Toyota Highlander

skyreb

Just some random thoughts.
I have read others speak of "pops" and a glovebox "rattle." I have experienced neither, but it seems the "pops" are more common where it is hot. They all seem associated with expansion and contraction. I live in New England, where we do not get the intense heat.
I think the glovebox "rattle" has been solved with additional padding, added at some point behind the box.
I too am very critical when I hear a noise, and search, and search until I can eleminate it. The HL has the quitest interior of any vehicle I have owned. My previous two vehicles were Ford Explorers, and while they did not "rattle" so much, the truck heritage was just a jolting ride that made everything bang around.
The HL (including mine on 2 occassions) does have an outside "reed" sound above 70 mph in a strong cross wind. I am not certain what that cause is, but I have not experienced it in 6 months or so now ..... maybe mostly because we have not had a strong cross wind.
I am delighted with my HL (V6-AWD, unlimited). I could not be any more satisfied with the quality, fit, finish, economy, and comfort. The sound system is a bit short of my expectations, but I chose the lesser system. My other car is an Acura with a BOSE system. Anything compaired to that will sound poor.
Happy HL'ing to all.

gwkiser

<< I can only turn my headlights off by turning off the ignition.>>

Not so. You can manually switch the headlights off by using the control on the end of the
stick.

<< The high beams will turn on if I pull the stalk toward me but goes back to low beam when I
<< release the stalk. This happens no matter what position the headllight indicator is
<< in. i.e. high, low, fog light, automatic, etc. >>

If you PUSH the stick AWAY from you the high beams stay on. When you PULL the stick
towards you, this is a temporary high beam switch, which I use to give a couple of quick
"flashes" to the vehicle I'm going to pass.

shl72953

Thanks, gwkiser. Stopped in at the service department and they explained the same thing you did. The light that stays on is the daytime running light and it cannot be turned off. Service manager said this is so the insurance companies can give a discount for running lights and be assured that the feature is actually being used whenever the vehicle is being driven. Of course, this makes it difficult to stalk some girl or warm the car up at the drive-in movie.
(Do drive-ins still exist?) I feel rather foolish but thanks again for the comeback.
Wally

gwleong

Hi,

We bought a new Highlander ('non-limited') due to the arrival of our first child. Since we did not get the leather interior, I am searching for some kind of seat covers. Can anyone recommend a high quality, reasonably priced seat cover for the rear seat and/or front buckets? Would prefer something that will appear "built-in" rather than some unprofessional "aftermarket" look.

Also, would like to protect my factory floor mats. Can anyone recommend some aftermarket mats?

(Or should I just put the new baby in a plastic bubble??!!)

Gary

cmcardle

Go with the bubble - HL's don't like being hosed out.

tfuzz

dardson1,

We have a '00 Sienna XLE and a '01 HL. The Sienna isn't quite as rattle prone as yours apparently is, but does tend that way. The HL (except for the reedy wind whistle Toyota still hasn't fixed) doesn't seem to be near as rattle prone. Our HL hasn't exhibited the sunroof pops or glove box rattle many have reported (so far, at least).

What is that thumping sound in the back of the Sienna? My wife still complains about it being something loose, but I can't find anything. We have no tool box back there!

By the way, I think the Sienna cruises slightly better than the HL. The HL doesn't track quite as well, IMHO, as the Sienna or the Forester I traded in on it.

dardson1

TY to "tfuzz" and "skyreb" for the reply. I'm going to give the Highlander at least a serious test drive. I have a love/hate relationship with my Sienna. In many ways it's as good as anything I've ever owned. My wife drives a Lexus ES300 and that thing is like a block of granite. It's all the stuff I like about a Toyota and never a hint of a rattle....so, I'm considering an RX300 even though it's seems a little to small. That darn Highlander is just about the perfect size.

gwkiser

I just bought a set of 4 factory HL all weather mats for ours. They were $87 delivered from toyotaguys.com. I don't know if you wanted to spend that much, but I thought I would tell you about them as they are a durable alternative to any carpeted mats (factory or aftermarket) and can be pulled out and hosed off easily. The ridges are deep enough that they will hold any mud or liquid debris one might pick up on their shoes or any debris which might come flying from the back seat at the most inappropriate time!

gwkiser

I was considering the GMC Envoy when we were looking at the HL back in April. Fortunately for us, the Envoys were not in yet for anyone to test drive. We traded our Avalon in for the HL and haven't regretting it a bit. Here we are now with 6000 miles on it and the only problem we had was the recalled brake master cylinder cap. Well, actually, we are still waiting to resolve a non-factory leather issue, but that is not Toyota's fault, just the distributor.

