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Toyota Highlander

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  • 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.
  • schweikbschweikb Member Posts: 111
    NYC suburbs (Westchester County - north of the City). They may give lifetime oil change I'll push for that if I go ahead with it. The 3 years free maintenance sounds good on the face of it, but I have no real idea what the $ value is - anyone have an idea?
    Also, exactly what rattle(s) are you hiding with the radio on (I do the same thing so maybe it is not a deal breaker, but I am a fussy type who hears and feels every little mis-step in a car).
    I guess the vibration people are talking about is at idle in gear like waiiting for a light? And, I guess you don't have that.
    I am hoping if the car I am looking at has it it will show up in the test drive.
    Thanks all, keep comments coming.

    Bob
  • jstrawjstraw Member Posts: 8
    Incentive update - Boch Toyota (Boston area, http://www.bochtoyota.com) updated their web site today to list a $750 cash rebate or 0%/36-month, 1.9%/48-month, 2.9%/60-month financing incentive in effect until July 6th. This is a little bit better than the May incentive that was available in Boston.

    Kelley Blue Book still shows the current college graduate incentive and the expired cash and financing incentives that varied by region; edmunds lists just the college graduate incentive.
  • grrgrrrgrrrrgrrgrrrgrrrr Member Posts: 1
    Will the 2005 non-hybrid version be built on a different Camry platform than the 2004? Will there be any significant changes to the 2005 Highlander (non-hybrid version)?

    Thanks
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    Maintenance costs can be estimated by using the Edmunds Maintenance Guide.

    Incentive info isn't released ahead of time, and it takes us a little while to get the info updated.

    Steve, Host
  • loucapriloucapri Member Posts: 214
    Don't get fool by the 3 years free maintenace. Make sure you ask them what's included. Your can should not need a whole lot of service within the 1st 3 years as far as I am concern. Unless they are doing your cooling, flushing your transmission...

    The term "3 years free maintenace" just not so clear.

    The rattles in my HL come from
    1) in the cargo area near the cargo cover on the driver side. When we are driving on the freeway, I notice the noise every once a while. When I press my finger to that plastic side wall, the noise is gone.
    2) near the steering wheel, same noise but it comes and goes.

    I think it's just a matter of finishing touch that Toyota missed. My 97 Camry has no such problem and seems like most HL owner has this rattle problem since day 1.

    When I tested my HL, I didn't hear the rattle noise at all. Can't recall when was the 1st time I notice that. It bothered me at the beginning but now I am ok because as I said, the rattle comes and goes.
  • loucapriloucapri Member Posts: 214
    I guess we all seen the 05 highlander hybrid.
    My question is when do you think Toyota will have a new face lift for Highlander in general?

    I think since 01 to now, the highlander looks the same to me (am I right?) I mean from the outside. I can't really tell the different, I do know they have a new set of wheel for the 04 model.

    Toyota in general likes to do a minor face lift every 2-3 yrs but I don't see it happened to the Highlander. Wondering when before they give a new look for the HL.

    You know, I want to think about the resale value before the NEW one hit the market.

    Any comments?
  • lmacmillmacmil Member Posts: 1,758
    The '04 got slightly different head- and taillights. I think you'd have to see them side by side with the old ones to tell the difference. I doubt that whatever makeover happens will affect previous model resale values. People buy used Toyotas for their long term reliability, not their looks.
  • larryt22larryt22 Member Posts: 125
    I have both an 04 Camry and and 04 HL with 4cyl engines and the differences between these 2 vehicles is amazing. Like someone else said, I have never found the perfect vehicle and neither of these are either.

    The seats in the Camry are much more comfortable than the HL. I have to mess around too much with the HL to get comfortable. Then my wife drives it, adjusts the seat, and I spend many miles getting comfortable again. In the Camry I am always comfortable.

    Noise & rattles - The Camry is one of the quietest vehicles I have ever owned, except for the rattles. The windshield creak is driving me crazy. The HL has no squeaks or rattles at all. However, the road/tire noise and wind noise on the HL is much higher than I would have expected for a Toyota.

    The radio is great sounding in the Camry yet sounds lousy in the HL. My assumption is it is speaker related and the location of the speakers in the HL is poor because they are all mounted so low. Compounded with the road/tire noise and wind noise, the sound quality just does not cut it in the HL.

