Toyota Highlander

1175176178180181211

Comments

  • paulapaula Member Posts: 2
    In other words...you think $24,600 is a good offer? I believe I have did all the research on used Highlanders and figures. I guess whatever way I look at it the dealers will make $$. Retail is approx. $27,000 on that particular vehicle. I just am not quite sure how high to go? I just feel that since I am a woman and dealing on it by myself they will try and rip me off. Do you think $25,500 is too high of an offer?
  • lmacmillmacmil Member Posts: 1,758
    First, there's no such thing as getting ripped off by the dealer. You pay what you're willing to pay, no one is holding a gun to your head. You may pay more than the dealer was willing to sell it for but that just means you wanted to buy it worse than he wanted to sell it. If you stick to your price and lose the car, are you going to regret it a year from now? If you go up to $25,500 and buy it and someone tells you you paid too much, are you going to like the car any less? To me, it doesn't make sense to take a $2300 bath on the trade-in but then I don't know why you want or need the Highlander. Good luck.
  • jackmick656jackmick656 Member Posts: 61
    I can't tell if $24,600 is a good offer because I do not know how your Maxima is equipped. Here is what I would do. Find out the high and low book value of both vehicles and work from there. If the dealer is offering low book or wholesale for your tradein and trying to get high book for the used Highlander thats a win win situation for him.
     
    It all boils down to what you feel you can be comfortable with in the deal. I have never done business with a dealership that said "we wont budge", and meant it.It is all about moving cars and that is what a dealer has to do.
  • petlpetl Member Posts: 610
    Is it possible Toyota will advance the life cycle of the current Highlander (from 5 to 4-4.5 years)? I can't see Toyota introducing a 2005 Hybrib in its current model and 6 months later re-introducing a new model. Toyota is not in the habit of wasting money. Would it not make sense to introduce a redesigned Highlander early next year... which would include a Hybrid version? Seems logical. Just a thought. In any case I'm going to wait.
  • kmartinkmartin Member Posts: 427
    I am very interested in buying a Highlander. Please share with me your experiences in the Phoenix area (I live in the NW valley). Thx! -km-
  • lmacmillmacmil Member Posts: 1,758
    I had read a year ago that 2005 would be the year for a new model but pictures of the 2005 hybrid I've seen look just like the current model so I suspect it will be 2006 before we see different sheetmetal.
  • nimrod99nimrod99 Member Posts: 343
    On a 2003 V6 Ltd, where is the DLC3 or ODBII connector located?.

    Under the glove box - I can see a connector taped to a wire harness.
    I just need to know - so that the local Smog Check station doesn't pull out the wrongc onnector.

    thanks
  • goldstongoldston Member Posts: 110
    We own 2 H/L's, a 2001 & 2002 and both are 2WD Limited fully loaded up with options.

    The first we bought at Superstition Springs Toyota at $500 over invoice in June of 2001.

    The second one we bought at Scott Toyota at $600 over in March of 2002.

    Both vehicle are serviced at Camelback Toyota (close to my work location).

    Both of these dealerships treated me & my wife with respect and the process went very smoothly, and the service writer at Camelback Toyota has always been very professional.

    If you wish or need any other info. please feel free to email me (it's in my profile)

    Good luck with your purchase and enjoy your Highlander. It's a great vehicle.

    Best regards,

    Philip
  • manybmwsmanybmws Member Posts: 347
    So far we have put 8,000 miles on it. With a northeastern winter under our belt.

    Comments:
    1) Not a single fix required.
    2) Bridgestone tires should be replaced for better snow traction (like Michelin CTs),
    3) Wind noise in general should be a few dB less with all windows up.
    4) BTW - even my BMW generates wind bufetting with only the back windows down.
    5) Brakes do require additional pressure like there is a built-in fade. I will try giving them a good workout.
    6) Buy one! What a relief after owning an early model ML320.
  • bamatazzbamatazz Member Posts: 311
    hi guys,
      wife & I are thinking about getting a SUV or Mini-Van, our kids are getting too big for our crew cab frontier. Ive been looking at the Highlander. Looks like a good vehicle for our needs. We will definatly need the 3rd row seat.
      any comments would be appreciated.

