Toyota Highlander

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Comments

  • jreajrea Member Posts: 26
    Forgive me if this subject has been discussed previously. It seems to me that the plastic headlamp covers are subject to stone and blowing sand damage over the long run. Has anyone considered installing any of the protective films available that are similar to the hood coverings made by 3M or Stoneguard (these may be the same thing)?
  • hialeahmariahialeahmaria Member Posts: 45
    Hello all! My V6 2WD is still getting 16 mpg's in-city driving (Miami, FL). The last tank got about 17 mpg, but I had put on about 150 highway miles that time. It's hot here and I run the a/c at about 75 degrees. I don't know if the guys getting 22 mpg with AWD are running without a/c at cooler temps (does it make that much of a difference?).

    Brad (fender flares): give me your email and I'll send you my pics.

    Happy Trails!!! Maria
  • toyotawalttoyotawalt Member Posts: 15
    Maybe you need to put it into "D."
    :-)
    w

    PS: It IS a rip-roarer of a vehicle, isn't it?
  • jeff179jeff179 Member Posts: 1
    I am the proud owner of a sparkling new black Highlander. I have managed to keep it spotless, without dents, digs or other marks - at least until the other day. I have a very tight two car garage that has become the home of a mini van and my Highlander. I have to back in the Highlander each evening, careful to avoid the sides and back of the garage. One day I wasn't quite so careful and inexplicably backed into a spare refrigerator in the back of the garage. The impact was slight but just enough to cause a small half-inch crack in the upper edge of the plastic bumper. My Highlander is no longer perfect. Needless to say, I felt stupid and angry at what I had done. Questions: Can this be repaired without involving the entire bumper? If yes, what is the approximate repair cost? Since the damage is minor, should I just use touch-up paint and forget about it? Has anyone purchased a rear bumper guard (since damage appears to occur from minor impact)? Thanks for your advice.
  • squeakersadiesqueakersadie Member Posts: 10
    I had a similar 'ding' repaired on my 300M last year after an 18 wheeler threw a tire in front of me on the interstate and cracked my plastic front bumper. Our shadetree body shop in rural Oklahoma fixed it for under a hundred dollars and it was perfect. I loved the 300M, but it's now for sale because I love my bluestone limited HL more!
  • arlen2arlen2 Member Posts: 2
    Anyone out there have the 4cylinder 4WD? curious about if it seems adequate in terms of power and what gas mileage you're getting, especially on the highway. Thanks.
  • pchiupchiu Member Posts: 72
    Thank you razzy2. Although I'm in Toronto and has not really go into the dealer to try the
    Highlander, but the exprenience of two years ago still scare me. I was there for 6 hours, end up I went away. Any good news, let us know.
    Peter
  • ekisticekistic Member Posts: 7
    I'm just on my second tank of gas and it seems that my HL is getting around 24-25 mpg all local driving. The power issue is not a problem at all since there are few hills on eastern Long Island, New York. The HL seems to have plenty of zip. If you plan on towing or mountainous driving I'd go for the 6 cyl model.
  • brgsmithbrgsmith Member Posts: 14
    I conducted an experiment last evening on our V6 4X4 HL, driving about 100 miles one way, and the display showed a trip avg. 19 mpg going out, with 87 octane in the tank. We refilled prior to starting the return, this time with 93 octane, going in on top of 1/4 tank of the 87 octane. On the return, the display showed an average 24.3 mpg. We went up and down the same slight hills both ways, 55 to 60 mph; the route was not "uphill all the way" going out.

    Naturally, only one trial using the display does not make for sound conclusions. However, the INDICATION is that the higher octane fuel forestalls the onset of detonation (ping) and allows the engine to operate at more efficient controlled operating conditions.

    A 25% increase in fuel economy seems too good to be true, and it is based at the moment on one observation using the display information. But it could be argued that the display did show a relative increase in fuel economy that would need to be further quantified by miles driven divided by gallons pumped. I plan to run some more mileage tests and will post the results in the future.

