Toyota Highlander

gwkiser

He , are you sure you didn't get MY AL?!!!!! Sounds like you got one pretty much like the one we're waiting on. Should be in this week. BTW, what kind of deal did you get (if you don't mind sharing with us...)?

judgem

I reside in Monmouth County New Jersey and have been comparing various vehicles to purchase in replacement of a 98 Toyota Sienna. After much searching, I narrowed my choices between the Acura MDX and the Toyota Highlander. I should note that two of my family's present cars are a 1997 Acura TL 3.2 and a 1998 Toyota Sienna. Both have been outstanding and the dealerships pleasant and above average in service. In attempting to negotiate a discount for the MDX, I was met with total frustration. Not only were the several dealerships in my area seeking a $2,000.00 premium over M.S.R.P., but the dealers had added another $5,000.00( yes folks, five thousand) in after market products. The best deal I could negotiate was $1,000.00 off a demo with 2,200 miles on it for a net cost of $41,000.00. I then went to the Toyota Dealership where I had purchased my Sienna. After many discussions back and forth with the sales staff, I purchased a Highlander limited fully loaded with a list of $35,090 discounted $1,000.00 plus a generous trade value for my Sienna of $20,000. Bottom line was $14,000.00 plus my trade. Being a neutral party owning both makes I feel I can offer an unbiased opinion. If I could have purchased the Acura with the same $1,000.00 discount as the Toyota, I would have made the deal. However, the attitude of the Acura dealerships drove me to reconsider. Price gouging is something I can never tolerate no matter what quality the product brings to the table.

jimxo

If your looking into adding the Center console there are few options.

1. Ask your Toyota parts department if they would order this for you.
2. Visit www.toyota.co.jp official Japan site. There are a few links to Toyota dealer's there and they may consider shipping it to you.
3. Befriend a Toyota mechanic that will help you install it (on the side).
4. Get a friend in Japan like me and have him do it for you.

I am not sure on cost. I will post information when I receive it.

Good luck!

tonychrys

Mark, I'm guessing you went to Acura of Ocean? I was there in January test driving the MDX. The car wasn't as smooth and quiet as the RX300, and the most obscene part was the dealer. They had a perfectly good Touring model on the floor... but then they slapped fender flares on it, running boards and every other after-market do-hickey you can think of. The end result was $6000(!) over MSRP. I'm sorry, but Acura dealers are pretenders when it comes to the luxury-end car buying experience. YMMV.

needsahl

Tried to buy a HL today. Got the "out the door " price only to find extra fees and options once I showed up at the dealership in Naples.So I walked out the door.Prices will fall when the season is over and I'll buy elsewhere.

tbuchta

I wonder if anyone can help with a question on towing packages on the HL. I ordered a a HL with the to (towing prep) package on it, with the assurance that the dealer would also order the tow hitch and put it on when it came in. Well, the HL came and the dealer said that the tow hitch could not be ordered....I agreed to have an aftermarket hitch on after I was assured it was "just like a toyota hitch" Well when I looked at the hitch that was put on (was out of town when the work was done), and found it had been attached with four bolts to the bottom and rear of the wheel well.
So I have several questions...

Should I complain about the hitch? It looks pretty shaky to me, the factory hitch is very securely bolted with reinforcing plates to the area where the towing hooks are...

Does it seem funny to put a tow prep package on without the hitch? Wont Toyota eventuallly sell them?

How can I confirm if the tow prep package is on (this is a v6 awd) ? I'm probably getting too suspicious but I looked at the fuse box and the 20 amp fuse socket marked "towing" is empty.

The vehicle itself is wonderful. We are dutifully putting our break in miles on at low speed and driving this vehicle is like a dream...milage so far after 10 and 15 gallon fillups on mixed driving is 21.5 adn 23....Thanks

skyreb

I am delighted you are enjoying your HL. I too have experienced the same fuel efficiency ... isn't it great.
I have the tow package on mine, but it did not come with the "ball." Is that what you are talking about? I asked the dealer, and he said the ball and "male" insert that fits within the "female" receiver does not come with the package, explaining different trailers require different step ups or step down. Since I have no immediate plans to tow anything, I did not question the statement. Plus I already have a 2" ball. It should have the electrical socket adjacent to the receiver. Also, my receiver has a cover plate with "Toyota" embossed thereon. There should also be an oil cooler, which I have not looked for.
I hope all is right ... I hate to hear anyone having problems with brand new vehicle.
Enjoy your HL.