    BamaTazz

    Tidster & steve What are u2 doing in here..shouldnt u2 be in the Jeep board ;)
  • tidestertidester Member Posts: 10,059
    shouldnt u2 be in the Jeep board ;)

    We're just part of the search team sent out to find you since you went missing! :-)

    Good luck with your search!

    tidester, host
  • lmacmillmacmil Member Posts: 1,758
    If the kids are too big for the crew cab, they're probably too big for the Highlander 3rd row seat. Plus there's very little room behind it, unlike a minivan.
  • racerx1racerx1 Member Posts: 35
    Get the minivan. I've got a Highlander and an Honda Odyssey, and the extra space of the minivan is really useful for trips and vacations. Can fit bikes, golf clubs, furniture, etc. The Highlander carries as much as a small station wagon, which is great for most of our needs. But my wife and I have big families, so we're always on trips and carting stuff. And both vehicles get the same gas mileage.
  • wwestwwest Member Posts: 10,706
    Is a really good substitute for an SUV.
  • loucapriloucapri Member Posts: 214
    I assume you have 2 kids?
    The 3rd row seat in the HL is a joke. (actually all 3rd row seat in mid size SUV is a joke)

    I have a 01 HL and can't imagine how can they put a 3rd seat inside the back (in the latest model). Seriously who want to seat there?

    If you are concern about your family or friends, never never let anyone use the 3rd seat in small SUV. I watched a news report and with some common sense. They point out that there is a high risk of fatal injury for 3rd row seat passangers in case of an accident. 1) no leg room, 2) knee to high up that it might hit you in the face 3) no head room 4) very less space in the cargo if real ended. 5) poor seat support.

    The 3rd row seat is just a marketing selling point. Most SUV has about 1200-1500 lb payload. If you try to carry too many people, your car just can't handle it.

    Be real, SUV is for style. If you really want space, van is your choice. I have a HL and a AWD minivan. Just me and my wife, we use the HL. Family dinner with friends? I take my van, everyone is happy because they all have their own "SPACE" :) and it's easy to get in and out compare to a SUV - flip the seat, get in, float it back down (now you can't go anywhere) and have someone sit in front of you; now let the guy in front of you to get out, have him flip the seat back up, and now you may get up and leave. What a pain in the butt.

    If you are not happy with the crew cab space, you WILL not happy with the 3rd row seat at all. Just don't lie to yourself that a 3rd row seat can really give you the option.

    Remember, is all about family 1st or personal style 1st. Some people don't like minivan because of their look and feel. But today, van looks much better than the old days. And give you "ACTUALLY WHAT YOU ARE LOOKING FOR, SPACE!"

    (still like my HL though)
  • airnmax2airnmax2 Member Posts: 2
    I didn't get factory installed fog lights on my new 04 HL. For the dealer to install them now I was quoted about $500.00. Has anyone added fog lights? What brand? Model? Cost?
  • spencer327spencer327 Member Posts: 106
    Finally took my 04HL V6AWD on a decent trip (600Mi) I am happy to say got 24.5MPG one way, 26 the other, As reported on the trip computer and verified, by actual calculations. Speed control where practical, using medium grade gas, usually speed a little over limit, AC on. Seats very comfortable.
  • lmacmillmacmil Member Posts: 1,758
    That's good. I got only about 22.3 on a 1500 mile trip that we started when the HL had about 800 miles on it.
  • 2003tls2003tls Member Posts: 100
    The 3rd seat in the Highlander is definitely for emergency use - not for every day use. I still haven't used mine yet. Also, the third row has a heater, but there is no rear A/C unit. If you regularly need to carry around more than 5 people, get a minivan.

    Speaking about safety, the optional side curtain air bags don't even cover the 3rd seat. Evidently Toyota didn't think anyone would use it either.
  • bamatazzbamatazz Member Posts: 311
    I apprecaite all your input guys, we are just really in the thinking stages of getting a new vehicle. My heart says mini-van just my eyes say SUV!!.. I havent really "LOOKED" at a Highlander.
    I saw one on the road thought it looked nice.
     thanx again guys..

     Bama
  • gpoltgpolt Member Posts: 113
    EPA rates FWD V6 HL at 25 mpg highway. Have any of you owners ever seen these numbers in the real world? Thanks
  • 590116590116 Member Posts: 32
    Since 4/02 I have averaged 22.1 mpg in my 2002 FWD V6 HL.

    I have filled-up 132 times and my high (rather consistantly when travelling 65-70 mph on interstates) is 24.5 mpg.

    Low hit 17.3 mpg in the city.

