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Toyota Highlander

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Comments

  • dmicheldmichel Member Posts: 6
    Does the Multi-information display come only with the limited or is it standard on all HLs?
  • goldstongoldston Member Posts: 110
    DR=Luggage Rack
    VQ= ??
    WL=Wheel Locks
    GN=Cargo Net
    SK=Center Console
    V5=Security System
  • road__runnerroad__runner Member Posts: 16
    could it be UQ not VQ ?

    UQ = tow hitch & converter
  • road__runnerroad__runner Member Posts: 16
    Any comments on the availabilty of and/or beneits for the Limited Slip Differential option
    on a 4x4 Highlander. I have yet to see a vehicle with this option and I'm not sure what it
    provides in capability over the standard 4x4

    Thanks
  • tbuchtatbuchta Member Posts: 43
    Does anyone know if the HL LEV rating is based on the stricter standard for cars and trucks under 3750 lbs? If it is meeting the stricter standard how do you compare it on an equal basis with heavier vehicles using a different standard, like the MDV?

    On a related topic, Highlander isnt crash tested yet, but since the rollover ratings are calculated using factors like the height of center gravity and weight, has anyone calculated that or know the formula?

    Thanks
  • weichiweichi Member Posts: 8
    Seems to me that in the MDX discussion group, they are seriously into comparing size.
    Whereas in this HL group folks are simply enjoying their machine.
    Is their a message here? :)
  • cliffy1cliffy1 Member Posts: 3,581
    The roll over ratings that the government is using is severely flawed. It does not take into account things like tires, suspension type or countermeasures like AWD or VSC. It is not a real world measurement.
  • tonychrystonychrys Member Posts: 1,310
    I have to agree with cliffy here, I'm an engineer by training and the RR by the govt is based purely on a finite set of mathematical calculations, and in the real world there is an increased "super set" of variables involved.

    Until they actually attempt to "roll" the vehicles (use an emergency manuever set up that attempts to break a wheel free from the pavement) like they do frontal crashes (which is also flawed in some ways), I wouldn't put a lot of credence into their findings. But common sense will tell you that a sedan is less likely to roll than a vehicle with a higher center of gravity.

    Common sense goes a long way if used.
  • bironbbironb Member Posts: 63
    Toyota explores its feminine side

    Highlander exudes softness, ease of use


    Title of Highlander review at: http://www.auto.com/

  • rubytuesdayrubytuesday Member Posts: 21
    Picked up our Limited 2WD V6 HL Wed Night, Millennium Silver/Charcoal Gray with only 6 miles on the odometer. We are really enjoying driving it and got 2K below MSRP. Our package included VSC (VD,) mats, and the upgraded stereo (not the CD changer). Now we have to go back and negotiate an extended warranty. Gee, just can't wait for the pleasure of doing that! LOL ! We could have waited a little longer to see if the prices came down, but we're happy we went ahead and bought it now. All the 4-Runners on the road are checking it out as we drive by.
  • dniehusdniehus Member Posts: 83
    One of the reviewer's on MSN Carpoint (www.carpoint.com) finally has posted a review. Once on carpoint, select reviews, and then select Ann Job. She gives the HL an "8". With her very positive review, I'm surprised the score wasn't a tad higher.
  • dniehusdniehus Member Posts: 83
    With Toyota's well established reliability/build quality record, is an extended warranty really a good "investment"? I plan to keep mine (when May finally gets here) for at least 6 years and probably 90-100,000 miles. Likely can purchase the Platinum coverage for $1000-1200. That would cover a major repair. Guess the question is high likely might there be two covered repairs after the factory warranty expires and within 6years/100,000 miles? (Yes, I know there are lots of factors.) One strategy would be to wait to purchase the policy (can buy anytime before the end of the factory warranty period). But, the purchase price then would likely be higher.

    Any long time Toyota owners out there that are (1) glad they bought the extended warranty because boy did they need it!, (2) bought the extended warranty, but never used it, or (3) didn't buy the policy and carefree kept their vehicles long past 6 yr/100,000 with only minor repair costs. If mostly "3"'s, then in most cases the extended warranty would not be a good buy. For what it is worth, many consumer organizations (e.g., Consumer Reports) are not keen on extended warranties. But, perhaps $1000 (or so) is worth the peace of mind?

