Toyota is about to deploy a very interested new feature in its dealerships. Within the next few years, every service department will have a PC at each service bay with a a diagnostic plug and cord. This PC will be connected to Toyota by way of a secure T1 line. Updates to the engine computer will be downloaded directly from Toyota.
This will be a quantum leap forward in maintenance and repair. Currently, if there is a problem with an engine computer, you must replace the whole unit. In the future, repairs and updates can come over the Internet. I would also assume that Toyota would be able to pull data from the cars as well to make more rapid decisions on recalls and recurring problems. Cool stuff, but not a twist of a distributor cap.
Thanks tonychrys for supporting the VD. For my part, I did bring up the other driver scenario for the dealers downplaying VD.
Still want to know if FWD and VD are possible?
Anyone?
Also - a much less technical question. Given a kid and a dog, does cloth or leather make more sense? I've never had leather but the current car has cloth and it is looking pretty beat after 7 years. Would leather hold up any better or do I just have to do a better job of cleaning the car?
I am in the New York metropolitan area and want to purchase a HL soon for my wife. Can anybody recommend any dealers within 300 miles of New York City who are willing to sell HLs below MSRP and either have a decent stock of cars or are interested in helping to find what I'm looking for? Maryland and Northern Virginia are clearly within my 300 mile radius. Thanks in advance.
I'm not a dealer, but I checked the Toyota site and I see nothing to indicate why you couldn't get VD (VSC) with the FWD model. From a technical perspective, all RX300s (FWD or AWD) come with VSC standard, so it's entirely possible.
With reagrds to leather vs. cloth, kids and dogs are the #1 reason to have leather in a vehicle! I'll admit I like cloth in terms of comfort, but the leather will be easier to clean over the long term if properly maintained.
Anne, we have a FWD with VSC (VD) (I just wish they had given this option a different designation!)
Cliffy1: it seems to me (an average consumer) Toyota has an outstanding marketing tool with the T1 line directly from a dealer's service department to Toyota factory. "Take your car to the service department of your local Toyota dealer and be assured of the most up to date information to treat your car." This would help combat me from taking it to my local mechanic.
We've had Large Dogs since 1978 and lived through the cloth versus leather issues.
Somewhere out there is a cloth weave upholstery that is impervious to dog dirt, slobber, and everything else. But we haven't seen it in a vehicle. Scotchgard your heart away - it doesn't help that much. Neither do the dealer-inflated protection schemes.
After 23 years of leather-equipped Volvos, Dodge Vans, Acuras, Mountaineers, and now a Lexus - go leather.
It cleans up great and should last a lot more than 7 years. I've seen cloth interiors in other Dog-Mobiles look shabby after just a few years.
Of course, if Spot puts a hole in the leather, you will need to find one of those miracle workers that repair them at your home, office, or their site. I had such a dime-sized hole in my Acura and, $90 later, I couldn't find the scar.
I don't know if this is a silly question as my last 2 cars were leather interior, but the interior of my HL is light colored (biege) cloth. I wear black jeans, pants and shirts alot, would it be advisable to to have a seat cover? Would the black dye in jeans get on the seat cloth? My HL is leased so I my concern is if I do return the car I will get dinged for "dirty" interior. I don't have any kids or dogs so I'm not concerned about the interior getting messed up. I never even thought of this issue before getting the biege color interior. TIA!
That's good to hear...MB has apparently been doing the same for a couple of years now (using satellite dish data connections - DirectPC? - mounted on the dealerships' roofs), and BMW has just recently been doing the same too, IIRC.
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Yes, I read about it a while ago. IIRC, it works basically the same way that you just mentioned. The data is downloaded, and then the update(s) flashed into the on-board computer. You can see a few pictures of the setup here if you're interested: http://www.exconde.com/tmainhht.gif
Picked up a Limited 4WD HL this weekend and I thought I'd share my thoughts/experiences with everybody.
I had the same thoughts as others in that HL is a good buy at an MSRP of ~$30k and $2k under. We were looking at an Escape at $25k. The superior quality of the Toyota (very obvious) and the larger size are well worth the $3k price premium.
