Toyota Highlander

dianne4toyota · April 2001

Been out of the office for a few days with the darn flu - awful cold came with this one!

Bluestone's not that big of a problem for us, but it sure looks like a terrible problem across the country. I have a few photos of the bluestone posted that I gave the links to earlier...and the latest allocated gave dealers across the country more cars this morning - not JUST me. Check with
your dealers because there were more cars allocated, and perhaps a few in bluestone like I also got. Your own local dealers may also have a few more hard to find cars.

Dianne

justincase · April 2001

I have been using this forum to research buying a new Highlander. It has been a great help. Thought I would give back and relate my experiences. I only found out the Highlander existed a week ago. I was researching SUV's. Found out about the Highlander and kept coming back to it. I went and drove one and had to have one.

I had read in this forum about the popularity of the Bluestone color and how it is hard to find. Well a dealer here (Little Rock, AR) had two of them. Both V6 Limited's, one 4WD and the other not. I got the 4WD. I think it's got everything on it except the side air bags. I am very impressed with the vehicle so far.
MSRP was 35 something. I got it for 33K. Dealer said that a couple of months ago they weren't coming off of the sticker price but now they were.

Not too impressed with the dealer. Didn't have the Floor Mats or the Owners Manual. What's up with that? They are having them shipped in. Will get them in a few days. Salesgirl was cute though, maybe I can get a date as a consolation prize. HA HA.

A question for anyone with the 6 CD in dash player. How do you skip ahead or back through tracks. No buttons that I can see or am I just being stupid?

Haven't noticed the wind noise that people are talking about yet. But I haven't really been looking for it either .

I'll try to post more impressions later once I've gotten to know the SUV.

Thanks all

fourdickinsons · April 2001

That's right! The toyota dealers in Atlanta are offering $300 over invoice on the HL for Sams Club members only. This sounds too good to be true! I have an appt next week to sit down and crunch numbers on a 2WD-V6 with the limited package only (no leather, tow, or JBL sound system, just limited package)at Sandy Springs Toyota. Check this out.

cliffy1 · April 2001

The "seek" button on the left side of the stereo also changes the tracks on the CD.

I'm not sure why you say you're not impressed with the dealership. You got a cute sales girl and a great price. What more do you want?

sbell4 · April 2001

Here is someone in my neck of the woods! Atlanta is a very competitive market with Sandy Springs, Cobb County and Atlanta Toyota. 300 over is a deal any dealer in that area would jump at. I suggest you check clerical fees and doc fees etc, they can turn 300 over into 500-600 over very quickly. That being said, Wow! Isn't nice to live where you are having 5 or 6 dealers ranked in the top 200 Toyota dealers in America within a few hours drive of where you are. Back to my favorite motto, "If there is profit involved, sell the car! We can get one just like it tomorrow!" Pick the dealer that treats you well, get the color and equipment you like and buy ya a Highlander! BTW tell them you don't belong to Sam's club! I bet the deal will still work.

msmdr · April 2001

Hi Gang, I just ordered 2001 HL V6 AWD - in green . I hope to get delivery in two weeks or less. I am excited waiting for my new auto. Spent two weeks and looked at and drove 20+ mid-sized SUVs. I am a very heavyset woman which you think would be my problem in buying a car, but actually, my problem is head room as my body is about 70% body and 30% or less legs. I found the HL to be the only car that was very comfortable, very good looking and affordable. Yes, so were the BMW, Lexus, Accuras - but not for my pocketbook.

What I'm hoping someone can tell me about is the front consoles. I did not get every bell and whistle like 6 ad changer, htd. seats, etc., but got fair amount of options. Problem is: only the fully loaded HLs had consoles. I want a console, as I often use it for glasses, cell phone, iced coffee, etc. The dealers do not seem to have them to buy either. Can anyone tell me about that? Is there a generic console out there which matches the required size? What's the brand? Can any general auto shop install this console or should I have the dealer do it even if it's not their product? Will they install it if it isn't their product? I am also probably going to buy bumper guards which were not an available option. Any suggestions on size or brand? I'm in the south of Boston, MA area.

Still riding around now in my 1989 Chevy S-10 Blazer. (Very glad I found out about the Trailblazer recall just as I went out car shopping.) Been driving SUVs since 1983 (Isuzu and Chevys) , when they still called 'em trucks. I am enjoying reading previous contributor information. Would be grateful for any replies to my questions. Thanks.

gwkiser · April 2001

Hi msmdr.