road__runner

I have found there are atleat 3 aftermarket receivers available for the Highlander
(DrawTite model 41541, Dalan, and Hidden Hitch model 70777)
They are all "no drill" installations attaching to the frame with 6 bolts (3 per side)
They sell for around $110-150 on the net + shipping
Here's the instructions for the HiddenHitch :

1. Remove the two tie down brackets on the bottom of the frame at the back of the vehicle ( 1 per side ) and the two small rubber caps that cover the weld
nuts in frame ( 1 per side ). Return brackets and hardware to customer.
2. Raise hitch assembly (A) into position.
Installation tip: Tilt hitch assembly (A) so that the draw tube is pointing towards the ground at about 45 degree angle. Slide hitch assembly (A) muffler loop
between the tail pipe and bottom of the bumper, pull down on tail pipe if more room is required ( make sure tail pipe is not hot ). When raising hitch assembly
(A) up to the frame slide hitch towards the passenger side of the vehicle just enough to get by the heat shield that is over the top of the muffler.
3. Line-up hitch assembly (A) with weld nuts in frame and loosely install hardware as per instruction sheet ( see Illustration for clarification).
4. Tighten all bolts; refer to torque table on the instruction sheet.

Does this sound like how yours is mounted ? This is a class 3 hitch (ie 2inch)
"attached with four bolts to the bottom and rear of the wheel well" does not sound right.
Is yours a 1-1/4 or 2 inch receiver ?

drop me your email address and I can send more info if you like

msu79gt82

Fully loaded MDX (Touring package w/ Navigation DVD) sells for $39450 with no forced options. In fact we got two years factory recommended maintenance for free and several options for free. (See John Eagle Acura, Houston, Texas at www.houstonacura.com)

A fully loaded HL Ltd MSRPs for about $35000, perhaps discounted by $1000. The MDX is a steal for only $4500 more than an HL. Anyone who would pay $34000 (or more) for an HL has some loose screws somewhere.

Unless you are talking about the fully loaded HL Ltd (~$35000) please do not even try to compare to the MDX.

hialeahmaria

I just test drove a HL V6 Ltd fully loaded and it was at $32000 msrp; offered it to me for $30000, but it wasn't what I wanted (didn't want certain items, wrong color...they just wanted to sell. I still think that's too high.I'll probably negotiate around $28500 when I find "the one" for me. It left me wanting to take it home NOW. But not yet...soon...:-)

teeceeb

Have any one test drove the 4 cylinder version of the HL? hows the perf ? and is this a new engine in the toyota family?

gwkiser

Well, unless there's new news, I think you're dealer is incorrect. The tow package comes in two parts. (1) the tow prep package which includes larger radiator, a transmission cooler, 130 amp alternator w/ trailer pre-wiring, 80 watt fan coupling (whatever that is), and power steering cooler. (2) the tow hitch and converter. My HL Ltd. due in this week might have these two things on them (didn't need them but dealer said that may be the only ones he can find with my other specs...no extra charge to me if the vehicle has them. These options are available separately from each other although my suspicion is that usually they are paired together for obvious reasons. Anyway, I personally would not accept an aftermarket hitch. I would rather the dealer find the factory one even if I have to wait for it. You might try calling other dealers in your area to double-check your dealer ( or even the distributor directly). If you find your dealer is wrong, just prove to him that it IS available and make them put it on your HL. Regarding the ball part, I have no idea if this is part of the hitch option or not (perhaps another question to ask another dealer). Just my thoughts.....

nofeer

As per above post why is the mdx worth $4500 more than the HL? If you got the MDX without nav, similarly equipped as the HL. WHat makes the MDX so much better? i am cosidering both as well as the 02 ML320. so your comparison is needed. I drove both, the HL is quieter, the MDx bigger and has 3rd row seats. I do like the nav system but could add it to the HL, my wife is also considering the volvo cross country.
Insights?

msu79gt82

I have seen and read about many HL that MSRP at $35000. Any HL that MSRPs for less than that is not fully loaded! Not that you need/want one fully loaded, but that is indeed the facts. To adequately compare the two one needs to load up a HL to what the MDX offers standard. The Base MDX MSRPs at $34750 and to me is much more car. The national media agrees, as MDX has won all the major awards (not HL or SQ). Add the Touring Package and the MDX MSRPs for $37450. The additional $4500 I quoted above was the Touring Package w/ Nav system. By the way the Alpine Nav system is the top rated one out there. Since the Nav is a $2000 option, a Touring MDX is only about $2 to 3K more than a loaded HL.

