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2008 Toyota Highlander

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Comments

  • gdkogergdkoger Member Posts: 23
    That is great Gary, my dealer informed me, that Toyota didn't accept the request, and that I have to wait for amother 15 days to hear anything. When did you place your order? Mine went in the beg of Sept. I am very jealous. Please let me know how it goes.
  • mackabeemackabee Member Posts: 4,709
    He's waxing poetic right now. :( A lady in a Suburban backed into the front of his Prelude today! Why she was backing up in stop and go traffic is beyond me :confuse:
    Mack
    http://www.carspace.com/mackabee/Albums/dealership/DSC07717.JPG/photo/v./photo.j- pg
  • mackabeemackabee Member Posts: 4,709
    Well, I tried it that way but it wouldn't work. Maybe I need to practice. The link method does work. You can see the front of the car is messed up!
    Mack
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    That's a bummer. :sick:

    At least you have all those helpful and friendly co-workers to commiserate with. The stories you come up with - sheesh!
  • mackabeemackabee Member Posts: 4,709
    I got the hang of it now! :shades:

    image
  • tidestertidester Member Posts: 10,059
    Way to go, Mack!! :surprise:

    tidester, host
    SUVs and Smart Shopper
  • mcswinemcswine Member Posts: 30
    that RAV looks good without the ugly spare hanging off the back.
  • microbustmicrobust Member Posts: 56
    Nimrod99,

    Still no QR (auto rear air) in NorCal per the dealers, although Toyota.com configurator with Walnut Creek, CA zip code says its available for Limited 4x2. Have you heard anything more? I do have a dealer who will order it but that's a while and a little more cost.

    Thanks
  • denverbriandenverbrian Member Posts: 61
    Here's the beast in all its glory. Have I mentioned how much I like the rare Cypress Green color? :)
    ">
    <img src="<img src="http://www.carspace.com/denverbrian/Albums/2008 Highlander/2007 09 06 2008 Highlander 005.JPG/photo/v./photo.jpg"
  • nimrod99nimrod99 Member Posts: 343
    If you use zip 94538 (Fremont) there are 12 options (A thru L)

    Details for Option A - $2,520

    - JBL® AM/FM 6-disc in-dash CD changer with 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 (EJ)
    - 50 state emissions (FE)
    - 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)

    Details for Option B - $2,685

    - JBL® AM/FM 6-disc in-dash CD changer with 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 (EJ)
    - 50 state emissions (FE)
    - CFC-free rear automatic digital climate control system with integrated multi-function display and air filter [5] (QR)
    - 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)

    Details for Option C - $2,740

    - JBL® AM/FM 6-disc in-dash CD changer with 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 (EJ)
    - 50 state emissions (FE)
    - 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)

    Details for Option D - $3,015

    - JBL® AM/FM 6-disc in-dash CD changer with 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 (EJ)
    - 50 state emissions (FE)
    - 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)

    Details for Option E - $3,325

    - JBL® AM/FM 6-disc in-dash CD changer with 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 (EJ)
    - 50 state emissions (FE)
    - CFC-free rear automatic digital climate control system with integrated multi-function display and air filter [5] (QR)
    - 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)

    Details for Option F - $4,260

    - JBL® AM/FM 6-disc in-dash CD changer with 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 (EJ)
    - 50 state emissions (FE)
    - Body side molding (BM)
    - Carpet/cargo mat - 3 row seating (CT)
    - Color-keyed sport-styled rear spoiler with LED center high-mount stop lamp (CHMSL) (RF)
    - Exhaust tip by Valor (E5)
    - Mudguards (MF)
    - Multi-stage heated front seats (HD)
    - Power rear door with jam protection (PB)
    - Power tilt/slide moonroof with sunshade (SR)
    - Running boards (RB)
    - XM satellite radio (P7)

    Details for Option G - $4,615

    - 50 state emissions (FE)
    - 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) Details for

    Option H - $4,670

    - 50 state emissions (FE)
    - 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)
    - 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) Details for

    Option I - $5,200

    - 50 state emissions (FE)
    - CFC-free rear automatic digital climate control system with integrated multi-function display and air filter [5] (QR)
    - 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) Details for

    Option J - $6,450

    - 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)
    - Carpet/cargo mat - 3 row seating (CT)
    - Color-keyed
  • mackabeemackabee Member Posts: 4,709
    The 2009's will look like that.
    :)
    Mackabee
  • microbustmicrobust Member Posts: 56
    Nimrod,

    I realize the Toyota.com configurator lists the QR option--it's just that dealers say there are no cars in NorCal with QR, i.e., the Web site doesn't match reality. You had said your source said that QR would come to NorCal in September so I wondered if you had heard anything more?
  • denverbriandenverbrian Member Posts: 61
    Other tidbits about adding a receiver hitch to your '08 Highlander:

    --There are two plastic covers protecting the rear underbody on the driver's and passenger sides. Both must be removed to install the hitch. The instructions say the passenger side cover can be put back on; FYI this means removing one additional screw holding the bumper cover on the passenger side. This then allows for enough flex to get the passenger side underody panel back in place normally. Afterwards you can easily replace the bumper cover screw.

