Remember you have 30 minutes to make any changes or fixes after you post a message. Just click on the Edit button that follows your message after you post it. Steve Host Vans, SUVs and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
smallz - I can't view your picture of the fender flares. I haven't seen anyone else on this board mention it yet, so maybe it's just my browser. What do I need to do to view the pic? I just see a small box with a red "x" in it. If the picture has been posted incorrectly, could someone explain the correct procedure to smallz? I would love to view it!
I can't see it either. When I cut&paste the url from the pic properties, I get an "Access forbidden from external hosts" error so guess the url (Yahoo?) for that pic doesn't work from here. Steve Host Vans, SUVs and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
Those who are hearing the noise... are you driving a Limitted model or unlimitted? I have a unlimitted and have the heard the noise... when I went up north to San Francisco on the 5 Frwy where everybody drive 75 mph or more. I think it is the antenna that is being wipped back and forth.
My HL has over 3000 miles and still drives like it was when I got at 7 miles. Great SUV!!! Should I change the oil now or wait till the 5000 mile mark? Also has anybody tried to lay the front seats down? The top of my front seats hit the bottom of the back seats when I lay the front seats down. I did remove the head rests.
The PIO by the distributors are top of the line name brand accessories if not Toyota options. They have the same 3/36000 comp warranty as the vehicle. Cliffy is right saying that they are not genuine Toyota parts, but I bet they will be for the rest of the country a year or so from now.
Center Consoles must be limited to Port installations. This situation has been brought about by the combination of an EPA installation rate limitation and the complexity of the part's installation. I HAVE NO IDEA WHAT THAT MEANS!
I have a Limited HL with no outside Antenna - so it can't be that. I have a theory that the screeching/whistle noise occurs because of the geometry of the roofrack. The very small space between the roof and roofrack at the front end, creates the ideal conditions for a whistle noise to occur. When a crosswind hits at high speeds, the wind which blows into this very small space might be creating the noise which emanates from the front portion of the roof. I think that the solution will have to involve somehow blocking off the front portion of this space with a piece of platic - not sure how I will do it & it shouldn't be up to me to make a cluge for this very expensive automobile! I am suprised at Toyota; this should have never happened if they had done the proper Engineeering/Wind tunnel testing.
Gulf State (GST) and Southeast (SET) regions are not owned by Toyota. Both GST and SET add aftermarket equipment to many of our products. This includes aftermaket hitches by Drawtight, fender flares on the Land Cruiser, mud guards on the Sienna, leather on non-Limited Highlanders and Tundras and things like that. SET also adds the infamous Toyoguard package. None of this is covered by the nationwide Toyota warranty. The distributorships may cover then though.
I just got a HL and I paid $1000 over invoice price that the dealer showed me. But after checking on-line and entering the proper options, I got an invoice price on-line from 4 different site that is $510 less than what the dealer showed me as their invoice price. Is it possible that the Dealer will pay a higher invoice price for a car? I need to know so I can prepare as to what do do when I go back to pick up the HL.
Can anyone tell me if you can only get a sunroof on the HL by getting the Limited package? I have heard this from Houston dealers and want to verify... Do I have any other options besides having it dealer installed?
Mine is also a Limited and believe it is caused by crosswind through the roof rack. We've driven over 80 in calm weather without the whistle and as slow as 40 mph in very gusty crosswinds (30+ mph) and had the whistle. I think Toyota should manufacture some deflector (ala Nissan Xterra ?).
I am interested in the post re wind noise. I too suspect it is the side rail. Because it occurs so infrequently (I do not drive as fast as others mentioned) I have no plans to make any changes. I have 2300 miles on my HL, and will change the oil soon. I reason that all the microscopic particles common with a new engine are suspended in the oil, and it will be good to get them out. I feel 5000 miles is much to long to leave them in the engine. I have an unlimited with a sunroof, so they certainly are available.
To all: I appreciate the positive responses and general good attitudes of all that write on this board. I read the Ford Escape board (I was once interested) and there is so much "hate and discontent" expressed. I think we have a great vehicle with few problems, and we all seem rather content and not "snipping" at one another. Happy motoring.
I own a Highlander UN-Limited with the basic Toyota factory radio/cd. I want to have a JVC radio/CD installed.