Regarding comparisons between the RX and the HL, the HL body style yields more rear cargo space, yet the RX I find to be a little quieter inside. The HL has the same drivetrain as the RX300 and ES300. It's really a tough call and you can't go wrong with either. We chose to get the HL because it was something new and we thought we would pocket the difference between it and the RX.

Of course there are several other SUVs you could check out such as the Isuzu Axiom, Jeep Liberty, Hyundai Santa Fe, Ford Escape/Mazda Tribute, Buick Rendevous, etc. But then, if you know the build quality of the Toyota, why bother???!!

lamm9733

I believe someone had posted in the Sienna forum that there is a way to have the ignition on and the daytime running lights off. I wish I could remember the details and/ or find the post. I think it had something to do with applying the parking brake....but not sure. Anyone else remember or know the details or posting in the Sienna forum?

jrfiero

from 3714 - "I believe someone had posted in the Sienna forum that there is a way to have the ignition on and the daytime running lights off."
IIRC, when you first start the HL with the parking brake on, the daytime running lights don't come on until you release the brake. May also have something to do with shifting out of Park ... Try it out.

coleboy

I see people getting these great deals on Highlanders but I can't find a dealer in MA that will budge off the MSRP never mind at just over invoice. I just want a V-6 with minimal extras. Is there a dealer in the MA area that is able or willing to do this?

octothorpe

I'm in Central Massachusetts and all the local dealers will barely budge. Deals I've seen on this board seem to come from the Boston area.

I'm personally holding off for the 2002's, since the 2001 "clearance deals" aren't much of a deal ($500 off MSRP. Geez). I'll also let the slowing economy pinch the dealers a bit, and then we'll see how they feel about negotiating...

hsvillage

Re;Posts #3716 & 3717,check out Kings Toyota-www.kingstoyota.com-They advertise their prices on the NET and will give you an idea of what other dealers are doing.I flew to Louisville KY and Kings delivered a 2001 AWD,non-LTD to the airport.I drove it back to Arkansas,got what I wanted and saved $1000.There is a big difference in prices due to supply and demand so if you're willing to travel you can get your HL @ a reasonable price.

alteriago

Hi Guys:

This is my first post, but your questions about Massachusetts dealers brought me out of Lurking. About 3 months ago I made up my mind to buy a V6 4WD Highlander I did a lot of work chasing prices and deals and like you, I found the big dealers in the Boston area were unwilling to deal.

Just as I was about buy the highlander Dad offered me a deal on his 3 year old Sienna which I could not pass up. So I did not actually buy one.

The point is I thought you guys might benefit from my efforts. The best price quote I got was from Tri-state Toyota in Dudley. It is really removed but Mark McConnel is in charge of the internet sales and was willing drive the car to me, and do all the paperwork over the phone and fax.

He quoted me a price of 2% over invoice on the car which I thought was great. I have subsequently been interested in a Sequoia as a replacement for another car and he has quoted me about a little less than 2% over on the sequoia.

I have not purchased from him yet but my dealings with him have been excellent and I have recommended him to friends. I would say give him a try - be firm on what you are willing to pay and I suspect you will be plesantly surprised.

Tri-State Toyota is (800)339-2321. Good luck.

Hope it helps.

Sincerely,

Brad

ronrandle

I just picked up my V6 Ltd. HL and am absolutely thrilled with it. This is the first car I've ever owned that I actually get excited about driving.

Anyway I was wondering if anyone could shed a little light on the 55 MPH break-in period. Specifically, I'd like to know what it accomplishes. I'm guessing it's just an easy way to get all the parts seated and functioning without any unusual strain on them, but after you're in fourth gear and up to highway speeds what's the difference between 55 and 65?

We purchased a Honda V6 Accord last year and there was no break in period for that car.

Thanks in advance for your help. This board has been a great resource. Y'all are the best.

Ron

suvshopper4

There is currently a decent short article, including owners' feedback, at autoweek.com

cliffy1

You already know what the manual tells you, but I'll share a quote from a Master Technician from my dealership. "Cliffy, a monkey could drive that thing and not hurt it in the first 1000 miles. Just go easy on the brakes for awhile." It is his opinion that the manual was written by paranoid lawyers with regard to the break in.