    In the meatime, as far as driving the HL, all I can say is "Yeeee Haaaah!!!!"

    brgsmith
  • cliffy1cliffy1 Member Posts: 3,581
    The 3.0 engine in the HL is a high compression engine. This means it can benefit from using higher octane gas, while the 4 cylinder can't. This topic came up in the Solara topic about a year ago. One participant reported a 20% increase in gas mileage with the her octane grade. As with anything you read on the Internet, you should take this with a grain of salt. Try it with regular, mid-grade and premium and see what happens. Don't rely on your trip computer for this. Do it the old fashioned way.
  • hookeyhookey Member Posts: 54
    I recently bought a Toyota Sequoia and love it. My wife now needs a new vehicle and since we have four young kids it makes some sense to give her my beloved Sequoia and have me buy a smaller SUV for commuting 25 miles each way to work, which could still hold the kids in a pinch. The Highlander looks like a possible candidate.

    Does the Highlander have a third seat option?

    Could someone please update me on what the market is like in the Boston area. Is there a significant wait for the vehicle? What are people getting price wise? Any dealer that anyone can recommend as being good and fair? Anyone have luck buying through an internet manager or over the phone?

    Thank you.
  • skyrebskyreb Member Posts: 129
    Hookey - I am just a bit north of you in New Hampshire. I bought my V6,4WD, unlimited through Autobytel (Manchester, NH)(on the Internet). I paid a bit under MSRP, but I understand they have come down further in recent weeks.
    Unfortunately, the HL does not have a third seat option. The two seats are roomy, however, and I suggest you visit a dealer and see how it fits.
    The HL is a wonderful vehicle. I really appreciate the ride, power, fit, finish, and economy. Plus, it shares many power train components with the Lexus (a very favorable comment) and is assembled on the same assembly line in Japan (another favorable comment).
    The 2002's will be out soon, you may see what changes. Personally, I doubt much will ... maybe a new color or two, and slight trim changes??? This is a winner! Why change?
    Happy HL'ing all
  • deerlake7deerlake7 Member Posts: 176
    Cliffy, thanks for passing along the secret of being able to adjust the mid range on the standard audio system. I like the mid range set about -2, or -3. The problem is that everytime I set it, it goes back to "0" after the ignition is turned off and it needs to be reset. Is this normal? As a side note, my radio also changes stations on its own (the dealer is going to replace the unit).
    THANKS!
  • reticent1reticent1 Member Posts: 70
    ...yes, the mid-range has to be reset again when you turn the car back on. I did mention this a few posts back. :D
  • dean2sm1dean2sm1 Member Posts: 34
    I really appreciate your comments about octane vs. mileage. I have felt it would be difficult to test against exactly equal driving circumstances,but have not yet had the opportunity to try this on a long haul. The best I have done with 89(midgrade) at 55 mph is 24.8 per the info readout. In WI, the difference between 93 and 87 octane gas is $.20, at current prices, that's 11%. So any increase in mileage over 2 mpg delivered by 91 (blending) octane makes economic sense, in addition to better performance. Does anyone think the daytime driving lights significantly impact mleage?
  • reticent1reticent1 Member Posts: 70
    The region here just started building a few V6 Limiteds with "UQ" option item. I know it's probably offered in other areas already...but it's the first I have seen of this feature (Tow hitch + converter) and what does anyone who has it think about it and its use?

    -Ret
  • cliffy1cliffy1 Member Posts: 3,581
    If you turn the radio off before the ignition, the setting will be saved. If you turn off the car before the radio, you loose it.
  • jamiewinner1jamiewinner1 Member Posts: 6
    My husband and I are planning to buy a new Highlander in August. We currently live in Oklahoma but will be moving north next summer. Right now we don't need the 4WD but does anyone have a 2WD and live where it snows a lot? Does your HL do okay on the snow? I heard there was a "snow mode" on the HL. Is that true? How does it work? Is it on both the 2WD and 4WD? Your help would be greatly appreciated. We are unsure where we will be moving (hopefully Denver) but we are afraid if we don't get the 4WD we might be sorry. Getting the 2WD can save us some money if the 4WD is not needed. Thanks!!
  • sotagearsotagear Member Posts: 17
    I posted this once before, but I thought for any new members, you might find this interesting. This guy is a popular local talk show host in San Francisco & has always been trying to teach people about the inaccuracies of premium versus regular gas. This is an article taken from his web site. I'm not a disciple of this guy, but find this article to be interesting. He has taken many a caller to task on this subject & claims it's purely foolish to believe otherwise. Check it out - here's the link:

