Toyota Highlander

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Comments

  • bojack1bojack1 Member Posts: 23
    Saw the post by zemmy2 about the "high rev"
  • mkstringmkstring Member Posts: 53
    if i remember correctly, a bit over 3k. Seems to be a common toyota v6 thing - my truck does it too. BUT, it's better than VWs. Those things are like 4k at 70-75.
  • drew_drew_ Member Posts: 3,382
    WRT driving events, try http://www.drivingevents.com . I'll be going to one this Saturday, and will have pictures up for you to view, if you're interested.


    Drew
    Host
    Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket & Accessories message boards
  • drew_drew_ Member Posts: 3,382
    image
  • gwkisergwkiser Member Posts: 326
    Dawat..

    re: towing pkg. - It's actually two options
    (1) Tow prep package...includes larger radiator, coolers for p/s and trans., u/g alternator and prewire for trailer. Might be a couple of other things too..can't remember off the top of my head....

    (2) Tow hitch...self explanatory

    Both items are factory installs. I know that you can order the prep w/o the hitch but don't know that you can do the reverse...

    re: security alarm....sorry not sure on this one....

    Good luck in your hunt for an HL from Gulf States. Mine has been slightly delayed from them :(
  • rubytuesdayrubytuesday Member Posts: 21
    Oily: My Limited V6 has VSC, it shows up on the dash display when I start the car so I assume it is "REAL" and not vaporware. Better be real since I paid for it.
  • hialeahmariahialeahmaria Member Posts: 45
    I'm in Miami, FL and 90% of the HL I've seen come with VSC. Spoke with dealers and asked about it as an option, and they said I could obtain it if wanted, if the HL I liked didn't have it. No problem here, thank goodness.

    Guys, keep posting! I'm hooked on this board! :-)
  • jmtreetopjmtreetop Member Posts: 130
    Actually dniehus, the Pfinder has one of the best crash tests done by the NHSTA. Consumer also reported the crash tests for the Pfinder as 5 star along with the 4runner. Here is a link.


    http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/ncap/cars/2001SUVs.html

  • kooikerkooiker Member Posts: 11
    My wife and I spent many weeks researching new vehicles and narrowed it down to a Pathfinder or the HL. My sister actually owns a 2001 Pathfinder LE, so I was able to borrow it and give it a "real" test drive. The Pathfinder is very much a "truck" compared to the HL. The ride is quite a bit stiffer (read - bumpy) and the Nissan leans more. If you plan on actually using the vehicle off-road, it is probably a better choice among the two. What really swayed us was the interior space of the HL. Not only is there a lot more cargo room, but the back seats have a LOT more space. My knees were against the front seat of the Pathfinder, even with them moved forward. Also, the HL is quieter than the Pathfinder. My wife remarked on the noise that the PF makes especially when accelerating.

    We ended up picking up our HL LTD with all available options two weeks ago. We traded in my wife's 98 Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer, and the difference is amazing! She had forgotten how a vehicle should ride and handle. The fit and finish of the HL is miles above the Explorer, not to mention the ride and, of course, safety. You may pay slightly more for a HL and you might have to do some hunting for the right one, but unless your car is going off road, I would opt for the HL over a PF.
  • kooikerkooiker Member Posts: 11
    I would suggest looking at other crash sources along with the NHSTA. Everyone knows that they only do a few tests and other organizations both in the US and abroad have additional data/ratings. The IIHS does an offset test and doesn't rate the Pathfinder quite so high.


    http://www.hwysafety.org/

  • dniehusdniehus Member Posts: 83
    Thanks for including that link. That was specifically the reference that I saw that vetoed selection of the Pathfinder for me. Especially compare the ratings for the RX300 (which, again, I'm assuming will be a reasonable surrogate for the HL). These tests were far more extensive than those conducted by NHTSA.
  • tbuchtatbuchta Member Posts: 43
    Just a note on the relatively high rpm of the HL in overdrive, is this perhaps something that Toyota engineers for? My camry does the same thing (a little over 3K at 70mph) and I notices that both the 4 and 6 cyl HL is almost exactly the same. You would think this would be a milage and longetivity disadvantage,but both vehicles are near the top when you look at power vs milage, and probably the absolute champs when you look at reliability/longetivity (camry with over 200,000 miles, no repairs)
  • sybelesybele Member Posts: 42
    To my knowledge, VSC is not an upgradable after factory option. Yet, an earlier post stated that for $850 a toyota dealer could add this option. Is this possible?
  • judgemjudgem Member Posts: 10
    Just picked up our limited 4wd and love it! I did notice some stiffness so I checked out the air pressure in the tires. The door jamb sticker suggests 30 psi cold inflation. Nothing at all mentioned in the owner's manual. Tires revealed 40 psi upon delivery. I reduced to 30 and the ride improved. Car came equipped with Bridgestones and the small print on the tire says ax inflation is 44psi. Does anyone have any suggestions or similar experiences? Thanks
  • daltexdaltex Member Posts: 19
    Does anybody have any thoughts on whether or not the Vehicle Protection Package that Toyota offers (Sealant, sound shield, sealant cleaner, etc.) is worth the cost, or is it just another lame attempt to get a few more bucks?