My question is: Are there any special installation instructions that need to be followed when installing a new radio? My main concern is having the alarm or other computer/electionic devices get messed up because of this installation.
Thanks, And for any perspective Highlander buyers out there, I strongly suggest getting the upgraded JBL radio system.
Are you sure about the warranty? I live in GST territory and our HL (if we ever get it!) will have the PIO gray leather. I specifically asked if this interior is covered by the national Toyota warranty and was assured it was. Either way, I'm taking the option as I don't plan on leaving my area anyway. FYI, two of the three dealers I had approched with this question told me it WAS covered by Toyota national. The third said it wasn't. Just curious, that's all...
I promise you that it isn't covered nationally. If we ever had a customer with a warranty claim on the GST leather, we would not be able to order the part for it, let alone submit a warranty claim. We only sell Toyota equipment.
Cliffy's right. Toyota isn't obligated to honor their warranty on a non-Toyota part. Unless your PORT facility owner has an understanding/contract with the parts manufacturers (and believe me, there are often deeeeep pockets there), then the regional guys will honor the warranty on the extras, but perhaps you might be up the creek w/o a paddle later out of that particular region.
Thanks Cliffy and Dianne. Somehow it doesn't suprise me that two of the three dealers were incorrect. But it is suprising to find that we know more about their products/options than they do. (Maybe it's because of the great help from you two!). Maybe they are just too busy trying to make their monthly numbers than to learn about the product which, IMHO, would help them move even more of them. I guess we could hypothesize all day, couldn't we? Thanks again for the responses.....
Can anyone advise approx. prices of various Highlander configurations---4 wheel drive, leather and standard options. I am getting MSRP quotes nearly $8000.00 over Edmunds
With all due respect and please take this the right way because the info you give is always accurate and direct but, I just got off the phone with Toyota customer service 1 800 331 4331 and the correct answer is ALL ACCESSORIES FROM SET AND GST ARE COVERED UNDER THE TOYOTA FACTORY COMPREHENSIVE WARRANTY.
No, untrue. After market leather in a car, added after the car's sent here from Japan, isn't covered out here in my region, on MSRP or not. It's not factory if it's gray, and they'd not help with replacement or repair. You'd have to find out who did it, who's standing behind it, and mail them the repair bill to pay. There are companies we use for items added and the dealership stands behind their product, because we know they will back us up. But, for all the wrong info the toll-free #'s at "region" give to buyers, one can expect that they may be misinformed as well in this regard. I know that if I had a Camrys with added leather by Classic Soft Trim and the leather became a problem after 2 years, I wouldn't run away when I saw the car or the clients. I'd stop, set up an appt. with the guys at the leather shop, and fix the problem. Or, contribute if the problem was both parties' contribution. It pays to have a good relationship with all suppliers of after market things. I can tell you this: you add an after-market spoiler to an SR5 Sequoia and have it mess up the wiring, the dealership you bring it to isn't bound by any code to fix it at all. Not when they KNOW that SR5's are not factory spoilered. Just because it's spoken at 800-331-4331 doesn't make it so. After all, they are the same folks who insist that a Sequioa can't be order built for people...and we know that isn't right either!
I don't believe everything I read on the net either. Could you guys (salespeople) please take your little dispute to email? Thanks!
smallz: I don't see the photo and the "Access forbidden from external hosts" error still comes up. I'm thinking that you can only get to your pic from your Yahoo profile? There are still some pic posting sites that are free...for the time being, for example:
zing picturetrail Steve Host Vans, SUVs and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
You are so grumpy! The only reason I step up and post to anything that looks wrong is because a lot of people DO believe what they read here or anywhere else on the 'net. It's really a terrible thing to be told something based on assumption, and a well meaning person at any dealership, and have it not be so elsewhere.
Were you be a long-time reader at Landcruiser area, you'd see one particular person, Yossarian, continually posting half-truths and misgivings about Landcruiser specs and manual data, and he continually got into it with Cliffy, but cliffy kept re-stating what WAS true because he didn't want anyone to go in there and see poorly presented summations of calculated data and think it Gospel. That's all I wanted to do here.
lol, I haven't read Catch-22 for years. Maybe I'm wrong, but I think most of us would like to hear more consumer experiences and less dealer give-and-take? Steve Host Vans, SUVs and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
Be sure that the "invoice" price you are comparing includes the TDA (Toyota national advertising which can vary by region -- figure around $400) and destination charges. Most likely these are the costs that you are not seeing. In my case, invoice pricing from my dealer matched exactly information from Edmunds and other websites.