Can you even install an after market Nav system in an HL? Will it integrate seamlessly into the dash? If so it will still add $1500 to $2000 to the cost of the HL.

I found the MDX to be quieter, but that is a subjective thing. The MDX is larger, roomier, more versatile, larger, more powerful responsive engine, as good of gas mileage, ULEV rated in all 50 states, etc.

We needed a larger car (trading an Expedition), must have three seats, so the MDX was a no-brainer for us. However we need three cars, we have two teenage drivers, and looked at the HL for a second car. If you read way up the post list (back in January; pre-release) I was very active in the discussions and very optimistic about the HL. It was touted by Toyota to be between the RAV4 (which we own a 97) and the 4Runner. I thought they meant halfway. But no the RAV4 maxs at about $24 and the 4Runner at about $40 so the $35 HL is much closer to the 4Runner. We decided that the HL was way too expensive for a second car.

rutger56

I am looking for a 2wd,4cyl HL.Located in central New Jersey. Anyone have experience with James Toyota in Flemington,or Muller Toyotain Clinton as far as pricing and the sales experience goes?
Any problem obtaining the side air bags?
Separately,would like feedback on experience with the 4 cylinder model from new owners. My only concern is that this vehicle has not yet been crash tested. If similair to Lexus LX300,then probably okay. Thanks for input.

abuyer1

Hello msu79gt82. You state that the MDX has won all the national awards, not the Highlander. Do you know of a case in which the MDX has won an award, when the Highlander was included in the comparison? I have only seen cases in which the MDX was top rated prior to the availability of the Highlander, which was not included in the comparison.

jerryo1

When you were comparing the MDX with the HL did you notice that the MDX did NOT have vehicle skid control. That's what turned me to the HL along with the fact that I didn't have to wait 6 months coupled with the Toyota build quality and that same drivetrain had been in the RX300 for two years. No first year gitters.

inky

Saw a loaded one this morning. Looks like the best color to me. Really nice with the neutral leather. 32k MSRP.
INKY

gwkiser

If it has the options you want..GET IT! I've been waiting on my Bluestone 2WD Ltd. for about 3 weeks now...
Happy motoring......

a2esq

I am considering both but the MDX is at the top of my price range so I will likely go with a HL configured at $30-31k. I have driven the HL but only sat in (none avail. for test drive) the MDX. I love the MDX interior and I think the MDX may do better in semi-severe situations (foot of snow, etc.) For me, it comes down to realizing that the traction of the HL is perfectly fine for most conditions and that I can afford to do without all of the options (leather, power seats, 3rd row seats) and save about $5k. If I was going to spend $35-36k, I would be inclined to go with the MDX (again, no test drive yet) because of the extra space and nicer interior. I also think the HL will get better mileage in real driving (slightly smaller engine, less wind resistance).

To MSU: If the HL is for a teenager, why not configure it for about $28K (V6, AWD, couple of options)? Then it's closer to the RAV4.

ahossa

TO Teeceeb: The main sellin point of the HL is that it's a lower version of the RX300.If you get the 4 cyl, you are loosing the benefit of that great RX300 engine.If you call around the dealer as i have done there are loads of 4cyl HL sitting on their lots.The RX 300 does not come in 4 Cyl.

To Nofeer:The only reason folks compare HL to MDX is because of the 35K price.Mdx is a far superior vehicle. Just read all the auto magazines.The HL is quieter and has VSC and that's it.The quality of the materials in the MDX is far superior to HL.Read the current issue of Consumer reports.

cliffy1

The tow prep package would reflect on your window sticker.

As to the factory hitches, we can't get them at all right now. I have no ETA on when they will be released, but the only way I can get them is aftermarket. Don't ask me why, it doesn't make sense to me either.

mark495

I just picked up the April Consumer Guide 2001 Auto at a local book store. This is the first month the HL has been rated although it was mentioned as a new vehicle in the March issue. Out of a possible 100 point perfect score (10 points maximum in each of 10 categories) some of the mid-sized SUV scores are:

RX 300 61
HL V-6 61
02 ExplorerV-8 55
MDX 53
Outback V-6 53
MB ML 320 53
BMW X-5 48

HL V-6
For: passenger & cargo room, instruments and controls
Against: Fuel economy

Described as similar to the RX 300 with more room, less luxury, less expensive.
Ride quality: "Not uncomfortable, but surprisingly taught-more traditional-SUV than car-based wagon. Sets HL apart from related Lexus RX 300. Side-to-side pitch minimal, highway ride free of float, wallow."

