faced inexperience teenager let loose on a brand new car, good luck. You car will never be the same again
Dont forget, factory DVD has more functionality 110 V power jack, Auxilary video inputs on the rear interior panel (so wires dont hang down from the unit) Front audio unit control of the rear DVD player etc.
And the peace of mind that a trained Japanese worker in a Toyota factory in Japan installed it correctly
And if it was a 59 y.o. consumer electronics specialist installing it???
You are entitled to your own opinion that's why there are so many different options in this world. But after a 1000+ installations I'd feel confident in our aftermarket company as well. To each their own.
I fully expect to get all the functionality of the factory installed DVD player and have been told I will get that. I expect to put all this in writing before taking ownership of the car. If they ruin the inside of the car, the car will go back until they get it right or replace it.
Sorry if I alarmed you. personally, I would not go aftermarket.
Are you sure they are going to install a 110 V jack an AUX video inputs into the rear panel next to the passenger? What about the front head unit controlling the rear DVD player? Sounds like they need to put a wire harness all the way from the rear to under the front dash. Thats a lot of stuff to rip up
Thats great you have a place with experienced installers Most places I see (driving by Best Buy or other places), its usually young people.
Also - with a new vehicle, they may not know how panels are removed and could damage them if removed incorrectly. Same with wiring, if they don't have the wiring schematics.
Hope they integrate it as well as the factory can do
It is not aftermarket, Toyota is installing it. I am told it will include the functionality of the headend radio controlling the DVD and will have the extra port in the back. Agreed it would involve running wires etc, but I guess I would expect they know what they are doing. (could be a mistake on my part, but I am going to try to put enough caveats in to cover my butt)
I guess the only real question is what will the difference be between a Toyota factory here in the US vs the Toyota factory in Japan. Hopefully not a substantial difference
"It is not aftermarket, Toyota is installing it." Something sounds fishy about that. The rear seat DVD option is factory installed. The dealer is not capable of installing it (I would not count on them to do it right).
Who would you prefer do it? a) A factory worker in Japan who installs the option during the assembly process, or b) Someone who works at a dealership, who does not usually install this option, who will have to dissassemble the head liner, interior side panels, dash, head unit and carpeting, and interior side panels. Then make a hand cut in the plastic panels to add the features to a BRAND new vehicle
If the cost is the same - why not just order the vehicle so that it comes from Japan with it installed?
I also think ripping apart a brand new vehicle just to install a DVD player is a silly risk to take. The potential damages to the wireling or the trim is simply too great to justify the gain. Either you live without it or put a portable one (some brands have multpile DVDs in a pack)which is even much cheaper.
This has nothing to do with the quality of aftermarket accessories or their installers. There are good and bad installers, both in an automaker's factory and in the aftermarket.
The question is whether the buyer's understanding of what he/she is getting is in-sync with the dealer's scope of work. To me: "similar functionality" can mean something far different than "exactly the same thing Toyota installs at the factory."
If the dealer is clear on what's being provided (i.e. size of the screen, integration with the head unit, 110 outlet with switch on the dash, etc.) and the buyer fully understands what he/she is getting and adjusts his/her expectations appropriately, then I don't see the issue.
If the buyer is assuming that a dealer-installed accessory is exactly the same thing as the factory-installed accessory, then we have a problem.
If it were me: DVD players are so year-2000. In 2007, it's video iPods for everyone.
In doing my research, what I found was that the only thing in question, or not doable, may be the extra A/V input and 110 outlet in the back. According to what I found, you need the power moonroof for this.
I had no interest in the power moonroof, and little interest in the extra A/V and outlet. (kids won't be able to connect a playstation or anything, which isn't a big deal to me)
However, considering that is part of the Rear DVD Entertainment package and I won't be getting it, I will certainly negotiate on the final price for the Rear DVD unit. All other functionality will exist between the head unit and rear system.
