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Toyota Highlander

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  • gwkisergwkiser Member Posts: 326
    Hi there.

    You and Dianne are right. The "breathable" or "perforated" (my terms) gray leather is a port installed option. Specifically, Gulf States Toyota (the distrib. for TX and I think a few surrounding states) does that install. It's my understanding that it will carry the same warranty as the complete vehicle since it was installed by the Toyota distrib. I specifically asked that question and was told "yes".

    Enjoy your new HL while some of us wait on ours!!
  • hialeahmariahialeahmaria Member Posts: 45
    I am so grateful to everyone who posts, especially the very helpful and knowledgable Dianne. I previously made a post on VSC being readily available (as I was told on one ocassion)...well, open mouth, insert foot. After visiting various dealerships and speaking with sales persons, I've learned that VSC is a factory option, and that most equipped with VSC come with LTD pkgs.

    I'm looking for a gold HL, which is a difficult color here in Miami. I've seen all the other colors available. I was shown a "regional" (160 dealerships) inventory on computer and there were only 10 showing with VSC (FL to NC areas), all with LTD pkg. Only 2 gold, one in ATL and the other in NC, which are probably gone by now.

    I'm looking for a non-LTD 4x2 V6 and all the ones I've seen have various options already installed (tow prep, toyoguard, privacy glass, upgraded audio) that I don't really need. It looks like I may have to special order one. The loaded LTD's here are going for $32-$33K MSRP, which is still a good price, and most are offering about $1000 over invoice, which is very reasonable.

    I note that most of you here are Calif. and Northerners. Any Miamians out there?

    Also, what are the pros and cons of perf. leather vs "standard" leather? Thanks again, Dianne, for your never-ending help!
    Wishing and hoping and waiting.....
  • gwkisergwkiser Member Posts: 326
    Sorry, I did not mean to infer that there are two TYPES of leather available. If I'm not mistaken (help us out here Dianne), the perforated style is the ONLY style of leather they use. I was speaking to the GRAY LEATHER being a port installed option and not the style of leather. Hope this clarifies things a little. Sorry for any confusion.

    And yes, Dianne has been a great help to all of us. Where are those gold stars?!
  • georgejacksongeorgejackson Member Posts: 9
    Several dealers in southern California are telling me that you cannot get side air bags without ordering the LL option. Anyone agree with this? I tried to confirm with Toyota corp in in South Cal and they said to check with a dealer. They were also rude!

    When checking the invoice price, Edmunds does not include the $270 dealer ad fee. When you buyers talk about "above invoice costs", did that include the ad fee?
  • hialeahmariahialeahmaria Member Posts: 45
    From what I've looked at there are two leather pkgs available in my area: leather pkg @ $1015 and perforated leather faced seats @ $1429. I've seen both and the perforated leather looks better, in my opinion. Maybe they just use one pkg in certain areas. Anyone know?

    If you go to www.buyatoyota.com, under build-your-own, they list two leather options (maybe it's only for my zip code 33012).
  • debralewisdebralewis Member Posts: 5
    On Friday had the opportunity to test drive a highlander. Loved it. I am currently driving a 2000 Volvo S40 I'm ready to trade it in. I got a price of 25,700 or 1500 of sticker for a v6 4x2with a center console and cloth seats . How does this price sound.
  • gwkisergwkiser Member Posts: 326
    re: two types of leather seating...

    Well, all I can say is that it must be a regional thing. In my zip (78231, San Antonio, Tx), they only offer 1 leather package/price: $1015.

    Personally, I would choose the perforated type if I had to choose between the two.
  • paul789paul789 Member Posts: 1
    What's the deal with the Bluestone color? Most delaers I have spoken to have never seen it. One thought that it was featured at the Chicago Auotshow. The photo in the brochure doesnt look anything like the "chip". Is this color really available??? on a "Limited"?
  • debralewisdebralewis Member Posts: 5
    At Five Town Toyota in long Island where I'm considering purchasing a highlander my salesperson called me to say he has a highlander in bluestone with the limited package I haven't seen it yet. Will go tomorrow to see if we can make a deal.
  • daltexdaltex Member Posts: 19
    Haven't heard that one yet. What's the story?

    John
  • jimxojimxo Member Posts: 423
    Can anyone tell me if this color is similar to the RX300 Blue Vapor?