I drove an RX, MDX, and Limited HL all on the same day. The RX was nice but really shines when you add on a few options. I don't know how to explain it but it just seems complete at about $38k. Little small in the "trunk" though and the stylized rear door opennings inhibit ingress/egress.
The MDX has a smoother motor, more powerful but not very significant. We didn't like the outside at all and the inside was very mini-vanish. I esp. did not like the seatbelt from the roof for the center rear seat that requries a key to unlatch. I found the 3rd row seats to be useless for us so we'd have them shut all the time. You do lose some 2nd row legroom b/c of them. Combining this with the very long wait, esp for a non-touring, non-nav version put it out of the running.
So at the $35k+ mark, I'd take an RX and for $30k- I'd go with a non-limited HL. So how did I end up with a loaded HL instead? I really wanted VSC/TRAC and you cannot find that on a non-limited 4wd HL. Ditto for side airbags. Leather was also our first choice. We were just about ready to buy a non-limited HL w/o the features for $28k when I found a HL with everything (except heated seats) and got it for $2900 off MSRP (better than the best non-limited deal). So for $4k more, the many extra features were worth it.
Sorry about the length. Feel free to send me email if for more info.
Test drove a Highlander over the weekend and are ready to start dealing. We live in Mass. and we both have long commutes, so the AWD is a real need for us. We were wondering how the AWD on the Highlander does in the snow. Any comparisons with the Subaru and/or the Acrua MDX (which we were close to considering but not with a 6 month wait) would be great. Also, could others provide info on how successful they were in getting discounts off of MSRP? Thanks.
I think all three cars you mentioned (Subaru, Highlander & MDX) will do very well in the snow.
Having said that, I'd be looking at other factors to help make your decision.
The MDX has an on-demand 4WD/AWD, meaning it is really FWD until it senses slippage, then the AWD kicks in. It's more of a "reactive" system. Both the Highlander and all Subarus have full-time AWD, ("proactive"), as compared to the MDX. I personally prefer the Highlander/Subaru systems.
Depending on which Subaru you're considering will determine what kind of AWD system you will get. All automatics, except the H-6 VDC, get a 90/10 normal front-to-rear power split. The VDC gets a 45/55 power split, and all manuals get a 50/50 power split. On all models the front-to-rear power split can and will vary depending on road and driving conditions. Also, Subaru automatics, in first and second gear, have a 50/50 power split. It then changes to 90/10 in third and fourth gears. Finally a number of Subarus also have a viscous limited-slip rear differential.
I believe(?) the the Highlander has a 50/50 front-to-rear power split. However, I'm not sure if that power split varies front-to-rear split like the Subarus do, depending on traction conditions. I don't know if an LSD is available.
That's the best I can do comparing the AWD systems. In "real-world" terms, I'm not sure it really makes much difference. As I said, they're all good, and will do just fine in snow.
Just purchased a 01 Highlander with vsc. My car salesman at first was skeptical on the vsc option and didn't think it was worth the money. We ended up test driving a Highlander with vsc and one without in icy conditions. We hit a patch of ice on a curve and it was amazing how the vsc kicked in and pulled the car out of the slide. We then tested the Highlander without the vsc on the same patch of road and the car went out of control. The car salesman said and I agree, that a driver could not have brought the car under control with just braking action. It certainly made me a believer in vsc. We ended up buying a loaded Highlander and the Toyota dealer was willing to negotiate price. I think most people will find Toyota dealers more willing to negotiate versus Lexus or Acura. I did test drive a RX300 and found the Highlander very comparable.
"The Highlander 2WD or 4WD Limiteds with MSRPs at $33500 to $35000 are actually the "exception to that rule" and not the norm here. That was why I was surprised that a $35000 MDX was being compared to a car I see priced a lot lower"
But it takes a fully equipped HL at $35+K to get close to the MDX, and that $35+K doesn't necessarily even guarantee you 4-wheel drive.
