Edmunds dealer partner, Bayway Leasing, is now offering transparent lease deals via these forums. Click here to see May lease deals!
Options
Popular New Cars
Popular Used Sedans
Popular Used SUVs
Popular Used Pickup Trucks
Popular Used Hatchbacks
Popular Used Minivans
Popular Used Coupes
Popular Used Wagons
Comments
I don't know about factory crossbars on the Highlander. I'll occasionally carry a canoe on the factory bars of my Outback or minivan, but I have a Yakima rack with beefy crossbars that I prefer (it can handle 2 canoes side by side and more piled on top - don't ask me about weight limits though).
I've always used Yakima roof racks (Thule is just as good) and never had a problem, either on one using their towers on a sedan or using their crossbars on factory roof rails. Personally, I prefer having the roof rails available if possible. I'd never use the factory cross bars though.
Currently, I drive an 05 Legacy GT Wagon that has factory rails (a different design than most). Yakima has very nice adaptors for their crossbars to fit on it.
I am in Norcal too. I want the tow prep package, but according to the configurator at toyota.com, its not available. If you use a SoCal zip, there are less option packages but they are fully loaded (rear Auto AC, Tow prep)
If I have too, I'll fly to LA and get the one I want. For $100 I can get a one way ticket and drive the thing back.
But, IMO, if we wait a few months while the supply of highlanders gets better, you will see NorCal Highlanders get the same options as Socal. Toyota is just trying to satisgy what they see people want in different regions, using a limited supply of highlanders.
http://www.leftlanenews.com/wp-content/plugins/iimage-gallery.php?idpost=4772&id- g=1&idi=29
(SoCal) I picked up my 2008 Highlander Limited 4WD fully loaded (Option B package) on July 31. Got a great deal from Hamer Toyota in Mission Hills, They are one of the largest dealers in the LA area Check them out on the Web, Their inventory is on line. You could fly in to Burbank.
Can I ask if yours has rear seat air and what kind of deal you got with respect to cost/MSRP?
And there's a new place here to rate your dealer (and the service you get):
Dealer Ratings and Reviews
Thanks!
Yes, It has the rear seat air, Plus
- Rear-seat DVD entertainment system with 9-inch display, rear-seat audio and two wireless headphones [11] (includes 115V power outlet and RCA jacks) [12] (EY)
- 50 state emissions (FE)
- CFC-free rear automatic digital climate control system with integrated multi-function display and air filter [5] (QR)
- Carpet/cargo mat - 3 row seating (CT)
- Color-keyed sport-styled rear spoiler with LED center high-mount stop lamp (CHMSL) (RF)
- Multi-stage heated front seats (HD)
- Power rear door with jam protection (PB)
- Power tilt/slide moonroof with sunshade (SR)
- Towing Prep Package [3]-includes 5000-lb. towing capacity, heavy-duty radiator with engine oil cooler, 200-watt fan coupling, transmission oil cooler with water cooler, 150-amp alternator and prewired harness (TO)
- Voice-activated DVD navigation system[8] with JBL® AM/FM 4-disc in-dash CD changer, satellite radio capability [6], MP3/WMA playback capability, hands-free phone capability via Bluetooth® [7] wireless technology and nine speakers including subwoofer in seven locations (NV).
I Got it for .75K above Invoice.
No Trade-In.
Mackabee
The point I was making about the factory Subara cross or load bars, is that they are fairly easy to bend which could render them completely useless and possibly dangerous. I have a 2006 OB but I have tied down kayaks on my friends 2001 OB with factory parts and did not have any problems.
Jeffer3
I always tie my loads down to the frame in case the rack fails but most cars don't make it easy to find a tow hook or something to tie off on. I bet the Highlander is no different, especially in the front. I had to put a loop under my hood for my van (link).
I will take one for a drive and see if there is any noticeable hesitation. I suppose the style might grow on me.
I'll wait for the new sporty crossover or maybe the Infiniti ex35 next.
this past weekend family and I took a limited out for a spin and the steering felt more responsive BUT you can definitly tell that Toyo included a power assist to the rack&pinion. Oh well....So it as close to 100 degrees and the AC did not cool the interior down fast or all that much.
What gives. I did have the back 2nd seat ac on and I guess the third row was on also. Any thooughts from the unwashed masses....I include myself in there also.... :confuse:
Mackabee
Linda from Charlotte
We often get this question this month. It occurs most often with the Sienna's, not so much with the past Highlander, I have an '04 also.
Since you've had 3 already I assume you've been given or discovered the correct procedure to cool down the vehicle on 100 deg days.
-open the window first to evacuate the 120+ deg air inside
-engage the 'recirculate'
-engage the MAX cold ( LO ) and MAX fan
-close the windows after about 10-15 sec of driving
Don't disengage the 'recirculate' at all.
Really liked the ride, but don’t care for the new design. Also, so far I like the ride of Nissan Murano and Honda Pilot better.
....is it electronically controlled? ....is it mechanical i.e. viscous-lock center-diff? ....does it have limited slip rear differential ?
Does it have a low-speed AWD-Lock feature like the RAV4?
Thanks!
The idea is that on a bright and sunny day, with the OAT maybe even a bit on the coolish side, say less than 65F, the passneger cabin can be OVERHEATED as a result of setting outside closed up in that BRIGHT sunlight.
1. Lower the rear windows.
2. If the system has put itself in recirculate, as many do, change it to FRESH mode.
3. Put the system, or temperature setpoint, to MAXIMUM cooling.
4. If "3" doesn't result in Maximum blower speed then do so manually.
For best/better A/C cooling performance and efficiency..
