Toyota Highlander

gasman1

We finally recieved "real" winter weather this past week that required heated mirrors. I kept thinking that a fuse had blown since the ice was building up on the mirrors. I thought that they were activated either by having the climate control on defrost or by having the rear defrost ON. I had both on to make sure.

Checked the window sticker in the file (purchased the V-6 non-Ltd in March '01). You guessed it, no heated mirrors listed. Checked the Edmunds printouts from last year and found the heated mirrors were a $30 option. Why?

Now to the question. A $30 option would hardly cover the additional expense of the actual heated mirrors, relays, wiring, switch, and whatever else goes into them. I'm wondering (and hoping) that the components may already be in place and may just need a relay installed to make them work????? Anyone know if this is the case and (if so) what I need to activate them???

mcmatt

I have noticed before that some options seem to be relatively inexpensive. Another example is the Tow package. For $160 it has transmission cooler, upgraded alternator, wiring harness,etc. Definitely more than $160.

My reasoning is that the "difference" in the cost of part A and part B is really not that much when Toyota has bought thousands of them. When purchasing an option, you have already paid a lot for the "part" that is going in. By paying more they are just installing different parts or maybe a couple of extra ones. In reference to above, you are not actually buying all the heated mirror parts for $30.

When we get our Highlander book set, I will see wheat is involved in the mirrors if you haven't already solved your problem.

stuartbonia

Is there a way to decipher the VIN to determine the options a vehicle has?

I've looked at a number of Toyota dealer sites and they have the VIN and a minimal description of what is on the vehicle.

I'm trying to find a non-limited with VSC and maybe the side air bags.

tccmn1

In response to #4801. I've driven both models several times because I wanted to be sure I could live with the 4 over the 6. The 6 is obviously and naturally a more powerful and smoother engine. The vehicle does leap from a stop whereby the 4 is adquate but not exciting. The interiors are basically the same unless you opt for leather or the LIMITED which gains more bells and whistles. My issue is that the 6's around the MN. area run about $3K-5K more than the 4 cyls. do. So you need to understand the sacrifice of a couple mpgs. to how many years you plan on keeping the vehicle. Again, other than if you get a ltd., the vehicle looks the same on the inside and only the alum. wheels, v6 badge and fog lights (if you get the ltd.) will show any difference visually on the outside. Also, for towing, you want the TO pkg. which boosts the 4cyl to 3000lbs towing and the 6 to 3500lbs capacity. Good luck!!

will4271

Thanks for the info. Sounds like the V-6 is not much more stronger.
I couldn't locate a dealer in my area to test one out.

lbags48

We just special ordered a V6 4x2 last week.

After weeks of unsuccessfully searching for a V6 configured to our liking, we contemplated getting a 4. This because there are a lot more 4s on the lots here in No. Cal. We test drove both the 4 and 6 several times. In the end, we decided on the 6.

As noted by others, the 6 is definitely smoother, quieter, and more powerful of the line. But what convinced us to go with the 6 was its passing power. While cruising at 50-55, the 4 strained to accelerate to a acceptable passing speed. The 6 had no such problem.

rneis

It is my understanding that a V6 will tow 3,500 pounds. Do they put a class II or class III hitch on a Highlander?

gpolt

With the Honda Pilot's inclusion of 240 hp V6, 5 speed automatic, all wheel drive, and a dissapearing third seat standard - all at a starting price of about 26K and change, what advantage will the Highlander have?

bironb

Prior to purchasing my HL I examined the whole vehicle including the dash area very closely and found no flaws. Wrong, yesterday with the sun shinning on the dash I noticed part of the passenger air bag cover has what appears to be a rectangular imprint with faint raised ridges. I gather the thin cover has a painted finish like the rest of the upper dash so whatever is underneath shows through somehow.

I went to the dealer today and was told that this is the way the passenger air bag covers are made and a replacement will be the same. I checked out other 2002 Highlander’s on the lot and sure enough the covers all have the same shown imprint and ridges although some show up more than others. Well, I guess I will have to follow my wife’s advice “don’t look at it and get use to it”.

As a side note: There is a small auto show at a local mall with some area auto dealers (Toyota, Ford, Pontiac, Kia, Nissan and Hyundai participating. Of all the vehicles on display including other Toyota models none had such poor quality covers as the Highlander. How this cover got pass Toyota’s design and quality control is beyond me.

