Toyota Highlander

oldheffe

Thanks FYP. The quote from the dealer is about the same. Does anypone pull a camper with their HY? Anything I should be aware of? Thanks

oldheffe

junco

Is it true that the highlander does NOT have rear A/C? It was 109 in Texas today....

gwkiser

Found it.

gwkiser

True. While still parked, I usually crank the fan all the way up (on recirc), lower the temp all the way, and lower the back windows for about a minute or so to eliminate any hot air inside. Be sure and put the windows back up before you get rolling to avoid the "buffetting" noise.

As a habit, I also keep the windows cracked a little when leaving the car and use a reflective type insulated windshield sunscreen. We in Texas need all the help we can get this time of the year.

590116

While there are no A/C vents in the rear, it seems to me that the under-frontseat ducts blow cold air when I set the A/C to bi-level or floor. Can anyone else confirm this? Not that it does a lot of good, but it seems to help some.

landdriver

There are indeed flat black ducts under each front seat that blow air to the back seat area from under the front seats.

The AC on the Highlander is a bit whimpy, so the car doesn't cool down instantly.

sinde

For oldheffe:
Bought our V6 4wd Limited 3 wks ago. Bought an extended warranty...PLATINUM...6 yr./100,000 miles for $995.
The financial person kept going down on price...seems they can be pretty flexible on these warranty prices! The price started at $1500!! Don't settle for the first price they quote you. Good luck!

cliffy1

Stick with the genuine Toyota plan and don't hesitate to shop around.

cliffy1

Because I've been away from the TH lately, I don't know if the new product info has been discussed. If not, the 2004 will have standard VSC/TRACS on all models, the V6 will be the 3.3 and we get a 5 speed transmission. Power passenger seat is an option on the Limited, and third seat is now available. In fact, in the Central Atlantic Region, all V6 models will be the third seat model at least for the first several months.

gwkiser

You have mail....

jeff186

After reading Cliffy's post about the new features for '04, I'm wondering if any pricing info is out yet?

hlron

Good to see you back, Cliffy. Regarding your "New Stuff" post, there have been a few inquiries on new product info, some speculation, and some scattered info on changes - I think your post will answer a lot of questions. Thanks for the info. Ron

cliffy1

So I'm hot off the presses eh? I haven't checked to see if the price book is out yet but I'm always hesitant to post that anyway. The reason for that is, new features make it almost impossible to compare from year to year. Also, the discussion usually degrades into what is cost and what is invoice. I've done that too many times.

rqc

Are side air bags still optional? Will curtain air bags be available, and if so, on non-Limited models as well?

steveb84

My guess is Side Air Bags will continue to be optional.

Cliffy - good to see you here again. I've tried to answer some questions. But never enough hours in the day.

tommyg12

From Autoweek:

http://autoweek.com/cat_content.mv?port_code=autoweek&cat_cod- e=carnews&loc_code=index&content_code=03071580

cliffy1

... are not standard but are listed as "curtains".

nimrod99

I own a set of Highlander service manuals, and in general I am quite disappointed with them.

I would expect to be able to find out what oil type and capacity is required for the transfer case, auto-transmission etc.
They only thing they mention is the rear diff, which takes 90W GL-5 LSD oil, 0.95 liters.

Does anyone know what the type and qty of oil is for...
Auto transmission
Transfer case
And what the torque spec is for the drain and fill plugs.

Thanks

akasrp

Thanks for the info, cliffy1!
Any idea when 04 Highlanders will start arriving?
Any word on suspension/handling improvements on the 04? While cross-shopping a Subaru Forester, I noted a bit of body roll/lean on the HL 03 FWD (much less on the 03 AWD).

srp

cliffy1

Nothing new on the suspension that I am aware of. That doesn't mean there isn't anything, it just means I don't know of any.

The '04s are being allocated now so figure a mid September delivery.

c3uo

Thanks for your extremely valuable info on 2004 Highlander. My wife will be buying a Highlander / Used Rx in the next few weeks. We had wanted to wait and see whether the 3.3L engine would be in the 2004.

So to recap, all 2004's will have VSC/Trac and 3.3L engine (if V-6)? Any idea how much the price will increase? (like ~500 or $1000). I'm kind of annoyed as I asked my local Toyota dealer last week whether the 3.3L would be in the 2004, and he said, "No definately not until a year after that - only a 3rd row seat will be optional in 2004" and he proceeded to push his 2003 on me.

