Always test drive the vehicle you are going to buy. The EXACT one....if the dealer isn't willing to let you test drive the one you are planning on buying, run away from that dealer. Take it for a significant run, on familiar routes that you do every day, not just the around-the-corner scripted route the salesman forces you to take. If they say, it needs to be prepped, fine, drive it after it is prepped. Don't sign any paperwork until you have test driven YOUR new car.
That being said, I hope you are sucessful in bringing your car up to your expectations, the Highlander is a fine vehicle, and worthy owning for a long time
Sorry, no attack intended. Sounds like you have a strange assortment or problems and I hope you can get those fixed.
My comments related more to the fact that after reading these boards awhile I think it is important to distinguish between:
1) Individual cars that exhibit a common a problem (which does happen and is unfortunate) 2) A design flaw that results in dangerous behavior among all cars of a particular model 3) People who for whatever reason have decided they are not happy with their purchase.
Overall the Highlander is a great car that the majority of owners have no problems with. We love ours and have absolutely no complaints. I sympathize with those who have valid issues, but I am bothered a bit by the exaggerations that claim that there is a design flaw that renders all Highlanders dangerous to drive. We just need to keep thing in perspective, that's all.
" I am looking for solutions/assistance for bringing the vehicle I own up to reputation/standard "
Based on your extensive list, I see no way you could ever be happy with your HL. If I were in your shoes, I'd bite the bullet and trade it.
Good advice from jbollt, always test drive the exact vehicle you're purchasing. I made that mistake once. I test drove an '01 Accord, loved it, but they didn't have the color we wanted, but said one would be here shortly. We signed the paper work and when we went to pick it up, it had 600 miles. It was ugly but they eventually gave us some money back. They fought us even though the odometer paper they signed said something like 10 miles.
We have the light interior on an '04. I once put down an old shower curtain and hauled rolls of sod. That kept it clean for the most part, and the dirt that did get on the carpet vacuumed up easily.
you are encouraging. I keep an old shower curtain under the seat of my van. Looking forward to getting the highlander. I was concerned about the fabric seats, but you have convinced me it will work. Thanks
I wish my Highlander came with the running lights standard like my old Camry. It is only a $40 option. Has anyone had the option installed by the dealer? If so, how much did it cost?
Is yours a new Highlander that came without running lights? We bought the base 4-cylinder in March 2004. Running lights were listed as an option on the sticker, but the situation was that Toyota hadn't been shipping any Highlanders without DRL for quite some time. I have become a fan of DRL and hope you can get them installed at a reasonable price.
Yes, mine is a new '05 that did not have running lights. I would be upset if I was in your shoes and had a windows sticker that said I had a option that was not on the vehicle
I have had my 2003 Highlander V6, non limited for almost three trouble free years with 35,000 miles and still love it to death. It is great on the highway and the MPG beats the living daylights out of the two Jeep Cherokees I had prior to it. BTW, the Jeeps were the standard Cherokee, not the Grand.
Thanks to everyone for their insight in helping us to buy our 2005 Highlander Limited. My wife's CR-V lease was up in a few months and we wanted to go up a notch. Once she drove the HL, she was hooked. We even cross shopped the RX, but the HL one out due to its understated elegance and more down-to-earth brand.
I guess I wasn't terribly clear. I do have running lights on my '04 base Highlander. According to the window sticker this was not standard equipment but an option, but I never saw one without running lights the whole time I was looking. One dealer told me that Toyota just wasn't making them without running lights any more. But since yours came without, the situation obviously is not the same now as it was in March '04.
...our 2003 hl ltd had a grossly out of alignment front end on delivery. it was so bad, the car was difficult to drive, took three alignments at two different dealers and a new set of tires (paid by toyota) to fix. but the car has been trouble free now for over 40,000 miles. i;ll take that any day over multiple problems
I have a fairly new Highlander. When we recently finally got some rain in ohio, I notice now that every time I open any of the 4 doors after a heavy rain, there is a good 1/4 cup of water that flows to my driveway. Normally, I would just have called this water runoff, but the water seems to be coming from the little holes which are INSIDE the door (hole between the layers of sheet metal that are in the door). The holes seem to be designed in, so that's not a manufacturing issue it seems..
Is this expected or is there a flaw with my weather-stripping? I guess, I am curious about what would happen if the car were parked for a long time in heavy rains or if a particular door were not opened for a long time. Would the water just build up inside the door and lead to rusting?