I factory ordered a HL just the way I wanted with almost every option in mid February in northern Illinois. The tow package and tow setup are what threw it into a special order which I can expect in 90-120 days. The RX 300 was a little small in the cargo capacity area, a little too softly sprung, and had a bit too much of a soft, womanly, phoo-phoo image in my mind. But reliability and build quality are the most important factors for me and I would have gotten the RX 300 if the HL had not come along. So far I like what I'm hearing from 'neutral' sources such as Consumer Reports and Consumer Guide.

I enjoy and have learned from this BB.

hawkeye70

Just picked up a V6 2wd non-limited bluestone/ivory from Dianne at Carson Toyota. I couldn't find a bluestone at any local dealer to show my wife until Dianne secured one while it was still on the boat. She also made an adjustment for us to the port-installed options (removed center console) and called us when it arrived to check it out. She held the car for us for several days (only had 4 miles on it when we drove it away) and when we arrived, there was at least one HL of every color lined up in a row, so my wife could confirm we made the right color choice. There was not one cent of extra charges above what we previously discussed and Dianne and Mike Chase made the entire process go very smoothly. I learned about them, of course, from this board, and I appreciate all the info and ideas I've received from all of you to help us make this decision.

To road__runner: Thanks for the towing info. I'm also looking into getting a receiver hitch.

skyreb

I had not seen the magazine ... thanks for sharing it with us. It appears the HL is is pretty "good company."

I know you did not write the article, but I wonder why they cited the fuel economy as a negative. My (unlimited, V6, AWD) first four fill-ups have averaged a little over 22 mpg ... I do not think you can beat that.

The greater surprise for me is the Explorer rating. I know it is new, but the reports on BlueOval have npt been that favorable (quality issues).

Thanks again. Happy motoring

ss5153

I got a great deal on the HL 4X4 4WD last Saturday, refer to post# 1304. I haven't test drove the Acura MDX yet, but I have found out that all Acura MDX are made in CANADA, while, all Highlanders are made in JAPAN, with the same engine as the Lexus RX300, and a totally redesigned body. My dad drove a 1984 Toyota Corolla, and it still runs good cuz it's made in Japan. Have a friend who bought the Mercedez ML320 which is made in the US, got lots of weird sounds coming from side view mirrors, brakes, and sunroof. Haven't had any of those problems with my New Highlander so far, but I'm keep you guys posted. Anyhow, my point is, if you are looking for an import car, make sure it's built in the country of it's origin, otherwise, lots of problems in the days ahead. Ex: McDonalds taste better in America, than in Japan...

shl72953

I've had my HL for over a month and have put 3000 trouble free miles on it. I asked my dealer to pick up a center console when I got it but still don't have one. He claims that there is some type of hold on them. Yet, I keep reading where others are having no trouble getting one whatsoever. Is this a regional thing? I'm in Indiana and read where some guy in Ohio didn't want the center console but all the HL's he looked at had one. Dianne or clifty, maybe you can help my dealer out by telling me how he might be able to get one before the Arabs cut off all our oil and we end up with Schwinns.
Wally

mvt3157

I purchased a HL this past Sat. in Ohio and was told center consoles were not available for installation outside the factory. None of the HL's that I saw had them. Would appreciated hearing more about the possibility of getting one installed.

cliffy1

CR generally hates SUVs and holds them to unrealistic standards. To them, 22 MPG is unacceptable. Remember, this organization has a heavy Ralph Nader influence.

Don't get me wrong here, CR is a very useful source of information. I have no problems with them, but whenever they start complaining about things like gas mileage, I consider the context. They tend to miss the whole context thing.

abuyer1

The information about the Consumer Guide issue is interesting. I haven't seen that issue yet. But I have seen the April issue of Consumer Reports, and I do not understand the references to it on this board. The April issue contains no ratings whatsoever of either the MDX or the Highlander. All that I've seen in Consumer Reports about the MDX and Highlander so far is mention that they are being tested and to watch for results from their test track, and a few nice, encouraging words about each. Perhaps there has been some confusion in the above posts between Consumer Guide and Consumer Reports, but the fact of the matter is that Consumer Reports has not yet rated either the MDX or the Highlander. Of course if someone has somehow managed to acquire a copy of the May issue of Consumer Reports and that issue contains ratings of the MDX and/or the Highlander, then that's a different story; but I'd surely like to know how anyone might have acquired the May CR issue this early.

skyreb

I am afraid I am responsible for the confusion. The original post did in fact say "Consumer Guide" and I read it as "Consumer Report." Sorry all, for the confusion.

