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Comments
We waited 4 months to pick up 2002 MDX (Nov 01), and I faced the similar decision on choosing between RX300 and MDX. With both vehicles similarly equipped, they ended up with about the same asking price. It wasn’t hard to make simple trade off according our personal preferences. Needless to say, I paid MSRP for MDX extra space/seating, and look away the quietness and material that RX300 has to offer.
I feel the LX is adequate for my need when I placed the deposit. Needless to say, EX trim has the home-link remote and security alarm system I was hoping to get.
Comparison:
Local Honda offers PILOT EX at MSRP $29,730.
Similar equipped (my opinion) Highlander 4WD V6 at MSRP $29,800 (asking $27,000)
Local Toyota is willing place “special” order with the factory for $600 over invoice.
I like Pilot/MDX where three 6-ft 200 lb men can sit in 2nd row comfortably, but I have hard time justify the higher price tag ($2,700) for that extra space and put up with louder engine.
Now wasn't that an easy decision ? If you need one now then obviously your decision is made for you, if not you have time on your side.
Good luck with your selection. Either way you can't make a bad decision with any one of these SUV.
Although for what it is worth, I really like my 2001 Highlander V-6 (which I have had a year this month and have over 17,000 miles on it) and if something happened to it, I would be happy to get another one.
Good luck with you decision!
After discount the prices are almost the same for comparable models, and the Highlander is just plain nicer to be in. Oh, I forgot. You won't get a discount on the Honday. The Highlander also SEEMS faster, quieter, and more nimble, although acceleration and skidpad numbers will probably be about the same.
Wish Toyota would wise up and put sound system controls on the wheel, and ditch the fake wood on the Limited as it is cheesy in the extreme. When we buy our Highlander, I will look for some sort of dash kit to cover it, if I can.
My current lease is up in November and I would be interested in a FWD V6 base model with moderate equipment probably stickering in the area of $28500. Anyone have some lease pricing experience?
Also will the 03' be built in the US and if so would it be fair to assume that delivery times will be significantly better?
-juice
A supercharger would be great...but I thought I heard somewhere that it couldn't be done due to the Highlander's VVT engine.
He said that it won't be done on our engines due to the twin plain intake manifold that the VVTs have (?).
-juice
Go to http://www.edmunds.com/
It's all there. Solaras come both ways.
Is your country Brazil?
Steve
Host
SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
The Highlanders are another Toyota, as well as numerous Lexus vehicles, that have the C-BEST system in them. It stands for Customized Body Electronics System. It is a system that allows customization through the dealer's handheld tester with C-BEST cartridge installed.
The variables that are available for customization are as follows.
Wireless Door Lock Remote Control
Wireless operation Yes* / No
Door ajar warning beeper Yes* / No
Automatic Lock operation 30s* / 60s
All door unlock (one press) On / Off*
All door unlock (2 presses) On* / Off
Panic Alert Operation On* / Off
Door Lock Control (Key)
All door unlock (key turn 1x) On / Off*
All door unlock (key turn 2x) On* / Off
Illuminated Entry
Light Illum time 7.5s / 15s* / 30s
Interior lights illum on key unlock On* / Off
Automatic Lights
Sensitivity -40%/-20%/0%*/+20%/+40%
Control logic switchover New(type 1)* / Prev (type 2)
Theft deterrent
Passive arming On / Off*
Vehicle horn and security horn On* / Off
Entry delay time switch 0s / 14s* / 30s
Power window system
Key-linked open On* / Off
Key-linked close On* / Off
*denotes default factory setting
These parameters come from the "Highlander New Car Features 2001" manual #NCF198U, page 177.
It takes the dealer about 10-15minutes to change any or all items.
1. Connect meter to DLC3 port
2. Turn on ignition
3. Go to "Customize" menu to make selections.
Most dealers do not charge for this service.
Hope this helps.
please choose appropriate response.
if joke, hee hee, I know the language gets garbled. I am typing late night translation of poorly translated Japanese-tech-English...
if question, no. The key and remote are two seperate items according to this text. "key-linked" means you can open and close the driver's windows by putting the key in the door and turning to the right or left and holding it for 2 or 3 seconds. Right will open window, left will close.
Let me know if this doesn't cover it.
I was born in Recife, Brazil, but have lived in the DC area since I was 3.
-juice
It makes a huge difference if the air is blowing directly on you! I would recommend the rear A/C in something else. We also have a Sequoia and it is great with the rear climate control!
I have heard rumors (on these Edmunds boards) that Toyota is developing a 3.3L V6 that will be used in the upcoming redesigns of the Sienna and RX300. (I have heard release dates in Spring of 2003 for both, possibly as 2004 models). Does anyone on this thread know about this engine? If so, then since the HL is behind the RX in its product cycle, but the two share drivetrains and basic platforms, what are the chances of seeing this engine in the "restyled" HL for 2004? (For most of its car based plaforms, Toyota "freshens" the design in the 4th model year).
just curious.
~alpha
Dealing with a broker(General Car Leasing):
2002 HL Limited V6 2WD $33,579 MSRP
OOP $775.00
3/36/12000 - $494 + Tax
4/48/12000 - $428 + Tax
700 FICA reqired.
Hey Soylent-Don't do it while you still have the chance!
