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ROFLMAO!!!
I can see where geographical differences make for different obstacles!
In SoCal, that's a "SoccerMom on CelPhone on the 405 with fighting kids in an SUV Avoidance Test!!!"
--Dianne
If you were driving a vehicle with a four-speed overdrive, I would recommend that you only use the overdrive at speeds above 40 mph and on relatively flat road surfaces. I believe your new HL is geared correctly, and you can leave it in fourth gear for general driving and lockout fourth when driving in mountainous terrain. The HL is one of the few vehicles I have driven recently that I didn't feel that I had to shift into third gear just for general use.
Fuel economy losses with your HL will be minimal without overdrive. The manufacturers are very sensitive to mileage ratings but they also know that performance is critical, so everything is a compromise. I believe Toyota has done a terrific job with your HL, so just put it in fourth and drive smoothly and carefully!
Di
This is also basically the dynamic test that Consumer Reports basically uses to test the stability of SUVs...far better than the NHTSA's static mathematical rollover formula, IMHO. It's also quite a plausable situation in real life, as you can imagine. A stability control system (ex. ESP) pays huge dividends in this test, especially if the road is slippery. Most drivers lack the ability to control the vehicle after swerving the first time, and end up falling victim to snap oversteer (where the backend comes around the second time) possibly when they overcorrect...sounds familiar, eh, mkstring ;-)
Drew
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Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket & Accessories message boards
we're out there, but HLs are very rare sightings on Oahu indeed! My un-official count to date in Honolulu is: 2 Bluestones (one Limited), 3 Silvers (all Limited), 1 White, 2 Gold, 1 Black. I think there's an Indigo Ink out there, but I haven't seen it on the road. The black one I saw getting licensed at the dealer - it was sold but I haven't seen it actually on the highway.
Also of interest, I have not seen any red HLs here, even in the Toyota processing yard.
1. Can you get an auto-dimming mirror?
2. If you get the leather package can you get an Ivory colored dashboard instead of the black one?
3. Have any of you experienced any problems with the car?
4. Have any of you experienced rattling or squeaking in the car?
5. If I choose VSC, which I would like, do I get the LSD, because when I configure the car online the LSD is no longer an option when I choose VSC.
6. What is your experience with the JBL sound system, does it sound good? A very important option for my son!
7. Is the cabin well isolated at highway speeds?
8. Is the ride soft and comfortable yet controlled?
9. Does the car fell tipsy?
10. Is there any info on the 2002 models and when they will be released?
11. Is the power from the V6 smooth yet aggressive?
12. Has any one driven the car in the snow? How did it hand and how easy was it to manage the snow?
13. Are there any safety reports for the Highlander?
14. Is the alarm included in the Limited Package?
15. Is the remote keyless entry included with the Limited Package?
I’m sorry for all of the questions, but this is a big deal to my son being his first car and all.
Thanks
Jamie
I know the two that I test drove (one I ended up buying) I did a parking lot test(yes it was empty) going around the tree planters basically a cone test of sorts to feel the handling and ability to control the vehicle. The second test was the 0 - 60 test and slam on the brakes. I was amazed that the vehicle did not even swerve at all. The vehicle went completely straight. The salesman who was with me suggested this to check out the ABS.
For the money the Highlander was my choice!!!!! I picked it up last Friday and of course on all our errands this weekend we went in the Highlander.
1.) Yes, after market about $200. But why bother, flip the mirror! See "after market' posts.
2.) Don't know.
3.) Nope.. I've got 5200 miles on my AWD V6, Ltd.
4.)Nope
5.)VSC...just say no to LSD..:-)
6.) JBL is great... listen from everything from PR radio to Stones. I did add an Infinity "Basslink" subwoofer to increase the bottom end a bit. Check out Nexxon.com for great price.
7.) The car is quiet at 70 mph...The JBL will cover up any noise anyhow.
8.) Ride is fine...You can upgrade to Bilstein shocks at a later date if you want firmer ride.
9.) No..see #8 above.
10.) 2001s have only been out 2 months.
11.)220 HP. Add Borella "cat back" exhaust for more agressive exhaust note.
12.) Great in snow with VSC...Depending on where car is to be used, you may wanna look at a more agressive tire however.
13.) It's safe...
14.)Yes.
15.)Yes.
You wouldnt be looking to adopt another kid would you. Already been to college...just looking for someone to bankroll my HL. LOL. Might even tell you where to get fender flares at jobber cost.
