I just viewed the new 2002 360 degree interior at toyota.com, and the center console looks soooo much nicer than the FisherPrice one on the 2001's. Not happy to hear the wait time really is 3-4 months, but I am sure it will be worth it!
To: ehl3 Open the Highlander page and go to Photo Gallary. then open Interior, you will have a good photo of the console. To bad you cannot open the 360 view, it shows a lot more. Appears to be an excellent upgrade.
A dealer in Phila. Conicelli Toyota, has a 02 in stock, just read it in an ad this morning. Appears they will be arriving soon.
So much for car saleman saying they would not be available until December. They either have no idea or do not care to share information?
Hopefully Toyota has designed this console change to allow disgruntled 2001 owners the chance to implement the new console for those who found the current offering to be nothing more than an afterthought.
I know Lexus added a small armrest on the 2002 IS300 that was suppose to allow 2001 owners the opportunities to swap them.
I don't own a Highlander, but have been looking at the brochure for quite a while. I have a 2000 4Runner, which I don't expect to die for quite some time. My question is, where are the 8 speakers in the JBL package located? I went to a dealer a few weeks ago and could not find 8, I only saw 6, even though the 8 are in 6 locations (according to the brochure). I'm just curious. Thanks. By the way, I was looking at the 2002 Highlander interior at toyota.com, and I have to say that it is even better than before.
The Toyota web site lists this as an option for the 02 HL. Has anyone heard any information about this, what it will be and how much? I am planning on purchasing an 02 hopefully this winter and would love to have the entertainment system factory installed. It would be even better if it were DVD based, as the 02 Honda Odyssey is.
Anyway, I would appreciate any information anyone has gathered.
I e-mailed Toyota today about the availability of the 2002's..and they responded..within just 2 hours I might add...they will be available within about 1 week...that new center console looks great..makes the interior look alot more expensive looking..hope to buy one soon..
ehl3, I had almost the exact same experience as you did with ordering my HL. Put my order in early July and was told to expect arrival mid November of 2001. The price he gave me was based on the 2001's. I wanted a somewhat bare V6 AWD. I only got the roof rack, mud guards, tow package, and carpet set. Price, pre tax, lisc, etc was $25,280 which is invoice + $500 + $250 Toy add fee (grumble, grumble). I was also told that the first day of production for the 2002's was 8/27....and about a month to get over here. On the center console for the 2002's, I hate it. One of things I love about the HL was that open area between the front seats. I am told by my dealer that they are fairly confident that they can remove it.....
If you don't want it and it is able to be added to a 2001, there may be some interest here in purchasing it from you. If my gf buys a 2001 HL, she would be most definitely interested in buying it. What part of the country are you from llofgren?
Toyoguard is just an option just like floor mats, leather, etc. If you do not wish to have Toyoguard all one has to do is simple say so to the dealer. 619 retail 159 cost. If a car was here and all was perfect except you did not want Toyo I would either get you the same car without that option or just throw it in.
I put my bicycle and other assorted big and dirty items into the rear. My Weathertech rear mat does a good job of protecting the rear cargo floor but the inside shock towers, side walls and back of the folded rear seats are starting to get dinged up and dirty.
Is there a product made to line & protect the entire rear cargo area including the side walls or should I just use use a blanket or tarp? I remember seeing a post here long ago about something that velcrowed onto the side walls and covered the entire rear floor.
2,700 trouble-free miles since a June 15 delivery. Red, V-6, AWD, limited getting about 18.4 mpg overall. Had Michelin Cross Terain SUV tires substituted by dealer before delivery for $230 additional ($50/tire plus $30 installation). Had rear spoiler removed and like the look better and notice no additional wind noise or rear window dirt accumulation.
Toyota is actually going to put a decent console in the HL? After a couple of Toyota salespeople assured us (in earlier postings) that would not happen? After those salespeople told us that Toyota Marketing really new what we (the consumers) wanted and it wasn't a big blocky center console?
This isn't going to be STANDARD EQUIPMENT is it? All most of us wanted was the ability to get the good console, not take away the ability from those who don't want a center console. Oh well, as you can already see, there is a market for anyone wanting to get rid of that big blocky thing (many 2001 owners).
