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Hope this helps.
Ken
I just bought a used 2001 Highlander 2WD. I'm not sure what was standard and what was part of a "add-on" package. Could someone explain the following to me so I can figure out what I've got:
Appearance Package
Convenience Package
Preferred Package
Towing Prep Pkg vs. Tow Hitch
daytime running lights?
Much thanks!!
John
I'd like something that rides well and performs well in the snow, but can also handle my towing needs. (I had to replace a blown Bridgestone and now have a Michelin LTX/MS as a spare)
Thanks!
Mike
Your best bet is to check the ratings at tirerack.com.
Dusting off my '01 brochure:
Appearance Package -- includes aluminum alloy wheels with full-size spare tire on aluminum alloy wheel, color-keyed front and rear mudguards, and privacy glass on rear side, quarter and tailgate windows.
Convenience Package -- includes multi-function remote keyless entry system and tonneau cover.
Preferred Package -- includes driver’s seat 5 power controls for 8-way adjustment, plus lumbar support, engine immobilizer and anti-theft system alarm prewire, illuminated vanity mirrors and HomeLink® universal remote.
Towing Prep Package -- all models include upgraded radiator, transmission oil cooler, 130-amp alternator and trailer prewiring; 4-cylinder models add: 3,000-lb. towing capacity, engine oil cooler and 120-watt fan coupling; V6 models add: 3,500-lb. towing capacity, 80-watt fan coupling and power steering oil cooler.
Hopefully this was what you were asking.
(1) Over 3700 miles I averaged 26.1 mpg. Two tanks were 28.4 mpg with strictly highway driving at about 70-75 mph. Two tanks were 23.8 mpg with a mix of highway and city -- Chicago mainly. We had 3 or 4 people in the car plus luggage for the entire trip.
(2) On a trip in February the oil dipstick was about midway between full and half after 3,000 miles. This time the dispstick level still is at full after 3700 miles. I'm over 21K on the odometer now. So maybe the February consumption can be explained as the engine break-in period??
(3) If I have any complaint at this point, it would be that the AC seems barely adequate at 95 degrees when it's sunny. Otherwise I am quite happy with the performance of the 4-cylinder, and the Highlander provides a comfortable ride.
.
Do you have your a/c on "circulate" rather than "vent"? The a/c here in central Florida this time of year seems fine.
I'm not sure about the Convenience Package - I have a keyless entry remote with lock and unlock buttons on the front and a panic button on the back - does this qualify as a "multi-function" remote or is this a "basic remote," if there is such a beast? Also, I'm not sure what the "tonneau cover" is. I was given a sliding cover that covers the contents of the cargo area, as well as a net that, I think, covers whatever is strapped to the roof rack.
As for the Towing Prep Package, I have NO idea if I have these upgrades (upgraded radiator, transmission oil cooler, 130-amp alternator and trailer prewiring, 3,500-lb. towing capacity, 80-watt fan coupling and power steering oil cooler); all I know is that I have a trailer hitch attached in the back. How would I know if I have the upgraded components?
Much thanks,
John
P.S. I'm still trying to locate information on the 2001 add-on center console. Do you have any idea where I can find pictures and info on this mysterious item?
(I'm assuming the "HomeLink® universal remote" is the garage door opener on the driver-side sun visor) -- you assume correctly...
I have a keyless entry remote with lock and unlock buttons on the front and a panic button on the back - does this qualify as a "multi-function" remote or is this a "basic remote," if there is such a beast? -- you indeed have the "multi-function" remote!
Also, I'm not sure what the "tonneau cover" is. I was given a sliding cover that covers the contents of the cargo area... -- that's indeed the tonneau cover!!
...as well as a net that, I think, covers whatever is strapped to the roof rack. -- if its indeed a net for the roof rack then its an aftermarket part as none was sold by Toyota for the '01; however more than likely its a black net about 1' x 4' that has a "Toyota" tag on it and is for the cargo area inside the vehicle which attaches to the fingers on either side of the rear hatch opening to prevent groceries from sliding around -- very useful accessory that was typically thrown in by the dealer...
As for the Towing Prep Package, I have NO idea if I have these upgrades... -- see post 10068 -- never tried this so let us know if it helps!
Based on Edmunds TMV, the price I can expect to pay is only $2422 more for the Highlander, which makes it a good value, considering the extra features it has. That includes an $800 incentive/rebate on the Highlander.
I drove both of them today. The CR-V seems more responsive when I accelerate but the Highlander has a more comfortable and quieter ride. I live in the mountains in Colorado and have a 20-mile commute that is mostly uphill from work to home. Both cars downshift a lot when I accelerate going up the mountains but the Honda shifts a lot smoother and is less noticeable than the Highlander.
The Highlander has more safety features, including limited-slip differential, brake assist, and traction control. It also has more amenities such variable-intermittent wipers, a cargo cover, auxiliary visors, and a clock separate from the radio.