Good Luck... Hobie1981
1. Don't know
2. Top of the dash is dark, bottom half is ivory
3. No problems, love it !
4. No rattles, no squeaks, it's quiet!
5. I think the VSD makes LSD null and void?
6. The JBL is fine, better than the Bose I had in my Honda.
7. Quiet so far, unless you roll down the back windows at highway speed with the front windows up.
8. Comfy !
9. No, very stable - drives like a car. Just take it easy on turns, all SUVs can roll easier due to their height.
10. As Hobie1981 says, it's only 2 months old...
11. V6 is great, can be aggressive when you need to punch it.
12. Snow ?????????????? ? ?? ?
13. Compare safety reports for the Lexus RX300, it's built basically the same.
14. Yes. No glass breakage sensor.
15. Yes.
Aloha!
Mine should be ready for delivery Wednesday or Thursday, it is at VPC getting prepped and also the "doublestick tape treatment". Wish I could get a picture of the salesman scratching their heads when the first place I look is under the dash at the sticky tape, thanks for the tip with location of the Glass breakage sensor. I agree with the comment, why isn't this part of the alarm...
Sightings in Hawaii, Kaimuki's demo is Red and there is an unsold Bluestone (6914 LL VD DJ) on display at the UH credit union on King St. next door to McCully Chop Suey. It is the Bluestone I had an agreement on, but swapped for my soon to be delivered White one. Looking forward to seeing each other out on the road, Aloha
Well, they said that they could not resell that car at the dealership in that condition and it would have to go to auction. Is this true?
Please advise...I really want this HL and if what they say is true, maybe I won't be able to get above $13K for my car. Help!
Nutso in Miami
1) It's a PIO - Port Installed Option. I have it on mine. You can also add it later (aka aftermarket).
2)
3) after the 1600 posts on this discussion list, they only issue I heard was the tire overinflation issue from the factory/dealer (40 psi, rather than 32)
4) I think I'm hearing the suspension settling in when I'm at a sharp turn angle and backing out of my driveway (I have a large drop). If it persists after 1000 miles, I'm having it looked at.
5) I WISH I had VSD. It not only helps in snow, but in emergency maneuvers on dry surfaces.
6) I have the 3-in-1 upgrade, not the full JBL system, and it's plenty loud without distortion, but not like a system with 12" subs in the back and hi/mids in the front.
7) From road noise, no - tires play a big role in this. In strong cross winds, there's a decent amount of wind noise (to be expected), and with only certain windows down, there's a pressure variance that causes a repeated annoying low thump. Just lower other windows a bit and it goes away.
8) soft and comfortable are just the words I would pick...
9) Going at 75-85, I have this feeling that if I need to turn suddenly (not a good idea anyway), the momentum will cause the vehicle to lose traction - THIS is mainly due to my accident with it - and I'm paranoid about that now BUT then I lost control of it (my fault, btw), it didn't even feel like is was going to roll - it just fishtailed. And, after the accident, I REALLY had a good feeling of the HL's safety.
10) Toyota runs a August to July model year. Look for 2002 info around the change, especially at car shows (carpoint covers most of them).
11) yep - there's been some really good posts about that over the past week
12) i don't have snow in Houston - but the comments from those that do were it is really stable on snow - I reiterate the comment about the tires - get good ones to get good snow handling
13) For safety, I would look at the Lexus RX300 - it and Highlander share a lot in design - same platform, built in same plant, etc.
14) repeating: yes and ruby posted that the glass breakage sensor is a PIO
15) again: yes. I have it on my base model as an option.
If you have about 3 hours, go back and read thru all the posts in this list - there a LOT of great info on the Highlander from owners and they can after many of your questions as well. And, my accident story's in there. Again, it was mainly due to inexperience with the vehicle. I'm looking for a driving class in Texas for me and my wife (thanks Drew for the pics!).
Buenos tacos!
Now, you say the car had 2000 miles when you bought it. You may have some recourse against the selling dealer if you wanted to pursue it. This will take a lot of time and a lawyer and it might not be worth it at this point. If the car was untitled, they had to have known about the damage and would have been required to tell you about it. If it had been titled, they might be able to argue that they didn't know about it.
Honestly, if "book" value is around $15K and they are giving $13K with frame damage, they are being fair. If you are in doubt about the condition, take it to a shop to verify it. You can also call me at 703-269-1478 and I'll talk to you about some tips on how you can tell if it has been wacked. Its a bit too much to post here but in 5 minutes, I can tell you how to spot paint work and weld spots.
Would love to see what it looks like.
Jamie
1. Texas World Speedway events
2. Motorsport Ranch
Click on the event that you're interested in for more details. No excuses now for not being able to find one ;-) ;-) Frankly, you guys are lucky to be able to have the opportunity to learn at a world class facility such as the Speedway.