Hopefully you should be able to click on this link and see the pictures I took of the green HL with fender flares, gray PIO leather and raised outlined white letter tires.Please let me know if you are now able to see these pictures. Thanks and enjoy.
OK, guys. I apologize for starting (or at least escalating) the debate about PIO leather. Steve, I know you mean well, but we consumers want input not only from other consumers but from expert salespersons as well. I come here to gleen as much info about the $30,000+ vehicle I am buying, whether it be from the salespeople OR the owners. After all, it's not like they are posing as HL owners..their profiles clearly point out that they are salespeople. I really don't see the harm. Regarding owner's experiences, that is why we are where we are concerning this issue....I mentioned that I still had concerns whether or not the GST PIO gray leather had the same warranty (national) as factory leather....(Why do I feel we've made a full circle???!!!)
i want to get a 2001 odyssey. if any one has one already, i would like to know if it has a smooth ride and do you hear a lot of road noise when driving at high speeds
we rolled down the back passenger side window for 1 st. time and heard this god awful noise ! My husband think's the rear end is going to blow ! I can't believe it ! roll up the window and it's quiet again !! HELP ! will we ever be able to roll down the back window AGAIN!!! Thank's
poncho5: this is the link to the "main" Honda Odyssey XXX message board here.
gwkiser: no apology necessary! There's a bit of a fine line between giving information and soliciting, but we do get lots more good info here than ads from our friendly salespeople. Have you checked out aftermarket leather from your local upholstery shop? :-) Steve Host Vans, SUVs and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
Steve_HOST wrote: "Maybe I'm wrong, but I think most of us would like to hear more consumer experiences and less dealer give-and-take?"
In my opinion, you are wrong. There's enough band width here that we can "hear" both. I, for one, appreciate both Cliff's and Dianne's comments. While each and every post doesn't affect me today, they may be relevant tomorrow. I always have the option of not reading a post if I so choose, but I really don't want a "host" deciding what posts are relevant or when we are being solicited. Nearly every post I've seen here from the dealers have been direct responses to questions asked. You've got a pretty docile group here, (i.e. no slurs, profanity, etc.) why not cut us some slack until someone goes over the line. -Steve
You suggested I check out a local leather shop for the aftermarket leather. Even if it's only at the distrib. level, I'd rather let SOMEBODY close to the Toyota product to do the job. OTOH, I happened to glance inside a white LTD. over the weekend on a dealer's lot. It had the GST installed gray leather and center console. Would you believe that GST will change out the complete upholstery from "charcoal" (read light gray) cloth to "charcoal" (again read light gray) leather but leave the top cover on the center console in velour???!!!. Looks like since I asked for a center console with the gray leather on our incoming Bluestone Ltd., I may yet have to find a local guy to make the change on the console. However, I DID WARN the dealer that I didn't like it......he said he would "take care of it". Hmmmmmmm, we'll see........
Maria, great ride!!!!! I love the fender flares. Enjoy!
Wind noise: My Limited has made this noise twice. Both times the noise was right above my head (left side of vehicle). Both times the noise occured when I was hit by a BIG, sudden, gust of wind while going between 85 and 90 mph. What was amazing is how stable the HL was in this situation. It would be nice if Toyota could get rid of the noise. Anyone talked to Toyota yet?
I'm looking to puchase a 4 cyl. HL in Toronto. The MSRP is 31,900. Does anyone know what the invoice price is. Has anyone purchased one, what are your feelings? Thanks
It is my understanding that we would not cover such warranties here in VA. If you have a warranty claim and you have moved from the GST or SET region, you may be able to file a claim and have it covered. I have never run into this situation, but I imagine it would work something like this: You would pay the dealer or leather shop for a repair and contact Toyota later about reimbursement of your expenses.