There were a few questions concerning a knocking / tapping noise from the engine while in idle, I had the same problem. I was experimenting with different octane gas - tried CITGO unleaded 87 and that caused the knocking noise. At the next fill up, pumped Amoco unleaded 93 and the knocking went away. My advice, try a higher unleaded gasoline or different brand and see if the knocking goes away.
When my new HL was delivered to me, the salesman advised me to burn 87 octane fuel. He said it was a waste of money to burn a higher grade. He stated if there is any knocking, change brands. Regarding a "ticking" sound .... I am beginning to believe it is the sound of the fuel injectors. I personally cannot hear any ticking (I am a bit hard of hearing) but my wife says she can hear a ticking sound when idling. Happy Motoring
I recently purchased a '01 Highlander and was wondering if anyone has installed a center console? My sales person claims that he may order one from a Lexus dealer (RX300 style) or try to install one from the Toyota Senna. Please advise Thanks,
Looks like they deleted #1075 but all I was trying to explain was the pricing averages for MSRP across the board.
A 4WD Limited here in SoCal (MSRP) with everything possible here, ie. SR BE TO LL LA EJ CF and perhaps SK GN is $33719. Even adding the "VD" and "heated seats" and gold package, I can't hardly hit $35000.
And, those are the exception to the rule, as 4WD Limiteds are not plentiful here. I think what I meant that you might not be getting is that the average Highlander stickers here at $28000 to $30,000, Limiteds at $32000 to $33500 and that's really still not Acura MDX territory.
I also have the tapping noise. I have tried different octanes but all from Mobil and still have the tapping noise. I'll try gas from another station next time I fill up. Any suggestions on who has the better gas. Since the HL engine is the same as the engines in the ES300, RX300, Cameray, I think the Sienna too. Do they have the same tapping noise too? Just the thought.
The April issue of Discover magazine has a rather disconcerting article on the rollover risk of SUVs. It focused on the various ratios which have been developed by the insurance institute and others (which the auto industry, of course, discredits). Not surprisingly, a primary factor is the relative center of gravity. Does anyone know how the HL compares to other SUVs? Because the HL has been out for a relatively short time, I have not yet seen any pertient safety information on the vehicle. If I order the HL I would get the VSC which I presume would help reduce the risk of rollovers. We lost another drive in our area (Phila) just yesterday as a result of a rollover (on the news, it looked like a Jeep Grand Cherokee).
Folks, let's not get confused here. A "knocking" sound is usually attributed to improper octane given certain conditions (engine type, location above sea-level, air temperature, etc.).
I'm not sure what folks here mean by tapping, it could mean "knocking" or "ticking".
As I have previously stated before, the "ticking" sound (which not everyone is sensitive to) is the fuel injectors on the 3.0L engine. I've had two different Lexus lead mechanics confirm this independantly.
Is it true that you cannot get VSC & side airbags without getting the Limited version? I prefer the "metallic grey" dash (I plan on the grey cloth interior) and can do without some of the limited features but VSC and side airbags are at the top of my option list. I see these options as one of the HL's primary advantages over many of its competitors. I understand the reason for the limitations but I am a bit frustrated by all of the option rules on the HL (specifically, it seems that half of the options require the limited package). Finally, is it true you can get the options you want if you order ahead 3-4 months? How does that process work?
I too am having trouble locating a HL with those safety features without getting a completely loaded AWD model (35,000+ MSRP). This was the result today of a six state search by a local dealer. While some of it might be geographic, here in CO FWD HL are not as common, I am not getting the sense that Toyota wants to make those safety features readily available. What gives? Just a way to sell the higher priced versions or misreading what attracts the consumer to the car?
I just saw a HL without the limited package at a local dealer and it did have VSC and side airbags, I am almost certain. I commented that that is how I would want it configured, so I don't think I am mistaken. It was AWD and stickered for 31K+. So they are available.
The dealer is in Minnesota, if that works for either one of you.