    Any thoughts? Thanks, Don.
  • hammersjslhammersjsl Member Posts: 11
    Could I get a sanity check here? In the New England area, the Highlanders are in short supply, and the dealers only seem to be offering, at best, $1000 under MSRP for the V6 WAD models, and even then only if they have one in their lot. Even the Autobytel dealer was only offering $800 under MSRP. At this point, the Edmunds TV actually looks pretty good. I'd really like to get one of these vehicles, but I don't think that they are worth the price that dealers around here are offering. Could anyone who lives in the Northeast let me know how well they were able to do on price? Also, does anyone know if a Costco dealer for Toyota exists in the Boston area? I bought my last two vehicles through Costco dealers and had great experiences.
  • skyrebskyreb Member Posts: 129
    I bought from Autobytel, Autofair in Manchester, NH. The situation/cost you describe is exactly what I experienced. The local Toyota (40 miles away in Berlin NH) wanted over MSRP.
    I regret having to pay as much as I did, but I am very grateful I bought. I feel this is a very fine vehicle. We appreciate it more each day we drive it. If you read my recent post, you will see me raving about quality, fit, finish, power, and etc. I now have 1000 miles, and after 3 fill up, I am still over 21 mpg. Once broken in, and come spring when we return to non federal emission gasoline, I expect I will be over 24-25 mpg.

    Happy motoring.
  • amkupamkup Member Posts: 9
    Dear rubytuesday,

    What part of the country are you located in to get a HL so equipped? Could you give me the name of the dealership and who you worked with? When you say Charcoal Interior does that mean leather or cloth. If cloth, was your HL a Limited or SR-5? Also, were Side Airbags (BE) included?

    Thanks for the details and glad you're enjoying the new car.
  • dmicheldmichel Member Posts: 6
    I just ordered my HL from Norwood Toyota in Warwick, RI. (401-781-4300) 7% below MSRP. Not bad for NE. I worked with Bob Barker, no hassles, no games. We worked off the invoice numbers. They have one limited (and leather) in red and one unlimited in red on the lot.
  • weichiweichi Member Posts: 8
    Thx bironb for the reference. A nicely written review by LAWRENCE ULRICH.
    I must say that I take every possible excuse to let the HL pamper my feminine side.
  • dianne4toyotadianne4toyota Member Posts: 343
    There's so little need for the traction or skid control here, it's a rare request of me..enough of a rare request to make it non-existent w/o order building. That's why the Highlander 4WDs I sell are virtually all out of state or to Northern CA where they use them in snow. Not enough of a market here for "VD" and of course, heated seats either.

    Di
  • rubytuesdayrubytuesday Member Posts: 21
    Amkup,

    my HL Limited has cloth seats. I had leather in my last car and did not really care to get it in this one. The gray leather is not available in our market.

    I would have liked to have obtained side airbags (BE) but I would have had to get the top of the line (TOTL) with cd changer, moonroof, leather, etc. to get them - at a cost of over 34K. That was a little more than my budget allowed.

    I'm in Hawaii where we basically have all Toyota dealerships under one company. I would have considered purchasing from Dianne at Carson Toyota, but I would have to ship the car to Hawaii on the barge at a cost of $ 800+ (not Dianne's fee, but the Matson charge). You may want to contact her through this club, she's dianne4toyota. Her prices were around the best I've seen and she seems able to locate other vehicle configurations, plus she was very pleasant to work with and very knowledgable about the HL.

    Aloha!
  • john_lisejohn_lise Member Posts: 22
    I am asking the same questions as post #1166. I bought my Highlander about 10 days ago without extended warranty. Main reason being the quality or should I say reputation of Toyota.

    Has anyone out there had previous problems with Toyota or Lexus, for that matter, and relied on the extended warranty? I guess my biggest concern is a problem with the VSC when my HL hits 60 000 + 1 mile!!!!

    Maybe someone can comment on the 4runners batting record since this would be comparable and has been around long enough to have been eligible to use an extended warranty?

    Having said all this, my understanding is that the HL is built at the same plant as the RX300, which was rated the best plant in the world by JD Powers!!! I am not 100% on this so someone might want to correct me !!!

    In all honesty... is it worth spending all that extra $$$ on a warranty you probably won't use???