Has anyone else noticed this?

roosh31

I remember reading here that the plugs may be used in the shipping process. Anyways the dealer is suppose to install these before selling. Sometimes I wonder if they even know where they go. Overall, it seems to me the plugs are to keep the water out of the underbody so no rust starts to develop. Easy to install.
Happy H'landing

tccmn1

Response to #4810; good point about the acceleration at freeway speeds. I wish I could take a test drive without a salesperson with me. They have a set path they want to go on. I'd like to take it for a longer spin on hills and more freeway operation, but they have their agenda and test driving around town doesn't make them money..I guess. At least the two main Toy dealers in the St. Paul area are this way. I asked if I could take one for a spin on my own and they looked like I asked to steal it. Oh well. That Honda unit sounds interesting. I still feel the Highlander is overpriced with the packages that are 'forced' on us around MN.. If anyone in the Twin Cities knows of a dealer who will let you take one without them with, let me know!

pdalpsher

Also try to anticipate what you may want to do with your HL on vacation, weekend trips, etc

One of my co-workers had a sienna with 4 cyl and it worked great for them in town. On vacation driving through the mountains it struggled.

petl

The Sienna has always been equipped with a V6 (a 4 cyl. has never been available). The Previa (which was replaced by the Sienna) was equipped with the 4 cyl. Incidently I preferred the Previa's styling (interior and exterior). At least the tear drop shape was different than anything out there today.

cmcardle

Just picked up my HL last week, and the ONE thing I have found lacking is the bass performance in the stereo (Limited with the 6 CD unit). That speaks volumes - pun intended - that the only thing I can find wrong is this trivial matter.

Has anyone put a subwoofer in to increase the bottom end? Recommendations or thoughts?

(I tried scanning the last couple hundred messages, and didn't see this addressed. Suggestion to the host/ Edmunds: a "search" field within the message board would be most helpful.)

tidester

cmcardle,

I am assured that fixing the search feature is a priority item for Edmund's - it WILL be fixed! However, I am not able to give you a date for the upgrade yet.

Thanks for your patience!

tidester
Host
SUVs

kenkneeb

I had the same impression re: the Highland's lack of Bass/Sub woofie output. Other than that, this stereo is the best I have ever heard in a stock vehicle!!! and after my test drive in a Limited V6, I can't wait to get my vehicle. However it's been 2 months since the dealer has had one. This isn't a little dealer either, they have a half a dozen Toyota dealerships here in Oregon and in California.

BTW, I tried getting to Harmon/Becker, who make the Toyota mobile audio system for Toyota. Boy, talk about beating your head against the wall. After a dozen phone calls I got nowhere. I was simply looking for technical info pertaining to input and output impedences and wattage and ohmic values of speakers, etc. Man, I think I need to be in the Secret Service or something. Yeah, that's it a clandestine operation to Harmon/Becker's R&D Lab. You in??? Ha Ha Ha, only joking.

Sincerely though, should you find anything out, please don't hesitate to contact me and visa versa.

Enjoy!!!

Ken
ken@safeworld.com

tccmn1

I work for a company that offers "deals" through certain vendors of various commodities. One is with a local Toy dealer. The dealer says his best deal is $750 over invoice....is that good for a Highlander? This would be on ANY Highlander model....4 or 6, ltd. or general.
Thanks.

mcmatt

The first price you hear is usually slightly negotiable.

I shopped fairly extensively in the Gulf States area and the "no-negotiation" market price is about 3% over invoice. Invoice, of course, includes holdbacks, MAF and finance reserve.

$750 is good for the current market with limited availability on most configurations.

skyreb

I read your comments here as well as on Yahoo. Your wife gave you the best advise.

I looked at mine ... if there is a "flaw" it is so minor I cannot see it. You want to read what problems are, review the Escape/Tribute board. (You will find that many HL owners were very interested in the Escape/Tribute). Fuel smells; stalling; engine that will not start; tires that wear out in 10,000 miles; brake rotors that are worn in a like mileage; rattles, paint problems and etc.

The HL is not a perfect vehicle, but for the money, it come closer to the mark than any other vehicle within my budget.

Happy HL'ing to all.

perque

I was wondering if anyone else has had problems with port installed leather seats. My vehicle entered port in Jacksonville(gulf states toyota distributor).