Any other details / info on 2004's? I called Toyota but they said they had no info on the 2004's yet.....

cliffy1

I've told just about everything I know. I did notice that the only v6 that will come without a third row is a 2WD, non-Limited and even that will have it as an option.

No word yet on prices. I don't anticipate much more than $500 but that is a pure guess.

sundiego

I wish I had known of this website and townhall posting before I bought this Highlander last year.This is a great place to do research.
The seats are poorly designed in this 2002 v6 2wd. I had a ford explorer for 8 years. The seats were a dream. Actually, the Ford gave me no problems. But I chose to go Toyota after meager research vs. the Envoy or Pilot. But the seats get to me, especially here in CA where on the road is often sitting in a parking lot.

jd7112

I am in the process of buying a new SUV any ones opinion on the Highlander vs the Honda CRV bbesides the price ?

mgabel2

I REALLY don't want that 3rd row if they cannot be taken out (and rather annoyed that I'd have to pay for them anyway). Surely there is very little cargo space left, even with them folded back (unless they can be folded down and away, somehow). Also, I assume there has been no change in width/length to accommodate the 3rd row of seats (or the new engine/transmission).

akasrp

REALLY don't want that 3rd row if they cannot be taken out (and rather annoyed that I'd have to pay for them anyway)

My thoughts exactly! As much as I'd like the 3.3L and a 5speed AT - I think that 3rd row is a deal killer. Luckily, lots of '03s still around...
I suppose Toyota feels they need to compete directly with the Honda Pilot.
My 2¢: Let folks that want a mini-van (for the seats) get a mini-van - don't morph the mid-size SUVs back into mini-vans!

srp

branch15_5

I'm considering buying a Highlander. For those of you who drove both 4 cyl and the V6, which did you prefer and why? Is the 4 powerful enough for this vehicle? Is the V6 worth the extra $ and weight?

Thanks for the input.

kbalch

After buying a '96 Explorer w/ a V6 over the V8, I would never buy the smallest engine available on a SUV again. I really feel that the undersized drivetrain on this type of vehicle leads to transmission problems down the road. It certainly was the case on the Explorer. After discussing the very same topic w/ our transmission mechanic, he agreed. He sees a lot more of the smaller drivetrain optioned vehicles. He told me he rarely sees Toyotas, and when he does they always have over 100,000 miles, and were usually abused by their owners. Good enough for me. Buy the V6, you will be happier in the long run.

bagpiper2

About the 2004 Highlander 4 cylinder Front wheel drive model........does this mean that 3rd row seats are standard or optional ?
We heard from our local dealer that the exterior colors would offer a different red and green, which is too bad, since we really liked the color of green for the 2003 models. BUT, will they darken the interior color.......the Ivory interior is so light, that we considered putting aftermarket leather in a darker shade. ANY additional info on the 2004 Highlander 4 cylinder front wheel drive.........would really appreciate

lmacmil

We have a '96 Explorer with the OHV V6 and it can barely get out of its own way. The SOHC V6 that came out in '97 provides adequate performance even though it's the same size. I do agree though that overall, most people will be much happier with the V6 performance in a Highlander than the 4.

cliffy1

The third seat will be an option for this model. I don't know how many will be brought in with this configuration but it is a listed option.

nimrod99

I thought the 2004 will be unchanged, only in 2005 will it be re-vamped?

kbalch

Agreed, the '96 explorer had about 160 hp, 225 ft lbs torque. The Highlander V6 has what 220hp, 225 ft lbs torque. Plus the Highlander is about 270 lbs lighter. There is a big difference in performance between these 2 vehicles. I know from our transmission problems that the V6 Explorer had a lighter duty transmission, than the V8 Explorer. Not sure if the 4 cyl. Highlander has a different transmission than the V6. On a recent road trip, with luggage carrier on the roof, and packed car inside, we averaged about 20 to 21 MPG, at about 70 mph, with waiting in traffic at toll booths (1/2 hr or so a couple of times) on I-95. I thought about the 4 cylinder, but I wasn't willing to take a chance that I would have transmission problems again. We even got the optional trailer package (w/ additional transmission cooler) even though we have nothing to tow. I now realize the hitch will come in handy for a bike rack, allowing room on the roof rack for luggage.

jackmick

Going to make a long story very short: Have an 03 Highlander.

