Toyota Highlander

jdlynch2

I just took delivery of my Red Highlander. The dealer was touting all the benefits of their paint protector (cost=$200) which provides guaranteed protection against acid rain, bird droppings, etc. for 5 years. To maintain this warranty, a cleaner protectant needs to be applied at least once every year.

Their added benefit is that they will fully hand detail the paint for $15.00 including applying their product, as often as I would like it giving it a showroom appearance each time.

Does anyone have any experience with this type of protection? Would you recommend that I purchase this protection or is it not worth the money?

THANKS,
David

alsop

I believe retropia (posting # 3403) is correct about the 50 state emissions. I live in California and purchased my HL here in California, and it does have the optional equipment code FE which is 50 State Emissions (at no additional cost). Also, there is a bit more info on this in postings #1424, 1425, and 1426. I'm inclined to think that the FE option is pretty much really on all HLs. Might want to double check that before buying one, though.

frutiger

has anyone noticed the front passenger seat to be uncomfortable (either leather or fabric)? during test drives I experienced lack of lumbar support and the front edge of the seat slanted downward.
This is a concern for me. anyone heard of getting the 8-way driver seat in the passenger position as well as the driver's?

also, actual mpg -- city and hwy, with ac. no towing or off-roading.
my husband believes that the 4 cyl will get much better mpg than the v6. reading some comments here indicates there isn't too much difference.
I'm thinking the smaller engine will work harder than the v6 to accelerate and therefore use more gas.
any thoughts?

frutiger

we're looking at the Gold color.
has anyone had troble with Gold paint.

Question to the experts: do you guys think the paint problems will be lessened in the 2002's?

Also, will the front passenger seat be more supportive in the 2002?

thanks

gwkiser

Alsop is right. There is an option code FE (n/c) on our HL that we bought here in TX. In fact, all the HLs we looked at had this option listed. I agree that FE is probably standard. Toyota is probably just emphasizing that the HL is a "clean" vehicle. I've noticed that Honda has been pushing their "cleanliness" more lately. Chances are very strong that you would have a very hard time finding a Highlander WITHOUT the FE option. Regarding the impact the option has on performance, etc., I would suspect that it's minimal if any at all.

gwkiser

Re: waxing: I waited about a month before I waxed ours, primarily because I just didn't have time to do it sooner and the dealer had already done it in the prep.

Re: paint probs. : Sorry, I haven't seen any HLs with any defects in the paint. I know somewhere on the sites someone did have a suspicious paint finish problem. Our bluestone is holding up great, even in this hot summer TX heat. I don't remember there being a model-wide paint problem at all.

frutiger: If the gold is the color you like most, go ahead and get it. We traded in our '97 Avalon (very close in color to the HL gold) and the paint still looked great. Just keep a good coat of wax on it and you'll do fine. You might want to invest in a hood protector for the front as the primer is black and stone chips will show easily.

gwkiser

Hmmmm. Paint protectant for $200 and "hand detailing" for $15 each additional time. Well, I didn't opt for the paint protectant just because I believe that the paint quality is so good these days that it's just an overkill money-making, profit-pumping offer by the dealers. I would seriously ponder how the dealer defines "hand detail". Is that using the guy's two hands to hold and electric polisher he sweeps over the body or is it a TRUE had detail job. I don't know. Being the skeptic that I am, I don't believe the dealer could (or would) give you that much for $15 a shot. BUT, I could be wrong. OTOH, if you just don't have the time to wash and occasionally wax the HL, then it might be worth it to you since a decent full service car wash around here starts at about $20. Just remember that if you go with the dealer, you have to allow time in their schedule and yours to go there and wait for it to be done. I encourage you to get the details on the "hand detail" job in writing before you sign on. Good luck.

gwkiser

OK, I've jabbered enough this a.m. I'll be quiet now.

anthony921

...the paint quality to be excellent. Paint problems lessened in 2002? I only saw one post re: problems.

If you have the power seat and it's not adjusted correctly it will be uncomfortable. When I was about to drive it off the dealer lot I also found the front edge to far down. I hit the button to bring the front up and my legs rested comfortably on it. I'm 6'1" with long legs and I find the seats to be very supportive and comfortable.