    Thanks in advance.
  • buckeyedonbuckeyedon Member Posts: 46
    Have noted recent references to HLs V6: 75mph @ approximately 3000RPM. My 1996 Avalon V6 shows roughly 2500 RPM @ 75mph. Dianne or Cliff: any reason for this significantly higher RPM on essentially same V6 engine block? Perhaps higher desired torque for HL V6? Thanks in advance for any illumination.
  • bironbbironb Member Posts: 63
    Posted Highlander bluestone pics for viewing at:

    http://clubs.yahoo.com/clubs/toyotahighlanderclub
  • cliffy1cliffy1 Member Posts: 3,581
    I have no idea. I assume it has something to do with the axle ratio of the rear differential. The HL is rated for 3500 pounds of towing while the Avalon is only set for 2000. This normally means a higher gear ratio which would account for higher RPMs at speed. This is only a guess though since I don't know the numbers.
  • drmpdrmp Member Posts: 187
    RPM discrepancy at 75 mph is something to do with aerodynamics. The lower and more streamlined avalon has less air resistance and needs less power to maintain highway speed. The highlander can be ratioed same as the avalon but it won't have enough reserve power to accelerate on the top gear.

    Hope that helps.
  • ahossaahossa Member Posts: 152
    To Debra Lewis:
    Is Five Town asking Msrp? or are they negotiating with the slowing economy and all.The blue stone isO.k. I saw it at Queensboro Toyota. The silver seems to be cool in the non limited because it has that aluminun molding in tne interior. The ivory interior looks cheesy with the aluminum molding.
  • hawkeye70hawkeye70 Member Posts: 43
    Paul789: I don't know what your region has ordered, but in SoCal there are definitely Limiteds in Bluestone. They are only available with ivory leather, though. My guess is that the showcar at the Chicago auto show was a Limited. The Bluestone at the LA auto show was a Limited, and that's where my wife and I both agreed that it was the color for us. I agree that the HL brochure photo showing the Bluestone model looks nothing like an actual vehicle of that color.

    Jimxo: I have seen the Blue Vapor RX300, and the Bluestone color is a few shades darker and a little more grey as well.
  • venicebeachvenicebeach Member Posts: 5
    I love my new HL Limited (silver) with ivory leather...with console....but it has consolitis.......
    I think the only cure is to replace it with the Japanese console that everyone says is much nicer and of better quality.........
    Has anyone contacted Toyota USA regarding the possiblility of getting the real Japanese console?
  • marphylousmarphylous Member Posts: 16
    GeorgeJackson: I found that I could not get side airbags without the limited (and also leather and cd changer) in northern CA and at Carsdirect.com. In the end, I found a dealer in southern CA that gave me an excellent price (about 4000 below MSRP) so that I could afford all the upgrades necessary to get side air bags.
  • rubytuesdayrubytuesday Member Posts: 21
    For those inquiring re: HLs in Hawaii, we bought our HL from Toyota City in Mapunapuna and my salesperson was Jayson Lam, who I highly recommend. Very friendly and personable and he provides excellent service after the sale. He is not pushy or arrogant nor did he insult our intelligence.

    Basically, as I have posted previously, my HL is 2WD, Limited, Silver/Charcoal, equipped with VSC (VD) and the premium JBL 8-speaker stereo. That was it. No leather, sunroof, side airbags, or CD changer. We would have liked the side airbags but the vehicle did not have them already installed. We got them down to just above 2K off the MSRP. All those MSRP prices (base plus all options) are posted on the internet, I believe they are they same all over the US. The dealership did not throw in any extras; we paid for rustproofing. I bought floor mats (the cargo one is sold separately here) and the glass breakage sensor to complement the keyless entry/alarm after the sale as accessories. If you wait a little longer, you could possibly negotiate more off the sticker (MSRP). They will probably offer you one amount off the MSRP, you can try to hold out for more. The final price will be whatever options you decide to add on after you negotiate off the sticker or if you factor in a trade-in. Jayson is easy to work with; he looked in the inventory and found two Bluestones and one Silver HL with the same equipment configuration on them, as well as a white one. He asked which did I prefer, we bought the Silver. I let Jayson know I would be posting his name into cyberspace!
  • tonychrystonychrys Member Posts: 1,310
    Cliffy is right on the money.
  • b717b717 Member Posts: 38
    Rubytuesday, Thank you for posting this latest info and recap. I had been trying to figure out if the V5 option was necessary or just the V2 glass sensor to bring an AL up to the equivalent of the VPRS3200 option. Those are the 3 colors I have been considering as well, Thanks, Aloha
  • daltexdaltex Member Posts: 19
    Mike, I'm trying to figure out the same thing (V5,V2, RS3200 differences). Was there an earlier posting that gave some clarification to the area?
  • dmacgolfdmacgolf Member Posts: 3
    I purchased an HL on Friday and wanted to thank those who have participated in this Board, your help has been immeasurable. I got mine at Manhattan Beach Toyota and the experience was not totally unpleasant, although I know I didn't get the greatest deal. After 11 years and 203,000 miles on a Taurus SHO, I snapped and had to have a new car. Mine is Super White, un-Limited, with Leather and chrome alloys. IMHO the DIO Leather feels softer and thicker than the Factory leather, we shall see how it holds up.