COOL! I can finally get serious about buying an HL.
I'm cross shopping Highlander and 2002 CRV. Would like to know what all your opions are on the new CRV. Its significantly improved. Would you pick it over the Highlander if you get to do it over again.
I live in Toronto and will be purchasing the 2002 Highlander through the Automobile Protection Association (www.apa.ca). For a $52 annual fee I am given the dealer cost ($32,737 for V6 Base) + $1000 markup with a dealer in Toronto. I think this is the best price I have gotten. The best I could do on my own was $1500 below the MSRP ($36,190). So $33,737 is a lot better than $34,690 ! Cheers and good luck !
My response is not based on an indepth understanding of the "new" CRV. I would NOT choose the CRV over the HL, on the basis of two points: 1) I wanted the V6 engine. From what I have read, the CRV does not offfer a V6. and 2) I would not have any vehicle with the tire hanging on the back. a) it does not appear "quality" to me, and b) there is significant body damage to the rear in even the most minor collision.
I will readily admit the following is subjective, but I do feel the HL is better looking; it looks like a $28000 + vehicle, whereas, the CRV does not (although both are probably top quality vehicles). I saw my first Liberty on the road today and was very disappointed with the profile: short, stubby, tire on the rear ..... again, it does not appear to me to be in the same class. The HL looks perfectly comfortable amid a grouping of more costly SUV's.
In posting #3610 I reported that I had read an ad in the paper stating the 2002 was in stock at a Philadelphia dealer. The ad was in the Thursday (9/6 morning) edition of the Philadelphia Inquirer placed by Conicilli Toyota.
This morning before driving to this dealer from New Jersey, I decided to call to confirm what type HL was in stock. After asking the person answering to confirm they had an 02, I was put on hold 3 times, each time requesting to take my number for a return call. I refused to give my number, with caller ID they probably have it.?? All I wanted to know was what model they had. I asked to talk with a manager and eventually talked with Glen (a Manager?) who said the ad must have been an error and they probably would not have 02's until October. He wanted me to visit anyway and advised the 01 is exactly the same an an 02. I told him I considered the new console and rear center armrest a change and worthwhile upgrades and was not interested in looking at another 01. This ended the discussion, I was not pleased with this inaccurate ad.
You cannot always believe the dealers advertising ads, they want you to visit that day to sell you what is in their inventory. If you see an ad that HL's are in stock, call the dealer before you travel miles to see one, it may save you time. I'm sure by mid-October every color and option package will be sitting on the lots.
I have talked with a couple of people that own the HL and they have nothing but praise for the vehicle, If I get my price on the Limited ($900 over invoice was quoted on a 01 and I consider this fair...) I will buy immediately.
I have read with envy recent posts of 02 HLs for invoice + 500-750 or so. I live in central NC and can't find a dealer who will order me one for less than MSRP. Anyone know of one in GA to DC area who will order at these prices? Thanks.
One person to try from the DC area is Cliffy1 who has been a regular, knowledgeable, and very credible source of info on the Toyota boards here at Edmunds. I don't know what he could do for price....but you could try. Also, you MIGHT do better on a factory order, but you have the long wait then....its frustrating to see all these new HL's and have to sit on my hands waiting:) Good luck!
Hello all, So glad to find other folks that love thier HL's as much as I do. I have an interesting question.
When I picked up my new HL last week, I saw a shiny metal tag like thing in the salesmans hand. He had emptied his pockets to give me the keys to my new ride. It was mixed in with all his change and pocket lint, and I thought nothing of it at the time, assuming it was his.
After getting the vehicle home and reading through the owners manual, it mentions something called a "Key Tag", which is your reference to reproducing a lost or stolen key from the factory. It mentions to keep this key tag in a safe place. THey slso say that they will only replace a limited number of them.
Well, when I went back to the dealer asking for it, the salesman told me not to worry, that he gave me three keys, and that it would be near impossible to lose all three. I didn't even bother to mention that I SAW it in his pocket the day before, knowing full well that when he got home it went into the garbage with his daily supply of pocket lint.
