Toyota Highlander

gpolt · January 2001

Read somewhere tha Toyota will be releasing prices tomorrow, Tuesday the 9th. Any truth?

cliffy1 · January 2001

No body has told me that but I wouldn't doubt it. It seems they actually released it to us about a week ago and quickly pulled the information from our systems. We are supposed to have this in the dealership before the end of this month.

texbean · January 2001

Appreciate the quick response. It's tempting to come up to DC and buy, but we can barely get any decent service from our dealers when we buy the car at their dealership. I had a Camry I bought in Austin and these guys acted like they were doing me a favor when I needed a little warranty service. I can imagine their response to one bought in DC.

cliffy1 · January 2001

I understand completely. I'm actually an advocate of local buying but if you can't work something out locally, you can always feel free to contact me directly at sclifford@kjtoyota.com

iceguys · January 2001

I am sold on the highlander after leasing a bomb of a SUV, 1999 Jeep grand Cherokee. I was wondering if there is an option to including a console. Is there at least an armrest like a captains chair? I have a bad shoulder and need something to rest it on now and then.
Thanks

dbrewer1 · January 2001

The Highlander pricing was released today. The news release is at Toyota.com:

http://www.toyota.com/html/about/news/archive/press_release/product/docs/2001/20010108highpricing.jsp

dianne4toyota · January 2001

I have the pricing for the Highlanders, and the option code info, will post right here.

First, the codes:

AG = Appearance Package = 225/70R16 aluminum alloy wheels, full size aluminum spare, color keyed mudguards, privacy glass.
$890

AW = alloy wheels + alum. spare (see size above)
$500

BE = side impact airbags
$250

CQ = convenience package = keyless entry + tonneau cover.
$320

DJ = premium 3-in-1 audo with 8 speaker JBL with single CD/cassette in dash.
$395

EH = heated, foldable pwr outside mirrors.
$30

EJ = Premium 3-in-one with CD changer = same as is the *DJ* but with the 6-disc in dash changer added (with JBL and 8 speakers)
$595

HD = seat heaters (driver, passenger)
$440

HE = preferred package = 8-way power driver's seat, Homelink Garage Door opener with Illuminated visor.
$645

LA = leather package (****requires LL package)
$1015

LL = Limited package = Fog lamps, rear spoiler, 225/70R16 alum alloys with alloy full-sized spare, roof rack system, wood trim, leather shifter and steering wheel, automatic air cond, keyless entry, daytime runn lights, pwr driver's seat, Homelink, Heated outside dual mirrors, immobilizer/alarm, privacy glass, tonneau cover. (requires DJ or EJ)
$3495

MG = mudguards (color keyed)
$80

PE = power seat, 8 way for the driver.
$390

QO = quick order package = Keyless entry with remotes, privacy glass, tonneau cover. (requires HE or UZ)
$630

SR = pwr sunroof
$815

TO = tow prep
$160

UZ = prewired for alarm
$0

UQ = Tow hitch & converter
$290

VD = vehicle skid control (with traction control)
$850

Keep in mind that certain models are not available with certain options, like the 4cyl Highlanders cannot have LA, LL, DJ, EJ, AG, CQ, or HD.

Models are:
6910 = 2WD 4cyl ...$23995 base price
6914 = 2WD V6......$25575 "
6920 = 4WD 4cyl....$25395 "
6924 = 4WD V6......$26975 "

Hope that helps. I have seen the colors, and they all really look nice. I'm planning a trip to the LA auto show for a closer look! Maybe I can talk the spouse outta the PT Cruiser yet, with the advent of this fine car!!!
I have a heck of a lot of these on their way, and I am selling them at MSRP and below, especially the 4WDs.

Dianne
dianne@earthlink.net

dniehus · January 2001

Am somewhat relieved at the base pricing for the 4x4, V6, but that leaves lots of stuff off. Wonder how much more the Limited will be? Also the press release (which may not be complete), doesn't make it clear that the CD is a 6 in dash, or that the Limited presumably will include leather and a moonroof. It certainly should be if it truly is to be considered "loaded". Will be very interested to see the detailed pricing and availability of options for the base 4x4, V6. I'd certainly like to be able to purchase a nicely configured Highlander for around $30K. Otherwise I may go with a certified, pre-owned RX300.

dianne4toyota · January 2001

I have taken my fair share of bomb SUVs in here recently on Sequoia, 4Runners, and soon, the Highlander.

Jeep SUVs fall faster in value second only to the Explorers. It's a shock to see how awfully buried folks are unless they lease short-term and have a light at the end of their 3-yr tunnel.

