Most vehicle invoices include a legitimate advertising fee levied by either the manufacturer or regional dealer groups.
Head back to the invoice page (prolly this one) and scroll down to Holdback and Ad Charges section for details. Check out the True Market Value while you are there, and good luck hunting. Steve Host SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
Bought a 2002 V6 AWD Super white Highlander. It is a lot of fun to drive and looks great. I paid $800 over invoice and was very happy with my purchase from Lombard Toyota in Chicago land. However, Toyota turned me down on a $400 rebate for being a recent college graduate (completed MBA).
They say that I do not qualify because I have one late payment (in a 5 page long credit history). I think it is absolutely absurd that they would not give me a rebate because I have one (literally one)late payment on my credit report and although they are willing to give me credit they will not give me a rebate (FYI, my rating was so good that I got a 6.0% loan for 60 months from TFC). Go figure?
Overall it was a good buying experience but this rebate thing caused a lot of frustration. What do you guys think? Am I being out of line by requesting that they allow me the rebate? I think I deserve it since I am financing through them and also recently graduated. What do you guys think?
Your beef is with Toyota Financial services, and not the dealer. The dealer is just following the program guidelines which state "no derogatory credit." The program is really intended to help young folks just starting out in the world, not folks with 5 pages of credit history.
If you want to pursue it, ask your dealer to submit the forms and refund you only when they get funded on it.
Here in Toronto Ontario, Canada, the alarm without glass breakage is $245 for the Highlander. But, Installation is also the same price of $245 dollars. It should take 3 hours. Is this about right?
Does anyone know when the climate control system in the limited edition is vented in the summer? I don't really like leaving my windows cracked in the summer but I'm not sure the car is vented properly with both the auto and a/c switches on. Does anyone know when the vehicle is vented?
That interest rate sounds high to me. Most car dealers are giving 0 - 3.9% financing on 60 months right now. Does Toyota offer a lower rate that they are not giving you because of your credit blemish or is that the lowest one they give on 60 months at this time. Surely they give lower than that with the rate the Fed is giving right now.
There is no such thing as a 3.9% on a Highlander. In fact, there is no such thing at 3.9% on any Toyota for 60 months. Those kinds of rates are subsidized by the manufacturer on cars that are not selling quickly. We have 3.9% for 48 months on the 4Runner, Solara (not the convertible), Sienna, Tundra and ECHO, but nothing on the Highlander. In fact, 6% is extremely low for a person with a couple of blemishes.
Is that why the best selling SUV on the planet is offering low interest rate or a rebate? The Explorer is giving 0/2.9/3.9 on 36/48/60 months or $1500 - $2500 rebate depending on the options you get. See the link below:
Assuming the HL is a true clone of the RX the only "vent" is through/out of the bottom of the driver's side rear quarter panel through the "louvers" in the panel just under the rear most side window.
If you're trying to vent the heat from the hot sun while parked your only choice is to open the windows or sunroof slightly. If you're trying to prevent the mold and mildew spores from forming on the damp evaporator surfaces during the night then you can do the same or invest in an aftermarket product at:
Has anyone been watching Toyota long enough to know if they typically have sales/incentives at a certain time of year? I plan to buy a Highlander sometime over the next 6 months but would like to wait 'til they have a sale.
I've been with Toyota since February of 1994 and I think I can discern a few patterns. Toyota puts incentives on cars that are approaching the end of their body style. This explains them on the 4Runner, Tacoma and Sienna right now. They also put them on cars that are not selling quickly enough relative to the number on the ground. The ECHO and Solara are current examples.
Based on what I have seen in the past, I would not anticipate incentives on the Highlander for at least another couple of years. Unless market conditions change in a radical manner (which certainly can happen), the HL is selling well enough and stocks are sufficiently low that incentives will not be needed.
If you are looking for the best deal, find a dealership late in the month that has a good number in stock. In general, you get your best deal by taking one from stock when the dealer and salesmen are trying to hit monthly objectives.
I'm looking to purchase a 2002 Highlander, and I can't decide between the two. I read something on the VSC option, and thought about getting the 2WD with the VSC option. Any information would be much appreciated.
A couple thoughts after scanning the last 350 messages after not checking the board for a while.
Our '02 2wd V6 has consistently gotten 16.5 +/- 0.5 mpg in heavy city driving with AC always running. 20-21 highway at around 80 mph and packed with kids & stuff. Decent, but not quite the EPA #s. South Florida, 87 octane, for reference.