I am looking into buying a 2005 highlander and giving up an 2001 chevy impala. I am confused about the grade of gas that the 3.3 liter DOCH engine uses. Read that it needed 91 grade but sales said would be able to run 87. Not sure if this will cause engine problems, performance and runability. Any information you can provide me would be greatly appreciated. Thanks
I have used regular almost exclusively on our 2004 3.3 liter. It runs fine. 91 octane may provide a few more hp but you'll never notice. Next time I take a trip I'm going to run regular one way and premium back and see if there is any mileage difference. It would need to be about 4 mpg to offset the extra cost of premium.
My experience is that Toyota seems to be a little funky when it comes to DRL. They don't seem to just have a set of unswitched lights that are on whenever the car is on. To turn on the DRL in my Highlander Hybrid Limited, I have to set the head light stalk to the Auto position, then I get DRL in daylight and full headlights after it gets dark. I've never much worried about DRL in my Toyotas, since the operate the headlights like DRL if you leave the headlights in the On position all of the time. The car will turn them off when you open the driver's door with the ignition off.
I modified both my 2001 Porsche C4 and my 2001 AWD RX300 to match Canadian DRL rules. Tail, street/parking and forward DRLs on with ignition. Porsche came without DRLs, RX with HB's operating at ~5VDC. Both also have ALL LEDS except for HID and HB headlamps.
I also just bought an '05 without DRL. Has anyone had them added at the dealer? Also, the switch is on the steering column with the headlights, would this be added at the dealer? Interesting that DRL were not on all highlanders. By the way the highlander is a GREAT SUV.
I think Toyota should have made DRL standard on all the cars. My 99 Camaro has DRL that are actually the amber turn lights. Our Camry that we got rid of to get the Highlander had the DRL also.
I don't have the auto on headlights on the Highlander either. Oh, the trouble to remember to turn the switch on when it gets dark, how will I ever remember. Funny how you get used to things on the newer cars that we never had on cars 10 years ago.
I was doing some research before I bought my Highlander. I was trying to find out if the Highlander engines were interference engines so I emailed this salesman and a local dealer and he replied that the Highlander had titanium timing chains. What a bunch of mularkey I replied back to him and asked if the highlander also came with a heavy duty electorstatic combobulator. I will paste his comment about the timing belt below. And, no, I did not buy a car from this guy
So, here are the answear to you last set of question's; #1) You no longer have to worry about, `as you reffered to it the older belt's, that could easily break, or as you put it, "cause interfernce with the engine" Those old fallable timing belt's, are no longer put in to our Highlnader's; These, ( I have been told by our mechanic's), are now, "TitaniumTiming Chains!
That's almost as good as the line a Honda salesman gave someone in regards to the pull to the right issue with the Honda CRV. He said Hondas always pull a little bit to the right in case the driver falls asleep, then the car won't go in the other lane of traffic.
"... These, ( I have been told by our mechanic's), are now, 'TitaniumTiming Chains!"
you'll note the salesman uses the apostrophe in the word "mechanic's" to indicate the possessive, but doesn't specify what it was that the mechanic had that told the salesman this. Was it the mechanic's dog? The mechanic's therapist?
If I had a dollar for every misplaced apostrophe I've seen in the last 10 years, I could retire. I guess they don't teach what it means in schools anymore.
Back to the question at hand, did we ever resolve definitively whether the V6 has an interference engine or not? My salesman told me it did not. The Gates Rubber timing belt guide says yes as did someone here who supposedly knew a Toyota mechanic or had some inside info.
A reporter is hoping to hear from residents of Southeast Michigan who fit either of the following descriptions: - feel as if the cost of gasoline is significantly driving up their commuting costs (no pun intended) - have been impressed with their vehicles' gas mileage
Please respond to jfallon@edmunds.com no later than Thursday, August 25, 2005 with your daytime contact info, year/make/model of vehicle, city of residence and city of employment.
Thanks for your consideration, Jeannine Fallon Corporate Communications Edmunds.com
MODERATOR /ADMINISTRATOR Find me at kirstie_h@edmunds.com - or send a private message by clicking on my name. 2015 Kia Soul, 2021 Subaru Forester (kirstie_h), 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 (mr. kirstie_h) Review your vehicle
My low tire pressure warning light came on after I hit a curb. I had my tire pressure checked and they are good. THe light is still on - anyone know how long it stays on or how to turn it off?