Once the cabin atmosphere, and after a few more minutes the materials and surfaces, has cooled down to OAT, or to your personal comfort level...
Close the windows, NOW change to the recirculate mode, and set the blower speed to the LOWEST level that will sustain your temperature comfort level.
Leaving the system set to maximum cooling will result in bypassing the REHEAT/REMIX airflow mode thereby DRAMATICALLY inproving the efficiency of the system for cooling purposes. Also, the improvement in FE will NOT be insignificant.
With the above technique in use if the system outlet airflow is TOO COLD for your comfort then you can switch to footwell outlet airflow. If you are wearing long pants the COOLISH airflow from the footwell will not be as, very, discomforting.
Spyder what is "OAT" and "FE" I work for the Federal Govt and consider myself a "TLA" king but these I do not recognize.
The observation I made about the lack of 'cool' feeling from the air conditioner was after I had been on the test drive for 15 minutes with the vehicle on I-15 moving at 65 - 70 MPH. The system was in remix-recirculate mode.
What I do not know is if I had the AC set correctly for the new HL. If I did then Toyota blew it. A vehicle this size should have the ability to cool down and stay that way.
I agree that the Limited seemed confusing to me since I didn't see a readout of what the actual temperature setting was. Like the Sienna XLE with the 3 zone system one could link all three using the 'SYNC' button or leave them all separate by disengaging it. I did see the digital readout on the back of the center console for the rear though.
[EDIT: the digital temp readouts are indicated on the Milti-Information Display above the audio system ]
Mackabee
Mackabee
Yes.
The price drops depending on your negotiating skills.
Mackabee
Mackabee
I just did a speed reading of it. Lots and lots of detail.
Then there is the 1 month seminar on the Navi System.
I said - give me your best price
Dealer said - tell me how much lower than MSRP
I said - are you crazy, I'll offer you invoice PLUS $750
Dealer said - bugger off, go somewhere else
WOW
Re: A/C, do you remember if yours had the rear automatic climate control option with the vents for the back 2 rows?
In any case, it's strange that all of NorCal Toyota doesn't offer the rear A/C option, as our region often gets up to 100 degrees or hotter in the Central Valley. If the Highlander claims a usable 3rd row, it shouldn't be hot back there.
FE is FUEL ECONOMY.
There is nothing, NOTHING, any A/C can do if you happen to be setting there in BRIGHT sunlight, you can make the airflow cool, even COLD, but you will still not feel cool.
There is NO system on the market today that will or can adequately address the issue of radiant heating, or cooling.
Additionally IMMHO Toyota goes out of its way, overboard, insofar as the compromise between cooling the cabin and/or creating human discomfort. So the system airflow is NEVER extreme, especially once the system gets the cabin close to your setpoint temperature.
Are you sure someone hadn't inadvertently covered the radiation sensor with a pamphlet, book, or map?
I like the new HL, but will not pay anywhere close to MSRP for it. Invoice price is about $5k lower than MSRP, so lots of room to work with in a couple of months or so!
You just have to ask for it, and wait
Rear AC is code QR
Tow prep is code TO
I live in NorCal and I am ordering one with those options
Thanks for the tip. The dealers I have talked with have not said I could order, but instead have said the rear air option is not available.
Does Toyota let you order option by option, or do you have to take the entire Option Package (e.g., B from NorCal) as is? In this respect, do you add the TO and QR options to an Option package A, B, or C; or pick and choose as you go? I would like Nav but don't feel we need the heated seats and auto rear door so I'm wondering if I can delete these. Incidently, we live in Walnut Creek.
NV= Nav, PB=Power rear door, HD=heated seats, SR=Moon roof, TO=Tow Prep, QR=Rear AC.
They wont deal at the moment. If you order specific options, you will have to wait and pay MSRP.
Toyota's configurator says in small print "Note: This vehicle Configurator is designed to identify vehicles commonly available in your area. If you would prefer to purchase a vehicle with no options or additional options, please contact your local dealer to check for current availability or the possibility of placing an order for such a vehicle"
Ken
"As before, non-hybrid Highlanders are offered with front- or four-wheel drive. As is typical in the crossover class, "four-wheel drive" means a single-range system, designed for the all-weather on-road use that is the natural habitat of a crossover. In many competitors, this also means an automatic part-time system, which runs in front-wheel drive mode until wheelslip activates torque transfer to the rear wheels. 4WD Highlanders use a full-time all-wheel drive system, with a 50/50 front/rear static torque split, for better traction in all conditions."
Toyota has used a lot of different AWD systems. I believe the 4Runner has a Torsen in the center and previous generations of RAV4s have also used a Torsen (a great system IMO). In some cases they've even changed the AWD system for a given model year without changing much else about the car.
- "part time" usually refers to pickup truck-like systems that lock the front and rear axle together (no differential) and can't really be used on a dry road.
- The systems that are primarily FWD have a number of different center differential types. However, most use an electronic clutch (like the Haldex system used by Volvo, VW and Ford/Mazda) and have a static split of 90:10. These systems are generally fine for typical CUV use.
- if it says 50:50, once again there are a number of different center diff types. The center diff could be a torsen, a viscous or it could be completely open and use the brakes to direct torque. The latter is what Mercedes 4-matic does. "better traction in all conditions" is marketing spin IMO but the torsen based systems are generally very good. The others are likely good enough.
However, don't expect to get a good deal. Its MSRP minus a little
Mackabee
B.