    Hope this helps.
  • lmacmillmacmil Member Posts: 1,758
    I got 22.2 on a 1500 mile trip that was mostly highway driving but did get stuck in a 2.5 hour traffic jam, going just 20 miles in that time. Also did quite a bit of low speed (1st gear) driving in a national park but I never hit 25 mpg even on a tankful that was all highway. Started the trip at 800 miles so perhaps it wasn't fully broken in yet.
  • snakehairsnakehair Member Posts: 120
    We have 2001 AWD V6 and recently got 24.5 MPG. the trip was only 160 miles and almost all flat ground and speeds between 50 (2 lane) and 70 (interstate) in good weather. I have gotten 24 MPG on longer trips at a steady 70 MPH (420 miles on interstate). No complaintsd from me about mileage. Even around town I get 17-18 MPG.
  • gpoltgpolt Member Posts: 113
    Thank you all for the replies. Scratching my head as to why the '04 Sienna (FWD) and RX330 (FWD) get better highway mileage than the HL. I believe all have the identical engine, 5 speed transmission and in the case of the minivan, it has significantly more weight. Ostensibly, there must be something to be said for aerodynamics, rather, the Highlander's lack thereof. As the HL is the closest thing to a Camry-ish V6 station-wagon (what I would prefer), I guess the only way to see 30 mpg would be the hybrid and economically that is not prudent because the extra cost of the vehicle will probably be significantly more than any savings at the pump.
  • typesixtypesix Member Posts: 321
    Toyota lists drag coefficient of Highlander at 0.34 and Sienna at 0.30. Frontal areas are not listed, but if both had the same frontal area, the Sienna obviously has a more efficient shape for MPG. The sloped nose of the Sienna likely contributes to the lower drag.
  • lmacmillmacmil Member Posts: 1,758
    I'm sure the AWD extracts a mileage penalty though I would expect the HL to be about the same as the RX330.
  • gpoltgpolt Member Posts: 113
    Comparing front wheel drive in all three vehicles.

    Thanks
  • 2003tls2003tls Member Posts: 100
    Gearing perhaps?
  • racerx1racerx1 Member Posts: 35
    I had about 1000 miles on my 2004 HL AWD 6-cyl. and put nearly 600 miles on this past weekend, averaging about 22-23 mpg. My avg speed was about 75mph and didn't have any traffic jams. So far, I'm getting about 19 mpg around town. This pretty similar to the numbers my 4-cyl Outback used to give me.
  • edhedh Member Posts: 246
    2 tanks
    mixed driving with air cond on
    v6
    less than 1000 miles on car
    20.3 and 20.5
  • landdriverlanddriver Member Posts: 607
    '01 3.0 V6 AWD, combination highway and city driving, flat terrain, conservative acceleration, AC mostly off: ~19mpg for past 3 years.
  • mpsrentmpsrent Member Posts: 4
    Do you tow anything with your Highlander? If so, tell us how much your trailer weighs and how you would rate your Highlander at doing the job. I'm looking to tow around 2000lbs and am interested in real world experiences.

    Thanks in advance for the input.
  • feltfelt Member Posts: 105
    I own a 2001 AWD V6 HL. Over the years of ownership, I have achieved as high as 24 mpg, and rarely less than 20. Many factors contribute to better efficiency, but the biggest facor is speed. I have proven to myself that I can get 24 mpg if I drive a steady 40-50 mph. I recognize that is impossible in most situations, but where I live it is possible. I doubt wind drag is a significant factor at 40 mph. As the speed increases, however, it certainly would become a contributing factor in the difference between a sedan and an SUV.

    Winter is also a factor. Here in New England gasoline is blended to reduce emissions. We know the blended fuel lowers efficiency. Plus many start an engine to warm it up ... some even have remote starters. (That is zero mpg).

    I use synthetic oil ... I think that help a little. A clean air filter is important. Tire pressure is also important, as is the load the vehicle lugs around. A vehicle hauling 3-4 250 pound people will not do as well as a lighter load.

    In New England, I rarely use the A/C. But with all that said, speed is still by far the largest factor assuming all other factors are equal.