There's a button way under the dash...i think just to the left of the steering column...complete instructions are in the manual, which i don't have in front of me, but i seem to remember it just takes a push, then driving normally will get it calibrated again .
You may want to have your alignment checked if the you hit the curb hard
I have been test driving several SUV's in the last few days and am trying to decide between Highlander and Honda Pilot. Both ride smoothly although I may give the Pilot a slight edge in that category.
It's disappointing that for just under $40k before tax and freight that Honda doesn't include stability control except in the top of the line EX-L. I was sure that it was standard on Highlander, until tonight that is. When I took out a 2004 V6 Highlander I asked the salesman if it had stability control. He looked puzzled and started to check the dash but didn't see anything to indicate it had stability control so he tells me they only include it on the limited versions.
Could it be that he's right? Consumers reports says stability control is standard on Highlanders even on the 04's. Did Toyota not include stability control on Canadian models?
According to www.toyota.ca stability control is standard on all 2005 Canadian HLs; according to www.canadiandriver.com stability control is standard on all 2004 Canadian HLs
Thanks landdriver and rbleland for your responses. It seems that it may just be another case of a salesman not knowing all he should about the vehicles he's selling. Do either of you know if there is anything obvious in the dash that would indicate VSC? Also the one I drove had 4 speed transmission, I was under the impression Toyota had changed to a 5 speed in 04 when they went with the 3.3 L engine.
All 2004 and 2005 V6 Highlanders have a five speed automatic. Overdrive position is fifth, drive is fourth and three, two and one are marked on the shift quadrant.
The button on the shift lever will take the transmission out of fifth, if desired.
We have had our 2004 V6 Limited for almost two years. It is an excellent vehicle.
On my 2004 there is a button on the left underside that disables traction control. I think it disables VSC also. There's a light on the dash that comes on when the car is first started indicates TC and VSC. My car isn't handy otherwise I'd look in the manual. Since the salesman doesn't seem to know his product (no surprise there), the brochure is probably accurate and sticker on the window will spell out the content.
I know that V6 AWDs do not have a Trac off button. Is yours a 4 cyl? Although I really don't see why this would make any difference. But you never know.
The explanation is as wwest states is his post. For front wheel drive the off button allows you to spin the front wheels to dig yourself out of sand or snow.
Ok I know this is probably obvious. I cannot get the rear wiper cartridge off the 2002 Highlander. I just dont see a release like you do on the front wipers. Thank you in advance!
Our 2004 HL 4x4 has VSC as standard equipment. It's listed on the dealer sticker, in the owner's manual and the VSC light is lit upon turning the ignition key. BTW, the lite came on for about a half hour at 17,000 miles then went out.
Would love to buy a new HL but can't justify pricing so we are looking at used, much to my husband's dislike (he doesn't want to buy someone else's headache). My question is should we avoid one year over another because of glitches or just look for low mileage? How many miles does the HL typically go before major problems crop up in your opinions? I have never been a used car person because of my hubby but my dad always bought used for the value. Now I am beginning to see his point but also see my hubby's point of getting used and getting a pile of junk that someone else unloaded. Any advice on used vs new HL is appreciated. Also should be look at 4 cyl vs 6 cyl if we consider new? Worth the price difference?
There's no reason to worry about a used Toyota if it's been maintained. You can looked for Toyota certified used vehicles which will have an extended warranty. Keep in mind that because of their great reliability, Toyota's don't depreciate as fast as most American cars so a used one won't be as good a buy. I think a 2 yr old vehicle with less than 30,000 miles is probably your best bet.
Can't help you on the 4 vs 6 question. Depends on whether you're willing to sacrifice mileage for power. I can tell you that the 6 will get only 22-23 mpg on the highway and probably less than 18 around town.
Consumer Reports is a great source for information on previous years based on experience they have reported back from their readers. It gets very specific by year, engine, and various vehicle systems. Their online site is accessable by subscription (they are supported by subscribers, no advertising, no subsidies from manufacturers, etc.) and usually issues are available at libraries. April is the month for the annual Auto Guide The annual Buying Guide collects data for a number of years, you can find the latest in bookstores, and they also publish specials on buying cars that are at bookstores. Not that they're the only or always most authoritative source but CR is certainly a good place for an overview based on real users and can give you a statistically valid view of the overall history of a particular model.