    take care folks!!!
    John
  • needsahlneedsahl Member Posts: 6
    Went through Cost co for a qoute on a V6 HL. Got a qoute the next day which was for 500 under MSRP and then they wanted 279 for their backroom paperwork. The GManger said it was the cheapest he had ever qouted a HL.OF course ,that left them with a profit of about 2700. I made an offer an they weren't interested. Pretty tough to buy here in SW Florida so still looking and not that desperate
  • hammersjslhammersjsl Member Posts: 11
    Just ordered a Highlander V6 AWD for $1500 under MSRP in the Boston area. Had to give up getting VSC on a non-limited cloth interior variety since the ones coming in were not configured that way, but we're hoping that the Console and Security System that we wanted make it in when the vehicle gets into the port facility. Also got our first pick on color (Bluestone/Charcoal). Had one offer from another dealer for a similar price but the trade-in offer was not as good. Most of the other dealers in the area are offering $500 under MSRP, so we hope that this deal was one of the better ones. In any case, we'll be glad to pass on our old Ford Explorer and enjoy picking up our new car in a few weeks. The only regret is that we didn't have the chance to drive the vehicle in the snow that we got here this past week. Oh well, we'll have plenty of chances...
  • parman4parman4 Member Posts: 6
    I have seen all buy numbers on the forum but do not recall seeing any lease numbers.

    Does anybody have an idea of what the HL V6 Ltd. w/ or w/out leather is running approximately on a lease, say 36 months.

    I see ranges of 1,000 to 2,800 under MSRP if you were to buy.

    I would like any info. available before I start negotiations with the dealer.

    Thanks much
  • rubytuesdayrubytuesday Member Posts: 21
    Someone asked what HL owners would re-engineer if we had the opportunity. I would put in a better quality carpet, headliner and a better looking
    dash. My Honda Accord had a really nice dashboard, it lasted over 8 years with no cracks or warps, and I never used a dash cover - I rarely even used a window shade. It was made of leather - I know it wasn't plastic! For the money, I find the HL dashboard has lots of plastic.

    I have a question on timing belts. The Toyota service dept here in Hawaii says that a timing belt on Toyota engines will not tear up the engine should it break, while a Honda's will. Does anyone know if there is any truth to this?

    I still am enjoying my HL even if there is a lot of plastic.
  • kazumikazumi Member Posts: 8
    Does anyone have information concerning purchasing
    an extended warranty through an on-line company instead of your dealer? I have contacted Warranty Direct ( www.warrantydirect ) and they seem to have a very good selection of warranties available at very reasonable prices. Has anyone dealt with this company before? Warranty Direct said that I would be able to take my vehicle to my dealer and they would accept their warranty.
    Aloha
  • dniehusdniehus Member Posts: 83
    I just came across this link yesterday while looking through the extended warranty discussions in Edmunds Town Hall. This is a Toyota dealer in Iowa selling Toyota Platinum warranties at an excellent price. Check out: www.toyotawarranty.com

    If you opt for an extended warranty, I think you're a lot better off buying from Toyota. If you use the above dealer, could you let us know how it worked out? Good luck.
  • tbuchtatbuchta Member Posts: 43
    Some folks like leather, metal. I'm just the opposite, with the modern plastics a more pleasant rounded "organic" (see the auto.com review) interior is possible. As far as logetivity, my 92 Camry with an all plastic dash is like new after 205,000 miles, I dont know if leather/wood/metal would hold up as well, I doubt it....
  • cliffy1cliffy1 Member Posts: 3,581
    Toyota uses an "interference" engine which means that if the timing belt breaks, there will be no damage to the engine. You just wont be able to move until it is repaired. Honda uses a non-interference engine which will cause extreme damage to the engine should the timing belt break.
  • tonyred2tonyred2 Member Posts: 8
    Own a V6 Unlimited WITHOUT the JBL stereo CD. After owning an automobile with a Bose system I am very disappointed that I did not get the JBL stereo CD.

    My questions are the following:

    Does anyone know if you can get a JBL system installed at a Toyota dealer?

    Does anyone know if you would need to upgrade the speakers also?

    Does anyone know what the cost would be to upgrade the system?

    Does anyone know of another stereo/cd brand that is just as good and is the same size as the stock factory radio/cd that is standard?

    Sorry for all of the questions, but I didn’t realize how spoiled I have been with a Bose system.

    Thanks,
  • svec7186svec7186 Member Posts: 56
    area NY/NJ
    dealership "rockland toyota"

    last week via email, i spoke with a salesperson and manager about a quote for a hl 4wd v6. i was quoted $1150 over dealers invoice. i had an appointment for this weekend. on friday the manager called me to confirm i was comming in.
    the moment i entered the dealership doors and the manager saw me with some papers in my hand, he instantly said "put those away, i'm not talking invoice". i and my family have purchased several new toyotas from this dealership before. the dealership (manager to be specific) refused to honor their email quote and i recommend everyone on their area to stay away.