And hopefully I don't get "johnny all thumbs" installing it:)
I am sure you will be fine. The reason I am so negative about dealership work, is because I always have had bad luck. Maybe I am a magnet. Every time without fail, the work was done incorrectly the first time, and needed a second trip, or I redid it properly myself. In Colorado, my Supra timimg belt replacement, they (Toyota dealer) left out several bolts on the timing cover (found it years later when I did the head gasket repair myself). In California, my toyota pickup had a new timing chain and clutch, and they left several bolts loose on the clutch housing. My Honda Civic had a cracked dash, which was replaced under warranty, they left the radio antenna cable unplugged from the radio because it was pinched behind the dash and it would not reach the head unit, and a head of a bolt they snapped off got lodged behind a vent control flap and the vent would not operate all the way (only would move from floor, to floor / vent). Had the dealer rotate the tires for "free" and they ended up stripping 7 out of 20 lug nuts. Had to replace the studs on the wheel flanges. So enough is enough. I never trust them.
In the event that the new vehicle has Factory Navigation in front, there's also on more thing to consider.
With factory installs, the Rear DVD VIDEO will also display on front Navigation screen when in Park & Emergency Brake is applied. This has proven to be an outstanding feature in our Sienna and I expect nothing less in my future Highlander. I've already verified with certainty that this same functionality is part of factory Nav & DVD combinations.
For reference, if DVD Playback doesn't automatically feed through front Nav screen when in Park & Emergency Brake applied, simply press the "DISC-AUX" button and video should immediately feed through front. This is, of course, in addition to feeding through rear DVD screen - although even rear view is optional - as it can be turned off during playback.
While I've heard this is still possible aftermarket, I believe it calls for more splicing through factory rear backup camera feed, etc... For factory, it's done cleanly without extra splicing during build.
My vote is for factory install for this price/class of vehicle - just not worth the $400-500 savings to gut, cut, & splice through my new $40k+ vehicle!!!
Comments
Greg
Mack
Again, thanks.
It's amazing the widely divergent impressions; size, driving characteristics, styling, comfort. It seems like a mirror to the driving public. There is such a wide variety possible drivers and the vehicle seems to highlight each specific difference.
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#1215 of 1378 Good news for Northern California buyers by nimrod99 Aug 08, 2007 (12:26 pm)
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I have just heard from a confidential source, that starting in September, the next batch of 2008 Highlanders will all have automatic rear AC and tow prep packages. The feed back from the dealers is there is a huge demand from customers asking for these options.
However, don't expect to get a good deal. Its MSRP minus a little
Mack
Wouldn't be a deal breaker for me, as many vehicles act the same way today.
I thought that the entire issue of 1-2 second engine/transaxle delay/hesitation on all Toyota and Lexus FWD and F/AWD vehicle was the result of an attempt to increase the safety factor of these vehicles.
Now some of you are complaining of the transaxle downshifting upon lift-throttle coastdown events. That's EXACTLY the opposite of the symptoms and foundation of/for complaints going back to the '98 RX300 and continuing to this very day with the Toyota Camry model.
"Automatic" downshifting of the transaxle, or even remaining in a lower gear as a result of previous acceleration, in a FWD or F/AWD can be extremely unsafe unless one is certain sure of roadbed conditions at the time.
By any chance has Toyota licensed the Ford Patent and is now using the OAT sensor to determine if the roadbed conditions "warrant" a downshift. Allowing, "using", engine compression braking provided the OAT is well above freezing?
The FWD F/AWD SUV products would certainly be a good place for initial trials of this nature.
NOT!
Engine braking will ALWAYS serve to reduce coasting distances and thereby reduce, not increase, FE.
Toyota itself is on record touting the "willingness" of their automatic transaxles to ALWAYS upshift upon any lift-throttle coastdown event so as to increase FE to the n'th degree.
Personally I have always thought this to be a "cover" story rather than being fully forthright about the real, actual, reasons for these quick and certain upshift techniques. I believe the actual intention of these upshifts is to alleviate any significant level of engine compression braking on a FWD or F/AWD vehicle and thereby improve the vehicle's safety factor, especially north of the "snow" line.