Dianne
dianne@earthlink.net

cliffy1 · January 2001

The "limited" is an option package. Take the 4x4 V6 price and add the "LL" package plus things like EJ, LA and SR. Unlike the 4Runner, the Limited is not a different model.

mdx1 · January 2001

It looks like about $33,000 after adding LL, EJ, LA and SR to the base price of 4WD V6.

bostnwhalr · January 2001

Houtexan,

You made a good choice with the MD-X, but listen to yourself boasting. It sounds like you had something to prove, essentially implying that you're so much smarter for picking a MD-X over a Highlander. But, everyone knows that the Motor Trend Car of the Year Award is one big advertising opportunity for the "lucky" car manufacturer that wins. Motor Trend sells the Car of the Year award to manufacturers as a special advertising Opportunity. When the ML was introduced in October 1997, it was by far more popular in terms of a waiting list when it came out. At that point, there were 200 people with deposits at the local dealership in RI. That's a nearly one year wait. Are people paying $5k-$10 over list to get one? I was offered $5k over MSRP in Dec 1997 for my parents new ML. I haven't seen any MD-X's for sale at those kinds of premiums though a local car dealer had 4 MDX's advertised in the Boston Globe this past weekend with the tag line "at a discount".

I'm a big Honda fan, having owned a 1999 Odyssey. However, there are certain things about the MDX that may not be right for everyone. It's minivan platform means it's WIDE at 76", just 2" narrower than a Suburban which stinks for those of us with relatively narrow garages. Being wide also means more door dings in crowded parking lots, especially considering the lack of side rub rails on the MDX. Plus if you don't need the third row, why pay for it? I agree that the MDX is a very good value relative the RX300, but the touring package is a big ripoff and the roofrack is pretty cheesy. You were smart to get the base model.

Having said that, I do think the Highlander is priced a bit higher than expected at $33k loaded. I'm surprised that the Limited package does not include leather. It goes against Toyota's Sequoia and 4Runner Limited models which both have leather with their Limited models. It is true that the RAV4 Limited package does not come with leather. The Highlander has the same pricing issues with the RAV4. It starts out as a good deal, but you have to be careful with the option sheet or it gets over $25k for a mini-ute. At least Honda gives you the straight dope and doesn't charge you extra for it.

I guess it's all in what you compare it too. Compared to the RX, it's a heck of a deal. But then again, I can't see spending over $40k for what is essentially a AWD Tall Camry wagon with tons of options. At $33k and more space, the Highlander's a better deal, no doubt about it. And you know, it will be as reliable as can be.

dichelle · January 2001

To: dianne4toyota

You mentioned the colors all look nice--what are they? Also, am I correct in assuming that the base prices you quoted include a $480 destination fee? That's the amount by which they exceed the ones listed on the Toyota web site.

Thanks for all the info you've posted

cliffy1 · January 2001

Here's something odd. I went on to the TDN system this morning and discovered that Toyota has indeed released pricing to us. I saw a list of all my incoming units with the MSRP of each. I then ran an individual inquiry to pull the details and invoice and they still will not let me. I know the total MSRP but not the option costs, nor the invoice. Dianne may have more info than me but here is a sample of what I have coming in.

4x4 V6 with SR, BE, TO, UQ, VD, LL, EJ, LA, HD, CF, GN WL. MSRP of $35152. This has everything you can stuff on to one.

4x4 V6 with SR, BE, TO, LL, EJ, CF. MSRP is $32460. This is a pretty nicely loaded Limited but does not have the leather or VSC.

Again, I'll be posting more as I get it. You can also check out our web site at www.kjtoyota.com. Click on "Showroom" and then "Build a Toyota". This is one of the easier option and invoice services I have seen. The Highlander will be on it shortly.

jollyj · January 2001

I am interested in maybe purchasing a Highlander. I was wondering if you are going to get any base models in.

cliffy1 · January 2001

...by base model. I will have several 4x4 4 cylinders coming in without things like the Limited package and leather. I'll be able to check prices on those later today. If you would like to discuss this "off line" you can e-mail me at sclifford@kjtoyota.com.

cliffy1 · January 2001

I pulled our incoiming 4x4 4 cylinders today as well. With AW, MR, DR, PE, SR, TO, QO, UZ, CF, GN, RF, SK, V5, WL, the MSRP is $29293.

I have another coming with MG, DR, QO, HE, V5, RF, GN, CF, and that MSRP is $27820.

tonychrys · January 2001

Do they have an option for steering wheel mounted radio controls? Or is this feature a no-show like the RX300?