    thank you
  • cliffy1cliffy1 Member Posts: 3,581
    The JBL stereo can only be done at the factory. It would involve removing all the speakers, the amplifier and the external antennae. Your best bet is to take it to a stereo specialty shop. I'm sure they can install a much better system for less than it would take to put the JBL system in.
  • alex_huynhalex_huynh Member Posts: 8
    Does anyone notice there is a bit of wind noise at highway speed? I can hear the wind noise brusing up against the winshield and along the windows around 65 MPH and higher ...
  • jdlaw2jdlaw2 Member Posts: 16
    I also live in Fl and got a great deal (500 over invoice). I bought James Braggs' package at fightingchance.com ($24) and used his fax approach. I got offers from several dealers (at least 5) for anywhere from $279 to $750 over invioce. They were willing to sell from thier stock or factory order for me. I ordered one to get the exact options that I wanted. I did this on Jan. 28th, so the end of month helped a little. When you contact a dealer from out of your area, they are more willing to deal because you are a bonus customer. If you use James' fax approach, you had better be prepared. I got a doctorate in auto buying in the 3 days after sending my faxes. Know whether or not when someone offers you $$$ over invoice it includes dealer fees. Some will offer 500 over and then add 350 dealer fee. This is really considered 850 over for all intents and purposes. You cannot compare apples to apples without knowing the bottom line. Also remember that in Fl we have to add in (about?) $350 southeast toyo fee, and toyo gaurd fee of about $150 (actual dealer cost after holdback, yes I said holdback on this added cost!). Sometimes you can get a toyota without toyo gaurd. If you order from fighting chance tell them that Jon sent you. Not that I am on the payroll, but it may work in my favor the next time I am in the market to buy another vehicle!

    Good Luck,
    Jon
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    Blast-faxing is a great way to get a good price on a car without ever stepping into a dealership. See how Phil Reed, our consumer advice editor, used it to get a good deal on our newest long-term road test vehicle:

    Blast Fax Car Buying
    Steve
    Host
    Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket & Accessories message boards
  • alex_huynhalex_huynh Member Posts: 8
    Has anybody used a paint sealant product "teflon coating"? I am looking into this product to help maintain the new paint look and reduce the time washing and waxing. I want to know if it really works and if it is worth it. Thanks.
  • jaarmstjaarmst Member Posts: 1
    Any Colorado Highlander owners out there? I'm being told that I have to pay full MSRP to get this vehicle due to very high demand. I want to lease a 4WD Limited. Any help?
  • lamm9733lamm9733 Member Posts: 37
    A dealer in Pennsylvania (www.fitzgeraldautomall.com) lists prices for well below MSRP for the Highlander. Take a look...it is a pretty good site and updated fairly often. This may supply you with the info you seek.
  • jmsimsjmsims Member Posts: 14
    Steve,

    I think you meant to say that Toyota's use non-interference engines, right? Interference design = pistons crash into valves if timing belt breaks = very bad! Regardless of the reversed naming, the idea is correct. Most Toyota engines generally don't suffer expensive valve or piston damage if the timing belt breaks, whereas the same cannot be said for most Hondas.

    http://www.gates.com/shared/brochure.cfm?brochure=109&site_section=automotive has a timing belt application guide which lists which vehicles / engines are interference designs. It only goes up to about 1998, though.

    John
  • jerryo1jerryo1 Member Posts: 4
    In reference to buying an extended warranty from Warranty Direct. They tout being publically traded so I looked up their symbol and was not impressed with their stock performance even before the current downturn. I felt the Toyota warranty would at least still be in business at the end of the 3 year warranty while I'm not so sure about Warranty Direct. Besides, I'm going to get the car serviced under warranty at a Toyota dealer so why not a Toyota warranty. If I was inclined to have another shop fix my car, I might consider an outside warranty source. My $.02 worth of advice.
  • cliffy1cliffy1 Member Posts: 3,581
    Ummm.... right. I always get those terms confused, but the Toyota has an engine that will not be destroyed if the timing belt breaks. Last I heard the Honda was not like ours in that respect.
  • wong4wong4 Member Posts: 1
    Greetings from Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.
    My wife and I have test driven a Highlander, and are interested in making a purchase (this would be our 4th Toyota, and replace a 1997 Camry). However, we have been put off by a new pricing policy for Toyota in our province called "Access Toyota". This seems to be a plan which copies Saturn, whereby there is a MSRP, followed by a lower "no haggle" price. For the 4WD V6 model, the MSRP is $36,100, but drops to only $35,645 with the "Access" price. We consider this to be a negligle discount, especially considering that we got about $1,200 off MSRP for our Camry, and $1,500 off MSRP for the Sienna before this "Access" program started.
    Any ideas on how one can negotiate a better price, or is this a non-negotiable form of price-fixing?
    Secondly, the tonneau cover is only available with the Limited model in Canada and is not available as an accessory, while the centre console is not available at all. Is it possible to purchase these from a US dealer via mail-order, and would this void the Canadian warranty in any way?
  • cliffy1cliffy1 Member Posts: 3,581
    I'm not familiar with the Canadian pricing strategy, but when faced with fixed pricing, you still have one method of negotiating. That is your trade in. This happens with Saturn all the time down here. The price of the new car will not vary, but you may find a dealer willing to "over allow" on your trade to such a point that you really are getting a great deal on the new HL. For instance, one dealer may give you $8000 for your trade. Another may think it is worth $8000 as well, but show you $9000 for it to keep in compliance with the new car pricing agreement.
  • drew_drew_ Member Posts: 3,382
    Your Toyota Canada dealership's parts department should be able to order those items for you. After all, if for example, a Highlander Limited's components were stolen or damaged for some reason, they would need to order replacement parts anyway. Get them to look it up on their computer for you; keep in mind that parts can be marked up by 30%. Since you're not getting much of a discount on the vehicle itself, perhaps your salesperson could throw them in for you to sweeten the deal?