I don't know why you have been told that you can't get a center console without getting a "loaded" HL. In the Gulf States Toyota distribution area (Texas), it is available as a separate option on ANY HL. Perhaps that isn't the case where you are.

Here it is installed at the port (called a Port Installed Option ...PIO). There has been a lot of discussion as to whether or not it can be installed at the dealer level. This I don't know.

Perhaps some of the Toyota salespersons such as cliffy1 or dianne can help further. You might want to post a message with their names in it so it gets their attention.

Good Luck...

pbagrat · April 2001

I got a quote through Autobuytel for $800 less
than the dealer was asking. V6 with the quick
order package was $23800. Seems like alot considering it doesn't really have any options.
I drove a Mazda Tribute fully loaded; Same price as the stripped Highlander. Of course I much prefer the Highlander. Think I will wait until
August or September and the prices might be more reasonable.

Also, the Autobuytel agent told me if you want a center console (I can't imagine an SUV without one) you have to special-order the vehicle which will take 6 to 8 months. Every other SUV I've driven had the console. Compared to most, the Highlander is a bit pricey with minimal standard features.

tbuchta · April 2001

The standard answer to whether to buy these dealer protection packages is that they are vastly overpriced and in some cases harmful. The paint protection package is perhaps the most bogus, with clear coat finishes all you will accomplish is perhaps to harm your finish. Wax your car a couple of times a year, there is no substitute for it. The undercoating is the next most worthless. Toyotas and most new cars are treated for corrosion resistance. I have used my Camry here in Salt Lake City where they liberally apply road salt (great salt lake!) and have no corrosion problems. As for noise reduction, drive the HL, it is already quieter than my Camry 2which is quieter than most other vehcles, redundant and in some cases harmful if applied to plug drains and gunk up nuts and other parts. Finally, interior protection makes some sense, but generally costs 10 times more than you can do it yourself or have some other aftermarket business do it. If you want expert consumer advice, go to your library and consult past issues of Consumer Reports on the subject.

judgem · April 2001

Just got back from a 2,000 mile trip in the Southeast looking at colleges for our daughter. We have a limited 4WD that was terrific in every aspect of our travel needs. During one leg of the trip, the winds exceeded 30mph and we experienced the scream detected by others. It was very annoying and quite constant in the crosswind. I also believe, as did one other observer, that the noise seems to originate from the driver rear view mirror. As soon as the wind subsided, so did the noise. We traded a Sienna in for our Highlander. We could not be any happier even considering the noise. Great stability, especially when driving next to those giant rigs on 95.

sbell4 · April 2001

Consoles are not available as a Dealer Installed Option at this time. Explanation from SET:

Due to the highly technical procedure for the install of Highlander
consoles, this genuine Toyota part is only available as a Port
Installed Option at this time - PIO # CA10. Please review your
current and future allocations to ensure that you have added CA10 to
your Highlanders. You will not be able to acquire this console for
your customer(s) after the fact.

sjz · April 2001

I have not experienced the wind noise (yet), but if you think its the side view mirror, why not try folding it forward or back next time you hear the noise to see if it changes/disappears?

As far as the possible reason why console installation is considered a "highly technical procedure", it may be because the air bag sensors are in that area. Just a guess.

sjz · April 2001

For anyone interested,

I called Toyotaguys <http://store.yahoo.com/toyotaguys/avxlautdimmi.html> regarding an EC mirror/compass for my HL (it was not available when I bought the HL). Spoke to Chris (nice guy), who wasn't sure which model mirror I needed, since they had no listing, so I took a chance. I ordered one for the Avalon (part# PT732-07000) $255 including shipping. My main concern was making sure the HL's metal windshield button fit the new mirror... & it did.

The mirror came with instructions, a long pigtail to snake into the headliner, a plastic shield to hide the 3" of wire between the mirror mount and headliner, and wire ties...nice setup. I was able to splice into the12VDC+ and ground for the moonroof ECU. The whole job took about 2 hours, only because I took my time, soldered & used heat shrink tubing (plus I'm slow).

The new mirror is about 3/4" wider, and slightly larger top to bottom. I'm happy, & it looks real nice.