Thanks,
TC

cliffy1 · January 2001

It is likely you will be left with the horrors of reaching to the dash. I'll have one at the dealership for about an hour today. I'll report if I find otherwise.

cattmandu · January 2001

OK, spent last nite at the LA Auto Show, mainly to check out the new Highlander. I had been
seriously considering buying a RX300, but put off that decision till the Toyota release...
To say this is a Camry on Steroids is an understatement... although(as stated earlier), it
is much sportier in the flesh than pics show. The interior is pure mini van, down to the pass-
thru between the front seats(a console will be available, and a good thing, as this car has
the WORST between-seats, fragile fold-up cup holders). Fit and finish are very good, although the carpeting is very cheap... it was already worn through in places(I know they see a lot of traffic, but so did the other cars, and theirs was fine)... the CD changer is feed-in, but alas, no
wheel-mounted controls are available. Very few other creature comforts, pure utility. We dubbed it the RX299MV(for mini van)...
The models shown were a fully-loaded 4WD and a fully loaded 2WD. The 4wd stickered at 34,300 I believe, the 2WD 2000.00 less. Now, here in LA, I can get a AWD RX300, with Value Plus Pkg., for 34,500.... the Toyota girl implied that, after initial intro(in March), dealers will want
MSRP., so unless one waits till, say, November, the Lexus seems a better deal... unless you need the extra inches in length.
Another interesting tidbit... the Toy girl said the Highlander is built on the ES platform, and next model year the RX300 will be built on the same one(it is presently built on the smaller Camry plat), so it will gain the extra length next year.
Think I'll wait and see what happens to the pricing....

tonychrys · January 2001

Believe it or not, it IS A HORROR to reach the dash in the RX300... ever check out that distracting LCD console?? Trying to change radio stations is not intuitive.

I channel surf a lot and going at 75mph and reach for the dash is not very safe. Then again, neither is going 75mph.

cattmandu · January 2001

So true, tonychrys... even the $19,000 Pontiac Aztec has wheel-mounted controls...

dianne4toyota · January 2001

It's very interesting to see your "stock" and equipment... I was re-allocated more, and I did get a few "base models"... 6910 with QO DR UZ CF and MSRP is $25015 on a car like that.
The 6914 is what they seem to shipping the most here to California, and the 6924 (the 4WD V6) is what I will be selling for under MSRP because historically, I don't hold 4WDs for ransom. We don't sell a ton of 4WDs outta here except for the ones I roll thru fleet.
Most of my 4WDs with DR SR TO AG CQ HE CF have an MSRP of $30195. I do have one 6924 with SR BE TO LL EJ LA CF that will probably MSRP for about $35000.

Anyway, our bread and butter cars for Highlander is sure to be the 2WD V6 model here. Average MSRPs are 28300 to over $32000 with leather/LL packages.

Dianne
dianne@earthlink.net

dianne4toyota · January 2001

Notes: leather package not available on the 4cyl Highlanders, and the only leather from factory available is ivory (beige).

Colors are as follows:

super white / ivory or gray cloth interior.
millennium silver / gray cloth
black / ivory or gray cloth
sundown red pearl / ivory or gray cloth
vintage gold / ivory cloth
electric green mica / ivory or gray cloth
indigo ink pearl (deep navy blue) / ivory or gray cloth
bluestone metallic (sorta grayish blue, pretty!) / ivory or gray cloth.

Anything with an available ivory interior in a V6 will also be available with ivory leather upgrade.

-Dianne

tonychrys · January 2001

Yup! So does my $20k Pontiac Grand Am. To not have steering wheel controls on a luxery vehicle is unheard of.

tonychrys · January 2001

Diane said "I do have one 6924 with SR BE TO LL EJ LA CF that will probably MSRP for about $35000. "

At $35k you are approaching RX300 territory. Didn't the geniues at Toyota figure out they would be gutting the RX300 market? Talk about eating your own....

canadiancl · January 2001

Does it have the dreaded foot-operated parking brake? If so, is it a "push on, push off" design or a separate hand-lever release? Actually I don't like either one. On a rental Caravan, I kept popping open the hood when I reached for the parking brake release without looking. And the "push on, push off" type is not instinctive.

msu79gt82 · January 2001

At $35K you are at Acura MDX base. I cannot imagine passing over the $34,850 MDX for a Highlander at or even near that price. Toyota has over priced the Highlander V6 4wd Limited with Leather.

However the Highlander 2wd V6 with cloth seats may be a good buy.

cattmandu · January 2001

I think the plan is to fill the "in-between" niche... which the lower trim models will do nicely.
But when I compare the loaded model with the comparably equipped competition, it does not compete...