A few weeks ago - they only had 2 package options listed (no TO or QR)
Now they have 10 packages listed (A thru J)
Here is the list for option J (for NorCAL)
It has QR and TO
Rear-seat DVD entertainment system with 9-inch display, rear-seat audio and two wireless headphones [11] (includes 115V power outlet and RCA jacks) [12] (EY)
- 50 state emissions (FE)
- CFC-free rear automatic digital climate control system with integrated multi-function display and air filter [5] (QR)
- Carpet/cargo mat - 3 row seating (CT)
- Color-keyed sport-styled rear spoiler with LED center high-mount stop lamp (CHMSL) (RF)
- Exhaust tip by Valor (E5)
- Mudguards (MF)
- Multi-stage heated front seats (HD)
- Power rear door with jam protection (PB)
- Power tilt/slide moonroof with sunshade (SR)
- Remote engine start (V4)
- Ski/Snowboard attachment with cross bars (3T)
- Towing Prep Package [3]-includes 5000-lb. towing capacity, heavy-duty radiator with engine oil cooler, 200-watt fan coupling, transmission oil cooler with water cooler, 150-amp alternator and prewired harness (TO)
- VIP-glass breakage sensor (V2)
- Voice-activated DVD navigation system[8] with JBL® AM/FM 4-disc in-dash CD changer, satellite radio capability [6], MP3/WMA playback capability, hands-free phone capability via Bluetooth® [7] wireless technology and nine speakers including subwoofer in seven locations (NV)
- XM satellite radio (P7)
However in the rolling speeds of 20 mph or so I did notice a slight feeling of 'lugging down' or 'downshifting' or 'engine braking'. It was as if 'No power from the pedal = no pull from the engine'. In driving a Prius for the better part of 6 yrs I do notice that when lifting off the pedal the engine normally turns off or goes to idle depending on the speed so that there is little or no forward pull by the ICE.
This is close to what I felt in the new Highlander at low speeds, i.e. lifting off the pedal seemed to 'turn off the ICE'....but that doesn't happen in the non-hybrid vehicles ( unless they've snuck something by us ).
Fremont Toyota seems to have a good selection.
They musy have taken off QR?
You can see my last post, I cut an pasted the full list.
this is strange.
It doesn't matter anyway. If you want QR, tell the sales guy and they will order it. You will just have to wait a few weeks
It's supposed to be a factory installed option
I don't see how they can do that because there is a video jack on the side passenger panel for auxiliary inputs.
Unless of course you are getting an after market DVD player.
It won't be integrated into the front Audio system like the factory system would be. (Driver can turn off and control the rear DVD player)
I thought the poster was saying that the dealer was putting in the toyota factory option.
They would destroy the car, because in order to get all the features (side auxilary video imput, front audio head stack integration etc) someone would have to rip apart most of the interior panels, cut holes to mount the jacks etc.
If that happened, there would be interior rattles and electrical wiring problems.
Yeah - go ahead an put in an after market DVD player.
You will still trash the interior of the car.
NO ONE will be as careful as the Japanese workers at the factory in Japan.
With an aftermarket install, have a pimple faced inexperience teenager let loose on a brand new car, good luck. You car will never be the same again
110 V power jack, Auxilary video inputs on the rear interior panel (so wires dont hang down from the unit) Front audio unit control of the rear DVD player etc.
And the peace of mind that a trained Japanese worker in a Toyota factory in Japan installed it correctly
And if it was a 59 y.o. consumer electronics specialist installing it???
You are entitled to your own opinion that's why there are so many different options in this world. But after a 1000+ installations I'd feel confident in our aftermarket company as well. To each their own.
I appreciate all the feedback.
Are you sure they are going to install a 110 V jack an AUX video inputs into the rear panel next to the passenger?
What about the front head unit controlling the rear DVD player? Sounds like they need to put a wire harness all the way from the rear to under the front dash.