    Should you have specific questions, feel free to e-mail or ask here on the Board and I will attempt to answer. Thanks again to all.
  • watchmansusawatchmansusa Member Posts: 10
    I’be been on the Yahoo Highlander site (http://clubs.yahoo.com/clubs/toyotahighlanderclub) every so often and they have a bunch of pictures and links there. Not as many posting as here but it has been getting better.

    Watcher
  • watchmansusawatchmansusa Member Posts: 10
    It looks like something happened to my post, it sold begin, "I've been on the Yahoo Highlander site..."


    Sorry about that... also, I have just tried to access the site and it looks like the Yahoo clubs may be dowm temporarily because I could not go to any of the clubs I frequent.


    http://clubs.yahoo.com/clubs/toyotahighlanderclub

  • b717b717 Member Posts: 38
    I was combining info from rubytuesday's post 1474 and from looking at a limited LL yesterday on the lot.
    I looked at the dash and saw the small rectangle with the flashing red led labeled security, looks similar to the one on my 97 camry but minus the little holes for the mic that a vprs3000 has when the glass sensor is added on at the dealer.

    Michelle says she added just the V5, glass sensor.

    If others would like to add some more info, would appreciate it. The salesman said he would be only too glad to "add" the alarm to the stock immobilizer for 395, hmmm sell something to you again when you just paid for it once already via the LL option. Sales people, even, seem "confused". Thanks all out there again, mike
  • rubytuesdayrubytuesday Member Posts: 21
    The keyless entry system from the factory appears to have almost all of the RS300 features except for the break-glass sensor. It locks and unlocks remotely, can unlock just the driver's door or all doors at once, it has a panic mode to draw attention to the vehicle, it will automatically lock and rearm the doors if you unarm the system but don't open the door within 30 seconds. It chirps if you arm the system but have left a door ajar. If the alarm is triggered, the factory system disables the starter and the RS300 apparently works the same way. The RS300 comes WITH the glass breakage sensor, the factory system does not (go figure). I had it added on, and the salesperson thought the shop would be swapping out my alarm/security button with the flashing light for one with the little pin hole speaker. Instead, it appears that the glass breakage sensor is put under the dash (my guess is behind the very small louver-looking vent in the dash, located on the lower dash near the ignition side of the steering wheel; at least I hope that's where it is since I paid for it). It listens for the pitch of broken glass, upon which it will set off the alarm. The only difference I could see is that the RS300 does already come with the glass breakage sensor, and it will also automatically lock and unlock all the doors when the ignition key is turned on and off. I only know this because we put the RS300 on our Tundra, and all the doors lock when you start the truck. I believe the RS300 remote can be programmed to add on the second vehicle (HL) but I'm not positive about the factory remote. Maybe Steve or Dianne can concur or remark on this and the glass sensor add-on location.

    P.S. we also posted pictures at the Yahoo Highlander Club,
    http://clubs.yahoo.com/clubs/toyotahighlanderclub

    you can see them under user name lrted - - - that makes me Mrs. Lrted.
  • dwight53dwight53 Member Posts: 19
    Leather seats, dmacgolf, what are the leather seats that you are talking about that are softer than the factory. I prefer softer seats, are these aftermarket??? How much softer, what do they cost??? Tell me more!
  • b717b717 Member Posts: 38
    Michelle, Thanks for the great posting on differences. I have the same unit in my 97 Camry, just as you described. On your new Highlander, do the doors not automatically lock/unlock when engine is started/stopped? When I first experienced it in Camry, did not care for the feature but now rather like having this function. Regarding the mic for the glass sensor, mine was the same as you describe, and I remember the salesman demoing it, by tapping on the drivers's window with the edge of a quarter till the alarm triggered, only then realizing nobody had a key or remote handy to shut it off, quite entertaining.
  • seemomgoseemomgo Member Posts: 27
    Could any Gulf States HL owners please give me some insight re: port-installed gray leather (is it light...dark?)? My sales person said I should go with ivory, but it is too light for my family. He also said he wasn't sure it would match the charcoal interior which I find hard to believe. I know color is a subjective subject, but is a silver car with gray interior that unusual? I'd appreciate all responses since there are no cars locally to look at (NE Oklahoma).