In the old days, tolerances were not what they are today and it took that long to properly seat all the parts. I am unconvienced that this is such a big issue any more. Unlike Honda, Toyota does not use a break in oil either.

jpsmith

Can someone point me to a URL or message # on this board where the Highlander option and package codes are "decoded"? Thanks!

stever

Here's the 2001 option codes - we don't have the 2002 stuff up yet:

link (Drill up for the other models.)

Steve
Host
Vans, SUVs and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards

gwkiser

Cliffy, doesn't Toyota use a special oil filter that has a one way valve? I was told its purpose was to keep more oil in the upper area when the engine is shut down, allowing for quicker lube when the engine is first started. Fact or fiction???

jpsmith

Appreciate the info.

barnone

are you saying that honda uses a break-in oil?
toyota uses reguar oil?

gatorflo

Was recently given the price of 26,911 for the following.
4cyl 4x4
DR-Roof Rack
SR-Moonroof
QO-Quick Order Package
DL-Running lights
AW-Aluminum Wheels
MG-Mud Guards
CF-Floor Mats
GN-Cargo Net
HP-Hood Protector
Cost given 26,911.
I know there is a seperate room but I wanted a quick response due to time contraints and the forum on "how much did you pay?" hasn't been updated in three days.
Thanks
PS Was offerred a Subaru Outback limited for 24,500. Both HL and Outback are dark blue.

gatorflo

Both models are 2001

hkdonhonda

If you are interested, Bernardi Toyota on RT 9 has some 2001 leftovers. Bought mine 2 weeks ago from there. Excellent experience. Speak with a guy by the name of John Roberts, A.K.A "JR". Very nice to deal with and was willing to deal if prompted to do so. Good luck.

jmiker

Well, after much searching for a new SUV, and even deciding on the RX300 at one time, I finally placed my order for a 2002 Highlander. Configured as follows:

AWD Limited V6 - Indigo Ink
BE - Side Airbags
LA - Leather
SR - Sunroof
VD - Vehicle Skid Control
EJ - Premium 6 CD Changer
HD - Heated Seats
TO - Tow Prep Package
CF - Carpet / Cargo Mats
GN - Cargo Net
N1 - Auto-Dimming Mirror
HP - Hood Protector

Total MSRP is $35,554. I was able to negotiate $800 over invoice for a price of $32,652. Ordered from Kings Toyota in Cincinnati, Ohio. I contacted them based on a tip from this board and was very impressed with how they handled the entire deal. From the moment they knew I was looking for an "over invoice" deal, they provided full invoive pricing and dealt from there.

Now it is a matter of waiting for it. Thanks to everyone on this board for all their valuable input.

Mike Roberts

hlron

I went on my first decent trip this week: 917 miles into the Sierra Nevada, specifically the Lake Tahoe and Donner Lake/Truckee, CA area. I had a great, smooth ride, and I was pleased with the gas mileage, at least as measured by three fill ups during the trip: over 25 MPG on the flat Interstate 5 in Central California while enroute, and about 24.5 average including driving 7,200 feet above sea level (I usually average 20 - 21 mixed in day-to-day driving, with as low as 18 in city type driving). My V-6 FWD handled all the roads well, and as for wind noise (excluding the back windows only rolled down wind noise) - I noticed some on a freshly resurfaced Interstate 80 but I think I have may have noticed in more because the roadway was so smooth and the rest of the Highlander so quiet there were no other noises to notice. Even so, it was no concern of mine. The seat was comfortable, made more so by the ease of adjusting my driver's powered seat. The HL handled the hills and grades with ease. I now have 5,864 miles on mine, with no complaints at all. Plus, the storage room for this trip was plenty. The only issue I had was my own fault - I got too close to a semi-truck that had been hauling red beets on Interstate 5 and my HL received a shower of red beet juice - which came out with no problem at an unscheduled car wash stop (I have a couple of coats of wax on my HL - maybe that helped?) Anyway, great vehicle, the Highlander...it was easy and fun to drive the entire trip!

ronthom1

For your info., Kelley now has prices for 2002 HL's

cliffy1

Yes, it is true that the Toyota filter has a one way valve but this doesn't have anything to do with the break in.