Thanks to several for the rear spoiler info. My interest is more practical than appearance oriented -- those that have installed the rear spoiler, have you seen a dramatic reduction in the dirt that accumulates on the rear window and gate?
Lastly, we had a great experience with factory ordering and I wouldn't consider buying off a lot here in So Fla. Didn't want to pay for or need the alloy wheels, tinted windows, power seats or Toyoguard and all vehicles had all of them. The steel wheels, IMHO, even have a bit better design, I was going to put titanium film in the windows anyway, the manual seats move in all the same directions and the motor will never wear out. Also wanted tow prep, running lamps and leather, all which would have come with more options I didn't need. Waited almost exactly 4 mos, exactly as ordered, two weeks incoming notice, $160-ish over invoice @ $25,300 (ordered originally as a 2001, came in as a 2002). I would have ended up with all of the noted options plus more at $28,000 or so otherwise. It does work some places, despite the nightmares experienced by some.
Has anyone been able to purchase a base model Limited? All the local dealers claim no such animal exists and there is NO WAY to order custom order one. (Wisconsin) I read a post somewhere that Toyota isn't making anymore 2002's and they have shut the line down to swap over for 2003's. This strikes me as odd for a few reasons. 1.) It's a bit early in the year to have made all alloted 2002's. 2.) From what has been mentioned the 2003 will be almost identical to the 2002, so a 'change over' shouldn't take too much time.
The Limited version I want should come in around 32K-$33K MSRP. Is getting a base model a pipe dream?
On the HL Limited, the vent doors are open at all times unless the recirculating button [upper left corner] is in the off position, or the system 'off' button is pressed. In the closed position, the green light on the recirculating button is lighted to remind you. When driving or sitting behind those infamous diesels in traffic, I close the vents . . . a great feature!
Like all automatic climate control systems, it requires a little trial and error to find the adjustments you like best. In moderate weather, I set the 'mode' to split the airflow between the floor and defrost vents to avoid that blast of air in the face. Use the a/c button when the outside air becomes too warm to maintain a comfortable temperature in the cabin. The owners manual is fairly explanatory if you take time to read through that entire section.
By the way, please ignore any nonsense you read about purchasing devices for your car that will prevent mold from forming on the a/c evaporator!
Thanks wwest and sirfile. I appreciate the feedback. I just don't want the head liner drooping and the windows blowing out in the sweltering heat if I can't prevent it. I never thought about the recirc trick either. That's pretty cool...
We just came off of a 4 year lease on a Sienna and purchased a 02 Highlander Un-Limited. I've noticed that in the rain, the rear window wiper must be left on quite often to clear the back window. In the Sienna, I don't recall using the rear wiper that much in the rain, if needed, an occassional swipe would suffice. Rain water seems to distort the view out of the rear window a lot more in the Highlander vs. the Sienna. Anyone else notice this? Also, for those who have the rear spoiler, does it help in keeping a clear view out of the back window during rain? Thanks.
? I have a 2wd, 4 cyl. 2002 HL. After backing out of the driveway, 2-3sec.'s after puting it in drive I here a soft click sound. Any comments! What is it? The sound is after I have moved foward 1-2 feet.
I have the rear spoiler and rarely have to use the rear wiper. The spoiler probably makes a big difference.
I would have never believed that a spoiler would make that big of a difference except that last summer I went off roading with my father-in-law in his two suv's (high desert in Utah). One had a wind deflector and the other one did not. The truck with the deflector had little dust accumulation on the back window. The back window on the truck without a deflector was completely caked with dirt.
I would have to agree with the need for using the wiper for rear windows in rain, mine is without rear spoiler and it does make it hard to see without using the wiper. In my old Supra I never used the rear wipers. But HL will need new rear wipers in couple of years. Anyone know of good internet URL to order Toyota accessories for HL ?
code3... I'm glad you posted this. I have exactly the same scenario and thought it was something loose in the dash. Can't figure it out. I have a 2wd 6cyl 2002. Hope someone knows what it is.
The noise you are hearing is the Anti-lock Brake System performing a self check. This is normal. Page 188 of the 2002 Owner's Manual states: "You may hear a click or motor sound in the engine compartment for a few seconds when the engine is started or just after the vehicle is started. This means that the anti-lock brake system is in the self-check mode, and does not indicate a malfunction." What this fails to state clearly is that action is initiated only after placing the vehicle in drive and immediately upon acceleration.