The rear seat keeps coming unattached on the underside. I has been re-attached by the dealer once, then by the upholsterer that the dealer uses, the second time. Now it has come unattached again. In addition, the rear seat leather is buckling up at one area on the top side(leather not laying flat).

I purchased the vehicle 1 year ago.

Is anyone experiencing these problems with port installed leather(grey), and is the factory installed leather of a better quality than the port installed.

Thanks,

Earl

niel39

I'm looking for a vehicle I can put my 17' kayak on top and have test drove the HL several times. I really enjoyed driving it. Currently I have a 2000 Maxima with 222hp and it handles awesome but my kayak does not ride well on top. Plus I want more cargo and 4WD or AWD. The HL was a beautiful handling vehicle unlike the Pathfinder which was more truck-like but is a real off-roader.
Here are my only dislikes for the HL. The parking brake is a foot peddle that sits right on top of the foot rest. This gives you little room if you are a toe tapper like me when driving. The headrests in the back seats are hard as rocks. I sometimes ride in the back and so back seat comfort is important. That's the only things I could find that I didn't like.
So I haven't made a purchase decision but the HL is still "High" on my list.

rfhou

I have the port installed leather and also had a problem with the leather coming off of the bottom of the seat. The dealership had a upholstery shop fix it. They used a special type of screw to attach the leather to the cleats that are part of the seat's metal sub frame. That was a year ago and I have not had a problem since.

I have some strange bubbling on the top of the front door leather inserts. If it gets any worse, I plan on asking them to replace the panels. Also, the rear, passenger side seat leather is "krinkeld" -- but not bad enough to have it replaced. Once I noticed this, I went back to the dealer and looked at other HL's with port leather and they too had the same appearance in the same spot--weird.

With all that said, I will never buy another vehicle with port installed leather.

dardson1

on my 01 Sienna are sub-Toyota quality. In my area Gulf States lets no car go through without a considerable number of port adds. Console is a piece of junk, high dollar mirror ($250 something) has never worked consistently, and leather looks like it doesn't quite fit the seats. I had to jump through hoops to avoid the dubious port added "Protection Package" and "Extra Mile Option" that added close to $2k to all the vehicles on the lot. My compromise to avoid those high dollar, no value, port adds was to accept Gulf States version of leather, fancy mirror, and console. My dealer claims Gulf States Dist. rules with an iron fist. He takes their cars optioned with their port adds without complaints or gets his allotment cut. If it ain't against the law, it ought to be.

sbell4

If a dealer states that you must have port options on your car you may want to find another dealer. By definition a port option is an option that is installed at the port facility. The distributor wants the dealer to load the vehicle with port options because they are in business to make money but it is your car and I am confident your dealer will get you the exact color and equipment you want.

regularguy

On my new non-limited HL, the stereo is rather unsatisfactory (unlike, apparently, the upgraded unit on the Limited). The bass and mid-range are way too boomy and muddled.

Anyone tried putting in new speakers? If so, with what? And did it make a significant difference?

- Bill

tommyg12

Do any other auto manufacturers use a method like Toyota's Port Options? This is my first Toyota and I really love it, but it seems that this topic is very confusing, at least for me. Always owning Hondas and Nissans, the only options added after production were your typical dealer installed accessories, and these accessories were the same across the US, no "Regions". How many regions are there?? What are the differences among the regions?? Thanks for any info.

kumarvs

I am looking into buying a HL-V4 with basic set of options (roof rack, power seat, privacy pkg).

The dealers in San Diego area quote almost 2k more than the invoice or 1k-1.5k less than the MSRP. That looks like a steep price. Any ideas on what is the best price I can get for this configuration.

I would also like some comments of the V4 from any owners. We do not intend to load it with stuff on our trips. It is intended to be a 2nd vehicle for my wife for in town trips and occasional weekend/ long family trips

-Nathan

kdubs1

Read a few posts on sound quality of base stereo.
I am very interested to know if anyone has investigated installing an amplifier, which is often a quick improvement to overall sound.

jwfjwf

Did you try the "midrange trick" of holding in the tone button until it beeps, which reveals a midrange option? The sound quality is MUCH better after this fix. I back off the bass as well for most music to reduce the boominess. I think you may need to turn the radio off and back on after making this adjustment for the change to stay in "memory." Downside: on my 2002 HL, the settings are lost if at any time you turn off the ignition with the radio left on. Then it's back to square one.

kumarvs

I am looking into buying a HL-V4 with basic set of options (roof rack, power seat, privacy pkg).