    Ride and Handling - People have different tastes, but the handling on the Camry (an LE model) is poor. I much prefer the handling on the HL. I probably would have been happier with a Camry SE than the LE. Ride although different on each model is very good on both.
  • larryt22larryt22 Member Posts: 125
    I left one thing out of the previous post. The engine noise in a HL 4 cyl is way too high around town. You can hardly hear the Camry running, but the HL is LOUD. You don't notice the noise on the highway because of the previously mentioned road/tire noise and wind noise, but that is not the case at low speed. It is loud enough that I feel like the neighbor kid with his 4" exhaust on his tuner car.
  • schweikbschweikb Member Posts: 111
    Thanks for all the input. I took another test drive of 04 HL base 4 fwd yesterday (the dealer insisted he go with me and promptly turned the AC to High and the stereo on). I turned them all off so I could hear and feel without any distraction. I observed:
    1. Slight vibration through brake pedal and steering wheel while idling at traffic lights. When I put it in neutral no vibration - I didn't like. Salesman said it was just the AC compressor but it happened with AC off as well as on.
    2. I could never feel comfortable in the seats, I doubt even with power adjustment. I had measured my '02 Altima before going for the test ride then measured the HL. The bottom cushion of the HL is 1.75" shorter from front to back than the eat in the Altima - that's a lot. Almost half of my upper leg was hanging unsupported. I looked over at the salesman and the same with him - he said he was 6'1" and I am almost 6'3" so I guess I looked even worse.
    3. Every time I started up from a light with a modest push on the pedal the tranny hesitated then surged ahead (this happened 4 or 5 times in a row). Once moving the subsequent upshifts were seamless. Also, if I gave the pedal a robust jab when starting up there was no hesitation. That practice would increase fuel consumption which I would not like.
    4. There were a number of minor rattles coming from the rear cargo area. These could be explained by the fact that the vehicle hadn't been prepped yet but still it made me nervous.
    5. It seemed sluggish and the engine very loud around town.
    6. General comment: Coming from my 1998 Trooper (which I just sold privately today) I felt the HL was like "faking it" in the sense that there was a feeling of extensive sound deadening masking the fact that it is not very substantially built. The Trooper always felt like a "brick .....house."

    After that test drive I soured on the HL and went to see Subaru's. They had a 05 Outback that looked fantastic and fit my body perfectly - very pricey for my target outlay though. But, surprisingly the dealer also sells Hondas and I think I fell for the Element. If fit me to a tee, has tons of head and legroom, comfortable thigh-supporting seats and when I drove it had zero rattles. This surprised me with the fold up rear seats hanging by straps and the weird suicide doors looking like they were going to make all kinds of noises when you hit a bump. So maybe that's what is coming! I'll try to limp along on the 02 Altima 4 cyl (which actually is very nice car but doesn't have a rear cargo area) and probably re-visit buying something new in a month or two.
    Thanks again for the input. The HL is a fine vehicle but as it turns out, the cheapo version I wanted to buy is not for me. Maybe when my memories of the solid old Trooper fade I'll take a different view.
    Bob
  • desertguydesertguy Member Posts: 730
    Be cautious of the Honda Element. I have read two reviews and both complained about the many plastic parts that rattled and some that actually fell off.
  • loucapriloucapri Member Posts: 214
    I also have a Camry but it is a 97 model and a 01 4cyl FWD HL.

    My Camry has no noise or rattles at all. It doesn't have a lot of wind or road noise compare to the HL. My HL has rattles from under the steering wheel and in the real cargo area. As long as I have my radio ON, I am "ok". But kind of suck sometime.