This was also a topic a long time ago with the Sequoia. The actual cause of the sound is a relay energizing and the de-energizing after the check is complete.
Has anyone had experience putting the head unit from the Limited edition (the 6 disc CD-changer) into the un-limited version? If so, did it fit using the existing wiring harness and did the sound improve?
I have the spoiler, and have been disappointed with it. In our old Rav4 (early 2001 model) I also had the spoiler and found that it did a great job of keeping the window clean & rain free (rarely used the wiper). In the HL (02 Un-limited), I have found that I have to use it a lot more. (Although, I like my windows to be clear so I might use it more often than others?) But, I would guess that without the spoiler it would be even worse.
Several years ago I started waxing my windows whenever I was waxing the car. Works great when it rains. If you drive fast enough on the freeway (55 and up) you almost don't need wipers at all even when it rains heavily.
There is a product specifically designed to do what you are doing with wax. It is called Rain-X. It works great and can be applied easier than wax by just wiping on with a rag or paper towel.
What are the differences between the Highlander and the Highlander Limited? Do I have to get a Limited to get a roof rack and a sunroof? In either case I want a V6. I just don't want to pay for a lot of stuff I don't need.
The dealer says yes, but I was looking for someone with "hands-on" experience. Honestly, I didn't buy this vehicle to drive it on the beach, but if it can do it, I might give it a try. I was more interested in a replacement for an Outback, and the Highlander is a great replacement. I know asking a question like that seems silly after purchase, but I would've bought the vehicle whether the answer was yes or no. It is a huge improvement over the Outback.
Sand is difficult for any vehicle to handle. You shouldn't have problems on hard packed or wet sand, but really loose and dry sand will stick you just like it would in an Outback. Between a fairly low ground clearance, street tires and an AWD system (as opposed to a full or part time 4WD system), you could have problems.
Hi there. I have a '02 Highlander V6 AWD non-Limited. The next time one of you are on the highway, would you mind taking note of your RPM's for me? Specifically, at 70 MPH my tachometer reads 3000 exactly. This seems a bit high, but I'm not sure. Thanks in advance.
I'm thinking of trading my Nissan Maxima for a Toyota Highlander. I test drove a Limited with the JBL stereo but was not impressed. My Max has a Bose and it is awesome. I can hear every detail of music as if I were in symphony hall itsefl. Anyone know if there are any better (than the JBL) quality sound systems you can put in the HL? p.s. please also reply to my email address in my profile. tx
Well, I guess I'm not alone on this, I went through the same Bose withdrawals, but, I spent a little cash and upgraded the system to something that would please my ears a little more. My advice is: First Upgrade the cheap stock pionner Speakers, then add and AMPLIFIER, and finally upgrade the head unit, I got an ALPINE for mine and now it sounds like a dream. Important NOTE: be aware that the opening for the front door speakers is 7" but you won't have enough magnet clearance (when mounting new speakers) in the back because of the window when its rolled down all the way will hit it, so a custom spacer will be required. same goes for the rear doors but that opening is only 6.5"
The basic difference that I've been able to see is the fog lights (instead of those nifty vent openings in the bumper), climate control, 6cd indash changer & upgraded stereo system. I think you get an in dash compass and maybe a temp gauge too on an ltd. plus leather and pwr seat on most I've seen on the lots. You can get a roof rack on any non-ltd HL 6 or 4 cyl. That's a common option around here (MN.) I believe Toyota will have you believe you can "build" an HL as a 4 banger AND an ltd. But you just ain't gonna see that composition much. I believe you would need the LTD for the sun-roof. I've never seen a sun roof on a non-ltd. Personally, in Minnesota, I wouldn't have one. They're nice for that 3 wks a year when it's pleasant outside....in between the cold season and hot. Had one in a Camry and that was the case. Also can be prone to leaking and wind noise. Let me know if you want more differences....besides the obvious price jump to an ltd. Regarding spoilers, I've never had one on any minivans or other vehicles. For $300+ dollars for high impact piece of plastic, I'll replace a wiper blade and wipe the window more often. I don't do gravel roads that much anyway. I factory ordered and debated this with my sales guy...he also thought it was not worth it. But to each their own. Keep in mind, this is the same guy who said that I should not get a bug shield on the HL because of rattling and wind noise. Just yesterday I saw to Silver HL's WITH the smoke bug shields on them...they looked nice...hmmmm. If you're willing to wait 4 months you can try ordering it to YOUR specs.
are quite nice. I have a silver non-ltd v6 (added the bug shield, cargo net and side window rain shields myself). I got a power seat, tow prep, and roof rack but didn't want a moonroof or leather and found one built this way on a lot last summer. I had some flexibility with options. I'm in the mid-atlantic area and it is quite common to find non-ltds in this area. Good luck on your hunt. If you want it optioned exactly to your specs you are probably better off ordering it.