    http://www.kgoam810.com/viewentry.asp?ID=56319&PT=personalities
  • arthurcatarthurcat Member Posts: 1
    I have been reading Cliffy's contributions for months- an enormous resource for potential Highlander buyers. I live in Maryland - and assume that Cliffy works with individual clients? If so,where are you and how can I contact Cliffy for assistance?
  • nevrlandnevrland Member Posts: 3
    After reading your experience and advise, I went back when the dealer called and said they had the color that I wanted to look at. He was ready to sign and deliver and I said it was way to high. He needed to talk to the sales manager and I said I had an appointment. Shook hands and I will wait and see what happens. The end of them month is closing in fast on us and I hope I can get a fair deal then. Thanks
  • reticent1reticent1 Member Posts: 70
    Arthur, your eMail address isn't listed in your profile so I can't email it to you, but Cliffy is Steve Clifford and his eMail address is sclifford@kjtoyota.com as well.

    I hope that helps you locate him.

    -Ret
  • jaymarcjaymarc Member Posts: 15
    Just bought a bluestone limited and it didn't come with a center console. Anyone have any suggestions for a decent center console that is sold via different companies that would fit and look nice in a HL? Have asked this question before and not sure if I saw any postings for it. I would appreciate any help.
  • dean2sm1dean2sm1 Member Posts: 34
    All that "snow mode" does is disable the first gear, so you start in second, which should make it less likely you'll spin your wheels on starting.
  • brgsmithbrgsmith Member Posts: 14
    I was once of the same opinion as that of the talk show host. What he says was and is true of vehicles that are not equipped with the sophisticated engine management computer controls of present-day cars. Without wanting to sound like a recording, it appears that with some present vehicles, the engine management systems allow the engine to operate in an optimal condition (spark timing more advanced) with the premium fuel. See my previous posts.

    The energy used to illuminate the daytime running lamps is negligible. The fuel burned to light a couple 35 or 55 watt bulbs might be detectable with sensitive fuel metering equipment. I forget the watts per BTU conversion factor at the moment, or I'd calculate it. Don't worry about it. The benefit of oncoming traffic seeing you in fog or dusk is worth the cost, IMO.

    brgsmith
  • imamomtoo2imamomtoo2 Member Posts: 1
    We purchased our 6cylinder 4WD Highlander Limited on April 27th. We absolutely love it. I have 2 children and a disabled father. I was able to put the wheelchair in the cargo area with no problem, and my father had no difficulty getting into it. The car was packed and the A/C on and we had no power loss. We were climbling steep hills. The Highlander drives like a car and not a truck. I cannot tell you, how many people I have seen checking out the car and trying to figure out what type of vehicle it is.
  • stachedstached Member Posts: 20
    I've looked at 3 Toyota dealers in Minneapolis's Western metro and the best deal I've found is 5% below MSRP ($1500 or so). Anyone have a recommended dealer / sales person in Minneapolis that will give a better deal? I'm looking for a 4WD V6 UNlimited with moonroof.

    Thanks in advance for your replies!
  • stachedstached Member Posts: 20
    I test drove an unlimited Highlander today and was VERY impressed by the everything except the sound system. I don't want the Limited package but the base stereo sounds TERRIBLE.

    Has anyone tried replacing the factory speakers (it seems like that's all Toyota did with the JBL sound upgrade in the Limited)?

    If so, how did it sound with upgraded speakers?

    What speakers did you replace them with?

    How hard was the installation (removal of door panels, etc...)?