To get side airbags here in CA, a Limited is required. There are cars being built later this month with the VSC/heated seats as combo, but they are all Limiteds only. Henceforth, it's true in CA at this time. But, if you know a GREAT saleslady local in SoCal with awesome Highlander pricing, you might try and see what can be done, pricewise, if you insist on side airbags and have to get a Limited to get them locally in CA.
Try Toyota of Newburgh (Orange County, NY) on Route 9W. I placed my order there last week for an HL. Due to popularity, they're scheduled to receive an inventory of AWD w/V6 engine, and most options (preferred pkg, tow pkg, m/roof). Dealer claims he's receiving an order for 8 HLs this week (3/5) with most or more of the options described. Mostly siver and gold color. If you haggle, you can get it under (not much) MSRP.
There is a center console available for the Highlander. You don't have to get a one from some other vehicle. Note that it is not as big as the RX's. It is about as high as the seat so you still use the seat armrests. It does have upholders on the front.
Personally I don't like mine. We prefer the open space. I am probably going to remove it if I can. Anybody interested in buying an Ivory one that is 4 days old? Send me a note.
I understood what you were saying. But I also found it easy to see why people will compare the HL to the MDX, since when similarly equipped, there is little difference in price.
I like the HL, by the way: it is a vehicle that is moving away from some of the insanity of the SUV craze.
I too placed a order for a HL from Toyota of Newburgh. Got a reasonable amount off sticker (I wont say how much). My problem, is that our HL was supposed to be in last week, but the vehicle was damaged in transit, so I am waiting for another one. Probably another 3 weeks.
PS: I did not want a damaged vehicle, also, it wont be repaired until the end of this month...
I own an "unlimited" with a sun roof, so they are available. In all honesty, I would have preferred without, but now that I have it I am growing to enjoy the light (it is far to cold here to open it). I do not have a center console. I do not think we will add one. One option I wish we had is an outside thermometer. I have not had my HL long enough to ask around, but I wonder if the Toyota thermometer can be dealer installed? Any thoughts? Happy motoring
I have a sunroof on my Highlander as well. It's not a Limited. I live in Chicago. "Skyreb", I agree with you on the outside temperature gauge. I traded my Blazer for the Highlander and I miss very little about it except for the temperature gauge/compass and the auto-dimming rear view mirrors. I couldn't find a un-Limited with side airbags either. I was also hard pressed to find a black Highander with grey interior. I wonder if they make them that way.
We looked at a V6 4WD Highlander tonight that was NOT Limited, but did have VSC and Side Air Bags. So someone must know that some of us want the safety without all the non-essential niceties. We are in Central Illinois, by the way. We also have a Blazer now and will miss the Outside Temp and Compass, but we don't want the other Limited features just to get those.
I am uncertain as to what the RS3200 security system is (option V5). I could not find any info on this PIO option, which I think was not offered originally.
I'm wondering if Dianne or one of the other Toyota experts could tell us what this consists of.
Also, general FYI, it seems about 90% of Highlanders in the Milwaukee WI area are V6 AWD (no surprise) in silver, gold, or black.
I'm in the Gulf States area, and my dealer says we can get gray leather installed at the port (without ordering the limited pkg.). Does anyone have an HL with port-installed leather, and is it the same quality as factory installed? Also, would gray leather be a good choice with millenium silver (our dealer has some on order but only with the super-white exterior). Any opinions/information would be greatly appreciated.
As for the RS 3200 security system, I also found it very confusing. The brochure says it can't be ordered on cars with keyless entry, but the HL I test drove (not a limited) had both listed on the sticker. Does this mean you're paying for keyless entry twice if you get the convenience pkg. and the RS 3200? Since the car we're looking at would be prewired for an alarm, we asked our salesperson how to add the alarm, and even he was confused.
Anyway, I really liked the car and have decided to purchase the HL instead of a minivan, but getting correct information about the options has been a little frustrating. My thanks to all who have posted here...you've helped me a lot! :-)
I live in New Hampshire, but I certainly do not think it is a regional issue. If you read some of the other post, others have mentioned having the sunroof as well.