If anyone needs specific answers, feel free to email me (sjz@sjz.com).

-Steve

b717 · April 2001

Hi Everybody, Thanks to rubytuesday, I finally found the little microphone for the GBS. It too, like hers, had come unstuck from under the dash. Took so long to find as it had dropped to the floor behind the access panel located below the center cluster of the dash. It was visible once I opened the panel from the passenger side, the one held on by 2 black snap fasteners, a quarter turn with a screw driver and the rest was easy. I have heard the sensitivity is adjustable and would like to find out where that is located. When following the recommended tap on the glass test procedure nothing happens, the only time I have been able to set it off with repeatable success, is if it is in plain view in the compartment. Any place under the dash that I have tried placing it, no triggering occurs.
I do have a similar (VP3000) in my Camry and it is at just about the right amount of sensitivity in my experience. The local Toyota guys are looking for an answer, have not heard back yet. Thanks

hiya2 · April 2001

Although the 2001 HL only arrived in January 01, any word on when the 2002 version may surface? Also, any word on changes that may be made or price adjustments?

s15a · April 2001

Hi,

I'm looking to buy a 4 cylinder Highlander with the Preferred Package(i.e. Power drivers seat). I was told by one dealer on the phone yes its possible. I go there, and then his colleague tells me that this is not possible. All the 4 cylinders don't/can't come with Power driver seats.

Anyone buy a 4 cylinder Highlander? Does it have a power drivers seat? How does it drive?

Anyone willing to share what they paid for 4 cylinder HLs in Dallas/Ft. Worth?

Thanks in advance.

seemomgo · April 2001

Thanks for the link and the info re: isofix car seats. The Fisher-Price is exactly what I've been looking for!

seemomgo :-)

seemomgo · April 2001

My silver V6 4x4 is due to come in mid-May. It will have the appearance, convenience, and preferred packages as well as daytime running lights, roof rack, RS3200 security system, and grey leather.

The only thing I wanted but couldn't get were the fog lights. My dealer's parts dept. said today they could order the HL fog light kit for just under $260. When I asked about the cost of installation, they gave me a quote of $200 saying it would take approx. 3 hours to install.

Has anyone else asked about fog lights for the non-limited HL? What is a reasonable amount of time to expect for installation?

Is there any reason why a knowledgeable friend couldn't, or shouldn't, do it for me? Would it affect my warranty?

All responses will be greatly appreciated! thanks

impe · April 2001

This is for sbell4: In post 1949, you mentioned a facility in Commerce GA. Can you tell me more about this facility.

Just curious because I live about 50 miles from Commerce, and also because the HL that I have on order is supposed to go there for a dark leather (graphite) interior.

Is it a Toyota site?

Thanks,

Impe

jarrad1 · April 2001

Anyone buy a HL recently in Arizona? Just curious about pricing.

Also, has anyone had any luck buying online?

Thanks!

vic01 · April 2001

Hi,
I've had my Highlander for 3 weeks now and I'm still on my free tank of gas! I'm so happy after driving a gas hog (Jeep GR CH V8) for so many years. I was really feeling guilty about polluting the environment so much, never mind the inconvenience of always getting gas. Mine is a Blue stone which I was lucky to snatch up on the day it arrived at my dealer here in S. FL. I had originally ordered a silver, but changed my mind when I saw the blue (my fav color). My only complaint is the light color of the gray cloth seats, as I take my dog with me frequently. Does anyone know where to get covers ready-made for these seats? The armrests look to be a problem when fitting with conventional covers. Thanks

theyat · April 2001

There hasn't been much discussion about leasing a Highlander. If you have leased, please give us some details about price etc.

Thanks!!

judgem · April 2001

I just ordered a custom vinyl rear cargo mat from weathertech.com. They have them in three colors and they are cut to fit the exact dimensions of the rear area. I had one for a Town and Country minivan in the past which saved me from stains and debris marring the carpeting. They are designed with a lip surrounding the entire mat to contain any liquid spills also. They are $99 excluding shipping.

cerdt · April 2001

I live in Seattle and like to purchase a 6 cylinder 2 WD Highlander with power seat as only option. Local dealers tell me that Toyota does not supply base cars and I can only buy a loaded car.
Anyone have names of internet based companies that I can order the car from that are more flexible. Ones that I tried referred me to local dealer, I could have called them myself. Need site adresses that can supply what I want.....