Question to you all....Do I REALLY need this "key tag", and if so now how do I go about getting one?
I would go back and insist they give you a keytag. I do not care if I recieved three keys. With the purchase of the car, you were to receive a keytag, which you did not.
Thank you , Candyman for your input. The more I've been thinking about it, the more I know you're right. I didn't get the Toyo Guard Cleaner that should have come with the car either. The dealer did some weird things that I'm not too happy about. They offered to throw in the floor mats if I would "do the deal". The manager made such a big deal about it as if he was taking it from his own pocket. When I looked closer, the mats were already on the invoice at $179! I went back the next day, and they agreed to work something out.
After choosing the electonic mirror with the compass, they "offered" to pay the installation charge, which was $83 if I bought the mirror...for $167! These guys are wicked. When I said that $83 doesn't equal the $179 that I paid for the mats, the salesmans response was...ready for this..."I find it hard to believe those mats cost $179!! They are more like $89", he said.
Well, you can imagine my sudden moodswing when I told him quite pointedly that he should go "look it up, because if I have to go home to get the actual window sticker with the price on it, he would be sorry." I can't believe he gave me a hard time about something so easily verified. I'm sure those guys know how much each and every option costs. They make enough profit on it.
Bottom line...they are going to pay for the mirror, and I will pay the installation. They should be glad I agreed to that. For the agravation, they should have put it in for free.
for those who live in the sunshine states, is there any AC/heating vent for the back seat passengers? We went to the dealership today to check out the HL and could not find any. Does it create any problem for back seat passenger when it is very hot outside? Does the new console for the 02 HL include vents outlet? thanks.
we purchased our Vintage Gold 4 cyl 2wd HL 2 weeks ago and are thrilled with it. With 280 miles on the HL the only problem now is going 55 mph for 800 more miles. the spee limit here (N. California) is 65mph which means everyone goes 75 +. Taking alot of side roads and staying off the freeways for now. We feel we negotiated a great price for the relatively scarce HL. Over 2 weeks of e-mails to the fleet mgrs of the 3 Toyota dealers in the area letting each know the bids of the others, seemed to wear them down. Two dealerships gave great bids of about $650 over invoice. So when one had the Gold one we wanted, we bought it. no haggling, no pressure. all that was done by e-mail. thanks to everyone here for being so helpful.
We just purchased a 2wd 4cyl HL (no alarm/vsc). Just signed up with AAA (N. CA)and have the HL as the only car on the policy. Annual rate about $1000. The HL is listed as a "4 dr wagon". Have a good driver rate also. This rate is comparable to others in our area.
I find the lack of 3rd row seat a plus from a safety standpoint. Ever see how close the back of other midsize suv's 3rd row seat is to the back windshield and rear bumper?? a minor rear-ender and the passengers ( probably the kids) stand to be injured. if that much seating is needed, i'd go for a suburban-sized car.
Topgun, Hi. I'm in Ft. Lauderdale, FL, and there is no AC vent in the back seat that I could find. I've found the car cools off extremely fast, even in the hottest weather. The lack of a vent doesn't seem to be an issue at all. Six of us spent the day in the blistering heat at an outdoor Art Festival, and upon returning to the HL, with the temp controls set on AUTO, even the backseat passengers were happily cooled in about 2-3 minutes, the AC works so well. Take care. Chris
Your HL is equipped with ac/heat vents under each of the front seats. While they do not provide the greater airflow you receive from the front vents, they seem to adequately heat and cool the rear passenger area. I generally set the air distribution to the bi-level mode, which provides a portion of the air flow to the rear vents. If you do not want the dash vents blowing in your face, switch to the defrost/floor setting. Be sure to keep loose items from blocking the airflow under the seats. Hope this helps!
Under the front seats!! Wow, those Toyoata guys think of everything. I never would have thought to look there :)Thanks for that great information, and the tip on setting to Bi-level. That will help cool the rear passengers even quicker.