    --The driver's side underbody cover is a behemoth and supposedly cannot be replaced after the hitch is installed. However, it is simply a black plastic item. It's a wonder what metal shears and some careful trimming will do - although to make it work, you must trim out about 35% of the original part.

    I liked putting those underbody covers back in place just to ensure that road gunk doesn't accumulate behind the tires and inside the rear bumper overhang. These panels are completely invisible in normal driving - only you will know if they're there or not.
  • nimrod99nimrod99 Member Posts: 343
    I think I said October November?
    At least the options are being listed in the configuration

    I didn't say it was going to be easy.
    TO is a big option that wasn't on the list a month ago
    give it a few more months - things will improve
  • sylvan2sylvan2 Member Posts: 8
    i have the 08 hl with tow pkg. it has been nothing but a
    go around as to where the pre wired harness is. i have now been informed that i have to purchase one from the dealer and have it installed as there apparently isn,t one on the car. any thoughts?
  • mackabeemackabee Member Posts: 4,709
    I believe the prewire harness is in the glove compartment.
    Mack
  • denverbriandenverbrian Member Posts: 61
    My thoughts are: You're correct. TO is a "tow prep" package - heavy emphasis on the "prep." The add HD alternator and trans cooling, and a harness (not in the glove compartment but in the engine compartment, I believe).

    You must then get your own receiver hitch ($220 or so) and Toyota will gleefully sell you the wiring kit to get from the harness in the engine compartment all the way back to the hitch (which you had to install). Cost for that baby is about $300, I believe. Available through Toyota parts of course.

    Because I put my hitch on only for my bike rack and not really to tow, I won't be giving Toyota any more money at present.

    Is this bad planning and greed on Toyota's part? Oh, yes, indeed it is.
  • denverbriandenverbrian Member Posts: 61
    Just got a call from my dealer/parts department: Toyota has frozen ALL BSM orders on ALL models. Hmmmm. Indefinitely. I will be stopping by the dealer to have a credit issued to my CC.

    If Toyota themselves are this unsure about their BSMs (and some HLs have it installed as a factory option!), then I sure as heck wouldn't be buying them off eBay.
  • mackabeemackabee Member Posts: 4,709
    This could mean that the supplier is not making them to Toyota's standards and they are looking for another source.
    :)
    Tks for the clarification on the wiring harness.
    Mack
  • kdhspyderkdhspyder Member Posts: 7,160
    I think that's the harness for the trailer brake.

    As to the OP's question, being precise about what is installed is important. I believe the correct terminaology is that the vehicle with the Tow Prep package comes 'prewired' but that ends at the engine.

    When the 'DH' extra is ordered as well, that is the hitch itself, then the wiring harness from the engine back to the hitch is included. It isn't otherwise.

    Thus 'Prewired' in Toyota's lexicon means that the fuses and the electronics are in place at the engine...but that's it.
  • kdhspyderkdhspyder Member Posts: 7,160
    Is this bad planning and greed on Toyota's part? Oh, yes, indeed it is.

    It's intentional. Every vehicle that doesn't have the Drop Hitch ( DH ) from the factory but does have the Tow Prep Pckg ( TO ) is like this. It comes up over and over and over again.

    Consider from the other perspective. They produce a vehicle with the TO package and include the wiring harness at whatever cost it is, say $200, and a significant number of buyer never ever tow with it. Why then include that $200 harness and increase the price of the vehicle when many will never utilize it? By not including it the price of the vehicle is kept lower for those that don't want to tow -ever. Yet those that do want to tow also get the lower price but then have to invest in the harness and hitch.
  • lucky_777lucky_777 Member Posts: 205
    Doesn't Tow Prep Pckg ( TO ) comes with bigger alternator, bigger radiator, and additional radiator for transmission oil? Many people prefer to have that in hot climate even if never tow.
  • roho1roho1 Member Posts: 318
    The issue is, Toyota is not forth coming on what you get with the TO package. Over the years it has changed. You can ask any salesman at your dealer and you will get a different story from each one. I even asked the service manager and he said he would have to take a look at my HL. This also opens up the chance of being fleeced by third party vendors and installers.
    If I'm buying the tow package to tow with I should know what I'm getting. Plain and simple.
    This issue keeps coming up over and over thru the years. Don't you think Toyota would realize they are confusing their customers needlessly. Not good customer relations in my book.
  • denverbriandenverbrian Member Posts: 61
    Please tell me where this mythical DH option is available. Certainly not in Colorado, and nowhere in the US from what I've seen.