    The offer we currently have is:
    Silver V-6, 4x4
    Appearance Pkg. (AG)
    Convenience Pkg. (CQ)
    Preferred Pkg. (HE)
    Daytime running lights (DL)
    Roof rack (DR)
    RS3200 security system (S4)
    Gray leather (LA)
    Floor mats (M5)

    Invoice $27060
    MSRP $30774
    Paying $28452
  • georgejacksongeorgejackson Member Posts: 9
    I tried buying a HL from MB Toyota, but found them unwilling to deal. What was your experience? Could not find your email in your profile? You can email me at rb2sum@aol.com.
  • rubytuesdayrubytuesday Member Posts: 21
    Mike,

    The factory keyless system on the HL does not automatically lock and unlock the doors (the dealer installed RS300 or whatever it's called these days will). The factory system will, however, allow you to unlock just the driver's door or all doors - I personally think this could be handy for women in dark parking lots. Like your Camry, the dealer-installed RS300 on our Tundra auto locks the doors when you start the car and unlocks when you stop the engine.
  • sotagearsotagear Member Posts: 17
    Just wondering if anyone tried listening to both the standard stereo & the upgraded stereo, and what you thought? And if you have the upgraded stereo, is it worth getting, or are you better off spending the extra money on a better one at a car stereo store?
    Any comments would be appreciated. My HL should be hitting the port in a week & I was curious what everyone thought about these Toyota stereos.
  • b717b717 Member Posts: 38
    Thanks Michelle, for all the information. The capability of driver door or all is definitely is good to have.
  • dmacgolfdmacgolf Member Posts: 3
    The leather seats were priced at $1,495, which has been the going rate for dealer-installed leather. I am not sure who the vendor is that they use, but they claim that is the same leather that is used on the Lexus. The dealer also claimed that their cost for the leather was $925, although my guess is that it is much less. The leather seems quite a bit softer than the factory leather and is not preforated (sp?), which I like. I hope that helps, if you have any other questions, my e-mail is dmacgolf@yahoo.com.
  • seemomgoseemomgo Member Posts: 27
    They already have cargo nets, mats, RS3200 security system and more!
    http://www.toyotaguys.com/accessories1.html
  • drew_drew_ Member Posts: 3,382
    image


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  • sstobersstober Member Posts: 14
    In reply to Sotagear's question #1488: I have the Limited HL that comes with the Upgraded Sound System (in Canada) - that is the indash 6 CD player and the 8 JBL speakers - not sure of the specs. (watts, freq. response etc., since they're not published anywhere). Before buying, I drove the regular HL without the upgraded sound system & I found a significant difference. The JBL system has much more range; highs and lows are good. Funny thing, is that they talk about having 8 speakers, but I could only see 4 on the doors plus the 2 little tweaters in the doors. I think that they have a dual speaker in the front doors and count that as 2 speakers. The bass response is very good. I think the sound system is very acceptable and unless you want a significant sound system (the type you can hear a block away), an aftermarket system isn't worth it. One of my criteria for purchasing the car was a very good sound system; I am not disappointed.
  • lightning28lightning28 Member Posts: 1
    I talked to you last week about a highlander(I live in Las Vegas) just wondering if you watch this at night. If so looking at one in particular on your list and considering coming down there tomorrow if you still have it. 9892. Host plz give me a break on this one, ty
    P.s. does anyone know if moon roof can be after marketed
  • judgemjudgem Member Posts: 10
    We purchased our HL Limited one week ago outfitted with the upgraded JBL system. The sound is great and the unit is easy to use. Our sales person warned us that the sound system is wired into the alarm and any alteration to same could impact upon the system and void the warranty. I don't know if this was sales hype but I thought I would pass it along. We love the auto!
  • rubytuesdayrubytuesday Member Posts: 21
    My salesperson called me today to let me know the toolbag described in the owner's manual for the HL is a misprint. They had a sales meeting at the dealership and this was "confirmed" at their meeting. Maybe Dianne or Steve can confirm this, is this the truth or is my dealership just making up an excuse so they don't have to provide them? I plan to still pursue this with Toyota as this is not a cheap vehicle - a tool bag should not be a big deal to them to provide. We're not asking for a rollaway 8-drawer Craftsman toolchest, just for Toyota to live up to their promises. Any other known Toyota vehicles come with tool bags kits (4 Runner, Sequoia?) I guess just another thing to confuse us. Maybe it doesn't apply to American imports?