I am 6' 3" and would like a sunroof in a HL, but am afraid of headroom being reduced. Unable to sit in one with sunroof at local dealer. Anyone out there about my height who can offer guidance?
During my recent vacation, I went to McGee Toyota in Hanover, Mass. to get the brake cylinder cap recall handled for my mid-May purchased HL unltd, 6 cyl, 4wd.. I got an app't easily. They had the work done in about 35-40 minutes. I absolutely feel a difference in the brakes in terms of the amount of pressure I have to put on them. When they seemed harder to push I had attributed it to their being AWD. Clearly, something changed, whether it was draining the system or what, but much better.
I had complained in last post about some small amount of what the dealer called "pitting" on my new dash - a few places where the vinyl spray they put on to cover the dash did not completely cover in tiny places like small dust motes just in front of the driver's seat. With no argument but only helpfulness, they sent me to Dr. Vinyl to get it looked at. He used a special pen to cover the few spots and it's fine. He said someone could have carelessly placed a tool there during dealer prep and caused this little pitting as well. He said he could take off the dash and re-spray the whole thing and that the dealer would pay but he couldn't guarantee, that I'd never have a rattle or squeak in the dash once replaced. Since I never had those problems unlike a few others I read about here, I declined. Vinyl said he would have left it alone if it were his as well.
A new dealer for me, I find that this is a very service-oriented dealership for anyone looking for a good dealer. So far they have been helpful instead of confrontational - a nice feature. Their oil changes and lubes, etc. are within $5 of the chain prices too (like Jiffy Lube, Lube Lab etc.)
I was originally not entirely happy with 15.9 mpg using 89 0ctane for mixed city/highway driving. Since I now have about 2800 mi on the car and got its first oil change, it is up to 17 and I am hoping for more.
I have a question: on my previous car, an '89 Chevy S-10 Blazer, if I needed to reach for something in the back behind the front seats that maybe had fallen from the front to the back, (like sun glasses or a pen or something that might have flown back there with a unexpected quick braking), I could push the back of the passenger seat flat folded towards the front and so could reach something that fell or flew there behind it(I have short arms). I don't seem to be able to do that with the HL. I read the section on the seats but they only seem to mention recline going back but nothing about folding the back to face forward to reach something behind the other seat. Did I miss something or is this a move one cannot perform with the HL?
Other than that, after about 4 mos. of ownership, I am thrilled with this car. People who have ridden in it love it also. So far, there are very few of them around my area near Boston and people continue to ask me what it is.
Dig2 Iam 6'2" and have plenty of headroom with a sunroof. I also had new door seals installed and a side mirror which has solved my wind noise problem.
Hi, I'm new to this board and seriously considering purchasing a HL probably early next year. If a U.S. citizen buys a HL in Canada (taking advantage of the lower pricing due to the exchange rate) and registers it in the U.S., will the factory warranty be honored by U.S. Toyota dealers? I know the answer is NO for Honda, as I looked into this before buying an Odyssey. What's the situation with Toyota? Perhaps someone could point me to message #'s where this has been discussed.
First - Please disregard b10751. His mother apparently never taught him if you cannot say something nice, say nothing at all.
Now your question: I am 6-'3", and did not want a sun roof (but not because of the head room). I did not want to pay for it when we rarely would use it. A vehicle came in and it had EVERY feature we wanted, but it had a sun roof. The dealer asked me to sit in it. I did, and my head was very close. No thanks I said, and asked him to keep looking. Soon the sales manager came over and said the power seat was up, would I try it again. I did, and there was/is plenty of head room. I accepted the vehicle (but I did not pay for the sun roof).
Now with that all said, we use the sun roof a bit more than I expected. I like the feature that allows one to raise the rear of the glass. We rarely open the roof front to back, but we do "crack" the rear up. We live in upper New England, and A/C is not such a big issue here. The "cracked" roof opening is nice without being too windy and/or noisy.