    It's nowhere in their brochure, for instance. And BTW, the brochure copy reads this way for TO (my emphasis):

    Towing Prep Package -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

    That would imply to many that it's a prewired harness - to the back of the car, for chrissakes.

    Is this bad planning and greed on Toyota's part, Oh, yes, indeed it is.
  • kdhspyderkdhspyder Member Posts: 7,160
    Sorry you are way way off base on this statement. On Toyota's intranet, Dealer Daily, there are 86 new Highlanders on the ground and enroute to stores in CAT with both the TO and DH extras. The TO is a factory option but the DH is a PIO or a DIO.

    It may be a regional situation where it's available to EC buyers....but I don't think so.
  • denverbriandenverbrian Member Posts: 61
    Well, good news for others if they can snag one of 86 HLs with this option. Certainly my dealer would have done it for me - for $600.

    Again, the brochure and the internet website is replete with all PIOs for the Highlander - mats, cargo nets, body side molding (whoops, not for now) - but again, no mention of this DH option.

    I think I'm actually fairly close to the base. :D:D:D
  • kdhspyderkdhspyder Member Posts: 7,160
    You are correct that there is no mention of the Drop Hitch ( DH ) on either the pricing module, which is regional also, or in the 2008 brochures which are national.

    It may be a timing question also since these are new models they may have added the DH lately, after the brochures were printed. These are all installed here in the States.
  • thegman230thegman230 Member Posts: 17
    I just purchased them at the website below. I specifically asked if there was a stop sale order on them and they said that they were available for sale now and the warehouse distribution center they use is the 1 who issues the stop sale to all the dealers in their area ( texas) and that they had them availbale for sale and they would not sell them if there was a problem with them. Incidentally, I placed my order and they already shipped. Any other input before these get installed? If i find out that the ones I receive are in fact part of the original stop sale batch, then I will be Pi$$ed. I am getting conflictinginformation fro several other dealers so now i don't know what to think. The place below is definitely a legit, honest place though and has received great reviews and recommendations.

    www.TRDPARTS4U.com
  • denverbriandenverbrian Member Posts: 61
    Good luck to you. That website shows all BSMs for the Highlander as "PLEASE CALL FOR AVAILABILITY-
    AS OF 8/3/07 ON BACKORDER."

    My guess is that there's a stop sale order out because of adhesion problems - i.e., it's likely these are great BSMs that fall off a few weeks after you apply them.

    You do let us know, though. :)
  • mackabeemackabee Member Posts: 4,709
    Looks like both of you are in different regions. Denver falls in the LA distribution area if I'm not mistaken or are the hub of their region. Texas is Gulf states which is privately owned distributorship like Southeast Toyota. Good luck with your bsm's as I stated before they look like #$@# to me but it's your money. Go at it.
    ;)
    Mackabee
    image
  • mackabeemackabee Member Posts: 4,709
    I think that's the harness for the trailer brake.

    You are correct Kdh, I knew it was a harness so at least I was half right!
    :)
    Mack
  • thegman230thegman230 Member Posts: 17
    The info on their website is old and has not been updated. They have them in stock if you call.
  • denverbriandenverbrian Member Posts: 61
    "The info on their website is old and has not been updated. They have them in stock if you call."

    That statement is just wrong on so many levels. :)

    When you do get your BSMs, I'd be interested in knowing how the rears are configured. The factory BSMs are thin for the first few inches, presumably so they don't pop off or rub against the front door when you open the rear door.
  • thegman230thegman230 Member Posts: 17
    "That statement is just wrong on so many levels"

    Please enlighten us all what you mean. btw, the bsm that I ordered ARE genuine toyota mouldings. The same ones that they install portside. They do not install these at the "factory" They are either installed at the port or at the dealer and 99.9% of the time they are installed at the dealer using the same part, which there is only 1 of and happens to be the ones I ordered so I am not sure what u are talking about.
  • denverbriandenverbrian Member Posts: 61
    I was saying the statement was wrong logically, not factually.

    1) You're telling people that this particular vendor doesn't update its website.