The dealers in San Diego area quote almost 2k more than the invoice or 1k-1.5k less than the MSRP. That looks like a steep price. Any ideas on what is the best price I can get for this configuration.

I would also like some comments of the V4 from any owners. We do not intend to load it with stuff on our trips. It is intended to be a 2nd vehicle for my wife for in town trips and occasional weekend/ long family trips

-Nathan

bikerjohn

I finally hit some fog last night and decided to try out the fog lights. Unfortunately, they only reflected off the fog and made visibility worse. I thought the lights were suppose to be directed down along the ground, below the fog? Any one found them helpful in the fog?

pasqual

Has anyone out there experienced their antennae on the HL hitting the top of the garage opening.I'm thinking of changing it to a shorter one but I don't know if the antennae is a removable one.

tccmn1

I have test driven the 4 banger and found it quite adequate for $3K less than the V6's around the Twin Cities. I know they'll tell you it's only $1.6K more for a V6 and while that may be true, try to find one. The 4 should work find for around town and little if any towing. You can always opt for the TO package if you want to bring the 4 up to 3K lbs. towing ability. You will notice less torque for passing at freeway speeds, but it gets to cruising fairly well and maintains 70MPH with no problems at all...plus the avg. 5MPG more per gallon to boot. You'll be hard to find a 4x4 4 banger though. I found a $750 over invoice dealer here locally. Good Luck!

lfd440

I don't know if I missed the answer on this but a couple of weeks ago someone asked if it could be done by removong the end plugs and slidding both of the brackets out. is this the way to do it? I too have a low garage ceiling and the "radio Shack" antenna will be one of the items that I'll be purchasing. But the roof rack situation is another. Anyone out there have the solution?

tweetynator

getting a car through the internet work if I were to use a service like Autobytel if I have a trade-in? Or am I stuck going through a local dealer?

hlltd

tccmn1,

Tom, while I know you mean well, you are not correct on the differences in fuel mileage between the two motors.

EPA estimates for 2002 models:

4 cylinder 22/27

6 cylinder 19/23

Test driving a Highlander for a few short miles is one thing; Living with that same vehicle for many years is another.

While I can understand someone wanting to save a few dollars initially when buying a new Highlander, the actual difference in fuel economy is listed at only 4 miles per gallon on the highway estimate, and I doubt if it is actually four miles per gallon better than the 6 cylinder motor. Remember, the 4 will be working harder to travel at highway speeds than the more powerful 6, so the actual fuel economy will most likely not be as much as 4 miles per gallon better. And most people do not drive at the slower speed used for the highway cycle test, so the differences will be less due to the lower gearing of the 4 cylinder VS the 6 Highlander.

We own a V6, and we get 23 mpg as long as we stay bellow 80 mph. Going faster than that, and the mileage starts to drop rapidly. I seriously doubt if the 4 banger will get anywhere near the "rated" 27 mpg at the speeds most people cruise at today.

And Dianne, I thought it was "PIO" standing for Port Installed Option, not "PPO"?

jwfjwf

Yes, the stock antenna unscrews. My salesman installed and hand-tightened my antenna at delivery, and I snugged it up with rubber-covered pliers when I got home.

nextmoon

I was at a dealership looking at both a leather and cloth '02 HL. When I was trying out the second row seats, I found the middle passenger spot to be very hard. It felt like there was a hard piece of plastic under the seat covering? What is everyone's thought on this? Are they the same on the 01' model?

jellonel

I purchased my 2002 Highlander through Carsdirect. I too wanted to trade-in my old car…This is how it went: when you purchase a car online, places like Carsdirect and Autobytel search the inventory of dealers in your area to find the car you specified. Once the car is located, you go to the dealer that has the car you want (the car was either already on the lot or they special ordered it for you)…it’s at the dealer where you have to negotiate your trade-in, not Carsdirect or Autobytel. The dealer I happened to get my car from was really honest and told me that they weren’t going to give me enough money for my old car even though they knew it was worth more…they advised me to sell the car on my own through a private sale…which I did. If you finance your car through Carsdirect.com, your finance papers will be ready when you pick up the car. Lets say…you decide to trade in your old car and get the extra money, even though your finance papers have already been written up, Carsdirect will then re-do all the paperwork to reflect your trade-in. Hope this helps. Good luck.