    What about the Permavin Etched Glass? Alarm system? Night vision rear view mirrow?

    What do ya'll think?
  • gwkisergwkiser Member Posts: 326
    re: Vehicle protection package....I told my dealer that I didn't want to pay for it. The salesman on the side told me that the paint has a clearcoat finish and that it's a waste of money. On the other hand, maybe he told me that because he knew I wasn't willing to buy it. My plans are to put a nice wax on the HL (if it ever comes in). I have no idea what the "sould shield" is, but I suspect it is a spray on undercoat...but not sure....

    re: Permavin ... windows are etched with the VIN of the vehicle using a template and some type of acid. My insurance company (Nationwide), or perhaps just a policy of my agent, provides this service free of charge so I opted out of the Permavin option as well. I can't remember where, but I thought I once saw a magazine ad where you could order the kit (maybe not the Permavin brand) to do the etching yourself.....just a thought

    re: Alarm... our HL has the Ltd. option which includes some sort of engine disabler security system. Whether or not the full alarm system (RS 3200?) is part of that is unknown to me.

    re: Night Vision Rear View Mirror .. Isn't this just an autotint feature? Sorry, don't know much about it....

    Hope this helps......
  • rfhourfhou Member Posts: 47
    Gluiz-do you know of any other "hidden" features on the HL. I tried the window trick and it will roll up (or down) the driver's window when I hold the key in lock/unlock position! (I'm easily amused) Does your's make all the windows go up/down?

    BTW, I applied the two step Zymol cleaner, wax to my Black HL this weekend -- nothing like a freshly waxed black paint job.
  • b717b717 Member Posts: 38
    Could rubytuesday and any other purchasers of HL's in Hawaii recap their deal? MSRP and price paid, model and options please. Also if you would recommend and/or mention who you purchased from, if here on Oahu.
    I am very appreciative of all who have posted and look forward to being able to add my experiences as my intended purchase progresses. Thanks
  • gwkisergwkiser Member Posts: 326
    Just wondering if any of you are experiencing delays in the promised delivery date on your HL? Am looking for comments related to gray leather interior and center console (both options installed at port G.S.T., Houston). Anyone have a Bluestone metallic and how long did you have to wait? Thanks....
  • sshinsshin Member Posts: 10
    Does anyone have any insight on the performance differences between the V6 FWD vs 4WD? I'm assuming the extra 220 lbs of the 4WD makes it slower, but does it corner better than the FWD?
    Also, if I plan to rarely take a HL offroad, is it worth the extra $1400 to get 4WD?

    Thanks
  • wd5938wd5938 Member Posts: 19
    I picked up my Highlander yesterday and really feel like I made the right choice. I purchased an indigo blue w/charcoal cloth, limited V6 4WD, with moonroof, VSC, side airbags, JBL w/6 disk CD changer, carpet/cargo mat set, center console, gold emblems and tow prep package. I read in the owner's manual about a wiring harness at the rear of the vehicle with a connector for trailer lights. A photograph (Pg 204)showed this wiring harness under the center rear bumper and I assume it is part of the tow prep package. I tried to locate this harness, but couldn't. Anyone know if it is part of the tow prep package, or am I just overlooking it? Also, is the hitch only a factory installed item or can it be had by the dealer. They were not sure.
  • jimxojimxo Member Posts: 423
    I have decides to go with the 2wd LTD Black with tan cloth. The front wheel drive did it for me. I have always had front wheel drive cars and never felt the need for 4wd. I do feel that the little extra for the 4wd is a good deal. Here in Chicago There are a half dozen days were the snow is a issue and the front wheel drive works fine. I paid invoice plus 3% over when I special order my HL. Yes 3% (about 800.00).
  • ssherrickssherrick Member Posts: 1
    My wife and I took delivery on a Limited HL this past weekend. We started the journey to this purchase about three months ago when we decided to get a vehicle that would be better in the snow than the 2WD Ranger that we had been driving. I initially looked at the mini 4WD (RAV4, Escape, Tribute, etc.) I then found this web site and started reading what owners were saying about their vehicles. More and more, the HL was looking better and better. We took a test ride and were hooked. Our dealer (Derry Brothers, Burlington, IA.) had just gotten in a silver, fully loaded HL. Over the past three weeks, my wife and I drove it four times (71 test miles) and finally got the deal we needed this weekend. We got the fully loaded limited for $2600 off list. This was after using other dealers in the Quad Cities and Dubuque for leverage. Outstanding car, outstanding dealership. The first time that I have bought a new car without any advisarial incidents. Strongly recommend this dealership and especially Kevin McCaffey. Now I am looking for a pet barrier that fits well in the back. If anyone knows of a particular brand, let me know - five dogs waiting for their ride.
  • b717b717 Member Posts: 38
    Axle ratios I have seen posted on the web

