Toyota Highlander

1…3940424445…211

Comments

  • cliffy1cliffy1 Member Posts: 3,581
    Well said.
  • gwkisergwkiser Member Posts: 326
    Well, we got the call that our new Bluestone Limited came in! Picked it up yesterday and, after waiting almost two months, we couldn't be any happier. After leaving the dealer and going home, the first thing I did was install the hood deflector and cargo net I had ordered through the parts department (both went on sale while we were waiting for the HL, so I went ahead and bought them). Cargo net was a snap....clip and hook in place using pre-existing loops. Hood deflector took about 45 minutes (I'm the type to read instructions 2 or 3 times before I do anything).

    Here's how the deal broke down:
    Model 6914 (2wd) with EJ, FE, LL, TO,L1 (PIO Leather), CR (Center console), M5, WL, PV (PermaVin)

    List...31,460
    Paid...28,337

    P.S. Still wish that we could have obtained the Japanese center console!
  • yomcas9596yomcas9596 Member Posts: 2
    If the Highlander is imported, why doesn't the U.S. consumer get the same Console as Japan? Making two types doesn't sound to cost effective to me. For the money we paid, a good quality console should be included instead of those cheap, beverage holders. The vehicle is classy but has a few below par items...eg., U.S. Console, Beverage holders.
    Thanks for letting me vent!
  • gwkisergwkiser Member Posts: 326
    Re: Japanese vs. US console


    All I can think of is that the Japanese vehicle (see Japanese console at http://clubs.yahoo.com/clubs/toyotahighlanderclub, then photos, then Kluger V ) is a right hand drive. Maybe that alters things like the angle of the shift lever, etc. OTOH, it could just be that Toyota US didn't want to fork over the extra $ for the good one. I know in our distribution area (Gulf States Toyota, Texas), the console is installed at the port. I've left posts here and in the Yahoo HL club hoping that someone out there can get a handle on importing one. It would be nice to have that option available to those of us who might want it.


    Maybe in the future, Toyota US will see the light and offer the Japanese version as a factory-installed option. When others see the difference, I don't think consumers will mind the extra expense, whatever that may be..


    Happy Motoring.....

  • jimxojimxo Member Posts: 423
    I notice one thing about this club (which I love). There seems to be an going debate about why we cant get a center console or the Kluger version, and wind noise from the roof rack.

    I personally wrote a letter to Toyota 3 weeks ago asking them to address the center console issue.

    I registered a complaint with Toyota and was given a incident # which I posted here along with a toll free number for others to use should they choose.

    However my post was deleted due to "technical difficulties" Edmunds. said and Toyota has not contacted me.

    We all know Toyota loves to get feed back from these clubs and reads all of our comments. So why in the heck don't they respond.

    As for the wind noise the answer is either set the roof rack so that the cross bar is set towards the front. If that fails see your service department for assistance.

    Give me a break Toyota, I gave you 30K of my money at least give me call back.

    Besides that things are ok!
  • sotagearsotagear Member Posts: 17
    What is the best way to remove those stupid warning stickers on the sun visors? I've tried to get a fingernail under an edge with no success. These ugly buggers are really on there! Any ideas how I can remove them without damaging my visors?
    BTW - do we really need these warning labels on the car to be stuck on there like their supposed to be on for the life of the car? This reminds me of those ridiculous warning tags on pillows.
  • smallzsmallz Member Posts: 24
    Yes, those labels need to be stuck on there. If they were removed, and the vehicle was in an accident, a "product liability lawyer" would be the first to notice they were missing. It would mean even more million dollar lawsuits against the auto companies which you and I end up paying for in the long run.
  • carold3carold3 Member Posts: 2
    I'm new to SUV shopping. I really wanted a Camry type station wagon but can't find a mid size that I like. I really like the looks of the Highlander but am wondering if the front wheel drive 4 Cylinder is powerful enough. I don't do any off road driving or hauling heavy loads. I'm just looking for comfort, height and a little more space. Also, are there still no safety ratings?
  • svtcobraconvsvtcobraconv Member Posts: 85
    After talking to several Toyota salespeople, it seems that they are often confused about how Toyota uses the description "Limited". As far as I understand from the Toyota website, all 4 cyl. Highlanders start out as SR5 units, and there is no Limited Package available on them. No problem with this. However, all base V6 Highlanders are called Limited, and you can option them with the Limited Package. it seems a little confusing to call the base V6 "Limited", even though it may not necessarily have the "Limited Package". I believe all references made here on Town Hall to "Limited" Highlanders actually mean "Limited Package" Highlanders.
  • mkstringmkstring Member Posts: 53
    Congrats on taking delivery! The next time i'm in SA, I'll email you so we can drive around letting people ohh and ahh :).