As for the lumbar, it too was set too low. Once adjusted, it was fine.

As for the 4 VS the 6 cylinder engine....I test drove both and felt the 6 was much better. The 4 will work harder I feel as my wife has a 2001 Rav4 L with the 148 HP 4 cylinder. It's a very good engine for that size vehicle.

The stats:

Rav 4 4 cyl 148 HP curb weight 2943 epa 18/23

HL 4 cyl 4wd 155 HP curb weight 3715 epa 19/24

HL 6 cyl 4wd 220 HP curb weight 3838 epa 18/22

The difference between the 4wd 4 and 6 in the city is 1 mpg. The difference highway is 2 mpg. For that slight loss you get the same 6 as the Lexus RX-300, a more powerful engine and one that is quieter.

Mine also had the FE code as I think all of them do. I purchased mine on Long Island, NY.

Overall, I'm very satisfied with the HL. I feel very bad for those on some of the other SUV boards who are having more then their fair share of problems. Life is too short for that type of aggravation.

I also find the HL forum here to be very friendly with many nice people posting. Some of the other boards are downright rude, especially if you have a different opinion. Once in a while a knuckle head does venture in here, but as far as the HL owners themselves, very nice !! Hope everyone is having a great day !!!!

gwkiser....Jabbered enough? I say no way. That's what this place is all about. Your posts are always on target, filled with common sense. Go for it !!!!!

ted83

Ok, rkuehn, it's my turn to vent. When you say there really is a difference in Toyota oil filters and off-brand filters, do you base that on first hand experience or have you just bought the marketing hype? I have put close to a million miles on GM, Toyota, Nissan and Fiat cars and have always changed my own oil every 4,000 or 5,000 miles with whatever filter the closest auto parts store happened to sell. I have never had an oil or filter related engine problem. Maybe I'm just lucky, or maybe you've been paying too much.

I'm not from Missouri, but you've got to show me, not just tell me.

chitturi

Does any body have car buying experience with carsdirect.com?.How reliable is it?.

stever

There's some past history in the archives (search for carsdirect). CarsDirect is an Edmunds partner, fwiw. Here's a link.

Steve
Host
Vans, SUVs and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards

little_pogi

My first car in the USA was a Honda Civic. I got it brand new and did all the filter/oil change myself. I used whatever cheapest filter I could buy, install it after an oil change every 5k miles. I held on to that Honda until 180k miles before I finally sold it in favor of a Highlander. That Honda engine still doesn't leak or burn oil and would easily pass every smog check here in California. I also own a Camry and have used the cheapest compatible oil filter I could find.
Lately, I have been using Toyota filters on the HL and Camry since they turned out to be the cheapest ones. It so happen the local Toyota dealership regularly pass flyers in the neighborhood with a $1 coupon for any genuine Toyota oil filter. Yes, a $1 genuine Toyota oil filter.
The key to having a good engine that would last a long time is a regular oil change (not those expensive special filter) every 5k miles. Those 3k miles oil change are good if you only do stop and go city driving. Otherwise, your making the profit margin of those oil change businesses bigger.

suvshopper4

re post #3413
My '01 RAV4, auto trans, 4WD, showed 23/27 mpg (not 18/23) on the sticker. I've been getting 25-27, usually in 50/50 suburbs/hwy driving.

ejp

shnick

Can you get a bug guard/hood protector (black bra) for the Highlander? By the way, I noticed that both were options. What's the difference? Do you have to get it through the dealer or can you purchase elsewhere? Thanks in advance

berstji

Since I've been lurking in here for awhile (and received some good info!) I thought I'd post some comments. I took my Hilander in for the cap and bleed today, was out the door in 15 minutes!! Excellent service. I have a 4WD, Limited with about every option. So far I have experienced none of the problems seen here, e.g. paint fading, glove box rattle, rattle on roof rack, and howling with back windows down (why do people do that??). If people think these are problems head over to the Jeep Cherokee or the new GM triplets for some REAL problems!! For now it's an excellent car!!!!

gwkiser

OK, ted83, I'm not from Missouri either. I'm recommending that the next time you're over at the dealer, go either in the showroom area or parts department and ask them if they have the floor display I spoke about earlier. The more I think about it, I seem to remember that they even had cut-aways to show the differences of the interiors also.