07-16-03 Took HL to Toyota dealer for first oil change at 3111 miles. Paid cashier and noticed that the mileage on invoice showed 10,638 miles. Talked to service director and he said "will send you a corrected invoice".

08-06-03 Did not receive corrected invoice. Went to dealer talked to service director. He didn't rember me but said "our computer system will not allow us to change an invoice".

08-07-03 Called dealer and talked to customer relations manager. She said " will definately take care of problem and call you back". She never called back, never received corrected invoice.

08-15-03 Called and talked to same cus. rel. mgr. she didn't remember me either. She said "I will check it out and call you back within the hour". She never called back. Is this customer service at its best or what.

08-17-03 So here I am with an invoice that shows that I had my first oil change at 10,638 miles and the dealers computer shows the same. Any ideas as to what my next move should be?

gwkiser

Park yourself at the dealer until you receive a corrected invoice (printed off of their system, not hand written). If they can't correct the original, then they need to delete the original and create a new one to replace it. Surely there's got to be a solution.

The only other alternative I can think of is to take the HL back in with a "new" problem and make sure they enter all the data (date and odo reading) correctly. Use this new invoice as proof of actual mileage in the event of a warranty claim.

jackmick

Thanks a lot for your help. I suggested to the customer relations manager that every computer program has a security code. With that code the invoice can be changed and a new copy made. I think nothing will be done unless I contact Toyota Motor Corp. They need to know about poor customer service, they have a reputation to uphold.

cmuniz

I don't think complaining to Toyota is going to help solve your problem. Normally manufacturers don't meddle in dealer issues unless there is a warranty problem or defect. I suggest you go to the dealer ask for the service manager and show him the invoice and your odometer to verufy the mistake. Tell him that you are concerned that if a future warranty issue comes up (oil jelling???)it will look you have not service the Highlander properly. With the proof and you in front of him/her they should fix it on the spot. After they take care of the problem, then you can complain to Toyota, the BBB, etc about the poor service. I agree with qwkiser that you have to go there in person to get it resolved based on past experience

grenedy

I too had a '96 6cyl Explorer 4X4 before buying the '03 4cyl 2wd HL. Liked the cargo capacity, rarely used 4wd, disappointed with reliability. Another factor for me was gas mileage. Explorer averaged 16 mpg, the HL is rated 22-27 mpg. '03 4cyl HL is rated #1 for midsize SUVs by GreenerCars.com. The efficientcy of the overall pkg and lower price ($1,000 under invoice) sold me. I'm sure that the 6 is smoother and more powerful but the 4 works fine for me. Also, no problem with brakes less engine weight and lack of 4wd components probably help.

cliffy1

I don't work in the service department of my dealership so I don't know how easily something like that can be changed. It is actually possible that it can't. Most dealerships are using computer systems from one of two different vendors; Reynolds and Reynolds or ADP. Both are pretty antiquated. ADP just came out with a windows compatible system last year. Unfortunately, with no other choices for software, we often have little control over closed out tickets.

A modification of gwkiser's suggestion would certainly be a good idea though. Ask them to do a fresh oil change and make sure the new ticket has the correct mileage.

Again, I don't know that the computers are to blame for the technical aspect of this. On the customer relations side, they sure seem to be failing badly.

threencolorado

Can someone tell me what these are and where can I find a list for future reference??

Factory Installed Acc:
FE
SR
BE
TO
VD
LL
EJ
LA
MD

Port Installed Acc.
N1
CF

ch1133

Towing with 4 cyl. 2WD Highlander

Towed my 18’ boat- 2800 lbs total with trailer several times this summer. Longest trip was 150 mile one way over a mountain pass.(Stevens in WA) Going uphill at steepest point at 45 MPH at 3500 RPM in 2-nd gear and the 4 cyl engine was working hard. On level roads car accelerates smoothly and has no problem towing or breaking, at speed it goes straight with very little side motions. Did tow same boat with Tahoe and engine was breathing easier but expensive to fill-up.
When not towing engine is very quiet at cruise with only 2500 RPM at 70 MPH. I found power at higher RPM and trans wants to downshift, might not be a bad thing since it does not overstress the engine in gear. The mileage is 24 average in cith/hwy and when not in city traffic and I got 27 range this summer on trips. Power is adequate for daily driving, too many times I am in rushour traffic barely moving on the freeway
Changed tires to 245/70 Geolanders, found Integritys extremely noisy. Installed aftermarket tranny cooler since I could not get towing package in my area.
I am very satisfied with this economical 4 cyl, no problems with 20000 miles

jackmick

Appreciate all of the input. I called Customer Relations at Toyota Motor Corp. this morning. I explained the problem as I had documented it. The person I talked to said that I was entitled to a corrected invoice and she would contact the dealership and try to assist me. She was concerned about the lack of response by the dealer, and the lack of follow up.