    Thanks in advance and I hope that I didn't offend anyone by calling the sound of the base stereo "terrible".
  • jaymarcjaymarc Member Posts: 15
    I agree, with you that the speakers leave alot to be desired, as well as the six cd changer with radio. I have a Lexus ES300 as well, and compared the RX300 with the Highlander, and far and away the Highlander is a much better buy for overall specs, but when I looked at the two sound systems, the Lexus had a Nakamichi, which sounds terrific, but who knows who the manuf of the Higlander's might be. I wish when they give an upgrade choice it could have been the Nakamichi rather than the unit that is in it. I might toy with changing the speakers and maybe putting a graphic equalizer in it, but if anyone has any other suggestions that would be great!! Still think the HL is one terrific vehicle!
  • skyrebskyreb Member Posts: 129
    My HL (4WD, V6, unlimited) handles the snow in New Hampshire with ease. But there is a more basic question, and that pertains to where you live. We live in a ski resort area, and the town does a fantastic job with snow removal (otherwise, tourist could not get to the slopes). A 2 wheel drive does great here around town. But my drive is moderately steep. My front wheel, 2 wheel drive car will not get up the drive in winter. Another factor is how much ice is received. When we lived in Virginia, there were many icy days when neither 4 nor 2 wheel drive could get around, but generally, 4 wheeling was better. In NH, we get fewer icy days, and snow is significantly easier to drive on. So, the answer to your question has more to do with where in snow country will you live, and individual questions, like the steepness of your drive.
    For me, I would ONLY consider a 4 wheel drive in our situation. Other than initial cost, I cannot see a negative, other than the initial costs.
  • golfnitgolfnit Member Posts: 7
    I'm replacing the entire audio system tomorrow in my highlander. I'm replacing the head unit with a kenwood cd/mp3 player and the speakers with infinity kappa components for the fronts, and another set of IK's for the back. I'm also installing a 2-channel amp to power the component set. I'm having all of these professionally installed. I managed to get the front passenger side door panel off. The factory speakers are Pioneer, and they're certainly not as cheap as other factory speakers I've seen, however the sound isn't great, which is why I am upgrading.
    Will post later and let everyone know if the new system brings a marked improvement and just how tricky it was for the installer to get the head unit out.
    BTW- I have a non-limited, so I don't have the JBL speakers or the disc changer.
  • sxsahasxsaha Member Posts: 15
    Greetings,

    I live in the Phila area of PA. We are looking for a good deal on the HL AWD V6. Has anyone had a good buying experience with a good deal in the tristate area. pls let me know.

    Thanks in Advance
  • hialeahmariahialeahmaria Member Posts: 45
    I changed my audio system last week. The JBL 6cd in-dash is a bit wider (about 1/2") than a double-din head unit and the installer had to get creative to fit it properly. I used what I had in my accord, which is a Pioneer double-din cd/cassette/multi unit with Polk Audio components in the front doors (the factory tweeters were welded in so they had to be cut out) but my tweeters fit fine. The rear doors have Pioneer Compression speakers. All are 6 1/2". I also have a Punch 600 6-channel amp (no longer produced) to power the mids and highs and two 12" Punch XLC subs. It sounds great, better than it did in my coupe. I listen to all kinds of music, so I adjust it accordingly.

    I tried the factory system for a month, and I thought it sounded very good, but decided I wanted my sounds again. I really didn't want to lose the 6cd in-dash, but oh, well.

    Also, we found the dark gray dash is PAINTED. It's beige underneath. So we had to cover a couple of tiny scrapes where the paint had come off by removal of the wood trim panel around the radio. That was quite disappointing. Even if the dealer had to service something behind that area, they would scrape it also. So be careful about it.

    Regardless, I'm sure you'll be glad you upgraded! Enjoy your HL! Hi-Yo Silver (Millenium), Away!
  • rfhourfhou Member Posts: 47
    I finally had time to try out the fix yesterday. I drove the same stretch of I-10 that had caused the wind noise to be very persistent. No noise, but the wind gust didn't feel as strong as they had been. So, I can't be completely sure it is fixed, but it looks promising.