I can't remember the last time I did my own oil change but would you pay $3.75 per for a factory genuine filter for the V6 HL? If so, try these guys: http://www.toyotaguys.com/casoftoyoilf.html

I haven't bought from them but I've heard some good testimonials and it's my understanding that they are affiliated with a dealer. If nothing else, they have a brief description of the filter design at the top of the page FWIW.

gwkiser

Well, I'm not sure about whether or not a bra is available yet for the HL, but I can assure you that the bug guard (hood protector) is as that was the first thing I installed after we got the HL. In fact, they were on sale before the HL came in, so I went ahead and picked it up. I paid about $70 for the part and it took me less than an hour to install. (I read instructions two or three times before I do anything!). The hood protector is a thin strip of plastic that mounts on the underside of the front lip of the hood and shields the leading edge of the top of it. It was a simple install using existing holes...no drilling required. If you want to see ours, go to the HL Photo Gallery and look at post #5 (Bluestone metallic). Feel free to e-mail me if you need better photos (I have some posted elsewhere, but the evil rulers here won't let me reference you directly ). OH, HI STEVE AND DREW, I DIDN'T HEAR YOU WALK IN. [heh, heh]

john_lise

Hi everyone,
I haven't posted in a while...our first baby was born on July 24th. The main reason we purchased a HL!!! Anyway, I have over 6000 miles (10 000km) on my HL Ltd V6 AWD. I am incredibly satisfied except...for those little annoying things. Since I have not been around in a while, maybe someone has already posted the answers to my questions??? 1) any solution to that popping noise from the moon roof? 2)at high cross winds I am still getting that whistling coming from somewhere in the front..any solution yet??? 3)just received my recall notice..Hope everything goes well!!! Besides that all is well and I am a very satisfied customer.

Hoping someone answers,
John

gwkiser

Well John...first things first. Congratulations on the newborn.

Re: popping noise...see posts 3272 by mike00 and 3367 by shl72953.

Re: reed noise...see post 3364 by tfuzz

That's all I could find while I was looking for something myself. As I don't have these problems, I can't offer any personal advice. You might want to email these folks directly also in case they haven't had a chance to post any updates.

anthony921

You are quite correct on the mileage for the Rav 4 auto 4wd being 23/27. Not sure where I got the incorrect numbers.

Thanks !!

rkuehn

I've seen some of those displays that differentiate oil filters, they are not all the same. Here's an interesting write-up, though dated. (Note the Purolator comes out on the "recommended" list.)

http://members.nbci.com/minimopar/oilfilters.html

alsop

I can't keep track of what the new name for a bra type bug protector verses the solid plastic shield type, however, a co-worker of mine who also has an HL bought the bra type for his at a dealer..I'm.not sure if there is an aftermarket bra type yet, but perhaps someone else does and will post info for us. I do know the other type of bug protector, the plastic shield type like I think jwkiser is referring to can been be purchased either from the dealer or others, such as toyotaguys.com By the way, the bra looks okay on my co-workers silver HL....but I think it is personal preference. At least for now, I am not putting anything on my white HL, but I might get the shield type someday.

ltw1

gwkiser: Question about your bug protector? Does the one you bought vibrate your side mirrors?

acsmith

Anyone have Board message numbers of dealers who sell the long extended warranty? For our new HL (yesterday!!) our dealer wants $1225. I can negotiate if I know where I can buy it for a reasonable price. I think I remember $900 or $925 but I can't find the message. Thanks!

cliffy1

The warranty price will vary depending on a few things. First, make sure you get a genuine Toyota warranty and not an "aftermarket" one. Also, opt for the Platinum level coverage. Price will also depend on the mile you get. the 6 year/100K mile warranty runs about $300 more than the 6 year/75K program. Dealer profit expectation also vary. $900 is pretty low for the 6/100 but right on for the 6/75 coverage.

cliffy1

I've been away from the boards lately so I apologize if I missed anything. Due to a recent ankle injury, I have been working in our finance office and the office they gave me doesn't have Internet service yet. I'll try to check in when I can.

anthony921

How you are feeling better !!!! We really miss you here !!!!

cliffy1

I still have VERY limited range of motion on my right ankle but the cuts have healed and the swelling is slowly going down. I'll be off the foot for at least another 3 weeks. Hopefully, they will enable Internet access in my new digs next week. Let me know if I missed anything critical that I can answer.

anthony921

Glad to hear that you are doing better. Leg/foot injuries are always tough because it's so hard to get used to the lack of mobility.