Again, I have never run into this and am positive that non SET and GST dealerships would not file a warranty claim on non factory parts. You would be on your own to settle up. This may account for what you were told by the 800# people.
... and Steve, relax a bit man. All these comments were legitimate concerns that Dianne and I are well equipped to answer.
Two weeks ago I went to a N.J. Toyota dealer. They had 2 HL's in stock, a loaded v6,AWD,limited and the one I was interested in; a V6,FWD,pretty basic,towpkg,roofrack,mats(no keyless entry,no privacy glass). The sticker was $26,290. it was 3/31,they were offering 20% over NADA on trades. Their best offer was 19,500 plus my trade. My offer, 18,200 plus trade.My trade is a 94 Villager GS loaded,75k. Neither one of us budged. I notice they still have the vehicle on their lot,so they must be having trouble selling it. Should I go back with my original offer. Is this reasonable?
PANCHO5: We picked a Highlander when we were dead set on an Odyssey. Check them out!
about the content - from a consumer standpoint, I find the honesty of the would-be solicitors in here refreshing. I consider the PIO leather discussion substantial to the value of this group, and I'm looking forward to hear the outcome. Although I don't have leather (or want it), people might have an issue if something's not covered that they think is. Dianne and cliffy are the best sources for this type of info, IMO.
Thanks Steve, for keeping everyone aware of why we're all in here!
I have a friend looking at the HL, and he's looking at the 2002 Explorer as well . At least he's doing all his research!
I just wanted you all to know that I am not ignoring you. I will be off fishing in FL for the next couple of days. Don't get too rowdy while I'm gone. I don't want to have to wade through 200 messages when I get back.
My glass breakage sensor was bought and installed a few days after the sale, but the dealership corrected my paperwork so that the sensor is covered by the Toyota warranty. They said I had up to 30 days to buy any options I wanted covered under warranty.
When I bought my Honda, the dealership added window tinting done locally, not by them. It peeled a few weeks later on one window, and they had me take it to the installing shop - Honda did not do the fix, but paid for the repair. My guess is that Toyota PIOs done outside the dealership with non-Toyota parts works the same way - the dealership is covering the warranty. The key to the 800# message could be that by "accessories" they mean TOYOTA accessories. In which case, the 800# people are not misleading you. Dealer-installed accessories, however, are probably a whole new ball game.
Let us assume I am wrong, I can live with that. My point is that when I spoke to Toyota Service Hotline and gave the scenario that I purchased a vehicle with port installed options (specified SET and GST) and moved to a part of the country that does not have access to these options (fender flares etc) and if I have a problem with the options is the option covered by Toyota anywhere? The answer I was given was "YES". The dealer may have to contact the region for the part or directions on what to do but Toyota will stand behind PIO. I agree it may be more difficult and a phone call or two may have to be made and maybe the guy on the 800# is wrong. I love that our clients have pages of extra accessories to choose from because we are owned by a private distributor and trust Toyota will do what is right to help a client that chose a Toyota over the other vehicles on the market no matter where they live. maybe I am wrong because of misinformation, but I sure hope I am not. My final comment is: If you have a warranty claim on a PIO take it to your local dealer, they need to call the distributor for instructions and the problem will be addressed.
I saw photos of the extras you are able to sell there, like the raised white letter tires, and fender flares. Very cool, very different. You can do things there regionally that we don't do here in SoCal. I think that's a pretty fair trade off for all of the things your regional PORT facility does to you on other cars... like toyoguard, and other additions you have no control over. Thankfully, the heat is on those guys now with the advent of the internet and people sharing their stories about how they got things stuffed down their throats that they really didn't want. It's with the growing number of vocalists here comparing notes and sharing information that keeps folks (hopefully) from paying $2000 for warranties and $600 for undercoating and $200 for $10 pinstripes.
I sure wish we had fender flares, raised white letter tires, but they are not mainstream here. I wonder if CA buyers reading here would like these things? I mean, it all starts with asking! I'd be interested for CA buyers or lookers to share here or with me via email if the flares and/or the upgraded tires might be of interest to them? SoCal regions consider all requests, and if there are enough... well, what the heck! Perhaps again, with the powers that be reading this area, we'll also have the extras you get too! I like the flares - they sport up the HLs and the leather would be great too if it could be arranged thru Ultra Trim or Classic. Their leather quality is very good.