Chris, I too have brought the HL about a month ago. The salesman was excellent and explained everything in and out. Yeah, he gave me a small white metal tag stating that this holds the key nos for the car in case all the three keys get lost. So make sure you get the key tags for your car
I did test drive both vehicles this weekend. I will have to make a decision soon. I am leaning towards the outback although the LL Bean price $ 26,600 + Tax and Lic = 29,400 out the door seem a little too much for me. The dealer has Demo LL bean with $12,000 miles for about $ 26500 out the door is that good? I did also test drive a regular 4 Cylinder outback I did not notice much difference expect that the LL bean shifts smoother. The wife likes the highlander for cargo space, for putting in a car seat in and out (new infant). Did anyone go though that? I did hear the highlander comes with an AWD version or is that a mistake, they mean a 4WD version.
Did anybody went though this dilemma, if yes please shed some light.
After reading the news group I am realizing that I can get a V6 HI cheaper that the LL Bean Outback? It's a though decision.
Thanks for the answer to the AC vent. We are still thinking about the Highlander and the AC vent is our only concern. I guess all is left is to wait for 02 and start the shopping. I am in the SF Bay area also. Someone mentioned a few posts ago that they got $500 over invoice. Would you mind sharing which dealership offer you the price and the details of the HL? Had anyone used the priceline.com for the shopping? I read through all the posts on the Priceline thread and it seems to be something that would work out very well. Anyone can share your experience? thanks.
I am curious to hear if owners of 4cyl 2wd hl's are happy with the power and what kind of gas mileage they're getting. Also, if anyone knows of a 4cyl 2wd hl review anywhere on the net, a link to that would be greatly appreciated. Thanks to all here.....Chris
I will leave the pondering to you, but the HL is AWD ..... meaning all 4 wheels are powered all the time. The Escape, on teh other hand, is front wheel drive, until a wheel slips, then all four are powered. I am not certain what a Subaru is.
While on vacation this summer we rented a Subaru ... it was a fine vehicle. It was comfortable, quiet, and efficient. But we love our HL (V6, AWD, unlimited). It too is comfortable, quiet and efficient. We really appreciate the quality, fit and finish .... plus the roominess, and 3500 pound towing capacity. We hope to buy a tent trailer soon.
Thanks, skyreb. I was concerned about the sunroof/headroom because I read it chops an inch and a half to 2 inches off headroom. Good to know the seat adjustment negates.
Being 6'5" myself, I would not assume that lowering the seat will compensate for reduced headroom due to the sunroof. I find that in many vehicles I need the seat raised fairly high to get adequate leg distance to the pedals. Every person is different (some have longer legs, others are longer in the torso) as is every vehicle. You won't know for sure until you try out a HL with a sunroof.
We purchased a 4 cylinder HL about a month ago. We have been pleased with the performance of the vehicle--the power is adequate for us. We live in a relatively flat area of California but have driven it to the beach through some mountains and had no problem passing trucks going up the grades.
The car has about 1500 miles on it. So far, city mileage has been about 18mph (we're hoping that gets better). Freeway driving was around 25 on my trip to the beach (with some uphill driving).
I highly recommend Ron Goode Toyota in Alameda. They are known for their excellent service and sales. I purchased my HL the month it came out and Jerry, Sr. was the salesperson. No hassle, straight to the point. This dealer, like Alameda, is a local secret.
Have noticed a buzz type of sound from around the battery area. Discovered this when I was checking the oil. Had the just inserted the key in the ignition (not turned on)and this buzz sound last for almost a minute then stops.I was in a quiet garage with the hood up. Anyone else have this sound or know what it is? Thanks
Hello. Your Buzzing sounds to me to be your electric fuel pump. All late model cars have this device, and it will start to buzz once the key is turned to the "on" position, just before the car is started. It pressurizes the fuel lines and aids in a steady constant fuel pressure to the injectors. I had a Mustang GT that did this, and I made it a ritual to wait for the buzzing to stop, before starting the engine. Chris
Comments
Open the Highlander page and go to Photo Gallary.
then open Interior, you will have a good photo of the console. To bad you cannot open the 360 view, it shows a lot more. Appears to be an excellent upgrade.
A dealer in Phila. Conicelli Toyota, has a 02 in stock, just read it in an ad this morning. Appears they will be arriving soon.