Regarding the outside thermometer, "back in the old days" ( a month ago) when I was waiting for a Ford Escape) there was quite a few post about owners installing after-market mirror - thermometers. It was fairly expensive, and required a lot of removal of interior components. I wonder if the wiring is already in the HL? I wonder if we can purchase the thermometer from Toyota and install it ourselves or even the dealer?
Keep up the post, and happy motoring. After reading the post on other threads, and reading of their continuing problems, and doubts, I feel we really made a wise purchase in the HL.
is standard on all Subaru Outbacks and Foresters. It's a nice and very worthwhile feature. I find it especially useful when the temperature is in the low 30s, and can vary as much as 10° over the course of a long commute.
Another very useful feature, in foul weather, is heated mirrors. This feature makes the outside mirrors usable when it's raining or snowing.
Our Forester has one other unique feature: an electronically heated windshield, as well as the regular front defroster. There are heating wires, like those found on the rear defroster, at the base of the windshield, which helps prevent ice build up on the wipers when in use. It also helps free the wipers quickly when you have to clean a fresh snow off your windshield This is a GREAT feature! I've used it, and it works.
The heated mirrors, heated windshield, and heated seats (another great feature) are all part of the "All-Weather Package" which is standard on some Subaru models, and optional on other models.
I have one on my Tundra. It is connected to my power window control. I press down on the button and insert my exposed digits through the resulting crack. I can very quickly determine whether it is cold or darned cold.
Regarding the mirror, would everyone please go to the HL - Meet the Members Forum? I decided against the green paint because it is too much of an "emerald green" - too primary. My Pathfinder is more an olive (Rainforest)green, similar to the Grand Cherokees. Sunday we went to the dealer's lot and they had a silver Ltd.(my 2nd choice). The vehicle looked great from the outside but when you look inside does that tan leather and black dashboard ever clash with the silver exterior! Toyota HAS to have more colors available(interior & exterior) next year.
I read your post(#1046)and saw that you got a 4x4 Highlander in the $20's. What state do you live in? Also, you used initials for the options, but i didn't get it. Do you mind spelling out the options for me? Thanks!!!!
Comments
This will be a quantum leap forward in maintenance and repair. Currently, if there is a problem with an engine computer, you must replace the whole unit. In the future, repairs and updates can come over the Internet. I would also assume that Toyota would be able to pull data from the cars as well to make more rapid decisions on recalls and recurring problems. Cool stuff, but not a twist of a distributor cap.
Still want to know if FWD and VD are possible?
Anyone?
Also - a much less technical question. Given a kid and a dog, does cloth or leather make more sense? I've never had leather but the current car has cloth and it is looking pretty beat after 7 years. Would leather hold up any better or do I just have to do a better job of cleaning the car?
Can anybody recommend any dealers within 300 miles of New York City who are willing to sell HLs below MSRP and either have a decent stock of cars or are interested in helping to find what I'm looking for? Maryland and Northern Virginia are clearly within my 300 mile radius.
Thanks in advance.
Very cool stuff. Thanks for the info!
I'm not a dealer, but I checked the Toyota site and I see nothing to indicate why you couldn't get VD (VSC) with the FWD model. From a technical perspective, all RX300s (FWD or AWD) come with VSC standard, so it's entirely possible.
With reagrds to leather vs. cloth, kids and dogs are the #1 reason to have leather in a vehicle! I'll admit I like cloth in terms of comfort, but the leather will be easier to clean over the long term if properly maintained.
Cliffy1: it seems to me (an average consumer) Toyota has an outstanding marketing tool with the T1 line directly from a dealer's service department to Toyota factory. "Take your car to the service department of your local Toyota dealer and be assured of the most up to date information to treat your car." This would help combat me from taking it to my local mechanic.
Steve
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Somewhere out there is a cloth weave upholstery that is impervious to dog dirt, slobber, and everything else. But we haven't seen it in a vehicle. Scotchgard your heart away - it doesn't help that much. Neither do the dealer-inflated protection schemes.
After 23 years of leather-equipped Volvos, Dodge Vans, Acuras, Mountaineers, and now a Lexus - go leather.