With that having been said, I will stick all else in my post .... good mileage, good company, very satisfied with teh HL.

Happy motoring!!

gluiz

I don't see why everybody thinks the MDX is a better buy at the 34-35 price point. From a qualitative standpoint, it is not clearly superior. It is front wheel drive except at low speeds and/or under heavier throttle. The engine is nice but the HL is just as good (the MDX is 400+ lbs more which probably consumes the extra power). The 5sp trans in the MDX is nice and is probably the source of the better (1 mpg) fuel economy. The HL powertrain is a little more proven. The HL even has a longer powertrain warranty than the MDX. For 34.5, the HL also has VSC and 4 wheel traction control. The MDX VTM just engages 4wd.

As far as superior interior materials, I didn't notice anything that made one stand clearly above the other. For us the 3rd row is useless (unusable for adults). The fit and finish were excellent on both.

So my point is that I didn't find one so totally better than the other that it was a no brainer for the price. It was subjective items that made the difference. For us, not having VSC or traction control at a 35k vehicle was telling. I think the MDX looks kind of funny (minivan platform coming through). Availability. Price - cannot find any deals on the MDX while our loaded HL (34.5 MSRP w/VSC/Trac, leather, side airbags) we got for less than 32.

mark495

I'll wager that it will be many months before CR rates the HL (the're not an auto only enterprise). But when (if) they do I would expect HL to rate similar to its close cousin the RX 300 which has been rated in third place behind BMW X-5 and MB ML 320 in the 4/2001 issue. The BMW is too new yet to be 'recommended' until sufficient feedback from owners comes in regarding build quality & reliability. The ML 320 has build quality issues as reported by owners that prevents CR from recommending it at this time.

As for Consumer GUIDE, regardless of how good or bad a vehicle is there will ALWAYS be something in the FOR and AGAINST boxes. If fuel economy is the only AGAINST, almost every SUV would have this problem. And 18 city/22 highway (V-6)are not bad numbers by comparison. By the way, how can the taller, wider, heavier, more powerful MDX have such good (17/23) EPA milage numbers? Is it the 5 speed automatic transmission? Would the HL benefit from a little taller additional 5th gear and might this be something that is incorporated in the 02 or 03 HL or the eventual RX 300 remake? Ahh, but this would of course add more expense.

road__runner

The 2 dealers I have talked with in SW Ohio say they can be added later.
I am looking for a HL without the console and finding slim pickings in the Limiteds

abuyer1

One of the reasons for the surprisingly good gas mileage of the MDX is the fact that it has "on demand four wheel drive," which normally operates as two wheel drive unless a driven wheel slips, instead of all wheel drive. But there are traction advantages to all wheel drive. Personally I'm willing to pay a bit more for gas to get that traction advantage. Indeed a 5 speed transmission also is a plus for the MDX in terms of gas mileage.

oily

Thanks for posting your experience finding a Houston area vehicle that Gulf States Toyota didn't fiddle with. We're willing to wait for a HL if we can get it with the options want and not the Limited package. So far we've been getting the runaround by Houston dealers pushing the extras. If we don't find relief soon, we'll buy a Chevy (ugh). Who did you deal with, and how did you/they bypass Gulf States?

oily

Houston area dealers are telling us vehicle stability control has not been released yet. From other posts here I think that is false. Can someone who actually has or has seen the option confirm that VSC is not vaporware?

venicebeach

I am taking delivery of my HL Limited (with console) in a few days.
Any suggestions on the best placement for the hands free cell phone holder...I have a nokia phone?

abuyer1

Well, indeed VSC is not yet available and will not be available until September-----on the 2002 Ford Explorer and the 2002 Mercury Mountaineer. But the Highlander? You are being lied to big time. I just bought one with VSC, and lots of other people have. The Highlander has been available with VSC from the first day that Highlanders became available in the US. Whether or not they are available in Houston is another matter. I don't know that.