The gas mileage is about the same – 27/22 for the CRV and 25/21 for the Highlander.
I like the size of the CR-V. The Highlander is larger than I need.
What are your opinions?
FYI the CR-V and HL are not typically compared with one another as the CR-V falls into the small SUV category and the HL into the mid-sized SUV category. The CR-V is more likely to be compared with the Toyota RAV4, and the HL with the Honda Pilot.
On the other hand you may be at that stage in life where a smaller car lacking a bunch of cute features just doesn't seem enough anymore -- that's where I was when I bought my HL -- I looked at the RAV4 and it was just too small and simple for me.
I'd characterize the HL as a conservative-styled SUV that's quiet, roomy, with easy-to-use controls, with plenty of power, that's fast on the freeway and handles like a car, except being slightly truck-like around corners (its an SUV, after all). Most owners here are very happy with this vehicle and would purchase it again. Its an SUV that people fall in love with. Something about its understated, subtile-cool styling just seems to draw one into it.
My brother in law has a CRV,and he wishes he had bought the Highlander..... MY V6 Highlander gets virtualy the same MPG as his 4 cyl CRV.
just my humble opinon., and my B-I-L
That's surprising. What kind of mileage are you getting?
Goof luck
dave
I agree and I have also considered the RAV4. I have pretty much ruled it out because it is very small inside and the insurance would be $120/yr more on it. The insurance on the CR-V and the Highlander are almost the same.
I wasn't going to consider the Highlander but then I found out that it comes in a 4-cylinder version that costs considerably less than the V6 and gets gas mileage just a little less than the CR-V.
The Pilot's gas mileage and the price of gas today are the only reasons I didn't consider it.
That's my concern too. I drove both of them and they both got me up the mountains but the CR-V just seemed peppier. That goes along with what you're saying. There are also a lot of curves in the mountains that I drive here. The CR-V seemed more nimble but that could just be perception because of the difference in size.
From the comments to my post, it sounds like they are both great cars and either would be a good choice. No wonder I'm having such a hard time deciding.
Is that calculated or using the trip computer? In either case, it's fantastic. We're getting 15-16 around town and 22 or so highway.
Steve, Host
in town, if i do a lot of short trips, it drops to about 19.5...which is the absolute lowest i have seen yet for a full tank fillup, in almost 7,000 miles.
Have you had any success?
I own a 2003 Highlander and I purchased the towing package and converter. I can't seem to find where they come out at the rear of the vehicle. Can you help?
fred
http://www.toyotaparts4u.com/00016482050104HigLander%20Hitch%20Wiring%20Harness.pdf
I ordered a pigtail (4-pin flat to 4-pin Toyota square) from etrailer.com for $18.69 inc shipping. Their part number 217886. Haven't received it yet. My local Toyota dealer (where I bought my HL) gave me a free converter (PN 08921-48860) when I complained that the tow package should have included it. Toyota Corp thanked me for sending my recommendation, but wasn't going to do anything about it.
Raul
http://www.toyota.com/vehicles/2005/highlander/specs.html
Drivetrain: Front engine front-wheel drive (2WD) or full-time 4-wheel drive (4WD)
To the best of my knowledge no other SUVs in its class are equipped with the full-time 4WD.
I do not rule out the possibility that Toyota's statement in its web-site is incorrect...HL may be a part-time 4WD or AWD... but if the statement is correct the HL seems to have a lot of appeal to those who need more traction.
For those who have Highlander full-time 4WD, can you share your experiences of driving your full-time 4WD Highlander? Does it have more traction, more sporty ride and more safety?
But is this configuration basically non-existant on '05 models? And is there any news on whether side airbags would become standard in '06? I couldn't find the info in the other threads. The sales manager I spoke with at one dealer said he'd have to special order it and it wouldn't be available until October and thus an '06 model so he wouldn't be able to give me a price quote because he doesn't know what (if any) will be the incentives for '06 models at that time.
It depends on the state in the US; Wisconsin says a car can have ~200 miles on it and it can still be called new. Other states have limits in the 1,000's of miles - Ohio calls demonstrators new cars if they have less than 6,000 miles.
Wisconsin DOT
Ohio AG
Once it's been titled, all bets are off (see the recent thread in Any Questions for a Car Dealer?).
Steve, Host
The dealer may not sell just the armrests, might need to buy a whole seat = $$$$$
Maybe go to an upolstery shop that does leather interior conversions, and I bet they can change those armrests to leather for you at a reasonable price.
Sometimes there seems to be a 2-3 seconds delay after I step on gas and before the truck accelerates, and then the shift is quite rough, and I am not flooring the gas, but accelerating after, say, changing lanes.
I’ve taken it back to the dealer, they can’t find anything wrong.
Has anyone experienced similar problems?
rjv