So much for car saleman saying they would not be available until December. They either have no idea or do not care to share information?
I know Lexus added a small armrest on the 2002 IS300 that was suppose to allow 2001 owners the opportunities to swap them.
Guess we'll see.
Anyway, I would appreciate any information anyone has gathered.
Mike
I was also told that the first day of production for the 2002's was 8/27....and about a month to get over here.
On the center console for the 2002's, I hate it. One of things I love about the HL was that open area between the front seats. I am told by my dealer that they are fairly confident that they can remove it.....
Is there a product made to line & protect the entire rear cargo area including the side walls or should I just use use a blanket or tarp? I remember seeing a post here long ago about something that velcrowed onto the side walls and covered the entire rear floor.
2,700 trouble-free miles since a June 15 delivery. Red, V-6, AWD, limited getting about 18.4 mpg overall. Had Michelin Cross Terain SUV tires substituted by dealer before delivery for $230 additional ($50/tire plus $30 installation). Had rear spoiler removed and like the look better and notice no additional wind noise or rear window dirt accumulation.
Thanks.
This isn't going to be STANDARD EQUIPMENT is it? All most of us wanted was the ability to get the good console, not take away the ability from those who don't want a center console. Oh well, as you can already see, there is a market for anyone wanting to get rid of that big blocky thing (many 2001 owners).
COOL! I can finally get serious about buying an HL.
Thank you Toyota for coming to your senses. :>)
This link has a hundred photos and all specs.
http://hondanews.com/forms/honda/crv/index_images.html?kw=currenthonda
Crazy Canuck
I would NOT choose the CRV over the HL, on the basis of two points: 1) I wanted the V6 engine. From what I have read, the CRV does not offfer a V6. and 2) I would not have any vehicle with the tire hanging on the back. a) it does not appear "quality" to me, and b) there is significant body damage to the rear in even the most minor collision.
I will readily admit the following is subjective, but I do feel the HL is better looking; it looks like a $28000 + vehicle, whereas, the CRV does not (although both are probably top quality vehicles). I saw my first Liberty on the road today and was very disappointed with the profile: short, stubby, tire on the rear ..... again, it does not appear to me to be in the same class. The HL looks perfectly comfortable amid a grouping of more costly SUV's.
Happy HL'ing to all
This morning before driving to this dealer from New Jersey, I decided to call to confirm what type HL was in stock. After asking the person answering to confirm they had an 02, I was put on hold 3 times, each time requesting to take my number for a return call. I refused to give my number, with caller ID they probably have it.?? All I wanted to know was what model they had. I asked to talk with a manager and eventually talked with Glen (a Manager?) who said the ad must have been an error and they probably would not have 02's until October. He wanted me to visit anyway and advised the 01 is exactly the same an an 02. I told him I considered the new console and rear center armrest a change and worthwhile upgrades and was not interested in looking at another 01. This ended the discussion, I was not pleased with this inaccurate ad.
You cannot always believe the dealers advertising ads, they want you to visit that day to sell you what is in their inventory. If you see an ad that HL's are in stock, call the dealer before you travel miles to see one, it may save you time. I'm sure by mid-October every color and option package will be sitting on the lots.
I have talked with a couple of people that own the HL and they have nothing but praise for the vehicle, If I get my price on the Limited ($900 over invoice was quoted on a 01 and I consider this fair...) I will buy immediately.
Good luck!
Or http://www.hatchbag.com/hatchbag.html
So glad to find other folks that love thier HL's as much as I do. I have an interesting question.
When I picked up my new HL last week, I saw a shiny metal tag like thing in the salesmans hand. He had emptied his pockets to give me the keys to my new ride. It was mixed in with all his change and pocket lint, and I thought nothing of it at the time, assuming it was his.
After getting the vehicle home and reading through the owners manual, it mentions something called a "Key Tag", which is your reference to reproducing a lost or stolen key from the factory. It mentions to keep this key tag in a safe place. THey slso say that they will only replace a limited number of them.