This month's issue, October, has an article on new models/redesigns that is online for a short time. Compared to other new models, the HL in its first year, while having more problems per hundred than in later years, still had less problems the first year than the other vehicles in the comparison, and none improved after 3 years to the low level the HL had the first year.
We've always bought new under the philosophy that 1) we keep the vehicle until it dies and 2) you know where it's been. I have a colleague who's been shopping at the local bank's used off-lease lot where they only sell their off-lease cars. He has purchased several vehicles, the last a HL, and while the price was a little higher than other used the bank knew the history of the vehicle and was willing to share. And Carfax can give the history of a specific vehicle if you are wanting to buy used, an added investment that might be worthwhile. - John
Can anyone advise if this is a part that can be added at the dealership? If we buy new I would like to have this option to get the outside temp gauge but I cannot find a new Highlander listed right now that also has a sunroof, which I want as well. I know it comes with both, they just don't have any at this point so I wondered if they could add it for us at the dealership or if it was cheaper to go to an aftermarket dealer and have it added.
I agree with lmacmil that any used HL will be a good buy, the "someone else's headache" syndrome is not too likely, and that you may or may not save much money by buying a used HL. Judging by recent posts in the Prices Paid and Buying Experiences board good deals are to be had on new HLs these days.
Some things to note:
The '01 HL does not have the integrated center console that was introduced with the '02 model, though some '01s have a stand-alone center console. Also lacking in the '01 is the second-row seat fold down center arm rest.
A few minor bugs in early HLs (mostly '01s and some '02s) were corrected in later years and via TSBs on '01s and '02s in some cases, including engine oil sludging, front door side wind noise, and glovebox rattle.
Minor interior and exterior styling changes, an increase in the V6 size from 3.0L to 3.3L, introduction of a 5-speed transmission on the V6, and a third row seat option were introduced with the '04 model.
In my and other's on this board opinions the I4 has plenty of pep/is not underpowered as it is on some other cars; a thorough test drive should address whether the I4 has enough power for you (whether new or used). If you buy an AWD, however, the V6 is strongly advised (as it is if you plan to do a lot of towing).
"How many miles does the HL typically go before major problems crop up in your opinions?"
So far no signs of increased problems yet even on '01s on these boards!
Comments
That being said, I hope you are sucessful in bringing your car up to your expectations, the Highlander is a fine vehicle, and worthy owning for a long time
My comments related more to the fact that after reading these boards awhile I think it is important to distinguish between:
1) Individual cars that exhibit a common a problem (which does happen and is unfortunate)
2) A design flaw that results in dangerous behavior among all cars of a particular model
3) People who for whatever reason have decided they are not happy with their purchase.
Overall the Highlander is a great car that the majority of owners have no problems with. We love ours and have absolutely no complaints. I sympathize with those who have valid issues, but I am bothered a bit by the exaggerations that claim that there is a design flaw that renders all Highlanders dangerous to drive. We just need to keep thing in perspective, that's all.
Based on your extensive list, I see no way you could ever be happy with your HL. If I were in your shoes, I'd bite the bullet and trade it.
Good advice from jbollt, always test drive the exact vehicle you're purchasing. I made that mistake once. I test drove an '01 Accord, loved it, but they didn't have the color we wanted, but said one would be here shortly. We signed the paper work and when we went to pick it up, it had 600 miles. It was ugly but they eventually gave us some money back. They fought us even though the odometer paper they signed said something like 10 miles.
It is only a $40 option. Has anyone had the option installed by the dealer? If so, how much did it cost?
Thanks
I would be upset if I was in your shoes and had a windows sticker that said I had a option that was not on the vehicle
Is this expected or is there a flaw with my weather-stripping? I guess, I am curious about what would happen if the car were parked for a long time in heavy rains or if a particular door were not opened for a long time. Would the water just build up inside the door and lead to rusting?
Patrick
My 99 Camaro has DRL that are actually the amber turn lights. Our Camry that we got rid of to get the Highlander had the DRL also.
I don't have the auto on headlights on the Highlander either. Oh, the trouble to remember to turn the switch on when it gets dark, how will I ever remember.
Funny how you get used to things on the newer cars that we never had on cars 10 years ago.
I replied back to him and asked if the highlander also came with a heavy duty electorstatic combobulator.