    3.12 4 cyl 2wd
    3.48 4 cyl 4wd
    2.99 4cyl 4wd Lim slip LD / No VSC allowed

    3.08 V6 2wd
    3.29 V6 4wd
    2.99 V6 4wd Lim slip LD/ No VSC allowed

    Can Cliff, Dianne or others confirm?
    Wondering if we could see a comparison of varying models by drivers posting the tach reading at a particular mph, say 60 mph.
    I am curious particularly as to the effect the limited slip option's differing ratio has in the real world, Thanks
  • montanabill1montanabill1 Member Posts: 12
    Totally agree on search results on SUV's: HL is vastly superior to PF for most users. No foot/knee room on PF and the back seat is a nightmare. Drove like an old SUV. My first test of the HL was rough and I suspected overly inflated tires. Went back today and drove another and what a difference. After 3 weeks of analysis (all rigs) the HL is the winner and will be buying my Limited HL next week. Wish power seat memory was available! And full power passenger seat, and dual climate control.

    re post 1375: cloth seats with side air bags? Thought you had to get leather seat package in order to get side air bags???
  • sjzsjz Member Posts: 33
    Hi All-
    Thanks for your very informative posts!
    Just picked up a V6 AWD HL with all the bells and whistles...almost. My wife misses the compass that our '94 Jeep GC had. What's the story with the electrocrhomatic mirror/compass and temp combo that I've seen mentioned here. My dealer said it was unavailable.
    Also, I saw the Japanese console mentioned in some previous posts. Anyone get one yet, and any ideas how to get one?
    -Steve
  • jmtreetopjmtreetop Member Posts: 130
    I agree that the HL should perform well. I would not fully depend on the results of the IIHS. If you notice, it tests a 97 pathfinder. If you look at the 97 pathfinder on the NHTSA it also did poorly on the crash tests. I would like to see IIHS do some tests on the 01's. Be interesting to see.
  • gluizgluiz Member Posts: 17
    If you unlock the vehicle with the remote and don't open a door, it will relock in 30 sec.

    You can turn off the "beeping" by inserting the key in the ignition, removing it, inserting it again and turn on, wait 10 seconds, then push lock, unlock, or panic twice. If you hear two beeps, you have toggled the beeping on or off.

    Car will beep at you for 10 seconds if trying to lock with a door ajar.

    When unlocking, the tail lights will stay on for 2 sec. if the alarm was tripped.

    The engine immobiliser works by having a transponder in the key that communicates with the car when the key in inserted into the ignition.

    The front seat will fold flat with the rear seats to form a cargo area for long items.

    On two wheel drive vehicles, you can turn off traction control if equipped.

    There are two (resetable) trip odometers.

    That's about all I can think of.
  • drew_drew_ Member Posts: 3,382
    If you look at the IIHS page, although they tested a '97 Pathfinder, the results still apply for the '01 model. The reason for this is because there have been no structural changes to the Pathfinder since 1997. No reason to retest the model if nothing underlying has been altered.


    The NHTSA's crash test emphasises the restraint systems of a vehicle, whereas the IIHS' much tougher crash test emphasises the strength (or lack thereof) of the vehicle's structure. Both complement each other, however, the IIHS is more representative of a real world accident since it uses a deformable barrier that has been designed to simulate the front end of another vehicle, whereas the NHTSA uses a flat concrete wall. It is possible for a vehicle to do well in the NHTSA's test (ex. the Pathfinder), but yet poorly in the offset crash test. You may want to have a look at this:

    http://www.crashtest.com/explanations/nhtsa/usncap.htm

  • drew_drew_ Member Posts: 3,382
    ...cannot be added outside of the factory. At least, not easily.