I hope this helps!
Drew
Host
Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket & Accessories message boards
There is a picture of a Green HL with (PIO) fender flares at www.villagetoyota.com. Look under their New Inventory link for HLs. (Sorry, no direct address link to the picture.)
I too am interested in any other pictures of HLs with flares, particularly Silver.
My dealer said that it would be 120 days but implied that it could be as few as 60-90 days.
QUESTION:
Anyone out there with experience on factory orders i.e. amount of time they are taking etc?
DISCLAIMER:
As I stated in a previous post, I could have found one that I would be happy with, but my wife, the lovely Miss Linda (TLML) aka Miss Me First Always, insisted on certain options including side air bags, VSC, and after-market gray leather.
Thanks,
Impe
I think it's worth the wait if you get what you want. I'm also getting the gray leather installed at the port which takes even longer.
Anyhow, you and TLML are smart for ordering and waiting on side air bags and VSC. If you start to question your decision, do what I do...drive to the dealership and look at the HL again - it will erase your doubts!
Good luck - seemomgo
Look at it this way, how would you feel if a dealer quoted you a price of 3% over invoice and then tried to squeeze another 2% or so out of you just because he got the higher price from another customer? Just buy it.
Ivory leather is a $1015 (MSRP) option. The PIO gray leather I have seen is $1429 (MSRP).
I ordered mine the first week of February. The dealer said that the factory would build it in April and have it ready for a May delivery. May falls in that 90 to 120 day window.
My dealer never used the term "preferenced", therefore I am almost sure that this was an specific order request to the factory. In the meantime, I have been checking where I can to see if there is anything close in an incoming inventory; but I think that I will give up looking because I have now justified in my mind that I need every single option that we specified; and yes, I may go to the dealer and take another test drive which I am sure will confirm our decision to get the Highlander.
Concerning the Aftermarket Leather that I mentioned, I need to clarify that it will not be installed at POI, but will be installed at a custom leather installer after it arrives at the dealership. The dealer says that it will be loaded on a truck and taken to and from the custom installer so as not to put mileage on the vehicle. The dealer also said that the custom installer is authorized by Toyota to do this work, and there will be no problem with the side-impact airbag option. We will see. The reason that we went with aftermarket leatheris that my wife, (TLML) did not like the color of the gray POI leather; she chose a graphite (very dark, almost black color). the cost of this will be $1075.00. If Dianne or Cliffy have any observations or caveats on this, it would be good to hear from you.
One more item - I saw a picture of a black HL with the lower body cladding in silver and I thought it was really wonderful looking - really rich. However, TLML does not like it at all so it is a no-no for us.
Thanks,
Impe
After looking at various SUV's, I have decided to purchase a Highlander. The dealers in my area(western Massachusetts)are all selling their Highlanders at MSRP with no break! I am not looking for a fully loaded one but where all all those dealers that are selling theirs at at $1500-2000 over invoice or better?
Sounds good, but what are the options? How much over invoice or under MSRP?
If you are in the Gulf States distribution area, PIO gray leather is still $1015 (MSRP). Our bluestone Ltd. will have it when we get it (hopefully in the next few days!). Be advised that it is a very light gray.
The next day the Check engine light came on again so I left the HL at the dealer again. That was 8 days ago. Now they tell me they need to replace the solenoid valves in the transmission. Fist, Toyota sent them the wrong parts. Then the parts were on back order and when they did come in they were wrong again. I raised holly hell with the Manager of the dealership and told them it is a lemon and want a new car or my money back.
Extremely disappointed in Toyota.
Don't know if it applies to you, but I thought I read somewhere that there was a recall involving the check engine light. Seems that it comes on in error if the ambient temperature is below freezing. Did the tranny seem faulty, or were they just acting on the codes?
-Steve
- Allan -
But, if you hit the AC button, the AC will turn off while the Auto Climate Control will remain on. I had this same question and just played with it a little to see what I could do. I turn the AC off when I don't really think it's needed. It's your call.
Hope this helps!
2500 RPM at 60 MPH
Next time I'm on the highway, I'll try and get readings from 50 to 80.
-Steve
I didn't realize that the Southeast & Gulf states toyota ports are on their own & sell some options that are different than the rest of the country. The Toyota buyer told me that these 2 ports buy the HL completely stripped & install all add-ons themselves & take 100% of the profits from those add-ons. He said that they usually market & install different aluminum wheels, rear spoilers, etc, than the rest of the country. Interesting stuff.
I'm so very grateful to ALL who post on this board. Your information is invaluable. Later!