I will paste his comment about the timing belt below. And, no, I did not buy a car from this guy
So, here are the answear to you last set of question's; #1) You no longer have to worry about, `as you reffered to it the older belt's, that could easily break, or as you put it, "cause interfernce with the engine" Those old fallable timing belt's, are no longer put in to our Highlnader's; These, ( I have been told by our mechanic's), are now, "TitaniumTiming Chains!
tidester, host
"... These, ( I have been told by our mechanic's), are now, 'TitaniumTiming Chains!"
you'll note the salesman uses the apostrophe in the word "mechanic's" to indicate the possessive, but doesn't specify what it was that the mechanic had that told the salesman this. Was it the mechanic's dog? The mechanic's therapist?
Back to the question at hand, did we ever resolve definitively whether the V6 has an interference engine or not? My salesman told me it did not. The Gates Rubber timing belt guide says yes as did someone here who supposedly knew a Toyota mechanic or had some inside info.
- feel as if the cost of gasoline is significantly driving up their commuting costs (no pun intended)
- have been impressed with their vehicles' gas mileage
Please respond to jfallon@edmunds.com no later than Thursday, August 25, 2005 with your daytime contact info, year/make/model of vehicle, city of residence and city of employment.
Thanks for your consideration,
Jeannine Fallon
Corporate Communications
Edmunds.com
MODERATOR /ADMINISTRATOR
Find me at kirstie_h@edmunds.com - or send a private message by clicking on my name.
2015 Kia Soul, 2021 Subaru Forester (kirstie_h), 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 (mr. kirstie_h)
Review your vehicle
You may want to have your alignment checked if the you hit the curb hard
It's disappointing that for just under $40k before tax and freight that Honda doesn't include stability control except in the top of the line EX-L. I was sure that it was standard on Highlander, until tonight that is. When I took out a 2004 V6 Highlander I asked the salesman if it had stability control. He looked puzzled and started to check the dash but didn't see anything to indicate it had stability control so he tells me they only include it on the limited versions.
Could it be that he's right? Consumers reports says stability control is standard on Highlanders even on the 04's. Did Toyota not include stability control on Canadian models?
Thank you
The button on the shift lever will take the transmission out of fifth, if desired.
We have had our 2004 V6 Limited for almost two years. It is an excellent vehicle.
The explanation is as wwest states is his post. For front wheel drive the off button allows you to spin the front wheels to dig yourself out of sand or snow.
I cannot get the rear wiper cartridge off the 2002 Highlander. I just dont see a release like you do on the front wipers. Thank you in advance!
You're right, my Camry has a Trac Off button but not the HL. Mea culpa.
BTW, the lite came on for about a half hour at 17,000 miles then went out.
Need some help, thanks
Can't help you on the 4 vs 6 question. Depends on whether you're willing to sacrifice mileage for power. I can tell you that the 6 will get only 22-23 mpg on the highway and probably less than 18 around town.
This month's issue, October, has an article on new models/redesigns that is online for a short time. Compared to other new models, the HL in its first year, while having more problems per hundred than in later years, still had less problems the first year than the other vehicles in the comparison, and none improved after 3 years to the low level the HL had the first year.
We've always bought new under the philosophy that 1) we keep the vehicle until it dies and 2) you know where it's been. I have a colleague who's been shopping at the local bank's used off-lease lot where they only sell their off-lease cars. He has purchased several vehicles, the last a HL, and while the price was a little higher than other used the bank knew the history of the vehicle and was willing to share. And Carfax can give the history of a specific vehicle if you are wanting to buy used, an added investment that might be worthwhile. - John
Anyone know?
Some things to note:
The '01 HL does not have the integrated center console that was introduced with the '02 model, though some '01s have a stand-alone center console. Also lacking in the '01 is the second-row seat fold down center arm rest.
A few minor bugs in early HLs (mostly '01s and some '02s) were corrected in later years and via TSBs on '01s and '02s in some cases, including engine oil sludging, front door side wind noise, and glovebox rattle.
Minor interior and exterior styling changes, an increase in the V6 size from 3.0L to 3.3L, introduction of a 5-speed transmission on the V6, and a third row seat option were introduced with the '04 model.
In my and other's on this board opinions the I4 has plenty of pep/is not underpowered as it is on some other cars; a thorough test drive should address whether the I4 has enough power for you (whether new or used). If you buy an AWD, however, the V6 is strongly advised (as it is if you plan to do a lot of towing).
"How many miles does the HL typically go before major problems crop up in your opinions?"
So far no signs of increased problems yet even on '01s on these boards!