gtalavera

I would like to know if anyone has oil changed this vehicle. I usually do all the maintainance
on my previous cars but they were all four cylinders much easier I think. I've tried ordering the repair manual for guidance but
dealer is charging me $140 with
10-14 days wait. Can't seem to locate the oil filter under the hood although I have yet to look under the this vehicle. HELP ! need to flush those small microscopic particles out. thanks.

scname

I saw one with VSC a couple weeks ago in Houston, I think it is Sterling Mccall on 59 ? They seem to sell Highlanders very well and get plenty of resupply.

sbondy

After looking at the myriad of SUV's available, we think we have narrowed it down to two: the Highlander V6 Limited and the Nissan Pathfinder LE. Problem is we cannot find any compelling reason to favor one over the other. The Highlander's overall feels like a better quality car/truck/suv, but the Pathfinder gives you more features for a similar price. Anyway, I wanted to solicit opinions from those of you who might be interested in helping us make a decision before it drives us crazy.
Thanks

hawkeye70

The oil filter on the V6 is just below the exhaust manifold on the front side of the engine. It is easy to remove from the front, but not if the manifold is hot. Oil dripping down the block from removing the old filter will be messy, I think.

On the subject of oil changes, is anyone planning to use synthetic oil in their HL?

macmac

I have had my V6 4x2 unlimitted for over a month. The 1000 break-in period is over. Living in Southern California the traffic is hectic. Sometimes you have to really accellerate to get out of some sticky situations. The acceleration in the Highlander is extreamly awsome! It feels like you are riding in a sports car. The engine is is very quiet at high speeds. I've taken the car up to 90 mph. The suv rides great!!!
Had a question on the locks? Has anybody tried to unlock the car by pressing the unlock button from the inside after locking the SUV with the keyless remote? I can here the clicking but the locks do not unlock. I can manually unlock the door. I was wondering if there were any setting for this feature. Also has anybody put an aftermarket alarm system on there highlander?

gluiz

I think that if you lock the doors with the remote, you cannot unlock using the inside door swtiches. This is a theft protection thing (slim-jim, break window, etc). Also, if you have the keys in the ignition, you cannot lock with the doors open (to prevent locking your keys in the car). And HL trick #3, if you turn the key in the door and hold it, the windows roll up (like VW/Audis).

dniehus

I too gave the Pathfinder some consideration because of its styling. However some negatives on the Pathfinder -- (1) didn't like the location of the spare tire (bolted on the underneath), (2) awkward getting into the rear seat which is also tight space, (3) mileage much less than the HL, (4) lack of availability of traction control, and (5) MOST IMPORTANTLY, PF gets poor ratings on crash tests. To be honest, crash tests have not yet been performed on the HL. However, it should be safe to assume that it will perform similarly to the RX300 which has amongst the highest ratings on the crash tests (both NHTSA and Insurance Institute).

To me the HL is clearly superior to the PF.

dawat

we're looking into ordering a 4x2 V6, leather, non-ltd but w/ the options We want, not the ones Gulf States wants us to have My questions are:
(1) What exactly comes w/ the tow package?
(2) How good is the alarm? Is it a rip off and should we install aftermarket?
Thanks in advance/

uncleoscar

Is it possible to add VSC later?

zemmy2

Just a word of thanks to all the posters here. We will be picking up our Highlander in the next couple of days. The dealer was able to locate us a pretty well loaded silver 4 cyl. 4x4 unlimited(wife hates wood grain!). We really considered the Santa Fe, but for our situation it couldn't beat the Highlander.

For people interested in the 4 cyl. I will post to let you know how we like it. My wife test drove both and didn't feel the 6 was that much better for the money. Plus why does a 220hp V6 rev so high at highway speeds? Anyway I made it a point for her to test drive both because we used to have a '97 vette. I drove the 4 and for our needs it is just fine. We live in the flatlands of Ohio so it won't see much mountain driving. My wife also didn't want a center console since we have a 3mo old. It is easier for her to get to the back without it. If anyone has questions I will do my best to answer them.

mkstring

I got mine at Don Mcgill Toyota, Kirkwood and I10 West on Old Katy Rd. I didn't see any with VSC on the lot, but the sales guy we used won't jack you around. Ask for Dan Crosby and tell 'em I sent ya (see profile). And, please, please, please, PLEASE don't buy Chevy. Email me off list for further explanation .

uncleoscar: Hi again! No, it must be installed at the factory. I asked that question a few week back after my mishap.