    Happy driving!
  • jblaze13jblaze13 Member Posts: 152
    I actually find the constant air a nice feature because you can control the temperature of the air (not as good as when the AC is on) with the AC off without putting extra strain on the engine. Doesn't work well in extreme conditions.
  • southridingsouthriding Member Posts: 3
    Cliffy, thanks for your feedback. You were right in your this weekend prediction. I just got the call today, Monday, that my HL is HERE. I will pick it up tonight. That was 4 weeks in "G" status at the Baltimore Port for those of you who might be waiting. I'm excited after waiting so long. It has a center console already installed so will let you all know what I think of it and the HL in general.
  • cfriedmancfriedman Member Posts: 2
    Anyone have experience towing a trailer with the 3 liter V6? Our trailer is 1600lbs and we travel to the mountains. (i.e. large hills). I am worried about the Highlanders 2000 lbs rating.
    cary@clarkpond.com
  • gwkisergwkiser Member Posts: 326
    FYI, a base V6 HL is NOT known as a "Limited" model. "Limited" on the front fenders means the vehicle is equipped with the LL package, known as "Limited", which is indeed what we here are referring to. Those here referring to an "Unlimited" model are just clarifying that they have a HL without the Limited package. However, you are correct that one cannot obtain a 4 cylinder model with the "Limited" package option.
    My suggestion is that you continue to check here often for accurate info and , by all means, be sure and use the Edmund's new car links to see what IS and IS NOT offered on various models. This info and feedback from Dianne and Cliffy (you can post messages to them here) were a TREMENDOUS help for me. It's only fair that I try to help others facing the same decision I did. Hopefully, I won't confuse matters more. The bottom line is that, unless you run into either of these two folks at your local dealer, you are more likely to know more about the HL than the guy (or gal!) that's trying to sell you one. At least that's what happened in my case. It's such a new vehicle that they have not had a chance to dedicate their spare time to learning more about it.

    Happy Hunting....
  • gwkisergwkiser Member Posts: 326
    Thanks, maybe we can do loops around the Alamo!

    Happy HL'ing.....
  • jmikerjmiker Member Posts: 21
    You are incorrect in stating that a base V6 Highlander is not known as a "Limited" model. According to the toyota website, any V6 is considered the limited, as opposed to the 4 Cyl. being classified as an SR5. svtcobraconv is correct in that there is also a Limited Package (LL) that can then be added.

    I believe Toyota is generating confusion with this terminology, but this is exactly how they are labeling the HL. You can see this for yourself by going to www.totoya.com and clicking Build Your Own. After selecting the model and providing zip code, the first screen has you select from 4 models, SR5 4 Cyl or Limited 6 Cyl.
  • gwkisergwkiser Member Posts: 326
    Maybe we're all correct. Please go to the toyota site and tell me what available models pop up when you enter zip 78231 ( my zip code in the Gulf States Toyota Distribution area, Texas)

    My screen shows : 4 x 2, 4 cyl, 4 speed automatic; 4 x 2, V6, 4 speed automatic;
    4 x 4 , 4 cyl, 4 speed automatic; 4 x 4 V6, 4 speed automatic

    OR AM I SEEING THINGS??


    I guess it varies with the distributor????!!!!

    Just what we need...more confusion...right??!! ;)
  • gwkisergwkiser Member Posts: 326
    Oh yeah, one other thing.

    I have actually seen a window sticker on a 4-Runner, which said " 4-Runner Highlander". I asked the guys in the parts dept. and they said it's very confusing for them because there IS a "highlander" version of the 4-Runner and then there's the Highlander model (again maybe only in our distribution area).....eeee gads!
  • mkstringmkstring Member Posts: 53
    I have seen a Toyota print ad for the same "4Runner Higlander" - a guy on the net has picture of his too. I think it's close to a Limited, but I haven't really looked at it much.

    I think this is the point in the forum where we need to say, "There can be only one." :)

    And, I don't think the website lists ALL the variations of the Highlander. Just because it doesn't say there's a v6 base doesn't mean there isn't one. And, my experience between marketing and web guys leads me to believe they just picking some that might seem popular to them - afterall, bandwidth (and web programmers hours) are money.
  • cliffy1cliffy1 Member Posts: 3,581
    There is no Highlander package on the Runners this year. There was in the 2000 model year. It consisted of alloy wheels, sports seats, fog lights, painted bumpers and... the dreaded hood scoop. They dropped the HL nomenclature and now call that package the sport package.
  • dianne4toyotadianne4toyota Member Posts: 343
    Not true. A "LL" package car is considered a Limited. A V6 is a V6, period. You are wrong.