    With the price of gasoline, I do all I can to get just a mile or two better economy.
  • ch1133ch1133 Member Posts: 43
    I have a 03 4 cyl. Highlander which I use to tow my 2000 lbs boat + trailer + load of campinggear, coolers, tents, etc. total 2500+
    On level road and hills no problem at all, will downshift and slower accelleration as expected. Over steep mountain passes it will go uphill in 2nd gear but it is out of breath and that is expected. Feels very stable crusing, no side motion at all.
    This is not a 4 WD version. Did not choose it when the sales person told me that I "need" 4 WD to drive in rain...
  • jtleejtlee Member Posts: 1
    I feel like the monkey that reached for some shiny piece of junk and could not be more disappointed with the result! All show and no "go", thank goodness I kept my Jeep!
    The moon roof, stereo speakers, area near the overhead light and console all rattle. On occasion the cruise control works properly. The location of the cruise control borders on reckless. The seats do not adequately adjust, the turning radius is pathetic and attempting to accelerate in snow is a waste of time. If this is Toyota's flagship, then it's back to north American vehicles for me.
    Where can I complain? The telephone survey types called me 2 weeks into the lease when the lemon still smelled like leather. I've religiously communicated my displeasure on the canned surveys received to no avail. I'd feel better after venting at the sales manager but what can he really do? Rather than just "spray and pray" my displeasure, is there an effective (Canadian) resource I can contact?
  • typesixtypesix Member Posts: 321
    GM performed studies about 20 years ago which indicated that air drag starts to become a factor as low as 30 mph. Other sources have stated that at 50 mph, about half of the HP required to keep a steady speed is to overcome air drag and is much greater at higher speeds.
  • jackmick656jackmick656 Member Posts: 61
    I have some questions for you.

    1. Was your HL purchased in Canada or USA?
    2. Have you taken the vehicle back to the dealer
       in an attempt to have the problems fixed?
    3. I have had my warranty problems taken care of
       very quickly by calling the toll free phone
       number in the owners manual. This is a
       regional customer service number and they seem
       to make the dealer respond to your problems
       very quickly.
  • wwestwwest Member Posts: 10,706
    20 years ago not very many cars had a reasonably low CD, coefficient of drag, as they do today.
  • loggerlogger Member Posts: 8
    Nonetheless, an aerodynamic law states that drags increases exponentially by the square of the speed. The relationship between drag rise and speed is independent of CD. Double the speed and the drag increases fourfold.

    This is pinched from another website:
    A modern car (drag coefficient 0.34) with a 110 kW (150 HP) engine will be using about 4.6 kW (6 HP) of power to overcome air drag and 11 kW (14 HP) for mechanical propulsion (rolling resistance etc.) when it is being driven at a constant 80 km/h (22.2 m/s, 49 mph). When driving at its top speed of 210 km/h (58 m/s, 128 mph) it will be using 82 kW (112 HP) to overcome drag and the remaining 28 kW (38 HP) to overcome rolling resistance etc.
  • schweikbschweikb Member Posts: 111
    I am considering a new 2004 HL 4cyl fwd and have a couple of questions:
    1. The deal is a base fwd 4cyl with Quick Order Pkg (keyless remote, cargo cover, privacy glass and roof rack), color matched mud guards, daylight running lights and floor mats. The list price including delivery is $25,787. Dealer is offering at $22,180. They are including at no charge 3 years maintenance (per Toyota Care recommendations). I would get Silver with Ash interior. Is this a good price?
    2. I found the front seat bottom cushion a little short (front to back depth) and it left part of my upper leg unsupported. I noticed this on the Camry and RAV4 too. I am 6'2" and have pretty long legs. My current '02 Altima has about 1" greater cushion depth. Anyone have comment or problem with this issue?
    3. How real are the problems re: rattles and tranny vibration I have read on this post? My Altima has some vibration at lights until I put it into neutral and dealer says it may be that the electronic engine controls keep the idle speed (engine rpm's) at optimum level for emissions and that the vibration is the drivetrain "chomping at the bit" to "take off" but the rpm's not quite high enough to make it move so it's kind of like tugging and letting go, etc. They recommend putting in neutral if stopped for any length of time. Any thoughts? I read in all the car mags that the 2.4L 4cyl in the Camry is about the smoothest 4 cyl in production, so this vibration issue I read about here has me concerned and confused.
    Thanks for any feedback.

    Bob
  • tidestertidester Member Posts: 10,059
    drags increases exponentially by the square of the speed.

    I don't mean to pick nits but exponential growth and quadratic (square) growth are not the same thing! Unfortunately, the confusion is widespread.

    In the case air drag the growth is quadratic and not exponential.