    The speakers in the JBL system are described as "8 speakers in 6 locations" in the options listings. So, apparently one location has both tweeter and woofer (dual speaker). I agree with sstober, it's probably in the door. I had Bose in my Honda, I think the JBL seems better.
  • cyafshincyafshin Member Posts: 1
    My local dealer says they can't get a unlimited V6 4x4 w/ factory leather. Does anyone on the westcoast or Northwest know this to be true? Or is my dealer trying to sell me what he has. An added question. Does anyone have a photo of the standard dash for the Silver HL. All pics I can find are for limited models. Thanks, cyafshin
  • gwkisergwkiser Member Posts: 326
    According to Dianne4toyota in msg 1419 (this club):

    "The manuals saga = the book's mis printed. The items as far as tools go are IN the car, neatly separated and set up to not rattle. There isn't a "tool kit" in any HL we have, and we have 20+ on ground, I looked thru every one (with help)!"

    Hope this helps....
  • gwkisergwkiser Member Posts: 326
    Hi seemomgo.

    I am waiting on my Bluestone HL Ltd. which will have the gray leather interior installed by Gulf States. I remember it to be a light gray color, not anything like a charcoal or medium/dark gray.

    Maybe someone else with the gray leather can confirm this for you.

    Hope this helps.
  • jdlaw2jdlaw2 Member Posts: 16
    seemomgo and gwkiser,

    I ordered a Black Limited w/ tan (no factory grey) leather. My wife preffered the PIO grey because the tan is so light, but we did not want to pay more money for port installed leather.

    In the Southeast Toyota states the port installed grey is perforated, the factory tan is not. I was very un-impressed with the perforated (regardless of color). It did not seem "rich" at all. The holes were very small and very far apart. The color did not match the grey interior molding very well either.

    I would have paid the extra for a port istalled grey leather, had it been darker and had the perforated panels been a little richer.
  • mkstringmkstring Member Posts: 53
    From what I remember, the only real difference in the base and limited is the center console with the AC and radio controls. Limiteds have auto AC, and the Base has circular controls for fan and temp and no LCD display. I believe the radio is upgraded as well, but our base model came with a cd/tape/radio combo. Also, the limited has the wood grain and the base have the "moon surface" plastic. We preferred the plastic to the wood grain.

    As for the radio and the security. My Accord had an anti-theft radio. Basically, each vehicle has a "code", that gets input in the radio to make it work with that vehicle. With the security system, the keys use this "code" as well. No other key can be used to disabled the security. I'm betting Toyota might have done something similar, but since I haven't gotten into a "fresh off the truck" Highlander, I'll need some confirmation here.
  • cliffy1cliffy1 Member Posts: 3,581
    Sometimes the manual is wrong. I'll tell you all about the most famous Toyota error. In the owners manual for the '96 4Runner, there was a description and diagram of how to remove the rear facing third seat. It seems they planned on offering a rear seat in the Runners but changed at the last minute. I suspect something like this for the HL.

    There is only one vehicle Toyota builds that comes with a tool kit and that is the Land Cruiser.
  • macmacmacmac Member Posts: 35
    I have the base HL. I like the 3 in one audio unit (CD, radio, tape). But the sound to is kind of muffled when the base and treble is at 0. Just to get a clean sound I have to change the bass to -4 or -5 and the treble to +4 or +5. Is it the speakers that make the sound muffled or the audio unit? If I upgrade the speakers to new ones will this help the sound?
  • rutger56rutger56 Member Posts: 12
    Anyone have any luck on HL purchase in New Jersey? I live in central NJ,near Somerville. Looking for base 4 cyl with side air bags,and quick order package in white,silver or gold.How are the prices in this area? Also, any comments on the 4 cylinder version. Also considering VW passat wagon.
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