Thats a lot of stuff to rip up
Most places I see (driving by Best Buy or other places), its usually young people.
Also - with a new vehicle, they may not know how panels are removed and could damage them if removed incorrectly.
Same with wiring, if they don't have the wiring schematics.
Hope they integrate it as well as the factory can do
Something sounds fishy about that.
The rear seat DVD option is factory installed.
The dealer is not capable of installing it (I would not count on them to do it right).
Who would you prefer do it?
a) A factory worker in Japan who installs the option during the assembly process, or
b) Someone who works at a dealership, who does not usually install this option, who will have to dissassemble the head liner, interior side panels, dash, head unit and carpeting, and interior side panels. Then make a hand cut in the plastic panels to add the features to a BRAND new vehicle
If the cost is the same - why not just order the vehicle so that it comes from Japan with it installed?
not for me thanks
I want my Highlander to be factory fresh
The question is whether the buyer's understanding of what he/she is getting is in-sync with the dealer's scope of work. To me: "similar functionality" can mean something far different than "exactly the same thing Toyota installs at the factory."
If the dealer is clear on what's being provided (i.e. size of the screen, integration with the head unit, 110 outlet with switch on the dash, etc.) and the buyer fully understands what he/she is getting and adjusts his/her expectations appropriately, then I don't see the issue.
If the buyer is assuming that a dealer-installed accessory is exactly the same thing as the factory-installed accessory, then we have a problem.
If it were me: DVD players are so year-2000. In 2007, it's video iPods for everyone.
I had no interest in the power moonroof, and little interest in the extra A/V and outlet. (kids won't be able to connect a playstation or anything, which isn't a big deal to me)
However, considering that is part of the Rear DVD Entertainment package and I won't be getting it, I will certainly negotiate on the final price for the Rear DVD unit. All other functionality will exist between the head unit and rear system.
And hopefully I don't get "johnny all thumbs" installing it:)
The reason I am so negative about dealership work, is because I always have had bad luck. Maybe I am a magnet. Every time without fail, the work was done incorrectly the first time, and needed a second trip, or I redid it properly myself.
In Colorado, my Supra timimg belt replacement, they (Toyota dealer) left out several bolts on the timing cover (found it years later when I did the head gasket repair myself). In California, my toyota pickup had a new timing chain and clutch, and they left several bolts loose on the clutch housing.
My Honda Civic had a cracked dash, which was replaced under warranty, they left the radio antenna cable unplugged from the radio because it was pinched behind the dash and it would not reach the head unit, and a head of a bolt they snapped off got lodged behind a vent control flap and the vent would not operate all the way (only would move from floor, to floor / vent).
Had the dealer rotate the tires for "free" and they ended up stripping 7 out of 20 lug nuts. Had to replace the studs on the wheel flanges.
So enough is enough. I never trust them.
With factory installs, the Rear DVD VIDEO will also display on front Navigation screen when in Park & Emergency Brake is applied. This has proven to be an outstanding feature in our Sienna and I expect nothing less in my future Highlander. I've already verified with certainty that this same functionality is part of factory Nav & DVD combinations.
For reference, if DVD Playback doesn't automatically feed through front Nav screen when in Park & Emergency Brake applied, simply press the "DISC-AUX" button and video should immediately feed through front. This is, of course, in addition to feeding through rear DVD screen - although even rear view is optional - as it can be turned off during playback.
While I've heard this is still possible aftermarket, I believe it calls for more splicing through factory rear backup camera feed, etc... For factory, it's done cleanly without extra splicing during build.
My vote is for factory install for this price/class of vehicle - just not worth the $400-500 savings to gut, cut, & splice through my new $40k+ vehicle!!!
Hope this helps.
Can someone who had the factory DVD and Nav in their Highlander check that it shows on the nav screen in park?
Check this out
http://www.toyotaiguide.com/content/08Highlander/iGuide.htm
TOYOTA NAV