I do have a question -- the automatic lock operation -- which can be 30 or 60 seconds -- that is just for if you unlock the vehicle with the remote but then never open a door, it locks again, right? I've tested mine and if you unlock it, it locks again if you never open any doors.
Does the book say anything about passive arming and entry delay? Does the passive arming just arm the alarm, or does it also lock the doors? I would like it if it does both, that is once the keys are taken out of the ignition, it will lock and arm after all the doors are closed for a certain amount of time (15-30 seconds sounds good to me).
I'm really disappointed in Toyota for not making these options user changeable, as my dealer charges me $38 to make changes (I had to pay to get the door unlock from 2 presses to 1 key press, and that's what he charged me). I called a few others in the area (NW Ohio) and they all want money to touch it, since it "takes up their mechanic's time".
Steve
Host
SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
Don't ask how I know this. : )
Don't ask how I know this. : )
We'd all assume that you read the technical specification, of course! :-)
tidester
Host
SUVs; Aftermarket & Accessories
The passive arming is either on or off. The delay time listed is only from when you open with key until alarm goes off. You are supposed to start car within that time window.
I don't know what the delay is to arm the vehicle, but I am sure it is after last door is closed. If this amount of time is adjustable, it will be something to do with the alarm module itself and these adjustments and specs are not made public. You will be at your dealer's mercy.
And while you're there make sure no mice have built nests in there.
I noticed a vibration while braking at highway speeds a while ago, took it in under warranty and was told all of the brake rotors were "runout" and needed to be turned. When I asked what caused it I was told the rotors tend to shape themselves to the backing plates over time with wear. However, I have also heard that this happens when lug nuts are over-tightened...just so happens I started noticing the vibration after I had the tires rotated...
Anyway, they recommended turning the rotors with an on-the-vehicle lathe rather than replacing them to avoid having the same thing happen in the future....made sense to me so I agreed.
Glad I learned about this under warranty and something to watch out for and warn your mechanics to tighten lug nuts to specified torque.
I do have a quick question for you or anyone else who may know. The Automatic Lights setting, that is defaulted to 0%. Do you have any idea what this % refers to? I would like mine to come on sooner and stay on longer, but wouldn't be sure if that would mean -20% or +20%.
Also, what would control logic switchover refer to?
Thanks for your very helpful post!!
I have a "non-ltd" h/l that I want to upgrade. With the LTD model, it includes JBL speakers and a 3 disc changer. Electronically, is there any difference in the head unit? Additional amperage, etc. to conform to JBL standards, etc.??
Would like to upgrade speakers with ones that fit exactly without modification or kits, etc. But if Would prefer not having to buy an external amp if possible.
Please advise. Thanks in advance!!
PS: If anyone upgraded speakers w/o mods, please share the make/model with the group.
The control logic switchover is probably the algorithm that is used to control the automatic lights, but it is not described in the manual.
we related or what? anyway, where can this technical spec. be read?
thanks,
the sterer
I have no idea. I was just pointing out my certainty that Brad wasn't out there pushing his HL beyond the legal speed limits.
tidester
Host
SUVs; Aftermarket & Accessories
How has the reliability been? Have you spent much time at the dealer?
How is the ride comfort, specifically with highway driving as I do a lot of that. What is the overall MPG you are getting?
Thanks in advance,
Jim
Thanks.....
Of course, personal preference is a big factor when deciding to purchase any vehicle, however in response to your questions, I have been real happy with my 2001 Highlander (FWD V-6). I have had it one year this month and have 17,900 miles on it.
As for MPG, I drive mixed, but a good portion is highway, and I usually get 20-21...actually, closer 20 on average. It has been a lot higher on freeway trips, and lower on city only driving, but that is my average the vast majority of the time. I am easy on the pedal, though, too, when starting, going, and stopping.
As for reliability, my only warranty issue was a minor one - the Homelink system in the visor apparently shorted out...my dealer checked it and replaced the whole visor quickly and with no problem. That has been it for me.
The ride is great, and the power driver's seat is good to have on long trips...or even short ones.
As for preference over Ford, GM, Nissan etc, I don't have a comment on that...people buy different makes for different reasons. However, if something happened to my Highlander, I would buy another one without hesitation. By the way, I have looked at the new Honda Pilot, and my statement about buying another Highlander still stands.
Also, keep in mind some of the "ratings" the Highlander has received. Host Steve posted a link in message #5884 which goes to the Edmunds' "Consumers Most Wanted" page - the Highlander is the chosen one there. Car and Driver (July 2001) rated the Highlander best large SUV (they only had two size categories, and the HL was long enough to be in their large category even though it is mid-size). Last month, J.D. Power and Associates came out with their initial quality survey, and the Highlander is listed as top ranked in the mid-size SUV category. Finally, "Consumer Reports" 2002 annual auto issue has the Highlander as the best mid-sized SUV.
But again, personal preference comes into play for any vehicle purchase. Good luck with your decision...hopefully others will post answers to your questions, too.