Well, when I went back to the dealer asking for it, the salesman told me not to worry, that he gave me three keys, and that it would be near impossible to lose all three. I didn't even bother to mention that I SAW it in his pocket the day before, knowing full well that when he got home it went into the garbage with his daily supply of pocket lint.
Question to you all....Do I REALLY need this "key tag", and if so now how do I go about getting one?
Thanks again...
Chris
The hatchbag seems to be the best because it has side wall coverage while the other seems to be more of an extended floor without sidewall protection.
Hatchbag does not seem to have a specific fitment for the Highlander listed but I will e-mail them about it. They will likely get one soon.
Thanks again.
I do not care if I recieved three keys. With the purchase of the car, you were to receive a keytag, which you did not.
After choosing the electonic mirror with the compass, they "offered" to pay the installation charge, which was $83 if I bought the mirror...for $167! These guys are wicked. When I said that $83 doesn't equal the $179 that I paid for the mats, the salesmans response was...ready for this..."I find it hard to believe those mats cost $179!! They are more like $89", he said.
Well, you can imagine my sudden moodswing when I told him quite pointedly that he should go "look it up, because if I have to go home to get the actual window sticker with the price on it, he would be sorry." I can't believe he gave me a hard time about something so easily verified. I'm sure those guys know how much each and every option costs. They make enough profit on it.
Bottom line...they are going to pay for the mirror, and I will pay the installation. They should be glad I agreed to that. For the agravation, they should have put it in for free.
Take care...
Chris
With 280 miles on the HL the only problem now is going 55 mph for 800 more miles. the spee limit here (N. California) is 65mph which means everyone goes 75 +. Taking alot of side roads and staying off the freeways for now.
We feel we negotiated a great price for the relatively scarce HL. Over 2 weeks of e-mails to the fleet mgrs of the 3 Toyota dealers in the area
letting each know the bids of the others, seemed to wear them down. Two dealerships gave great bids of about $650 over invoice.
So when one had the Gold one we wanted, we bought it. no haggling, no pressure. all that was done by e-mail.
thanks to everyone here for being so helpful.
Just signed up with AAA (N. CA)and have the HL as the only car on the policy. Annual rate about $1000. The HL is listed as a "4 dr wagon". Have a good driver rate also. This rate is comparable to others in our area.
a minor rear-ender and the passengers ( probably the kids) stand to be injured.
if that much seating is needed, i'd go for a suburban-sized car.
thanks
Hi. I'm in Ft. Lauderdale, FL, and there is no AC vent in the back seat that I could find. I've found the car cools off extremely fast, even in the hottest weather. The lack of a vent doesn't seem to be an issue at all. Six of us spent the day in the blistering heat at an outdoor Art Festival, and upon returning to the HL, with the temp controls set on AUTO, even the backseat passengers were happily cooled in about 2-3 minutes, the AC works so well. Take care.
Chris
Your HL is equipped with ac/heat vents under each of the front seats. While they do not provide the greater airflow you receive from the front vents, they seem to adequately heat and cool the rear passenger area. I generally set the air distribution to the bi-level mode, which provides a portion of the air flow to the rear vents. If you do not want the dash vents blowing in your face, switch to the defrost/floor setting. Be sure to keep loose items from blocking the airflow under the seats. Hope this helps!
get a lobotomy?
During my recent vacation, I went to McGee Toyota in Hanover, Mass. to get the brake cylinder cap recall handled for my mid-May purchased HL unltd, 6 cyl, 4wd.. I got an app't easily. They had the work done in about 35-40 minutes. I absolutely feel a difference in the brakes in terms of the amount of pressure I have to put on them. When they seemed harder to push I had attributed it to their being AWD. Clearly, something changed, whether it was draining the system or what, but much better.
I had complained in last post about some small amount of what the dealer called "pitting" on my new dash - a few places where the vinyl spray they put on to cover the dash did not completely cover in tiny places like small dust motes just in front of the driver's seat. With no argument but only helpfulness, they sent me to Dr. Vinyl to get it looked at. He used a special pen to cover the few spots and it's fine. He said someone could have carelessly placed a tool there during dealer prep and caused this little pitting as well. He said he could take off the dash and re-spray the whole thing and that the dealer would pay but he couldn't guarantee, that I'd never have a rattle or squeak in the dash once replaced. Since I never had those problems unlike a few others I read about here, I declined. Vinyl said he would have left it alone if it were his as well.