    Drew
    Host
    Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket and Accessories message boards
  • abuyer1abuyer1 Member Posts: 31
    I asked me dealer to see if he could get the Japanese Console for the Highlander that I just bought. His e-mail reply was the following:

    "There is no question that that is a very nice looking console. Unfortunately,
    our parts department said that it is impossible to get the Japanese version
    over here into the United States. They also said that others have asked them
    the same thing, but that even if they could get the console over here, the
    moldings are different on the Japanese and American models, so it wouldn't fit
    properly anyway. But I agree with you--that is really nice!"

    If anyone has any reason to believe that this is not correct, please post the reason.
  • tbuchtatbuchta Member Posts: 43
    The wiring harness is inside the access port for the left rear tail light, just pop out the door and you will see it. The word is (from previous posts) that Toyota is not shipping the tow hitch . You will have to look for aftermarket hitches. I asked a hitch installer locally to order in a round tube hitch made for the HL, msalay provided me with the information from http://www.bageco.com/hitchlistround.htm#TOYOTA. There are other aftermarket hitches as well made for the HL.
  • svtcobraconvsvtcobraconv Member Posts: 85
    What dealership are you dealing with? Have you taken delivery of your Highlander yet, or is it on order? If you already have it, how long did you wait for your special order HL?
    THX
  • jb0110jb0110 Member Posts: 5
    "3.08 V6 2wd
    3.29 V6 4wd
    2.99 V6 4wd Jim slip ID/ No SC allowed"

    Does your ratio include the OD?

    As I posted before, my V6 4WD HL w/o SC/ID is a little over 3000 rpm @ 75 mph, ~2500 rpm @ 65 mph.
  • daltexdaltex Member Posts: 19
    The electrochromatic mirror w/compass IS DEFINITELY an option, but I do not know if it can be added outside the factory. If you're ordering a spec model, have them add it now.

    Does anyone know about post-factory additions? What about post-factory alarms (RS3200, glass breakage)? Diane, Cliffy....any insight?
  • bironbbironb Member Posts: 63
    I guess the lack of a centre console in North American is along the same lines as the unavailability of a tonneau cover for the HL V6 non Limited in Canada. Market studies!

    Reply of an email sent to Toyota Canada Product Planning Division.

    "We have noted your inquiry and would like to explain that market trends are closely studied to give us a better idea of which options are in demand. Then based on those findings, our Product Planning Division is able to choose the options that best suit the needs of the buying public. We recognize, of course, that these choices may not fulfill the desires of all the potential customers.

    Although the Tonneau Cover is not available as an accessory but you may be able to purchase it as a replacement part. The Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) is $945.00, which does not include the cost of the clips and installation. We suggest that you speak to the Parts department of your local dealership as they are in a better position to advise you".

    So let me get this straight, Toyota Canada market studies indicated that HL Limited purchasers want a tonneau cover as it is a standard feature but non-Limited purchasers don't want one, as it is not available. This has nothing to do with market research and everything to do with greed. You want one buy the $9,600 Limited package.