SBell, thanks for looking into the semantics of the warranty issues.. it was good of you. I know it's appreciated.
I also love my Unlimited V6 Highlander with it's roof rack, but I did not pay $30,000 to hear a very annoying wind noise. I was on the Illinois Interstates last Saturday, and heard this whining wind noise on and off all day. I originally was so proud to have a couple of friends in my wonderful new Highlander only to be embarassed by this noise all day. I still love this car, but really hope that Toyota does the right thing by making a fix. Cliffy or Diane - Have you heard anything?
It appears that most HLs are delivered with either Bridgestone H/T 687, or GoodYear Integrity tires. Since either choice is limited in ride, handling, and wear characteristics, most owners prefer to immediately upgrade.
All manufacturers are required to label tires with UTOG [uniform grading] test results for Treadwear/Traction/Temperature. However, the standard only provides a general comparison of the tires manufactured by an individual company, and is strictly a guideline. As an example, the ratings for the factory tires are as follows:
Bridgestone H/T 687 UTOG 300 AB GoodYear Integrity UTOG 440 AB
Due to the 225/70R16 size, your choices for replacement tires will be limited. There are two excellent posibilities to consider:
Bridgestone H/L 683 UTOG 460 AB Michelin Cross Terrain UTOG 520 AB
The Bridgestone is a great tire that handles and rides well, and is really good in the rain. You should be able to exchange the originals at a Bridgestone dealer for about $200, mounted and balanced. The Michelin is a premium tire that was designed specifically for SUVs, and should provide you the best all-round performance that you can buy. I am really impressed with the ride and handling of the Michelin, and I think it will be a much better tire in snow and ice than the Bridgestone. The Tire Rack will deliver them to you for $130 each but you will pay approximately $60 for mount/balance. If you drive in severe weather, seriously consider mounting either Bridgestone Blizzak or Michelin Arctic Alpin tires on an extra set of wheels. The increased traction and safety is well worth the cost.
Be especially careful about installing larger tires for the 'look'. Wider tires will not perform as well in inclement weather, and may cause you performance and mileage problems. The original tires have a diameter of 28.4 inches and I am very careful about changing that diameter with new tires. A small change in size may adversely affect your fuel economy and performance, and will change the speedometer calibration [a half-inch larger diameter will cause a 2% change]. Keep in mind that the computers in your vehicle monitor every system, and it is very easy to foul up the operation. You may spend $500 only to find that you have a negative result.
A last note: the best way to dramatically increase the longevity, handling, and safety of your tires is to invest in a quality tire gauge and check the [cold] inflation pressure at least once a week. Adjust the inflation to the Toyota specs found on the driver's door label, and be sure to rotate your tires at least every 6,000 miles. You will be amazed at the money you save, and the improvements in performance. Just comments from an HL afficianado!
I am finally picking up my new Unlimited V6 HL tomorrow, & have been following this discussion board daily. It appears that the only complaint worth any concern with the HL is the wind noise that occasionally comes into play with the roof racks. So the obvious question I would ask is - can they be removed easily? I know it sucks to have to go to that extreme, but I would probably only use them a few times a year at best, so if they come off, it sounds like a quick fix to me. If I know I might be using them I can always put them back on again. This was an easy thing to do with my 98 Rav4, but I haven't heard anyone talk about being able to easily remove their roof racks on their HL, so I'm concerned that this could be a problem. Please advise.
Comments
Steve
Host
Vans, SUVs and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
Steve
Host
Vans, SUVs and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
My HL has over 3000 miles and still drives like it was when I got at 7 miles. Great SUV!!! Should I change the oil now or wait till the 5000 mile mark?
Also has anybody tried to lay the front seats down?
The top of my front seats hit the bottom of the back seats when I lay the front seats down. I did remove the head rests.
brought about by the combination of an EPA installation rate limitation and the complexity of the part's installation. I HAVE NO IDEA WHAT THAT MEANS!
Is it possible that the Dealer will pay a higher invoice price for a car? I need to know so I can prepare as to what do do when I go back to pick up the HL.
