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Comments
But it's like comparing Veracruz and RX. Well, not that bad.... :surprise:
DrFill
Sorry, but that price you are quoting is base price on a limited AWD ($37K). A Limited AWD with options is $40-$42K. The Limited ICE Highlander my wife and I drove had everything and was $42,600 with delivery.
A base model MDX lacks the rear DVD system and Nav but adds xenon headlamps, longer warranty, plusher interior and driver seat memory (plus other Acura service extras) and in most markets can be had for around $38K.
MDX with navigation is sticker $44K but seems to be doable for $41K-$42K in many markets.
As the previous person says, a discounted MDX compares very nicely to a sticker price highlander.
And, also, as said, competition in this segment is heating up with many new vehicles on the market this year or next. Gas prices also aren't helping move these monsters so I suspect that once a model is on the market for a year or two dealers will be willing to discount (as we are seeing with MDX).
DrFill
Also wish they would make the 3rd seat optional in the Limited.
http://autos.yahoo.com/toyota_highlander_limited_v6_4x4-price/ - Highlander data
DrFill
I'll keep you guys updated!
That sounds like a great deal you've got. Is it a 4x4 and where is this dealer? How much do you think it wold cost if one doesn't have a trade-in? Thanks.
avu
Mack
Mackabee
Lexus, not Toyota. The MDX is also a sportier
alternative too. I've been seeing some MDX's
on the road here recently and I like the sporty
look of the car, particularly the front and back of the car. I'm not real crazy about the
interior though. The new Highlander looks to
be much improved over the previous gen Highlander, although the exterior styling is still not quite to my taste.
According to the Toyota site, the base price of a Limited AWD is $34,835 with delivery.
Personally, I think it's unfair to compare a Limited with Navigation and Rear Seat Entertainment system with a base model MDX. Obviously if those two features are important to you, then a base MDX isn't going to a be a viable option.
What we're seeing with the MSRP-only (or higher!) pricing is nothing new with any other newly introduced vehicle in the marketplace. Some folks will pay more money to be the first on their block to have a new model. No big deal. Wait the couple of days/weeks/months for supply to catch up with demand.
One other note: I was reading that the '08 MDX (only major change is that an auto-dimming mirror is now standard) will be on the lots in August. You can probably get a great deal now on an "old" '07.
According to the Toyota site, the base price of a Limited AWD is $34,835 with delivery.
When I go onto Toyota.com, the "configure your Highlander" feature requires an option package (A/B/C) when I select the Limited AWD (Minnesota). Doing the cheapest option package (A) adds $2740, so the lowest MSRP of a Highlander Limited AWD is $37535. Option package A gives you a 6 disc CD changer/MP3/Bluetooth capability; heated seats; moonroof; Power liftgate, and tow package. Of these, the only things lacking on a Base MDX are the power liftgate & tow package. As mentioned above, MDX gives you memory seats plus a better warranty.
Just another example of brilliant Toyota "option" packaging - You have an "option" here (A, B, OR C), but you have to choose one. No such thing as a Highlander Limited with only Base MSRP, as far as I can see.
On the MDX "Prices Paid" board, people seem to be getting MDX at invoice or below. Invoice on a Base MDX is $36,900.
So, if you're paying sticker for a Highlander Limited AWD, you're paying more than you would for an MDX.
It is like saying:
Car Company: Here we have this Car ABC for $20,000.
Buyer: ok here is my $20,000.
Car Company: well it is actually $25,000.
Buyer: I thought the Car ABC was $20,000?
Car Company: Well you have to get these options that cost $5000.
Buyer: I do not want those options I want the car advertised for $20,000.
Car Company: Well technically that car does not exist.
That is called bait and switch.
B.
It is not bait and switch, and you will find many manufacturers using a similar tactic. Is it really plausible to expect that every configuration of every vehicle be made available by the manufacturer on every lot?
Another example, slightly more extreme...Did you know that for years there was a base Altima available that was used as an advertising price leader, for example, but it was actual available as an ORDER only model? As in you really COULDN'T walk into ANY dealer and find one on the lot. But, in my understanding, even that is not bait and switch, as long as it isn't explicitly advertised as IN INVENTORY and available for sale.
In my region of the country, just to get the heated seats (sort of a must have here) you have to choose the 2nd option package with NAV pumping the price to a cool $40K.
I was curious:
LA: choice of A or B. A is cheaper: $4804; total $39599
Seattle: Choice of A or B: $3600, total $38395
Boise, ID: same as Seattle
Dallas: not using same configurator; lowest price available is $38,637.00
New York: A or B, 3325, total 38120
Washington, DC: same as NY
Boston: Same as NY & Washington
Chicago: Same as Minnesota (A,B,C): 2740, total $37535
Atlanta: (SE Toyota) Cheapest available: $36493
What other manufacturers work like this? All the rest of the Japanese companies have explicit option packages (not regional, national) and you can get a car with those. Toyota, at least on the Highlander, has a lot of individual options but none are available individually. They're all assembled into arbitrary packages assembled by region. Toyota does state that a custom order can be placed but only a small % of dealers really want to cooperate there.