tweetynator

Thanks for the info jellonel!

tccmn1

I just received a quote on a v6 4x2 Highlander with TO, Keyless, VD (Anti-skid), UZ, NI-Mirror with Compass/temp, Rear Spoiler, Silver, CQ, UD-V5, trailer hitch, roof rack, rear cover, mat. I'm checking out the Fleet dealer approach through where I work they offer this "connection". Now I was expecting to see the +$30K figure come up; as it has been on stickers around Twin Cities, but this gentleman came up with a figure just over $26K plus Tax and Destination and license, etc.. He claims this is $500 over invoice. He also warned me that because it's a 4x2 with what I want (especially that VD option), be prepared to wait until June IF I order now. He stated that the '03's start appearing in September and usually go up about 2-4% in price per year. Does the price and the wait sound about right? Thanks.
PS: Sorry about the slanted quote on mileage related to 4's and 6's on a previous message.

lbags48

We special ordered a 4x2 V6 w/VSC on 1/28. Today we received word from our dealer that Toyota has accepted our order, and our HL will have a March build date. He said to expect our HL sometime in mid to late April.

I would guess that if you ordered your HL today, you would probably get a late March or early April build date. Which in turn would probably mean a May delivery date. It may take you a little longer to get your HL, being that you live in MN. We live in the SF Bay Area. According to our dealer, our vehicle will be shipped from Japan to Long Beach, CA, then trucked up to the Bay Area. Not sure whether your HL would be trucked or put on rail.

regularguy

I tried holding in the tuning button down, but it didn't beep and/or display a midrange tuning option. It displayed "bass" for 15 seconds or so and then went back to the default. I tried it with both the radio on and a cd. No dice.

Am I missing something?

jwfjwf

You should hear a beep about 10 seconds after continuously holding down the tone button on the base radio unit (single CD). If you have a higher end unit, I don't know if this technique will work.

regularguy

I have the lower-end model, and it doesn't do it. Ah well...

robnao

You may want to try Dianne in Carson CA. (near LA)[Dianne@earthlink.net]. She seems to have a good reputation. I have ordered a fully loaded HL through her for about $1000 over invoice, this was completely by e-mail so I have never met her yet. You tell her what you want and she will tell you her best price, no haggling. It might be worth the $1000 savings to do a little driving. Also, a while back there was a post about Pacific Toyota in San Diego not being honest with someone, don't remember specifics, just made a mental note not to deal with them.
Good luck.

pdalpsher

Hold the knob in a bit longer. The display goes back to normal before it beeps. It seemed like a long 10 seconds to me when I did it. Once it beeps, go into the controls and you will see the new setting there.

robert_ca

Press Release
SOURCE: Automotive News
http://www.autonews.com/news.cms?newsId=1534</a

tombarb3

I am 6'4" and considering the HL. I am used to more leg support in previous vehicles. Any feedback from tall owners regarding comfort level for long distance driving?
Also, since snow is not a big problem in NC I am considering 2WD in hope of better gas mileage.

osoriob

I must say that the first year with the 2001 HL has been good (12k miles plus), putting aside the Brake Fluid Resevoir cap recall and the REED like wind noise TSB (fixed with installation of new door deals), the vehicle has performed very well.

My only 2 major complaints thus far are:

-the CHEAP RADIO that toyota picked as a standard CD/Tape/Radio unit.(i'm not sure if the JBL system on the limited's is that much better)
I will probably replace mine some time this year, with one of the new CD/MP3/DVD playing decks that you can get on today's market.

-The exterioir paint quality (it's too soft)on the HL and it could be a lot better, after just a year on the road I have found several spots (hood, side doors , roof)where small rocks have hit and chipped the paint. (I wonder if the LEXUS vehicles have the same problem since they come from the same assembly plant in japan)

Overall, the wife and I are very happy with the vehicle.

I must say though, the OIL sludge story on posting #4852 really concerns me; for those of us that do our own oil changes, how would we prove to toyota that that the oil has been changed regularly? (I do mine HL every 4500-5000 miles)

Just my five cents worth....
Happy motoring