    Again, all they replaced was the thin rubber molding that runs along the top of the windshield where it meets the roof. The old strip was not completely flush with the windshield on the drivers side.
  • wd5938wd5938 Member Posts: 19
    I live in Western MD (mountains) and last weekend while driving downhill on the interstate, at approximately 80 mph, I heard this loud vibrating humming sound. The noise sounded like it was coming from the windshield. I have a V6 Limited 4wd with moon roof which was closed, as were the windows. I was coasting and began to brake, the noise quit. I recalled reading about the noise complaint posted by rfhou and replacement of his rubber strip at the top of the windshield. I looked at the strip on my HL and found it to be on straight all the way across. Yesterday I experienced it again one time, again coming downhill on the interstate. After looking at the strip I wonder if the channel in the top is what's causing the noise? I have had my HL since March and it is the best vehicle I have owned. Always gets looks wherever I go. Haven't seen many on the road though.
  • textex Member Posts: 6
    I don't understand, is it the top of the windshield or the grooved sides of the windshield molding that is the problem. It would seem to me that the side molding is where problems could arise. I think some duct tape along the side when you experience the noise would give the answer.
  • wd5938wd5938 Member Posts: 19
    I thought it might be the sides where the grooved areas are, but the noise sounded like it was coming from the top of the windshield. I've only experienced it two times, both times coming down a mountain where it was subject to cross winds. Other times I have driven at the same speed, approximately 80 mph, on flat, open interstate highways also subject to cross winds, with no problem. I also have my roof rack crossbars mounted toward the back, so I don't think they have anything to do with it. Looking at the groove across the top of the windshield makes me wonder maybe if it was a solid piece of rubber it would prevent it, if that is the culprit. As I said I've only heard it two times and its really no big deal. This is the first Toyota I have owned and compared to my 97 Jeep Gr Ch., this vehicle is so much better. It's smooth, rattle/creak free, well assembled and the engine is real powerful. One big difference is Toyotas' attention to detail. My HL is indigo blue with the gold emblems. I didn't want the gold emblems, but after seeing an indigo blue HL without them, the color really makes them stand out... here I go rambling on. It's a great ride!
  • chadhburkechadhburke Member Posts: 27
    Thanks for the update. Please keep us informed once you have had more time to evaluate.
  • jblaze13jblaze13 Member Posts: 152
    I agree. I plan on replacing the speakers thst came with my non-JBL system with Polk speakers. Hopefully that will provide some imporvement for me.
  • bill28210bill28210 Member Posts: 9
    I have a 2001 Highlander Limited with the roof rack. Each cross bar is secured with 2 thumb screws on either side. The screw is the same size as the RAV 4 roof rack, not the 4Runner. Toyota dealer and Distributor says I have to buy a $50+ kit to get the 1 thumb screw. Anyone know where I can get the 1 thumbscrew?
    Bill28210@Yahoo.com
  • steeph123steeph123 Member Posts: 21
    I just purchased my highlander from team toyota in langhorne Pennsylvania.
    My purchase price was $1500 off MSRP. am sure with a lot of negotiating I could have done better.
    I checked with several dealers in the area and most had no inventory and incoming highlanders were per-sold.
    Over all am very happy although I do here wind rush at higher speeds and the sound system is poor.
  • xbeersxbeers Member Posts: 1
    loaded highlander -silver, v6,AWD,leather, limited, moon roof, VSC, air bags, center console, heated seats,six disc changer, tow prep- $2400 off msrp- I had to drive 2 hours for the best price. Used stoneage.com to find this dealership.
  • awchan13awchan13 Member Posts: 44
    The local Capitol Toyota dealership here in San Jose screwed me over on my lease and registration. I've been working with them for the past month or so trying to get things straightened out. All I have to show for it...they're offering a Gold package upgrade or 3 oil change coupons to quiet me down. I've complained to the GSM, and Customer Rep, but really to no avail. I suffered through not getting calls returned and flat out lies to my face (I even called them on it). They basically say, you got screwed, tough it up. We'll slap our Fleet Manager's hand for lying to you, but there's nothing else we can or will do for you. If you want true customer service in San Jose, go somewhere else. If you want more info, feel free to contact me.