Yes, it is also true that Toyota uses regular oil from day one where Honda uses a break in oil that must be left in for something like 5K miles.

davidgarden

As an early Highlander owner since March 1st 2001. I have been dealing with the frustrating door seal / reed noise situation for the last seven months as I drive up and down the Eastern Sierra in California. It tends to happen at vehicle speeds of 70 MPH and greater with a strong cross wind. If you press hard on the top edge of your driver's window door frame you can actually change the pitch of the sound. Toyota has inadvertently created a new woodwind instrument, the Highlander. I have been in contact with Toyota Customer Service six times. I have two case numbers and have most recently been speaking with my district customer service manger. He left another message yesterday saying that the engineer's are working on the problem and that I should check back in a month. He admitted that it can occur on all Highlander's if they are driven in these conditions. I encourage all owner's to call the Customer Assistance Center at (800)331-4331 and ask for a case number regarding this issue. You will care about this issue when you take a long drive in windy conditions. The noise can be a real drag on a five hour drive in high cross winds. It sounds as though someone is playing a flute in your head... The more pressure we put on the system the sooner we can get it taken care of.

dolores2001

To lock my steering wheel I have to turn it at least a quarter of a turn left or right, sometimes more. THen when I start the car I find it very difficult to turn the ke and pull on the wheel. It takes a lot of effort. I never had this problem with any other car I've owned. When I asked my dealer about theis the first time he said make sure the wheels are straight. I did but still have the same problem. When I asked again he said they have had many calls about that and that and that I should not lock the wheel at all. He said this way if someone tries to steal the car they will turn the wheel and lock it. He said it is documented in my owners manual. I can't find it anywhere. What up with this? Anyone have a similiar problem? For now I'm not locking my wheel. Yesterday I spent 15 mintues trying to unlock the stupid wheel. Help this is driving me nuts.

cliffy1

Try turning the wheel the same direction that you locked it. Do this BEFORE turning your key and things will get much easier. If you turn the key and the wheel at the same time, you'll fight it for hours. Turn and hold the wheel, then turn the key.

jseg77

Today we tried dealing on a 6 cyl. 2WD limited package 2002 Highlander with side airbags and moonroof and used the internet invoice price as a starting point. The dealer said his invoice price was $4000 over what the internet says and showed us his cost sheet. We didn't believe him, but now we're wondering what figures are really correct. How could they show so much over the invoice on the internet? Thanks.

mrtwo

Humm... you didnt' post your price. but from looking at the huge difference you posted (4k). The first thing that come to mind is. Did your 'internet' invoice price include all the options?
When there is such a big difference. It is usually because you are not comparing apple to apple.

norm949

Now a happy owner of a 2002 V6 4WD non-Limited HL. The only thing I wish the vehicle had is the fog lights (the plugs they put in place look kind of weird, IMO), but it doesn't appear that they can be purchased separately from the Limited package. Does anyone know if they can be installed now?

cliffy1

Options and model would be the first thing I would look at. I have had many customers come in and think the "invoice" from the Internet included all options but it was fairly easy to point out the error. When you add the options and destination, you should come out to the actual invoice with the exception of any regional advertising fees. These fees range from $250 to 2.3% of the invoice depending on the region. In no case will these fees add up to $4000.

tfuzz

davidgarden--I'm having the same problem as you. I drive my HL in windy Kansas, so it howls frequently. Toyota has done a really poor job of taking care of this. I can pretty much stop the howl by closing the door on a towel, but I hate driving around with a towel hanging on the door.

jgw3

I spoke with two separate dealers today re: 2001 model with the following packages:
Dealer #1 had a V6, Limited, with cloth seats, six disk changer, towing prep package- dealer offered to sell for $27,996. Dealer #2- had the same vehicle as above but also had side air bags and dealer installed center console- dealer "offered" to sell for $27,951. Both vehicles included the "extra mile package" which, by my best estimation, is nothing more than keyless entry, floor mats, and a cargo net at $1000+. My questions are (1) Has anyone been able to get these packages without having the extra mile package listed on the sticker. (2) If not, how successful have you been in getting the dealer to discard the extra mile package from the true invoice- i.e. has anyone been successful in getting the dealer to admit that the extra mile package is nothing but a rip off AND have them subtract it from the sticker price. (3) Both dealers were including their 2% dealer holdback in the invoice- has this been a common experience?

kdubs1

I see Dash Molded Applique for $379 for the 2002 HL. Is this the wood-grain trim?
I do not see fog lamps as even an option in the 2002 HL unlimited. Any other information out there?
I received my data from kbb.com

ejay2

There has been some limited discussion on overdrive. I've never had overdrive explained to me clearly and concisely. What it does and it's benefits. Any experts out there?

osoriob

Has anyone got the chance to see a 2002 highlander
with the Color-keyed running boards yet?
-On the toyota web site it's listed as an accessory but I haven been able to find a dealer or parts store thats sells them.

please post a picture if you have one of these.