    2) You're then telling people in the same sentence that, should they stumble upon "out of stock - backorder" on a website, they should instantly make an intuitive leap and CALL the vendor.

    3) This, um, negates the entire purpose of having a website!

    So I said the statement was wrong - on so many levels.

    To reiterate: It sounds to me like there's nothing wrong with the BSMs per se - it's probably an adhesion issue. Hence the "stop sale."
  • thegman230thegman230 Member Posts: 17
    #1)you have way too much time on your hands to take a mere statement and then analyze it and break it down into its logical aspects and then interpret them for others.

    #2)It is "logical" to call a vendor if nearly a month and a half goes by from the original backorder date to see is maybe, just maybe they came in, especially when there is an " add to cart" button right next to it! duh, THAT is what "logical" is.

    #3) You have no idea why the stop sale was issued and are just pissing in the wind and throwing out "illogical,unsubstantiated" assumptions
  • tidestertidester Member Posts: 10,059
    I don't think that analysis and counter-analysis of each other's comments is productive. Let's move on. :)

    tidester, host
    SUVs and Smart Shopper
  • thegman230thegman230 Member Posts: 17
    agreed
  • qs933qs933 Member Posts: 302
    That photo doesn't look too bad, but there's just something about them that makes the moldings look odd, IMHO. Maybe they're too high, or it's because the ones on the rear door only go halfway (due to the curve).
  • mackabeemackabee Member Posts: 4,709
    Here's a different view:

    image
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    That "notch" in the molding just beyond the door gap seems common to most side moldings. Does it serve a purpose? Often I think the molding would look better if it kept the same relief front to back.
  • bdymentbdyment Member Posts: 573
    You could not open the rear doors without catching and tearing the molding if it did not have the indentation.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    Ah, the rear doors. I kept trying to figure out what the problem was opening the front doors.

    Guess I'll stick to my sliders. :shades: Thanks!
  • kcmarkskcmarks Member Posts: 1
    I know it is a load of $'s but has anyone seen the factory installed hitch? I just saw one at the dealer closest to me and it looks way better than the aftermarket ones that hang below the bumper cover. On this one it was behind the bumper cover and there was a cut-out for the receiver itself and the wiring connector. It looked really good. Has anyone else seen these or does anyone have one? Has anyone seen an aftermarket hitch that mounts this way?

    Thanks!
  • roho1roho1 Member Posts: 318
    etrailer has a video of a tow hitch installation for an 08 HL.

    The 08 has plastic splash shields that need to taken of and on that complicates the installation from previous years. You'll need a good extention.

    video
  • denverbriandenverbrian Member Posts: 61
    Here's the link for that tow hitch install video:

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zLrZUN1h80Y&eurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Eflixya%2Ecom%- 2Fvideo%2F257802%2FTrailer%5FHitch%5FInstall%5F2008%5FToyota%5FHighlander%5F%2D%- 5Fetr

    It's a Valley hitch in the video - which is what my local vendor used on my HL. The Valley hitch, I think, is nicer in that the hitch goes above the exhaust; the Hidden Hitch/Draw Tite versions go under the exhaust.

    The video shows re-installation of the passenger side "splash cover" - and if you choose to do so, you can trim down the driver's side splash cover and also re-install it.

    I'll scout around Denver for any new HLs with a FIO/PIO/DIO hitch to see if it's raised into the bumper as a previous poster mentions, and if I see one, I'll get a pic of it.
  • rikrikardorikrikardo Member Posts: 23
    dc_rectifier, Do you have a photo of the "secret" storage compartment with the third row deleted? How big is it and is it accessed from the front or the rear of the vehicle? I am considering the 08 Highlander as my next SUV, but don't have a need for 7 passengers, just lots of hauling capacity.

    Thanks.
  • roho1roho1 Member Posts: 318
    Brian, that is the same video I linked in my post. Maybe you didn't see it at the bottom as "video"

    Anyway, seeing it done eliminates a lot of questions on how to properly "do it yourself"
  • hsvillagehsvillage Member Posts: 36
    Just returned from an overnight trip to Tunica MS, 498 miles round trip.Took 8.16 gals going and 8.78 gals coming back- Interstate most of the way. I have a base 2 WD with 1850 miles on the odometer. This is quite a bit better than my 01 AWD HL, usually get 23-24 mpg going 65-70mph.
  • kdhspyderkdhspyder Member Posts: 7,160
    I also get 23-24 on our '04 Highlander with the 3.3L. This new V6 just keeps amazing me in every vehicle it's in.

    29+ mpg is V6 Camry numbers. Not driving a heavy rectangular block of steel. Impressive.
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