    As far a purchasing one as a replacement part for only $945.00, sure as long as one chooses an ivory cloth interior seeing as the cover only comes with the ivory leather interior in the Limited. Unbelievable!
  • dianne4toyotadianne4toyota Member Posts: 343
    I have read here off and on that the "VD" and "HD" options were not easy to find... I notice in my production order summary for the next few months, these are a little more readily available here where I am. I even have a few Limiteds with those items available trickling in. Perhaps it's the same case in other regions of the US?
    Di
  • sjzsjz Member Posts: 33
    Thanks, daltex.
    Too late for me to order an HL with the compass, as I already have the car. Maybe I'll look around for a decent looking aftermarket compass. The electrochromatic mirror portion of it isn't as important to us.
    -Steve
  • wd5938wd5938 Member Posts: 19
    Reference the side airbags w/cloth seats, my Highlander has them. The seats that have the side airbags are labled as such on the door side of each seat, down where the seat back meets the seat cushion. I don't know where you heard they were only available on leather-trimmed seats. I checked the brochure and there is no mention in there about them requiring leather seats. Anyone else have them with cloth seats? By the way this is my first Toyota (had a 1997 Jeep Gr. Cherokee) and for the past year have been following the development of the 2002 Trailblazer and was considering the Jeep Liberty. After seeing and test driving the Highlander, and reading posts on this board, I decided to get one. This is the quietest/smoothest vehicle I have ever had and am very satisfied.
  • tlcjactlcjac Member Posts: 10
    I too have a Highlander with cloth seats and side airbags. It wasn't as common, but is a possibility. Maybe you are thinking of the Nissan PF which did require leather seats for side airbags?
  • sjzsjz Member Posts: 33
    Just came back from buying some McGard wheel locks for my HL. I have the alloy wheels, so I needed the "shank"style nuts. Here's the info if anyone is interested.
    Wheel stud size: 12mm x 1.5 thread
    Regular length shank (.580")
    McGard # 21156
    $24.00
    The lock that comes with the set uses a 13/16 socket (21mm works fine, which is the same size as the standard Toyota lug nuts that come with the car).
    Remember, this nut info is for cars with alloy wheels. If you have the steel wheel, you use a tapered "acorn" style nut.
    Hope this helps someone.
    -Steve
  • sjzsjz Member Posts: 33
    My owner's manual mentions a "tool bag" in the same tray that hold the lug wrench and jack handle. I see nothing like that. Before I call the dealer, does anyone else have it, and what does it consist of?
    Thanks,
    -Steve
  • gerry16gerry16 Member Posts: 2
    I am probably going to buy a Highlander (primarily for the Toyota reliability) but as a retiree I would prefer the economy of the V4. Would a V4 owner post a message telling me:
    1. your actual gas mileage
    2. is the power adequate or is the V4 an embarrassment on hills?
    (I will not be towing or carrying more than the usual amounts of stuff.)
    Thanks!
  • skyrebskyreb Member Posts: 129
    Not long ago I inquired at my Toyota Dealer about the availability of an outside thermometer. The parts department showed me a page from their catelogue where thermometers are available from Toyota in the inside rear view mirror for most of Toyota's vehicles EXCEPT the HL. The price was steep, about $295 as I recall, plus installation. He said it was no easy installation, involving removal of many interior surfaces. He expressed a "guarded" opinion that Toyota would eventually include the HL in the option list (on the basis that most of the other models are included).

    I would really like to have such a guage, but I do not think it is worth $295. I know on the Ford Escape board the same issue was discussed, and a supplier by the name of Donnally provided such a mirror w/ thermometer, but I believe it was about the same costs.

    If anyone finds any other availability, please post the information.

    Happy motoring!!
  • sjzsjz Member Posts: 33
    Check out:

    <http://store.yahoo.com/toyotaguys/avxlautdimmi.html>

    It has mirrors for many Toyotas (except HL), but I can't see why *it* would be much different. For the models with only a electrochromatic mirror and compass, I wonder if it just needs a 12v supply, and that everything else in contained in the mirror?


    On a side note, here is info about the RS3200 security system. Again Highlander is not mentioned, but if you're interested, you could email these guys.

    <http://www.toyotaguys.com/toyotaguys/viprsalin.html>

    -Steve

  • gluizgluiz Member Posts: 17
    I have a call into my dealer to figure this out. I too noticed it mentioned in the manual but not in the vehicle. So far he said he has never seen it in any of theirs but is looking into it.
  • gluizgluiz Member Posts: 17
    Why only ivory? At least in the US, Limiteds come in gray cloth, ivory cloth, and ivory leather. The cover is available with any of those. In fact, the cover is avaialable on non-limiteds also. It is part of the convenience package (which is only $320US and included keyless entry and illuminated entry). Do you have clips/slots on the sides of the rear to accept the cover? I am pretty sure mine are molded in. Send me a private email.
  • montanabill1montanabill1 Member Posts: 12
    Sorry- I misread the fine print by one line. Side airbags can come with cloth. There are so many exceptions with the HL that it got confusing. Like no charcoal leather with any exterior color. Guess you still need the leather package to get heated seats tho. Thanks for setting me straight!! Has anybody seen a HL with the Limited package, cloth seats, side airbags, and VSC. That is all I want but doubt they ever arrive that way.
  • drew_drew_ Member Posts: 3,382
    Donnelly makes aftermarket electrochromatic auto dimming mirrors that can be retrofitted to just about any vehicle. Your choice of a built-in compass + outside temperature gauge, or built-in compass and map lights at the base of the mirror (great at night since they don't shine into your eyes and mess up your night vision).


    Check it out here:

    http://www.donnellye.com/products.htm


    Cost for either the ECL or ECT mirror is about US$200.

    Hope this helps!

    Drew
    Host
    Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket and Accessories message boards

  • sjzsjz Member Posts: 33
    Thanks, Drew...that's just what I'm looking for!
    -Steve
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