    Dianne
  • robr2robr2 Member Posts: 8,805
    but if you go to the Toyota web site and use a Boston area zip code (02143), the 4 cyl is called SR5 and 6 cylinder is called Limited. It does not include the Limited package - heck, I've seen them and I don't recall even a Limited badge unless they have the limited package. The 4x4 V6 Limited is $26,995 in Boston - Limited Package is another $3495. Perhaps not a true Limited as you know it, but that's what they call it here.

    For kicks and giggles, I put in a Sacramento area zip code and it comes up with a V6 Limited Base as $26,495 with the Limited Package at $3495. Just as Gulf States and SEToy can do different things other areas can do the same.
  • dan1555dan1555 Member Posts: 9
    the other day in english class me and my friend were discussing who would win in a race. I have a v6 2wd highlander w/ sunroof, leather, 6 cd changer ( i dont know if these affect weight). He has a 1999 mercury mountaineer awd... anyway I was wondering if anyone had an approximate 0-60 mph time for the highlander?
  • dianne4toyotadianne4toyota Member Posts: 343
    why don't you just race him and see?
  • seemomgoseemomgo Member Posts: 27
    Hi, gwkiser...

    Congrats on finally getting your bluestone! So where are the pictures? I can't wait to see your grey leather interior!

    seemomgo :-)
  • seemomgoseemomgo Member Posts: 27
    Do you have any idea when fog light kits will be available for the HL? I've never purchased a first-year model before and don't know how long it takes for parts/accessories to become readily available.

    thanks...seemomgo
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    This site says 9.6 seconds: 0 - 60 mph. Usual disclaimers (and be safe out there; better to join a clup or get other training before challenging your friend to a race).

    Steve
    Host
    Vans, SUVs and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
  • tbuchtatbuchta Member Posts: 43
    I posted my experience towing a smaller trailer (1200 lbs) from Salt Lake City Utah to LA and back including a trip to Joshua Tree National Park. Milage ranged from 17 to 21 mph, no strain, no change in engine temp from driving without a trailer. The 2000 figure is very conservative based on my experience for a vehicle which is not equipped with the tow prep package (which mine is) The tow prep gives you additional safety of having an upgraded radiator, transmission oil cooler, 130 amp alternator and trailer pre-wiring for towing up to 3500 lbs. For the most part I drove in overdrive and allowed the transmission to downshift to 3rd and back as needed. I locked out overdrive only if I saw that the road ahead was going to cause a lot of shifting between third and overdrive, mainly on very long uphills or short, continuous rolling hills. I drove 70 mph so that I did not have to come out of cruise control to avoid over revving on the downshift to 3rd.
  • southridingsouthriding Member Posts: 3
    Well I picked up my new HL 6 Cyl 2WD last evening and absolutely love it. It's pretty well loaded, but not a Limited. Has anyone had any experience getting the woodgrain trim as a Toyota option or even aftermarket in the Washington DC metro area? Or can give me any leads where I might have this done? I think the HL is too new yet for the templates.
  • svtcobraconvsvtcobraconv Member Posts: 85
    Gee, maybe I shouldn't have brought this one up!!! Anyway, after hearing from dianne, cliffy, and others here, perhaps the only reference to a base V6 being a Limited is on the Toyota website "Build Your Own" pages. This seemed confusing to me the very first time I looked at those pages back in January, and even thought perhaps it was an error. As posted before, only those Highlanders equipped with the Limited Package (LL) have the Limited badge on the fenders.
  • beachacebeachace Member Posts: 7
    I have purchased wood dash kits for my Land cruiser at the following web site; wooddashfactory.com, they have great prices and all the latest factory templates for most models. Hope this helps!
  • daltexdaltex Member Posts: 19
    Stay in the English class kid. You'll get the hang of it eventually.
  • gwkisergwkiser Member Posts: 326
    Hi there.
    Thanks for the congrats. Haven't had a chance to make photos yet. Been kinda cloudy the last few days and now they say rain Thursday and/or Friday. Will try to take some shots soon...

    Happy HL'ing!
  • gwkisergwkiser Member Posts: 326
    Hi southriding.


    You might want to try this site too (direct link to schematic of pieces):

    http://www.wooddash.com/item/TOYOTA_Dash_Kits_HIGHLANDER_2001_UP


    Happy hunting....