And yes, the parking brake is foot operated

dianne4toyota · January 2001

Much like the Avalon is priced close to the ES300, and the Landcruiser's placed right close to the LX470, the Highlander's placement with the Lexus RX300 is just right. Plenty of people like the car-like luxury and smoothness of the RX but don't care for the ovate shape. And, the "L" on the car tends to intimidate the buyers who fear going upscale. At times, it's a credit issue. Toyota financing will often deal differently than Lexus, and candidly, the Lexus doesn't offer the car in a 4Cyl. I think they covered their bases nicely for many reasons. We get the "cheapies" as we're not the "upscale" Toyota as Lexus is. You can't find an RX300 for $25,000 to $30,000 MSRP. I think their bringing the Highlander to the table at this point is a good thing. It also introduces folks who, when they go upscale, are more likely to "upscale" with Lexus vs. moving to Mercedes, Acura, Rover, etc. and it improves brand loyalty.

Citing that a $35000 Highlander is too close to the pricing for the Lexus RX300 only a TINY part of the issue. Look at the glass being half full vs. half empty. I have one $35,000 LOADED Highlander (whoopie, how many buyers will really want one that way?) and 22 others at $25000 to $30,000!

-Dianne
dianne@earthlink.net

cattmandu · January 2001

I think you put things in perspective... the different demographics of the crowds at the Toy and Lex displays at the Show play that out... the families were ecstatic with the Highlander, the "higher-end" consumers sniffed and moved to the Lexus...

cliffy1 · January 2001

The Highlander will be out very shortly. Don't start those nails in its coffin yet. Similar predictions abounded just before the Sequoia came out and we can't keep those in stock. The vehcile will not meet every need, but I am guessing that it will get more than a few.

dichelle · January 2001

...among the vehicles w options that cliffy and dianne have posted. Looks like Dianne is getting mostly V6 2WD, which makes sense in CA, but I notice that the only ones with side air bags ($250 option) also come with the limited package ($3495). And none with VSC, but that would be standard on an RX even with only 2WD. Maybe this would be different in some other part of the country.

Cliffy (based on the post a few days ago about production for the mid atlantic region) looks to be getting a lot of fairly loaded V6 4WD with the limited package, some with leather, some without. Again, to get side air bags and VSC, which I want, I'd have to get the expensive limited package. To get auto on/off headlights and daytime running lights on a Highlander, it appears you need the limited package, although these are readily available on a mid-level Camry.

Are other people seeing what they want in what Toyota seems to be building?

tonychrys · January 2001

The way Toyota is "optioning" these vehicles is ridiculous... The build plant is in Japan. What's the purpose in making so many items "options". When's the last time somebody actually custom ordered one of these things?? Whenever you go to the dealer it's "we get what we get off the boat. Take it or leave it, or maybe we can trade with another dealer." Puhleeze.

Just put together some trim levels and be done with it Toyota. It only makes sense to offer the consumer so many discrete options when the order-to-build-to-delivery time is reasonable. On most domestically built models that's about 4 - 5 weeks.

I'm more than willing to give Toyota or any other car manufacturer my money... just don't make it harder than it needs to be.

I'm done ranting.

hislander · January 2001

Wishing one of the "big 3" can produce cars like Toyota so that we don't have to worry much about price/supply/demand....Wouldn't it be nice if we can come down to the dealer, pay over/under invoice, and drive out the lot with a spanking new Ford's hilander, GM's MDX, or Chrysler's Sequoia...Now the worst reality is that I have to compete with you guys to get one of those Highlanders...Don't know whom I should blame on, us or them...

melvin8 · January 2001

The more options they list, the longer it takes to order; Get a car in stock with options you don't want but without options you want? Ok but how much? the more confused you are, the more money the sales pockets. It just leverages the Toyota sales person to play more price games with you. Don't forget to bring a list of MSRP/dealer cost for all options with you. I like the Honda/Acura way of approaching option/price.

melvin8 · January 2001

"On a rental Caravan, I kept popping open the hood when I reached for the parking brake release without looking"

Your comment reminded me a joke:

European tourists going back home after visiting the US kept breaking their windshield wiper lever on their own cars in order to shift the gear out of park.

cliffy1 · January 2001

It is typical of Toyota to experiment in the first few months with options. They will see what sells best. If demand is for stripped models, that is what we will be seeing in 4 to 5 months. If the loaded ones sell within days of arrival, that will be all you can get. It is a perfect example of supply and demand.