In short, Toyota needs to send a consistent message with regards to this subject.
As for the 3rd row, I don't know if that's true but it wouldn't surprise me. I don't know what they base the combinations they order on but it seems completely arbitrary.
As a greater number of buyers decide to buy, 'the majority', then a wider range of configurations are needed to meet a wider demand. At that time a 'base' Limited might be available as alpha01 notes.
As far as consistent messaging, is the disclaimer used insufficient? (PS - Some of Nissan's vehiles are very similar in option configuration to Toyotas... aribitrary, no guarantee of finding individual options, etc.)
"+ This Vehicle Configurator is designed to identify vehicles commonly available in your area. If you would prefer to purchase a vehicle with no options, please contact your local dealer to check for current availability or the possibility of placing an order for such a vehicle."
I just feel that the bottom line is this: Don't buy a vehicle you don't want. If you really want a vehicle, you're going to have to work with what's available. In the end, the biggest protest is a lost sale, is it not?
That's something I never quite understood: as long as the dealer has the allocation, why is it so difficult to order from the factory? That way the customer won't go to a different dealership looking for the combination he/she wants.
In my case, I want NAV, rear DVD, bluetooth. Because of option packaging, I'm going to end up paying nearly $41k, and not to offend anyone, but no Highlander Ltd is worth $41k. It's a huuuge leap to go from ~$33k base price to $41k just because of options that are packaged together.
Unless, of course, I can get it near invoice, in my case I'll stop my whining ;-)
Mackabee
If Murano doesn't compete with HL, this is the first I'm hearing of that.
Outlook/Acadia/Enclave are in the next class up, and start at a higher price point. They are a foot bigger than HL.
If they are DIRECT competitors, than Corolla must be a dierect competitor with Mazda 6. :surprise:
DrFill
However the '08 Ltd 2WD Highlander w/o Navi at ~$35K was very very much in the running.
My impressions:
1. I liked the height of the HL. In driving, it felt much less trucky than my Pilot, and more sedany, which for me is a good thing.
2. Did not like the Plood at all, and the door panels also seemed cheap compared to my $25k Pilot (let alone an MDX). I think Toyota started going with not-as-nice textures on the 07 Camry, and it's spread here.
3. Also thought the leather should be of a nicer texture for a $40k vehicle.
4. Second row seats were comfortable, but I can't imagine putting anyone in the middle.
5. Access to back row was good, but that seat is LOW. When I got home I caught the new commercial for the HL. Look for the small kid sitting in the 3rd row, and check out how high his knees go up while he's sitting there. And that's a 3 or 4 year old. I need to look again, but my immediate thought is that the Pilot's 3rd row is still more usable (and we're only talking about 2 across the 3rd row).
6. The big feature that the 08 HL has that's not there on the Pilot (unless you go Nav) is the rear-view camera. However, while standard on both the Sport & Limited, it's not even an option on the base HL. So, if that's a big thing, you either have to go with the much stiffer Sport, or pay for the leather (which is not worth it to me personally) of the Limited. I would hope that in coming model years, Toyota would at least make this feature optional on the base.
All in all, a nice vehicle, but to get the options I'd like, you're talking MDX money, or close to it (and I'm not including DVD - wife won't allow - nor NAV - already have a Garmin for the rare times I'm in a new place).
The wood (color) has met with universal hatred. :mad: :mad:
Fortunately the LE does without.
DrFill
Mackabee
Mackabee
I don't know what part of the country you're in but in my neck of the woods our main competition is and has always been HONDA! :P Once in a blue moon I'll get customers who are also looking at the Lexus RX since they know or have heard that it's very similar to the Highlander but more expensive. Other than that it's always: "We are also looking at the Pilot."
"If they are DIRECT competitors, than Corolla must be a dierect? competitor with Mazda 6. :surprise: " That is the most asinine comment you've made since posting here and there have been quite a few.
Mackabee
The Murano is Nissan's mid-size CUV, so nothing really needs to be said.
The Lambdas are full-size CUVs. They are indirect, not direct, competitors. I'm trying to presume you know the difference.
Regarding the Camry, I am happy with the interior, but hate the wood, and the customers I dealt with agree, in general. Many people were sold as soon as they sat in the seat and got comfortable. I think that's a sign of a well-done interior.
Didn't see many '02+ Camry trades, as people hold them, or pass them on to family. Not many Toyota trades at all, really.
I guess my analogy went over your head, so I got an angry response, which is fine.
I don't currently sell cars.
DrFill
DrFill,
Why do you think that Highlander has more cargo space? Pilot is longer and wider than the new Highlander and when I looked at both, Pilot definitely seemed to have more cargo space.
I didn't think so.
:shades:
Cubic feet of storage: total/behind 2nd/behind 3rd row
HL - 95.4/42.3/10/3
Pilot - 90/48/15.9
MDX - 83.5/42.9/15.6
Can I ask what part of the country you are in? I have had a dealer here in NorCal say the rear A/C option may not be coming for some time, if at all.