    Now, back to our regularly scheduled program! :-)

    tidester, host
  • cufishn1cufishn1 Member Posts: 9
    My 2002 Highlander used the Toyota hammock style cargo net which worked well. We traded our 4 cylinder 2002 for a 2004 V6 AWD with the 3rd seat. The 2004 models with the 3rd seat no longer have the side pockets with the upper pegs used to hold up the hammock style cargo net. The hammock style cargo net now only fits the 2001-2003 model years. Anyone find/have a cargo net that fits the 2004 Highlander with the 3rd seat? If so, please post part number or where purchased. My dealer tried to sell me the hammock type cargo net and did not realize that it no longer fits the 2004's with the 3rd seat option.
  • desertguydesertguy Member Posts: 730
    My '04 V6 with 3rd row seat came with the hammock cargo net. Looking on Toyota.com, it is shown as an accessory for $49. It is attached at the two lower tie down brackets and two knobs for the upper tie downs. The dealer should be well aware of this???
  • lmacmillmacmil Member Posts: 1,758
    You have to install the upper hooks. They come with the net. I have one installed but have not had the 3rd row seat up because I don't need it.
  • lamontbondlamontbond Member Posts: 15
    1) your deal seems like a great buy, the only thing you should be concerned about is the financing rate which can be as high as 7.9% and as low as 1.9% which translates down to a couple of thousand bucks over the years.

    2) i am 6'4 and i have no real complaint about the seat. granted i've sat in better seats made by american manufacturers but i find japanese cars are all the same when it comes to a lack of ultra comfortable seats. I think that we probably like to sit in the same kind of position, namely with the front end tilted up and the back end of the seat cushion tilted down. this enables the seat to touch the bottom half of your upper leg. I admit that when I drove from maryland to new york i had to adjust the seat several times to remain comfortable.

    3) I've had engine rattle since day one and it drives me crazy (purchased march 22 2004)
  • spencer327spencer327 Member Posts: 106
    The front seat is shorter than most and I also had doubts when I bought my 2004 HL AWD. After a few trips I find the seats to very comfortable, the lack of thigh support has not been a problem.
    I have had no vibration problems.
    The HL like all vehicles is a lot of compromises. I could pick on a dozen "features" I dont like. Some drivers dont care, some drivers dont know, some drivers have no idea what their buying. Other drivers over-analyze (I tend to be in the last).
    On average the HL is a good vehicle for me,perfect NO, But I have never found a perfect car.
  • jstrawjstraw Member Posts: 8
    A few regions had customer cash / finance rate incentives that expired on 6/1. Now that the time for me to buy a HL has arrived, I'm hoping to find a little bit of help. Has anyone heard of Toyota's incentive picture going forward from 6/2? (I'm aware of the $400 incentive for recent college graduates, but they don't apply.)
  • loucapriloucapri Member Posts: 214
    Which area are you going to buy your 04 HL? You should ask for life time oil change + tire rotation. Yes, all my friends who bought a TOYOTA got this in CA. $22180 sounds good, make sure you didn't get high APR (if apply to you) or opt-out from the ext. warranty. I was being told I could get a 100K mile warranty for another $2K and we get down to $1K and I still didn't get it and no problem at all.

    Mine is a 01 4cyl FWD with 80K mile now. I have to tell you the 4-cyl engine is pretty much same as my Camry. I was planning to get the V6 AWD and at the end I think the 4 saved me some money and not to mention now the gas price is high.

    The rattles? Doesn't bother me that much since I always has my radio on but sure it's a HL problem because I don't have this problem with my camry.
    Vibration? Never have this problem at all.
  • loucapriloucapri Member Posts: 214
    don't know any at this time.

    I have to say that the stupid $400 incentive or now a day they offer up to $1000 for "recent college graduates". I think it's just a marketing thing. In real life, how many recent college graduates can afford a new car or new truck that cost about $30K? Possible but not a whole lot I guess.

    I will ask the dealer to take that $400 off, otherwise, just walk and most of the time, they will do it.

    I don't think you need to worry about not getting incentives because you can always ask the dealer to throw in something like a cargo net, carpet... to make it even.
    For finance, never walk to the dealer without getting pre-approved either from Toyota (toyota.com) or others like captial one.
    When you tell them you are "paying cash", they will try to keep you.
    And do let them know that you can always go to the other Toytoa dealer :)
Sign In or Register to comment.

Your Privacy

By accessing this website, you acknowledge that Edmunds and its third party business partners may use cookies, pixels, and similar technologies to collect information about you and your interactions with the website as described in our Privacy Statement, and you agree that your use of the website is subject to our Visitor Agreement.