    basically: I am a visiter to Cali. I was told that it would be possible to register in Washington (my residency), I was told I was getting a 5.92% interest rate, and I was told I couldn't get 15,000 miles/year only 12k. All were lies, since this was the first time i've ever dealt with a lease, they took full advantage of me. I signed, trusting them (my mistake). They added a $460 California registration fee and I found out later that they gave me a 7.92% rate (using a lease calculator). I called the fleet manager, who I dealt with, and he failed to return my calls for two weeks, then flat out lied to my face. Then spoke with the GSM and worked with her for a week (she also let me know i could've gotten 15k miles/year), then she passed me on to the head of the financial department. And he informed me that she was basically done dealing with me. I contacted their customer service, she said everything looked "fair" and offered me a Gold package upgrade, or 3 free oil changes to keep me quiet. Don't know that there is much else I can do. But whatever you do, don't go to the dealership.
  • goldstongoldston Member Posts: 110
    Bill,

    Just a thought... but take out the other thumb screw and head down to your local home depot.
    Go to the isle where all the bolts, screws, nuts and fasteners are. Get one the service persons to match the screw. I'm sure that Toyota didn't make a new size screw & thread pattern for the Highlander roof rack. You might even be able to talk with the Toyota Parts Dept. and ask what the screw size is and save yourself some time.
    Good luck.
    Philip
  • brad_22brad_22 Member Posts: 154
    Sorry to hear about your experience...I'm glad my dealer wasn't like that. And, if possible, try to get something better than the 3 free oil changes. My sales rep gave those to me for free after the deal/negotiation was closed.
  • cliffy1cliffy1 Member Posts: 3,581
    I can't offer anything to help. I wish I could. I really hate hearing stories like this because it reinforces the reputation that we all live with. You may want to contact TFS directly, but I don't think it will get you very far. You may also want to contact a lawyer to see if you have any recourse. We're not allowed to lie about rates. If you have any notes from the deal, it will help your cause.
  • toyhl01toyhl01 Member Posts: 7
    I bought my new HL over the weekend. After checking around several dealerships in the Hampton Roads VA area Checkered Flag Toyota in Virginia Beach proved to be the lowest price I could find at 25800, 700 over invoice and 2100 below MSRP. I bought the Gold/Ivory 4x4 4 cyl with HE, QO, PE, GN, SK, CF, DR, MG, V5, RF, UQ. I also was offered free state inspections for long as I have the car, 2 free oil changes, 2 tire rotations/balancing, 2 free car washes and a free tune up and the creme de la creme a free Toyota hat. Overall a great experience and I would highly recommend them. They gave me a decent price on my trade in a 95 Jeep Cherokee with 99000 miles. So far my wife and I love it which seems to be the common theme I see. I have noticed the imfamous glove box rattle which in mine I think I have narrowed down to the plastic piece where you insert the key. The dealer has agreed to look at it when I take it in this weekend for the hitch. Don't know if that will help anyone else out or not it could just be a problem with mine.
  • raybearraybear Member Posts: 1,795
    Got anything in writing? You can always go the the DMV or the AG's office with a complaint. Next step is an attorney. Good luck.
  • mkstringmkstring Member Posts: 53
    it depends by states, but an oral agreement is legally binding here in Texas - have some backup to make it concrete. Might be the case in CA - the AG office can help (as raybear mentioned)
  • reticent1reticent1 Member Posts: 70
    Problem with CA is that once you sign a contract, and take delivery, it's yours. If you sign a contract and don't have the car yet, that's another issue and a way out but if he took the car and signed their contract, it's his. Anything he's got a problem with has to be in writing. If a salesman says an interest rate is one thing and the rate isn't what is promised on the contract, the time to question it is before the signature.

    Hindsight is usually 20/20 in many ways, car deals included. His best avenue to get even with the dealer he thinks screwed him is to make sure he tells everyone who asks about his car to NOT go there for sales, service, or even to make a u-turn in their driveway. To not refer them business.

    -Ret
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