It cleans up great and should last a lot more than 7 years. I've seen cloth interiors in other Dog-Mobiles look shabby after just a few years.
Of course, if Spot puts a hole in the leather, you will need to find one of those miracle workers that repair them at your home, office, or their site. I had such a dime-sized hole in my Acura and, $90 later, I couldn't find the scar.
Good luck!
Drew
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Drew
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I had the same thoughts as others in that HL is a good buy at an MSRP of ~$30k and $2k under. We were looking at an Escape at $25k. The superior quality of the Toyota (very obvious) and the larger size are well worth the $3k price premium.
I drove an RX, MDX, and Limited HL all on the same day. The RX was nice but really shines when you add on a few options. I don't know how to explain it but it just seems complete at about $38k. Little small in the "trunk" though and the stylized rear door opennings inhibit ingress/egress.
The MDX has a smoother motor, more powerful but not very significant. We didn't like the outside at all and the inside was very mini-vanish. I esp. did not like the seatbelt from the roof for the center rear seat that requries a key to unlatch. I found the 3rd row seats to be useless for us so we'd have them shut all the time. You do lose some 2nd row legroom b/c of them. Combining this with the very long wait, esp for a non-touring, non-nav version put it out of the running.
So at the $35k+ mark, I'd take an RX and for $30k- I'd go with a non-limited HL. So how did I end up with a loaded HL instead? I really wanted VSC/TRAC and you cannot find that on a non-limited 4wd HL. Ditto for side airbags. Leather was also our first choice. We were just about ready to buy a non-limited HL w/o the features for $28k when I found a HL with everything (except heated seats) and got it for $2900 off MSRP (better than the best non-limited deal). So for $4k more, the many extra features were worth it.
Sorry about the length. Feel free to send me email if for more info.
G
Having said that, I'd be looking at other factors to help make your decision.
The MDX has an on-demand 4WD/AWD, meaning it is really FWD until it senses slippage, then the AWD kicks in. It's more of a "reactive" system. Both the Highlander and all Subarus have full-time AWD, ("proactive"), as compared to the MDX. I personally prefer the Highlander/Subaru systems.
Depending on which Subaru you're considering will determine what kind of AWD system you will get. All automatics, except the H-6 VDC, get a 90/10 normal front-to-rear power split. The VDC gets a 45/55 power split, and all manuals get a 50/50 power split. On all models the front-to-rear power split can and will vary depending on road and driving conditions. Also, Subaru automatics, in first and second gear, have a 50/50 power split. It then changes to 90/10 in third and fourth gears. Finally a number of Subarus also have a viscous limited-slip rear differential.
I believe(?) the the Highlander has a 50/50 front-to-rear power split. However, I'm not sure if that power split varies front-to-rear split like the Subarus do, depending on traction conditions. I don't know if an LSD is available.
That's the best I can do comparing the AWD systems. In "real-world" terms, I'm not sure it really makes much difference. As I said, they're all good, and will do just fine in snow.
Bob
I live in the Phoenix metropolitan area and bought our HL from Camelback Toyota. My sales person is Sam Sanchez.
Hugo
But it takes a fully equipped HL at $35+K to get close to the MDX, and that $35+K doesn't necessarily even guarantee you 4-wheel drive.
Drew
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Regarding a "ticking" sound .... I am beginning to believe it is the sound of the fuel injectors. I personally cannot hear any ticking (I am a bit hard of hearing) but my wife says she can hear a ticking sound when idling.
Happy Motoring
Please advise
Thanks,
A 4WD Limited here in SoCal (MSRP) with everything possible here, ie. SR BE TO LL LA EJ CF and perhaps SK GN is $33719. Even adding the "VD" and "heated seats" and gold package, I can't hardly hit $35000.
And, those are the exception to the rule, as 4WD Limiteds are not plentiful here. I think what I meant that you might not be getting is that the average Highlander stickers here at $28000 to $30,000, Limiteds at $32000 to $33500 and that's really still not Acura MDX territory.
I hope that makes better sense?
Di
Just the thought.