Several postings in this forum suggested the Hidden Hitch 70777 Round Tube Class III receiver. I really only need a Class II, as I have Class II receivers on two of my other vehicles. Has anyone purchased the Hidden Hitch 90647 Class II receiver for their Highlander?
There are two different types of class II receivers. One is a 2" receiver and the other is a 1". The 1" is a very light duty hitch. It doesn't hurt to get a class III with a 2" receiver and only use it up to the rating of the vehicle.
Currently own a 2000 Sienna XLE and going to trade or sale. I am looking at buying a 6 cyl 2wd highlander in the next few weeks. Hoping to get either the base loaded or the limited with just leather for under 28,500. Here's my configurations:(invoice) BASE @ 22658 Dest Chg 510 AG 728 CQ 256 PE 312 8E 235 RL 32 DR 176 RF 200 Plus "Port installed" leather (cost ?)
OR the Limited 2wd for BASE @ 26159 + 510 dest. chg + Leather 856 for 27525
Other than the limited adding climate control, heated mirrors,fog lamps why should I add the extra money to get the limited? Can I even get the Limited with leather for under 28500 + ttl?
I might be wrong, but I've never seen a Class II receiver with a 2" draw tube. Class II receivers are rated at a maximum gross towing weight of 3500 lbs. with a 1-1/4" draw tube. Class III and up use a 2" draw tube.
Comments
Head back to the invoice page (prolly this one) and scroll down to Holdback and Ad Charges section for details. Check out the True Market Value while you are there, and good luck hunting.
Steve
Host
SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
They say that I do not qualify because I have one late payment (in a 5 page long credit history). I think it is absolutely absurd that they would not give me a rebate because I have one (literally one)late payment on my credit report and although they are willing to give me credit they will not give me a rebate (FYI, my rating was so good that I got a 6.0% loan for 60 months from TFC). Go figure?
Overall it was a good buying experience but this rebate thing caused a lot of frustration. What do you guys think? Am I being out of line by requesting that they allow me the rebate? I think I deserve it since I am financing through them and also recently graduated. What do you guys think?
If you want to pursue it, ask your dealer to submit the forms and refund you only when they get funded on it.
Still, $800 over invoice ain't bad.
http://www.fordvehicles.com/suvs/explorer/incentives/offers/index.asp?c1=searchresults
If you're trying to vent the heat from the hot sun while parked your only choice is to open the windows or sunroof slightly. If you're trying to prevent the mold and mildew spores from forming on the damp evaporator surfaces during the night then you can do the same or invest in an aftermarket product at:
http://www.airsept.com/eed.html
Based on what I have seen in the past, I would not anticipate incentives on the Highlander for at least another couple of years. Unless market conditions change in a radical manner (which certainly can happen), the HL is selling well enough and stocks are sufficiently low that incentives will not be needed.
If you are looking for the best deal, find a dealership late in the month that has a good number in stock. In general, you get your best deal by taking one from stock when the dealer and salesmen are trying to hit monthly objectives.
Thnaks for the time to post the flares pics. I think they are the only pic's that exist. TOyota ought to model yours.
What did you do with your Mud-gaurds. Wanna sell them, My bluestone came without and they can't order them yet. put the following togher for e-mail
scott.1
at
globalnetlink.net
Our '02 2wd V6 has consistently gotten 16.5 +/- 0.5 mpg in heavy city driving with AC always running. 20-21 highway at around 80 mph and packed with kids & stuff. Decent, but not quite the EPA #s. South Florida, 87 octane, for reference.
Thanks to several for the rear spoiler info. My interest is more practical than appearance oriented -- those that have installed the rear spoiler, have you seen a dramatic reduction in the dirt that accumulates on the rear window and gate?