Now, there is one other reason to make such extensive option lists. These are imported vehicles. US government tarriffs are assessed on the BASE price, not the total price. By having many options, the base price is kept lower.

Again, patience folks, patience.

troyy2k · January 2001

I read about a Highlander model that has titanium-colored dash accents instead of the wood trim. Is this the base model Highlander? or is there going to be an SE model?

scname · January 2001

$24000 to $29000 range.

http://www.autonews.com/html/main/stories/highlander108.htm

qgu · January 2001

I looked at the MSRP released by Toyota. A top line 4x4 v6 will start at about $26500. After looking at the standard list, I want to add alloy wheels, roof rack, and fog lamps which will put the price around $28000. Am I right?

Comparing with the price of Acura MDX, I think Toyota is just too greedy. But I am going to see a Toyota dealer anyway. If the dealer quotes well above $28000, that will drive me to the MDX. I just don't understand how a $35K highlander can compete with MDX or RX300. Toyota must be out of mind.

gpolt · January 2001

Dianne, your posting of prices (#159)- just to verify: Your base prices do they or do they not include freight? Thanks.

dianne4toyota · January 2001

Yes, those prices are with the freight. I posted actual MSRP on the site. To the dime.

lfan · January 2001

I saw a Highlander at the Dealer in MD today. It was driven by a Mid-Atlantic Toyota rep. The model was a Limited 4WD with cloth seats. IMHO, my initial impression about the styling was that it resembled a stretched and raised Forester. I really want to like its looks but was somewhat disappointed. Several of the sales persons concurred, they made comments that seem to indicate that they were hoping for more dynamic styling. Anyhow, it appears to be priced right ($27-$29K) as long as the options sheet doesn't get carried away. The sales person said that 60% of the initial delivered models will be optioned out to Limited level. I still look forward to test driving it when it becomes available later this month.

cattmandu · January 2001

Seems to me I should wait a few months(year?) till the playing field is a bit equal...
The MDX and Highlander will be getting artificially high prices until the excitement
wears off...the model I saw(and would want) at the Show(with leather, upgraded audio, AWD, but no VSC) stickered at 34,500.00(27-290000??? Sure)Until dealers can deal down from there, why bother?
And what happens when they start dealing on the MDX? Already I can get a RX300 for about the same price...

lfan · January 2001

The Limited model is not what I am interested in. I am merely indicated the MSRP. price range for the model I want:

2WD V6 $25,575 (includes freight)
GA Appearance Pkg $890
IQ Keyless + cover $320
BE Side Airbag $250
= $27035

Since supply is likely to be focussed on higher end models at least initially, I am willing to wait. I can order it and accept the several months lead time for it to get here from Japan. It's going to be a 3rd vehicle anyway with 2 drivers in the household

dichelle · January 2001

I talked to my Toyota salesman yesterday. He said that the person who orders all the vehicles for our region--some dude in Kansas City--decided that the first group to arrive will ALL be high end models and all will have leather. I don't call that experimenting with options, I call that hoping people are excited enough about the vehicle to buy it however they can get it. Sounds like other regions are being more sensible--maybe I will go somewhere else to get one. Almost wish I could buy an MDX, but it's too big, I need to leave room in the garage for my husband's car. And I really don't want to pay that much.

I'm glad someone explained that options lower the base price on which tariffs are based. Now I know why cloth seats are supposedly standard on the RX, but they don't actually build any that way.

inky · January 2001

Looks to me that a heavily discounted RX300 is a vastly better deal than a loaded Highlander. The Lexus differences are nice. Granted you can in theory get a 2wd Highlander V-6 for around $24-26 but I bet none come without all the goodies. I live in Gulf States region. I bet I see a $35k Highlander before all is said and done.
INKY

inky · January 2001

$34,655 is what it all adds up to with AWD and every option similiar to RX 300. I have seen RX's going for (AWD) around $35-36k. So what is the advantage in the Highlander?
INKY

texashombre · January 2001

A year ago, my brother bought the 2000 4Runner V6 AWD SR5 Auto with several option packages including key less entry, DC, air, towing hitch and several other things (almost like Honda EX without sunroof and leather) for $26,000. So out the door he paid less than 30K.

I saw the Motor Trend magazine last night and Burgundy looked good (headlights are still iffy though). Tempting but if this vehicle competes with Escape, Tribute, and manta be how could they justify the price? More than 4Runner?

Maybe wait for Honda version of MDX? (Lot less headache with options package) What do you guys think? Thanks.

Toyota Highlander

Comments

Helpful Tools

Most popular vehicles

Your Privacy