  • jagarlandjagarland Member Posts: 26
    daltex...

    You beat me to it. I hesitated to say anything, but when he said "in english class me and my friends", I couldn't resist. I know email is casual and everyone uses a kind of shorthand, but proper grammar can still be used. I am always amazed when I interview people (supposedly college graduates) and they don't have the foggiest idea regarding sentence structure or the basic rules of grammar... never mind spelling.

    Jack
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    ok, from now on, everyone must follow The Rules of Proper Grammer around here.

    Steve
    Host
    Vans, SUVs and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
  • dianne4toyotadianne4toyota Member Posts: 343
    ROFL!
    That's a wonderful link!

    Dianne
  • shl72953shl72953 Member Posts: 53
    Come on, guys. If the kid is still in high school and all ready owns a Highlander, his daddy is probably rich and his grammar isn't going to make much difference when he takes over General Electric.
    As for the race between the Merc and the HL, I would recommend it take place on ice covered roads if your Toy has VSC.
    Wally
  • daltexdaltex Member Posts: 19
    If you haven't read the link posted by HOST in #2089, check it out. FUNNY! Thanks HOST.
  • jagarlandjagarland Member Posts: 26
    Not to beat a dead horse (another term to be avoided like the plague) the word grammar is misspelled in the "Proper Words of Grammer". At any rate, pedantry, is something up with which we should not put. Lets drop the subject. I'm sure the young man has already gotten the point and is tired of the whole thing as are the rest of us. Now back to cars!

    Jack
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    I "think" that was part of the gag, jagarland, but don't hold me too it :-)

    Steve
    Host
    Vans, SUVs and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
  • jagarlandjagarland Member Posts: 26
    If it was part of the gag, they got me and I confess to being a little slow. It is wasn't I still confess to be a little slow.

    Jack
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    lol, and just don't hold me to it....

    Steve
    Host
    Vans, SUVs and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
  • weichiweichi Member Posts: 8
    Will any one of you knowledgeable country boys out there tell me how I am going to tie my canoe at the front end of the beast.
    And please don't you all go checking together in the morning as it would be a pretty sight everyone on all fours at the same time at the front of the driveway (yes, including Dianne). The good folks out there would think that this here HL is spreading some kind of madness.
    Maybe we can go by State in alphabetical order until the proper answer comes up. Why else would I have bought my perfect HL if not to put my canoe on top and head for the northern country.
    thx,
    Bobby.
  • osoriobosoriob Member Posts: 44
    I was browsing the web and found the following site that has some performance parts for the highlander:


    http://www.wctoyotasport.com/TRD/index2.htm


    I thought some of you might be interested.


    happy motoring!

  • osoriobosoriob Member Posts: 44
    To tie your canoe to the front of the the highlander; I would suggest that you use the towing eye-bolt that comes with your highlander and that screws to the front bumper (look behind those little square covers on the bumper)the eyebolt is in the rear compartment with the spare tire.

    good luck!
  • dianne4toyotadianne4toyota Member Posts: 343
    If you are having that vision, please put me in blue jeans for it. Not a dress.

    O:>
  • rfhourfhou Member Posts: 47
    My dealer called today following up on the email I sent to Toyota USA about the wind noise. They were aware of the problem and have fixed 3 HL's so far. I think they said they needed to order the trim piece that goes around the windshield. They also said the work would be done by a company who specializes in windshield installs.
  • osoriobosoriob Member Posts: 44
    Can you be a little more specific?

    Who is aware of the problem, your dealer or Toyota US?

    I have also heard the wind noise on my HL, also the high-pitch growl that some other owners have experienced when traveling at highway speeds (70-80Mph)with cross winds usually.

    I have been unable to show my dealer the problem, it's hard to pin-point the noise.( I get the feeling that they think I'm hearing things)
    May be with some facts backed by toyota we all can tackle this minor annoyance.
  • seemomgoseemomgo Member Posts: 27
    I just viewed the photos you posted on Yahoo. They were GREAT and your text was EXCELLENT! Thanks so much for taking the time to show the gray leather...I am so glad I ordered it.
    Enjoy your HL!
Sign In or Register to comment.

Helpful Tools

Most popular vehicles

Your Privacy

By accessing this website, you acknowledge that Edmunds and its third party business partners may use cookies, pixels, and similar technologies to collect information about you and your interactions with the website as described in our Privacy Statement, and you agree that your use of the website is subject to our Visitor Agreement.