I have 2300 miles on my HL, and will change the oil soon. I reason that all the microscopic particles common with a new engine are suspended in the oil, and it will be good to get them out. I feel 5000 miles is much to long to leave them in the engine.
I have an unlimited with a sunroof, so they certainly are available.
To all: I appreciate the positive responses and general good attitudes of all that write on this board. I read the Ford Escape board (I was once interested) and there is so much "hate and discontent" expressed. I think we have a great vehicle with few problems, and we all seem rather content and not "snipping" at one another.
Happy motoring.
My question is: Are there any special installation instructions that need to be followed when installing a new radio? My main concern is having the alarm or other computer/electionic devices get messed up because of this installation.
Thanks, And for any perspective Highlander buyers out there, I strongly suggest getting the upgraded JBL radio system.
Are you sure about the warranty? I live in GST territory and our HL (if we ever get it!) will have the PIO gray leather. I specifically asked if this interior is covered by the national Toyota warranty and was assured it was. Either way, I'm taking the option as I don't plan on leaving my area anyway. FYI, two of the three dealers I had approched with this question told me it WAS covered by Toyota national. The third said it wasn't. Just curious, that's all...
Cliffy's right. Toyota isn't obligated to honor their warranty on a non-Toyota part. Unless your PORT facility owner has an understanding/contract with the parts manufacturers (and believe me, there are often deeeeep pockets there), then the regional guys will honor the warranty on the extras, but perhaps you might be up the creek w/o a paddle later out of that particular region.
Dianne
smallz: I don't see the photo and the "Access forbidden from external hosts" error still comes up. I'm thinking that you can only get to your pic from your Yahoo profile? There are still some pic posting sites that are free...for the time being, for example:
zing
picturetrail
Steve
Host
Vans, SUVs and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
Were you be a long-time reader at Landcruiser area, you'd see one particular person, Yossarian, continually posting half-truths and misgivings about Landcruiser specs and manual data, and he continually got into it with Cliffy, but cliffy kept re-stating what WAS true because he didn't want anyone to go in there and see poorly presented summations of calculated data and think it Gospel. That's all I wanted to do here.
Di
Steve
Host
Vans, SUVs and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
Don
http://www.picturetrail.com/gallery/view?p=999&gid=230403&uid=130209&members=1
gwkiser: no apology necessary! There's a bit of a fine line between giving information and soliciting, but we do get lots more good info here than ads from our friendly salespeople. Have you checked out aftermarket leather from your local upholstery shop? :-)
Steve
Host
Vans, SUVs and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
"Maybe I'm wrong, but I think most of us would like to hear more consumer experiences and less dealer give-and-take?"
In my opinion, you are wrong. There's enough band width here that we can "hear" both. I, for one, appreciate both Cliff's and Dianne's comments. While each and every post doesn't affect me today, they may be relevant tomorrow.
I always have the option of not reading a post if I so choose, but I really don't want a "host" deciding what posts are relevant or when we are being solicited. Nearly every post I've seen here from the dealers have been direct responses to questions asked. You've got a pretty docile group here, (i.e. no slurs, profanity, etc.) why not cut us some slack until someone goes over the line.
-Steve
sbell4 Apr 9, 2001 4:51pm
As far as solicitation on Town Hall, it's addressed in the Terms of Use Agreement.
Steve
Host
Vans, SUVs and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
Wind noise: My Limited has made this noise twice. Both times the noise was right above my head (left side of vehicle). Both times the noise occured when I was hit by a BIG, sudden, gust of wind while going between 85 and 90 mph. What was amazing is how stable the HL was in this situation. It would be nice if Toyota could get rid of the noise. Anyone talked to Toyota yet?
Again, I have never run into this and am positive that non SET and GST dealerships would not file a warranty claim on non factory parts. You would be on your own to settle up. This may account for what you were told by the 800# people.
... and Steve, relax a bit man. All these comments were legitimate concerns that Dianne and I are well equipped to answer.
about the content - from a consumer standpoint, I find the honesty of the would-be solicitors in here refreshing. I consider the PIO leather discussion substantial to the value of this group, and I'm looking forward to hear the outcome. Although I don't have leather (or want it), people might have an issue if something's not covered that they think is. Dianne and cliffy are the best sources for this type of info, IMO.