Happy motoring.

cliffy1

Overdrive is fourth gear on most cars. What it means is that the transmission is turning faster than the engine. This is good for high speed driving since your engine does not have to turn as fast to drive the wheels. It is the same as the upper gears on a bicycle where for every crank of the pedal, the tire makes more than one full revolution. Just like a bike, the motor works fairly hard to accomplish this, even though the RPMs are low.

I would also point out that a poster several months ago pointed out the overdrive is a misnomer on the Highlander. The final drive ratio is slightly less than one to one which is why the HL tends to run higher RPMs at speed than other Toyotas with the same engine.

highlander7

Yesterday I asked a dealer what the molded applique was and they advised a carbon fiber option vs. the wood grain. The plastic wood grain is standard on the Ltd., the carbon fiber will probably appeal to some. Need to make the comparison when the 02's arrive.

Integrated Fog Lamps are still part of the Ltd. package. Go to toyota.com for the listing.

perque

Purchased vehicle in Feb, in Florida, with leather seats. The rear seat leather has come unattached from the underside of the seat for the second time. Is this a problem that anyone else is having? Are these seats covered after the port? I'm tired of it...that should not happen.

thanks,
Earl

dominor5

Toyotaguys.com is selling them. They have the picture/price on their web site. By the way, were you the one who installed the aftermarket remote-controlled fog lights? Was PIAA the manufacturer? I'm also curious to know if you were able to install them at the same level as the existing fog light receptacles. Thanks.

cliffy1

Living in the Southeast, you have a different set of circumstances than the rest of the country. The port installs leather on many vehciles and that might be the problem. You will have to look at your window sticker to see if you have factory or port leather. I have of heard of any problems with factory leather.

hl26k

I just got my 2002 Toyota Highlander V6. It is a non-limited version. I ordered it two months ago and paid $26100 with the following options:
CQ (Convenience Package), Preferred Package, Roof Rack, Rear Spoiler, Mud Guard, Tow Prep., RS3200 Security system, Cargo Net, Carpet Mat. I live in Houston, TX.

Here is a question regarding RS3200 security system. The dealer told me that they installed the RS3200. All I got is just a regular alram programmed to the keyless entry key pad. Please provide any information regarding how the system should look like and how it works. Basically, I want to make sure they did install the right system for me. Thanks.

osoriob

Thanks for the info dominor5.

And to answer to your question regarding the foglights, yes I installed mines with the remote controlled relay kit for auxiliary lights (made by RALLY Manufacturing Co). by programming one of the homelink buttons on the visor to activate the relay and so far they work great. I would suggest you buy the lights (only) from toyotaguys.com they are made to fit exactly on the openings. But if you want better lights and you are willing to fabricate a mounting bracket, go with either HELLA or PIAA.

good luck

seemomgo

perque,

I love my leather, but mine is also port-installed and has given me a few heachaches. When I picked up my HL back in May, it was clear the front passenger's side seat cover was installed poorly. My dealer immediately ordered a new one and had a local leather shop replace it. Thankfully, they did a great job.

About a month later, I noticed the door trim on both passenger doors was matted down... looked like water damage along the window. It also turned out to be an installation problem, but this time my service advisor assured me the panels simply pop off and on and that his guys could handle the job. Unfortunately, they couldn't, and their installation job looked even worse! So now they've ordered 2 more panels (which are on back-order) and are going to send me back to the leather shop.

Then, about 2 weeks ago, I was cleaning the car and noticed that half of the back seat (the passenger's side) had come untucked. It is supposed to get fixed at the leather shop along with the door panels.

So, to make a short story long, make sure your dealer sends you to whomever does their leather work. The service dept. isn't equipped to properly solve your problem for the long term.

Still love my HL, though! -seemomgo