    I agree with you that HL's audio is not good compare to the Camry.
    Even though it has 6 speakers but as you mentions, their location is bad. Too low on the door that I can notice the different when driving between the Camry and HL. All I can hear is low freq. and no high freq. at all.
  • edhedh Member Posts: 246
    94 camry and a 04 Highlander
    the camry is quieter even tho its a 4 and the HL is a 6.
    the 94 seats are longer and the 94 steering wheel tilts farther down.
  • tomsr1tomsr1 Member Posts: 130
    Paid $100 over invoice because my son works for
    the owner but at a different dealer.Love it so far especially the JBL sound system.Traded an 02 CRV with 39000 miles.The CRV was as reliable as the sun BUT the quality of the interior materials is cheaper than previous Hondas IMO.The seat and armrests were fraying and the steering wheel plastic was wearing away where my hands were placed.I did not know plastic could wear.I love the power of the Highlander compared to the CRV but it is not as strong as my Acura
    3.2 TL.
  • vcarrerasvcarreras Member Posts: 247
    about getting a 4 cylinder HL until I started reading this forum. However I'm concerned about fuel prices and what is going to happen in the future since I keep my car for about 10 years. I've read that the 05 Camry 4 will have a 5 speed auto. Will the 05 HL 4 also come with this same tranny? Think mpg would go from 22 city/27 hwy to maybe 24 city and near 30 hwy. My other option is a Sienna CE with the #3 option with 4 wheel disk breaks/curtain bag protection. Anyone have a HL/Sienna at home and which would you choose? I could probably get the Sienna for several $K less. I live in the Houston area.
  • wwestwwest Member Posts: 10,706
    THe 04 RX went to the five speed transmission vs the 03. MPG differential could be used as a reference point.
  • thoonthoon Member Posts: 74
    The 04 HL already has the 5 speed tranny.
  • loucapriloucapri Member Posts: 214
    Between the HL and Sienna, easy, how many people in your family? If you don't have a big family. If you use car seat for kid, you can still take 2 adults in the back (I am 5'9 155lb and I can still seat there with the car seat and a friend without too many problems).

    However, if you have a family of 4+, I will suggest you get the van. I have a HL and a van (town & country) and it does make your life easier when you are talking about taking the family out for dinner. There is no way the HL will win over the Sienna.

    Lot of people stay away from van because they think van doesn't look cool compare to SUV. However, the new style mini van is very attractive in my opinion. They usually have better gas mileage than SUV and handle better. Just like fashion, now we are "in" to SUV, that's all. I don't know any of my friend (including myself) to go off road at all our SUV.

    I bought my HL just for the "look" and be honest, I use my van is more often and it costs cheaper to insure too.
  • herzogtum71herzogtum71 Member Posts: 470
    My 4-cylinder '04 Highlander has a 4-speed automatic. From the brochure it looks like the 5-speed automatic is standard with the V6 Highlander but not available at all with the 4-cylinder.
  • garygary Member Posts: 39
    My warranty is going to expire in a couple of months. I was wondering what other owners can recommend having the dealer take care of during my last 'under warranty' visit.

    Upcoming requests:

    1. Mud fap replacement (both fronts are torn)
       I hope they'll honor this under warranty.
    2. Squeaky steering wheel
    3. Check A/C temperature. (Inadequate cooling?)
    4. Rear wiper chatter.
    5. Child safety locks (Recall)
    6. Ceiling trim coming loose near hatch
    7. Rubber gasket on hatch coming out
    (hatch handle/toyota logo)

    Already done:

    1. Fuel tank filler pipe (Recall)
    2. Rear seat carseat LATCH tether hook covers (cracked)
     

    Any advice is greatly appreciated!

    Gary
    2001 Toyota Highlander V6 2wd (non-Ltd.)
  • schweikbschweikb Member Posts: 111
    Having recently sold my 1998 Trooper and being left now with only a 2002 Altima I am currently looking into a replacement vehicle for the Altima that will afford me some of the cargo capacity advantages the Trooper did combined with more of the passenger car advantages of the Altima (ride smoothness, economy, etc.)
    Reliability is very important to me and I notice that recently the number of posts to this HL board is very low (the last one was 8 days ago). Most of the other forums I visit get several (and some many) postings each day. I am wondering if the inactivity at this forum means that HL's are reliable and there isn't much to talk about, or maybe there is just a different kind of owner - less of car nut type, for example.
    I am considering the fwd Base 4 cylinder HL (I'd go for the V6 but am really attracted to the timing chain on the 4 cyl). Any comments?
    Thanks,
    Bob
  • lmacmillmacmil Member Posts: 1,758
    In general I'd say the Highlanders are pretty trouble free and not typically driven by car enthusiasts. I'd guess a high percentage of drivers are "soccer moms" (not that there's anything wrong with that.)