Off the foot 3 more weeks?.....yuck !! I know how you feel to some extent. I'm still recovering from the MVA I posted about in some time ago. The HL is still in the shop. Problem getting some parts because it's a new model. Thankfully, only cosmetic damage.

Again, hope you feel better.......

ted83

Rkuehn & Gwkiser, thanks for the info on the filters. That study is very interesting. I'm glad to see the Purolator Premium Plus and Deutsch filters, that I have been using, are on the recommended list. Also the $3.75 at Toyotaguys is a great price.

gwkiser

Vibrate my side mirrors? No, not that I have noticed. It would take quite a bit of wind turbulence to disturb the side mirrors since they are semi-locked in place (can be manually pushed inward for garage clearances, etc.).

gwkiser

You might want to try http://toyotawarranty.com . They're a dealer out of Iowa City, Iowa. I printed out the page and then took it to my dealer and told them I was going to buy it and that it was a matter of whether or not they wanted my money or if it was going to Iowa. They matched the price so I bought it locally.

gwkiser

Well, hello there stranger. Glad to hear you're making progress on the ol' foot injury. We know it must be hell having to let the wife drive the Ferrari instead of you! All those sleepless nights wondering which parking lot she got that door ding at.....

Seriously, we hope you're back very soon. We need the sanity.....

jonr5

In the market for HL...not sure what the advantages are of waiting for the 02's..local dealer says they are willing to deal on 01's..Only change I know for 02 is entertainment feature will be an option (dvd,tv,vcr)feature like in the Avalon's and Sequoia's...also..wife not sure if she wants leather or cloth..can anyone tell me the pros and cons..never had leather before..

troyy2k

Could someone please post the approximate terms of the highlander lease? I plugged in the numbers for a 30,000 dollar highlander on the "build-you-own" Toyota web page, and the payments were about 500.00 for a zero-down lease. Does this seem about right? Please let me know.

chadhburke

It's been a while, but then again there hasn't been anything to really complain about. This is my first foreign vehicle, and after 11,000 miles I remain very pleased with one exception that many have already discussed here (the infamous reed noise).

After owning several GM products, I keep waiting for the alternator or a blower motor to go out. It's a great feeling when everything actually works. The black paint cleans up nicely and if I keep the moonroof and cover closed, I really can't hear the popping noise too loudly on hot days. The hood protector was a great investment, now I have an extra bottle of touch up paint to sell. Any takers?

One of these days I'll get the brake recall fixed, but I think I'll give the local techs some more practice first. I can't wait for the snow and ice to really test this thing, it should do great. I found some mud the other day, and set the right half of the HL in the mud with the left wheels on pavement. Having front and rear open differentials, I was curious how it would respond. Once the skid control kicked in and began applying brake to the slipping (right) wheels, it pulled right through. It should be fun this winter.

dominor5

Is the area under the glove compartment really exposed or am I missing a cover? I see what appears to be a blower fan and some other connections--pretty exposed for what's under there and the potential of the front passenger accidentally kicking something out of whack. How about the under area on the driver's side? My other car is a GM, and everthing in these areas is well covered. Thanks.

frutiger

thanks for the reply on the adjustment of the 8 way driver's seat.
I find that seat comfortable.

It's the Front Passenger seat that's the problem.
Lack of lumbar support, but more importantly the front edge slants downward causing more strain on the back.
Anyone else notice this?

Also, is it possible to get the 8 way driver's seat installed in the passenger position ALSO?