Thanks Steve, for keeping everyone aware of why we're all in here!
I have a friend looking at the HL, and he's looking at the 2002 Explorer as well
When I bought my Honda, the dealership added window tinting done locally, not by them. It peeled a few weeks later on one window, and they had me take it to the installing shop - Honda did not do the fix, but paid for the repair. My guess is that Toyota PIOs done outside the dealership with non-Toyota parts works the same way - the dealership is covering the warranty. The key to the 800# message could be that by "accessories" they mean TOYOTA accessories.
In which case, the 800# people are not misleading you. Dealer-installed accessories, however, are probably a whole new ball game.
You can do things there regionally that we don't do here in SoCal. I think that's a pretty fair trade off for all of the things your regional PORT facility does to you on other cars... like toyoguard, and other additions you have no control over. Thankfully, the heat is on those guys now with the advent of the internet and people sharing their stories about how they got things stuffed down their throats that they really didn't want. It's with the growing number of vocalists here comparing notes and sharing information that keeps folks (hopefully) from paying $2000 for warranties and $600 for undercoating and $200 for $10 pinstripes.
I sure wish we had fender flares, raised white letter tires, but they are not mainstream here. I wonder if CA buyers reading here would like these things? I mean, it all starts with asking! I'd be interested for CA buyers or lookers to share here or with me via email if the flares and/or the upgraded tires might be of interest to them? SoCal regions consider all requests, and if there are enough... well, what the heck! Perhaps again, with the powers that be reading this area, we'll also have the extras you get too! I like the flares - they sport up the HLs and the leather would be great too if it could be arranged thru Ultra Trim or Classic. Their leather quality is very good.
SBell, thanks for looking into the semantics of the warranty issues.. it was good of you. I know it's appreciated.
Di
All manufacturers are required to label tires with UTOG [uniform grading] test results for Treadwear/Traction/Temperature. However, the standard only provides a general comparison of the tires manufactured by an individual company, and is strictly a guideline. As an example, the ratings for the factory tires are as follows:
Bridgestone H/T 687 UTOG 300 AB
GoodYear Integrity UTOG 440 AB
Due to the 225/70R16 size, your choices for replacement tires will be limited. There are two excellent posibilities to consider:
Bridgestone H/L 683 UTOG 460 AB
Michelin Cross Terrain UTOG 520 AB
The Bridgestone is a great tire that handles and rides well, and is really good in the rain. You should be able to exchange the originals at a Bridgestone dealer for about $200, mounted and balanced. The Michelin is a premium tire that was designed specifically for SUVs, and should provide you the best all-round performance that you can buy. I am really impressed with the ride and handling of the Michelin, and I think it will be a much better tire in snow and ice than the Bridgestone. The Tire Rack will deliver them to you for $130 each but you will pay approximately $60 for mount/balance. If you drive in severe weather, seriously consider mounting either Bridgestone Blizzak or Michelin Arctic Alpin tires on an extra set of wheels. The increased traction and safety is well worth the cost.
Be especially careful about installing larger tires for the 'look'. Wider tires will not perform as well in inclement weather, and may cause you performance and mileage problems. The original tires have a diameter of 28.4 inches and I am very careful about changing that diameter with new tires. A small change in size may adversely affect your fuel economy and performance, and will change the speedometer calibration [a half-inch larger diameter will cause a 2% change]. Keep in mind that the computers in your vehicle monitor every system, and it is very easy to foul up the operation. You may spend $500 only to find that you have a negative result.
A last note: the best way to dramatically increase the longevity, handling, and safety of your tires is to invest in a quality tire gauge and check the [cold] inflation pressure at least once a week. Adjust the inflation to the Toyota specs found on the driver's door label, and be sure to rotate your tires at least every 6,000 miles. You will be amazed at the money you save, and the improvements in performance. Just comments from an HL afficianado!
So the obvious question I would ask is - can they be removed easily? I know it sucks to have to go to that extreme, but I would probably only use them a few times a year at best, so if they come off, it sounds like a quick fix to me.
If I know I might be using them I can always put them back on again. This was an easy thing to do with my 98 Rav4, but I haven't heard anyone talk about being able to easily remove their roof racks on their HL, so I'm concerned that this could be a problem. Please advise.