    I certainly wouldn't make an engine decision based on belt vs. chain construction. Drive them both and if you feel the 4 is adequate go for it. I personally like some low end torque available when I need it. I don't think the 4 will have enough for a 4000# vehicle.
  • edhedh Member Posts: 246
    I thought the v6 has a chain also
  • snakehairsnakehair Member Posts: 120
    We traded in a Dodge Grand Caravan (with a great ride) for a V6 Honda Accord. We also have a 2001 HL V6 Limited AWD. The HL is as comfortable as either of the other cars, gets reasonable mileage (24-25 on highway) and has been more trouble free so far (3 yrs.) than either the Caravan or the Accord. For the combo of comfort and reasonable usability, we haven't seen anything in the price range to beat it.
  • lmacmillmacmil Member Posts: 1,758
    Yes it's a great vehicle. We traded our 1996 Explorer for a 2004 V6 Ltd. It's my wife's car and she loves it. No more trucky ride and plenty of power when you need it. I will say that the Ex was a good vehicle for us though. Never had any significant repairs, just typical maintenance items.
  • birdmanbirdman Member Posts: 8
    I totally agree with the other comments, the HL seems to be very reliable and well engineered. I've had mine for only 3 months, but it has exceeded my expectations after driving an Accord, which also was a great vehicle.

    There are a few issues, which I'm sure are legitimate complaints, like the vibration in the brake pedal and the slight road noise leak around the front windows, but just visit the Jeep Liberty and Chevy Blazer forums for a reality check. These other sites are littered with drive shaft recalls, entire engine replacements, etc. I've never heard of a total engine or transmission replacement on a new HL.
  • typesixtypesix Member Posts: 321
    I have the fwd 4-cyl and am happy with the power and the fact that it has a timing chain, not a belt(s) of the V-6. The fwd 4-cyl w/o 3rd row seat weighs 3,520 lbs., not 4,000 lbs. Others have stated they are happy with the 4-cyl fwd's power. If you don't have a lot of mountain driving, the 4-cyl will do. If you go easy on the gas(no leadfoot acceleration), the timing chain may last the life of the vehicle, saving $200-$300 to change timing belt(s) every time plus the inconvenience.
  • lmacmillmacmil Member Posts: 1,758
    The maintenance interval is 90,000 miles which means many owners will never have to change it and those that do will change it only once. Certainly not a reason to pick the 4 over the 6 in my opinion.
  • edhedh Member Posts: 246
    they really strain a little
    but get better mileage
  • sdanderssdanders Member Posts: 37
    has been a terrific vehicle. I have had no visits to the dealer for repairs other than adjustment of the rear hatch door latch release being sticky. That's it!! I am a critical person too, having worked in QC/QA for 35 years. Go for it! I like the V6 because of the hilly territory in east TN and I tow a boat and PWC. The 4 just couldn't handle that. I get combined city/country mileage of 21.5 mpg on 87 octane gas and freeway mileage on trips of 24-25 mpg. Premium gets me an additional 1 mpg and a little more pep (not really needed) but not worth .20/gal. more.
  • tomsr1tomsr1 Member Posts: 130
    I have been a Honda/Acura fan for years for their reliability.For probably my last vehicle I wanted utility and luxury in an affordable package.I could have went with the Pilot but it did not
    offer a sunroof and I don't really need the extra seat.I almost went for the Mazda 6 sportwagon but the weird stereo turned me off but mostly the depreciation is awful.So I got this Highlander Limited which my wife drives cause that's the way it is.I get to wash it!
  • schweikbschweikb Member Posts: 111
    I really appreciate all the comments since my post. Especially struck by sdanders comments. If I do buy now it will be the 4cyl fwd HL probably in the metallic blue. Now I have to decide whether to trade in a perfectly fine 02 Altima with 25,000 miles on it (and 5 years and 75K miles left on the extended warranty)and spend close to $10,000 more to get a new car I don't "need" but just "want."
    I don't mean to sound like a simpleton, but to me it might almost be immoral to do so. Got to think it through more.
    Thanks again,
    Bob
  • lmacmillmacmil Member Posts: 1,758
    I know exactly what you mean. We traded our 1996 Explorer for the 2004 Highlander. It was low miles (77K), running fine and still looked good. Going against it was the truck-like ride, lousy gas mileage and concerns about longer term reliability. Don't regret getting the HL for a second. Your decision is tougher because your car is much newer. I'm struggling with the same decision now with my 2000 Olds Intrigue. Nice car, great mileage, plenty of power but I'm jonesing for an 2003 V6 Accord coupe or Infiniti G35. I don't need either one for the amount of driving I do but I sure would like leather and a sunroof. I need another car payment like a hole in the head.
  • desertguydesertguy Member Posts: 730
    Imacmil and schweikb: You are the kind of guys that keep the car dealers in business. They love traders like you. Unfortunately, I am just like ya! :-)) Fools......all of us but it is fun.
  • lmacmillmacmil Member Posts: 1,758
    The HL was the first new vehicle we'd bought since our 1990 minivan (which we kept for 12 years). The Explorer was a 2 year old lease turn in and my Intrigue was an 18 month old ex-rental. Before that I had another 2 year old lease turn in (bought from a friend) that I kept for 6 years. The Ex was the first car I ever traded in. Dealers haven't made too much from me.
  • mzopinonatedmzopinonated Member Posts: 24
    Depends on what you really want. When I got my 03 Highlander I traded in my 02 Camry. The only reason I did it was because I have children and after the crash test results were released I really did not want to transport my kids in the car. The highlander has 5 stars in all areas by the nhtsa. Not that I have ever needed them and hopefully never will.
  • cssnostromocssnostromo Member Posts: 13
    I would appreciate it if someone could post the # for Toyota's national customer relations center, thanks. Also, has anyone else been having significant trouble with the front brake rotors on their '01 Highlander?
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    Here's a contact link for Toyota USA.