Are the power driver's seats installed in Japan or the Fremont, CA plant that installs options?

thanks.

fiery1

Frutiger, the Highlanders are all built in Japan. No Highlanders see the Fremont plant unless you drive one past it.

tompars

Anybody have a chance to compare the quality, finish, and appearance of the "Hidden Hitch" with the Toyota factory model? There seems to quite a difference in price, is there in quality?
BTW, I found a great travel mug to fit the infamous front seat cup holders of the Highlander. It is made by "Nissan Thermos" - its the one that looks like a metal stein with a black plastic handle - durable, doesn't spill and fits the cup holders very well - and the Nissan name peels off easily. Found mine at Barnes and Noble but also saw them at "Bed, Bath and Beyond" - pricey but should last forever.
Thanks - love the Highlander!

tbuchta

With over 13,000 miles now, (do I have a record here?) I have not experienced any of the problems with wind noise, rattles etc......As I have noted before, the number of folks actually experiencing these problems seems to be less than 5% of those participating in these chat groups. Given this low rate of complaints for relatively minor problems that most folks would not even notice, I would consider the Highlander the safest bet by far on a new model SUVV vehicle.

gc35

I'm not sure why people continue to debate whether the wind noise exists. It exists in all HL's to some degree. I test drove three different HL's before I purchased one and they all had the loud noise with the front windows rolled up and the back windows down. Any combination of high speed or strong winds will help generate the noise. Personally I do not believe it has anything to do with the door seals or large side mirrors. It is inherent in the aerodynamics of the vehicle and cannot be corrected without redesigning the HL.

rrmcdonald

There are 2 different types of wind noise discussed, (1) the roll down the back window wind noise you referenced, and (2) a loud reed-like whistling wind noise that occurs in a strong cross wind. I have experienced this reed-like noise with a 30 mph cross wind driving at 40 mph (with all windows up). It was so loud we couldn't carry on a conversation in the Highlander.

skyreb

rrmcdonald is correct, there are two separate noise issue, the rear windows, and the "reed" noise.
gc35, I suspect you will find that almost every modern vehicle will make the buffeting sound if the rear windows are rolled down with all others up. It is physics .... an air compression matter. In the old days, cars had little vent "wings" that deflected the "slip stream." Todays cars are much more "slippery" in the wind .... notice even the windows and moldings are flush. We each have to find our own comfort level, but I NEVER would roll the rear windows down at highway speed.
Re the "reed" sound. Someone suggested it is the small plastic shape that occurs at the leading edge of the roof rack .... in fact, it almost looks like a reed on a woodwind musical instrument. The sound only occurs for me in a strong cross wind at 70 mph, which I have not experienced in many months, so I have not heard the sound in a while. But, I have heard it, and the condition I just described seems very plausable. I agree completely with tbuchta's final statement!!

catimp

got around to looking under the glove compartment, and it's uncovered as you described, so i'd guess it's by design. would never have noticed it without reading your post & wonder what made you look. i guess you should remind your front passenger not to be kicking while riding in your nice, new HL.

normkol

Sorry I came late into this discussion.

When you buy your oil filter at the Toyota dealer, chances are it was made by Purolator. They make most of the filters used in the USA. I will note, the filter they make for Toyota is not the same as the filter they sell retail, you can see the difference in construction. This is similar to Fram making filters for Honda, which are very different than what Fram sells in the aftermarket.

If you do the first oil change on the HL, look at the filter you take off and compare it to the Toyota replacement filter. Different P/N's and different construction. I found that when I did the first oil change on my Sienna, which is the same filter. When I bought a Purolator air filter for the Sienna, you could tell the plastic frame came out of the same mold as the original one.

Just some info. I still wouldn't use the aftermarket Purolator, if I can get Toyota for $3.75.

Norm

gpolt

I agree completely with you regarding the passenger seat. Other than the Solara, all Toyota seats are short in the cushion department causing a lack of thigh support for those of us whom are tall. To compensate, we increase the rake and as a consequence, lose shoulder and neck support. The cushion of the Highlander passenger seat feels as if it is tilted forward creating the sensation that one will slide off the seat. Unfortunately, there is no cure.

frutiger

I was told by the fleet manager at Toyota that option are installed at the Fremont NUMI plant.
I used to live within 2 miles of the facility and can attest to the vast numbers of new toyotas that were trucked in and out of there on a daily basis.
i know the cars are built in Japan, but "options" are added in Fremont. The cars arrive in Long Beach and are shipped up to Fremont, then delivered to the dealers.

fiery1

The cars that land at Long Beach get their PPO's added right there at PORT. Cars in Southern CA never see Fremont.