A new dealer for me, I find that this is a very service-oriented dealership for anyone looking for a good dealer. So far they have been helpful instead of confrontational - a nice feature. Their oil changes and lubes, etc. are within $5 of the chain prices too (like Jiffy Lube, Lube Lab etc.)
I was originally not entirely happy with 15.9 mpg using 89 0ctane for mixed city/highway driving. Since I now have about 2800 mi on the car and got its first oil change, it is up to 17 and I am hoping for more.
I have a question: on my previous car, an '89 Chevy S-10 Blazer, if I needed to reach for something in the back behind the front seats that maybe had fallen from the front to the back,
(like sun glasses or a pen or something that might have flown back there with a unexpected quick braking), I could push the back of the passenger seat flat folded towards the front and so could reach something that fell or flew there behind it(I have short arms). I don't seem to be able to do that with the HL. I read the section on the seats but they only seem to mention recline going back but nothing about folding the back to face forward to reach something behind the other seat. Did I miss something or is this a move one cannot perform with the HL?
Other than that, after about 4 mos. of ownership, I am thrilled with this car. People who have ridden in it love it also. So far, there are very few of them around my area near Boston
and people continue to ask me what it is.
Iam 6'2" and have plenty of headroom with a sunroof.
I also had new door seals installed and a side mirror which has solved my wind noise problem.
I'm new to this board and seriously considering purchasing a HL probably early next year. If a U.S. citizen buys a HL in Canada (taking advantage of the lower pricing due to the exchange rate) and registers it in the U.S., will the factory warranty be honored by U.S. Toyota dealers? I know the answer is NO for Honda, as I looked into this before buying an Odyssey. What's the situation with Toyota?
Perhaps someone could point me to message #'s where this has been discussed.
Thanks.
jpsmith
Now your question: I am 6-'3", and did not want a sun roof (but not because of the head room). I did not want to pay for it when we rarely would use it. A vehicle came in and it had EVERY feature we wanted, but it had a sun roof. The dealer asked me to sit in it. I did, and my head was very close. No thanks I said, and asked him to keep looking. Soon the sales manager came over and said the power seat was up, would I try it again. I did, and there was/is plenty of head room. I accepted the vehicle (but I did not pay for the sun roof).
Now with that all said, we use the sun roof a bit more than I expected. I like the feature that allows one to raise the rear of the glass. We rarely open the roof front to back, but we do "crack" the rear up. We live in upper New England, and A/C is not such a big issue here. The "cracked" roof opening is nice without being too windy and/or noisy.
Happy HL'ing to all ...... even b10751
Alpya
$ 26,600 + Tax and Lic = 29,400 out the door seem a little too much for me. The dealer has Demo LL bean with $12,000 miles for about $ 26500 out the door is that good?
I did also test drive a regular 4 Cylinder outback
I did not notice much difference expect that the LL bean shifts smoother.
The wife likes the highlander for cargo space, for putting in a car seat in and out (new infant). Did anyone go though that?
I did hear the highlander comes with an AWD version or is that a mistake, they mean a 4WD version.
Did anybody went though this dilemma, if yes please shed some light.
After reading the news group I am realizing that I can get a V6 HI cheaper that the LL Bean Outback? It's a though decision.
Thanks
While on vacation this summer we rented a Subaru ... it was a fine vehicle. It was comfortable, quiet, and efficient. But we love our HL (V6, AWD, unlimited). It too is comfortable, quiet and efficient. We really appreciate the quality, fit and finish .... plus the roominess, and 3500 pound towing capacity. We hope to buy a tent trailer soon.
Good luck in your decision.
Happy HL'ing to all.
The car has about 1500 miles on it. So far, city mileage has been about 18mph (we're hoping that gets better). Freeway driving was around 25 on my trip to the beach (with some uphill driving).
Thanks
Chris