    Steve, Host
  • mike7mike7 Member Posts: 7
    I am interested...what is the "reasonable" price?
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    Please, no buying and selling on Town Hall.

    Steve, Host
  • wainwain Member Posts: 479
    loucapri - does the drivers side rear bin have the two plastic nuts tightened?
  • buckeye1buckeye1 Member Posts: 41
    Can you direct me to Toyota HL comparison to Lexus 330 analysis or discussion? Sorry if this has been discussed previously and I missed it.

    I am intrigued by comparison of two (Toyota Corp.) vehicles that are very similar, but offered in distinctly different price ranges and I assume different quality of appointments.

    My question centers on basics: Engine, tranny, drive train, A/C system, brake system, shocks/struts, and general safety specs. Are these essential elements the same on each vehicle's makeup, or, are we really looking at two very differently constructed suvs?

    At a local Toyota dealership, a salesman went to great lengths to explain the HL was essentially a 330 at a lower price point.

    Thanks for any enlightenment.
  • lmacmillmacmil Member Posts: 1,758
    Same drivetrain and I suspect most mechanical components are the same design but may be held to tighter tolerances. Interior materials probably better on the Lexus, better warranty, perhaps better dealer experience (loaner for service, etc.) The biggest difference is probably styling. Go to the Lexus dealer and he'll be able to tell you why his product is so much better than the Toyota. Up to you to decide if it's worth the extra $.
  • tidestertidester Member Posts: 10,059
    I'm not Steve - but there is no current comparion topic with Highlander and RX330. You might want to browse through the old messages in the archived discussion here: 2003 Toyota Highlander vs. 2001 Lexus RX300

    tidester, host
  • buckeye1buckeye1 Member Posts: 41
    I appreciate opinions/direction! I have some homework to do on the subject.
  • wainwain Member Posts: 479
    especially any neat stuff that comes on the lexus that can be put on the HL.
    we expect a good report!!!!!!!!!
  • paulredpaulred Member Posts: 5
    It's been almost 30 days since I got my 6cyl Highlander....nothing fancy, no leather or sun roof. I got the rear spoiler so it would look a bit more sporty though.
    I've not done much highway driving yet but am averaging 18.5 in the city. I was driving a 94 Pontiac Bonneville and in 10 years, only went 71, 000 (I live close to work and family and usually fly when I travel). My Pontiac rode real well but my Highlander is almost as smooth. It's way too early to tell but I feel I got a nice vehicle.
    Of course, I wanted a Lexus but......
  • lmacmillmacmil Member Posts: 1,758
    It would have been a huge payment jump from a base HL to the RX330. I'm sure the HL will give you yeoman's service for many years to come.
  • osoriobcdosoriobcd Member Posts: 1
    Same problem here, My wife is the one that drives the HL, but today I noticed that the front rotors are warped again, (this is the second time in 50K miles)
    I'm not sure, what to do,I was thinking of buying a better set of front rotors and replace the stock ones that came with the HL.
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