    Good luck!

    Drew
    Host
    Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket and Accessories message boards
  • amkupamkup Member Posts: 9
    I've been looking to buy a HL in CO for the past month. My problem is no availability of VD and BE on a FWD Limited here for the present so I am waiting a bit.

    Autobytel recommended Steve Roberts at Stevinson Toyota West in Golden. While I have not formally negotiated price with him, he indicated prices were below MSRP and I found him helpful and professional in trying to locate my desired car.

    I have also dealt extensively with Pat Emrich at Boulder Toyota and believe prices below MSRP are to be had there as well. Another CO poster a while back also wrote to say they had had a good experience at this dealership.

    Finally, Dianne in SoCa has been helpful and certainly has prices below MSRP. Good Luck!
  • dniehusdniehus Member Posts: 83
    To confirm what a local salesperson told me, does Toyota charge a 1.8% (calculated on base model invoice price) fee on all Highlanders? If so, presumably this is non-negotiable. Thanks.
  • eagle30eagle30 Member Posts: 28
    I went to the Denver Auto Show this week. I spoke with a salesman at the show name Jack Shyong. He works for Burt Toyota. He said he would sell me a Highlander around $1000.00 below MSRP. I have consider the Highlander, but it is not my first choice for my next NEW PURCHASE. Hope this will help, I am glad I kept his card. I really love this site, I read it daily. I know when I do make the plunge I will be armed with knowledge.
  • dniehusdniehus Member Posts: 83
    Thanks for noting this dealer. I haven't used. They have several locations/many brands. The Subaru forums frequently mention their excellent service/prices -- you can readily buy Foresters and Outbacks from around $200 under invoice. I traded several emails with them when I was still thinking about an Outback LLBean. While Paul mentioned the Pennsylvania location, note that the Gaithersburg MD location is much larger and has (not surprisingly) a bigger inventory of HLs. I have checked the website several times over the past couple of weeks. It has only been in the last few days, however, that their asking price has changed dramatically -- dropping from about $200 under MSRP to about $2000 under MSRP for HLs. Given the large spread between invoice and MSRP -- especially for loaded Limiteds -- this price still is not as low as several posters have indicated. I'm assuming that the price will continue to drop as supply (hopefully) continues to increase over the next couple of months. Patience is a virtue for vehicle shoppers. As economic conditions continue to deteriorate (yikes!!), it remains to be seen how this will impact auto sales/pricing/interest rates. With any luck for us car shoppers, the next couple of months might be a very good time to be dealing. Has anyone else come across Toyota dealers -- particularly on the East coast -- that specialize in internet buyers? If so, please post dealer names and web addresses. Thanks.
  • tlcjactlcjac Member Posts: 10
    We picked up our gold V6 AWD Unlimited Highlander tonight! It would have been nice to get the full out Limited but we saved money and we still got the safety features. Additionally, unlike California, the V6 AWD loaded Limited's are hot here in the midwest and harder to make a deal on. We have all the features we need, and a quality, safe, comfortable ride.

    If you are near West Central Illinois, call Bob Cornelius at Pekin Toyota. He is great to work with and they are dealing.
  • dmicheldmichel Member Posts: 6
    Does the Highlander come with a trip computer, miles until empty, mpg, etc? I can't find any information on line and the brochure seems to link it to the limited package. Do you "unlimited" owners know? Thanks.
  • dianne4toyotadianne4toyota Member Posts: 343
    That information center is strictly Limited package stuff. :D
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