About an hour after I talked to Toyota the Customer Relations Mgr. at the dealer called me. The only thing she offered me was to put a note in my file advising the service writer to be sure the mileage was correct on the invoice of my next service.

I don't get it, there is no computer program that does not have some provision to correct errors. I am not going to give up on this. If they can not fix this little problem I worry about their ability to do warranty work. I am glad my HL was made in Japan.

I can see big problems if I need warranty work done. Their computer is always going to show that my first oil change was at 10,638 miles. Some time in the future that could be the excuse to void the warranty.

threencolorado

I found them at :

http://www.kbb.com

sorry for my lack of reading other posts....

But I do have another question now, what's the difference between limited slip diff. and skid control?

gwkiser

You might also got to the Toyota site below and document your complaint via an e-mail to Toyota. That way you'll have a record on file with them as well, indicating that you had this concern. Be sure and print/copy for your records.

http://toyota.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/toyota.cfg/php/enduser/home.ph- p

landdriver

Limited slip differential is standard on all AWD Highlanders and is a type of center differential used on four-wheel drive vehicles to transfer torque between the the front and rear wheels, providing slippage via a mechanical viscous coupling mechanism in situations where wheel slippage may occur, such as when driving in snow, thus preserving torque on the non-slipping wheels. More-serious off-road vehicles have center differentials which can be locked, but this is not available on the Highlander.

Vehicle skid control is an option on Highlanders (apparently to become standard on 2004 models) and is an electronic mechanism which modulates the breaks when it detects that the vehicle is starting to skid out of control in such a way to provide corrective action to bring the vehicle out of skid. Its a popular safety device that a lot of drivers like as it has the potential to avoid an otherwise serious accident.

mgabel2

Do fender flares do anything? By that I mean, do thay have any function (other than to affect the looks of the car)? Thanks.

jackmick

It depends on what you mean by function. Flares change the looks of the HL for better or worse. As far as useable function probably not. I look at fender flares as something else to worry about. They may not fit perfectly, may eventually crack, may cause wind vibration and may get ripped off. Then there is the price, are they expensive?

landdriver

Like a spoiler, aluminum wheels, etc. they have no appreciable function except to affect the look of the vehicle. I have flares and I really like them as I feel they give the car more character. EGR (company that makes them) flares can be purchased from Toyota as an accessory, but sometimes they will cost as much as $800; EGR flares can be had for I think $200 to $400 on eBay (still pricy, I admit). I think there may be another company that makes flares for the Highlander, also available on eBay and on auto parts web sites. (The front flares from EGR only extend to, but do not encompass, the area of the wheel well occupied by front bumper, while the front flares from the other company also encompass the area of the wheel well occupied by front bumper; personal preference should guide the decision.) Some sources sell the flares pre-painted, while others sell them unpainted and thus you must have a shop do this for you (about $100 maybe), or leave them in their black plastic state if this is the look you're going for (typically done so in white Toyota "TRD" trucks). They're a little more involved to install than, say, a hood protector or sunroof wind deflector; it takes several attempts to cut the accompanying rubber strip with scissors or utility knife so that it looks professional, and some time getting the metal clips to snap into place. Note that flares cannot coexist with the factory mud guards -- you must remove the factory mud guards to install the flares.

mgabel2

Thanks for the input. So, it looks like you lose functionality, for the mud guards must go. [But I think I saw an old post that said you could get non-standard ones that would fit with (certain) fender flares.]

landdriver

I believe the non-standard mud guards you are referring to are the black plastic flap type which are completely different from the factory molded/painted type, and yes these could be added with the flares, and would probably look really good with them (I might even add such a mudguard, now that I think about it -- good suggestion!).

Also as disclaimer I should state that I know for sure the EGR flares do not coexist with the factory mud guards, but I haven't verified the non-EGR flares do not coexist with the factory mud guards, though my strong hunch is that this is the case. Hope this helps.