Thoughts? Thanks. Don
I'm not sure what folks here mean by tapping, it could mean "knocking" or "ticking".
As I have previously stated before, the "ticking" sound (which not everyone is sensitive to) is the fuel injectors on the 3.0L engine. I've had two different Lexus lead mechanics confirm this independantly.
TC
JGCs roll like hotdogs.
I just saw a HL without the limited package at a local dealer and it did have VSC and side airbags, I am almost certain. I commented that that is how I would want it configured, so I don't think I am mistaken. It was AWD and stickered for 31K+. So they are available.
The dealer is in Minnesota, if that works for either one of you.
;>
Dianne
There is a center console available for the Highlander. You don't have to get a one from some other vehicle. Note that it is not as big as the RX's. It is about as high as the seat so you still use the seat armrests. It does have upholders on the front.
Personally I don't like mine. We prefer the open space. I am probably going to remove it if I can. Anybody interested in buying an Ivory one that is 4 days old? Send me a note.
I
available with the Limited package.
Obviously this is not true elsewhere.
Can anyone shed some light on this topic
Road Runner
I understood what you were saying. But I also found it easy to see why people will compare the HL to the MDX, since when similarly equipped, there is little difference in price.
I like the HL, by the way: it is a vehicle that is moving away from some of the insanity of the SUV craze.
PS: I did not want a damaged vehicle, also, it wont be repaired until the end of this month...
I do not have a center console. I do not think we will add one.
One option I wish we had is an outside thermometer. I have not had my HL long enough to ask around, but I wonder if the Toyota thermometer can be dealer installed? Any thoughts?
Happy motoring
FYI - Over in the "Toyota Highlander Owners: Meet the Members" group
there was some discussion of aftermarket items such as the outside temp
I'm wondering if Dianne or one of the other Toyota experts could tell us what this consists of.
Also, general FYI, it seems about 90% of Highlanders in the Milwaukee WI area are V6 AWD (no surprise) in silver, gold, or black.
Thanks!
As for the RS 3200 security system, I also found it very confusing. The brochure says it can't be ordered on cars with keyless entry, but the HL I test drove (not a limited) had both listed on the sticker. Does this mean you're paying for keyless entry twice if you get the convenience pkg. and the RS 3200? Since the car we're looking at would be prewired for an alarm, we asked our salesperson how to add the alarm, and even he was confused.
Anyway, I really liked the car and have decided to purchase the HL instead of a minivan, but getting correct information about the options has been a little frustrating. My thanks to all who have posted here...you've helped me a lot! :-)
Regarding the outside thermometer, "back in the old days" ( a month ago) when I was waiting for a Ford Escape) there was quite a few post about owners installing after-market mirror - thermometers. It was fairly expensive, and required a lot of removal of interior components. I wonder if the wiring is already in the HL? I wonder if we can purchase the thermometer from Toyota and install it ourselves or even the dealer?
Keep up the post, and happy motoring. After reading the post on other threads, and reading of their continuing problems, and doubts, I feel we really made a wise purchase in the HL.
Another very useful feature, in foul weather, is heated mirrors. This feature makes the outside mirrors usable when it's raining or snowing.
Our Forester has one other unique feature: an electronically heated windshield, as well as the regular front defroster. There are heating wires, like those found on the rear defroster, at the base of the windshield, which helps prevent ice build up on the wipers when in use. It also helps free the wipers quickly when you have to clean a fresh snow off your windshield This is a GREAT feature! I've used it, and it works.
The heated mirrors, heated windshield, and heated seats (another great feature) are all part of the "All-Weather Package" which is standard on some Subaru models, and optional on other models.
Bob
Bob
I decided against the green paint because it is too much of an "emerald green" - too primary. My Pathfinder is more an olive (Rainforest)green, similar to the Grand Cherokees.
Sunday we went to the dealer's lot and they had a silver Ltd.(my 2nd choice). The vehicle looked great from the outside but when you look inside does that tan leather and black dashboard ever clash with the silver exterior! Toyota HAS to have more colors available(interior & exterior) next year.