Lastly, we had a great experience with factory ordering and I wouldn't consider buying off a lot here in So Fla. Didn't want to pay for or need the alloy wheels, tinted windows, power seats or Toyoguard and all vehicles had all of them. The steel wheels, IMHO, even have a bit better design, I was going to put titanium film in the windows anyway, the manual seats move in all the same directions and the motor will never wear out. Also wanted tow prep, running lamps and leather, all which would have come with more options I didn't need. Waited almost exactly 4 mos, exactly as ordered, two weeks incoming notice, $160-ish over invoice @ $25,300 (ordered originally as a 2001, came in as a 2002). I would have ended up with all of the noted options
plus more at $28,000 or so otherwise. It does work some places, despite the nightmares experienced by some.
The Limited version I want should come in around 32K-$33K MSRP. Is getting a base model a pipe dream?
Thanks.
On the HL Limited, the vent doors are open at all times unless the recirculating button [upper left corner] is in the off position, or the system 'off' button is pressed. In the closed position, the green light on the recirculating button is lighted to remind you. When driving or sitting behind those infamous diesels in traffic, I close the vents . . . a great feature!
Like all automatic climate control systems, it requires a little trial and error to find the adjustments you like best. In moderate weather, I set the 'mode' to split the airflow between the floor and defrost vents to avoid that blast of air in the face. Use the a/c button when the outside air becomes too warm to maintain a comfortable temperature in the cabin. The owners manual is fairly explanatory if you take time to read through that entire section.
By the way, please ignore any nonsense you read about purchasing devices for your car that will prevent mold from forming on the a/c evaporator!
Good luck!
Ask your Toyota dealer if he is equipped to solve a mold and mildew problem and watch his greedy ear-to-ear smile!
I would have never believed that a spoiler would make that big of a difference except that last summer I went off roading with my father-in-law in his two suv's (high desert in Utah). One had a wind deflector and the other one did not. The truck with the deflector had little dust accumulation on the back window. The back window on the truck without a deflector was completely caked with dirt.
Anyone know of good internet URL to order Toyota accessories for HL ?
Thanks, Dave
If you are still active, give me an E-mail. I'm interested in getting your old mudguards.
Thanks,
Scott
scott.1 @ mlec.net
(without spaces)
p.s. please also reply to my email address in my profile. tx
My advice is: First Upgrade the cheap stock pionner Speakers, then add and AMPLIFIER, and finally upgrade the head unit, I got an ALPINE for mine and now it sounds like a dream.
Important NOTE: be aware that the opening for the front door speakers is 7" but you won't have enough magnet clearance (when mounting new speakers) in the back because of the window when its rolled down all the way will hit it, so a custom spacer will be required. same goes for the rear doors but that opening is only 6.5"
Hope this helps
You can get a roof rack on any non-ltd HL 6 or 4 cyl. That's a common option around here (MN.) I believe Toyota will have you believe you can "build" an HL as a 4 banger AND an ltd. But you just ain't gonna see that composition much.
I believe you would need the LTD for the sun-roof. I've never seen a sun roof on a non-ltd. Personally, in Minnesota, I wouldn't have one. They're nice for that 3 wks a year when it's pleasant outside....in between the cold season and hot. Had one in a Camry and that was the case. Also can be prone to leaking and wind noise. Let me know if you want more differences....besides the obvious price jump to an ltd.
Regarding spoilers, I've never had one on any minivans or other vehicles. For $300+ dollars for high impact piece of plastic, I'll replace a wiper blade and wipe the window more often. I don't do gravel roads that much anyway. I factory ordered and debated this with my sales guy...he also thought it was not worth it. But to each their own. Keep in mind, this is the same guy who said that I should not get a bug shield on the HL because of rattling and wind noise. Just yesterday I saw to Silver HL's WITH the smoke bug shields on them...they looked nice...hmmmm.
If you're willing to wait 4 months you can try ordering it to YOUR specs.
BASE @ 22658
Dest Chg 510
AG 728
CQ 256
PE 312
8E 235
RL 32
DR 176
RF 200
Plus "Port installed" leather (cost ?)
OR the Limited 2wd for BASE @ 26159 + 510 dest. chg + Leather 856 for 27525
Other than the limited adding climate control, heated mirrors,fog lamps why should I add the extra money to get the limited? Can I even get the Limited with leather for under 28500 + ttl?
Any input would be much much appreciated!