weichi · April 2001

To vic01:
I used ready-made seat covers and just cut a small opening for the armrests. Works wonders and lets the dogs walk all over without having to worry about soiling seats.
Used dark green checkered pattern. Actually looks kind of nice. Only covered the front seats.

hrsdvm · April 2001

I'd appreciate any input on pricing HL's in southeastern PA. I understand that prices vary from one region to the next and would like to get anyone's experience in this area. We've looked at 2 available models; V6 FWD with DE, PE, TO, AG, CQ, UZ. Invoice is $24,628, MSRP is $27,555, dealer willing to accept $26,981 ($2353 or 9.5% profit) The second model is V6, 4WD with DR, TO, CQ, HE. Invoice is $25,366. MSRP is $28,320, dealer willing to accept $27,631 ($2265 or 8.9% profit) The dealer we've spoken to thus far is dropping his price this much since they "can't" be custom-ordered and we'd be getting some accessories that we don't necessarily want (we'd also like a tow hitch and console but I've been following the posts about availability and PIO's).
We're definitely planning to contact other dealers in the area to see if they can beat this dealer's prices on these models or if they have any other packages. I'm a little leery about using one of the online purchasing services, so I'll probably stick to email and fax to negotiate.
Thank you for all your help

hialeahmaria · April 2001

This was in HL Accessories board: #13 of 15 Re: to GTALAVERA and YCR1 by osoriob Apr 13, 2001 (04:47 pm)
I bought my remote control kit a the local pep-boys store.
The remote operated relay kit comes with a complete wire harness,1- 30amp relay, 1- remote receiver box and two portable transmiters (program them, following the steps on the owners manual)to make them work with the buttons on the visor.
Yes you have to connect the power lead to the battery to feed power the relay. and find a good chassis ground.
It took me a good 2 hours two install the kit, make sure you get extra zip-ties because the kit only gives you 3 or 4.
The fog lights I purchased came from a dealer in the carolinas
www.toyotaparts4u.com
Very good service and prices.

Hope it helps! -Maria

hialeahmaria · April 2001

Well, I think I gave my roof rack the ultimate wind noise challenge (unintentionally): I went through a touchless car wash and it power air-dries the car. There were three blowers moving back and forth (sounded like a tornado blowing)and not one whistle or shriek! I hope this means no wind noise for me. Just a thought in case someone else wants to try. :-) BTW, luuuvvvvvvv my HL!

vic01 · April 2001

Thanks for the tip, sounds like a good quick fix to me. Plus, the holes in my seatcovers will go with the socks on my armrests! haha. Whatever keeps my little dog happy!

daltex · April 2001

I'm still looking for my GBS (and no, mine doesn't activate by tapping on the glass either). Where did you actually find yours?

dniehus · April 2001

It really does pay to shop around by email/fax. Pricing/profit varies widely. Best deals I found in Midatlantic area are at James Toyota in Flemington, NJ and Fitzgerald Toyota in Gaithersburg, MD. Both are quoting $1,000-1200 over invoice.

Good luck.

sbell4 · April 2001

It is one of the two locations Southeast Toyota rails vehicles to from the factories. It is a place that stores, equips and distributes vehicles to the dealers that belong to SET. Even though it is not near the sea it is often referred to as a "port" facility and the vehicles on the rail cars are also referred to as "sea stock" units. Of cource, this is because most of teh Toyotas use to come from over seas and the terms stuck!

engage · April 2001

I have just started shopping for a Highlander and am not that familiar yet with the prices so was hoping to get the opinions of the others here.

A dealer here in New England offered me a 4X2 Unlimited 6 cylinder with the appearance package and convenience package that has 1,800 miles on it for $26,500. The dealer purchased the car (along with 2 other Highlanders) at an auction in Florida which is why he was able to get a 4X2 up here in the NE (Toyota is only shipping 4X4 here). The dealer told me that this car (along with the other 2) was probably used by the dealer which is why the have the mileage on them.

In light of the fact that is its a 4x2 and has 1,800 miles--how does the $26,500 price sound? I'm not familiar yet with the going-rate and don't want to jump on this offer unless it is a good one.

Thanks in advance.

b717 · April 2001

Rubytuesday gave the lead and description I needed to find the GBS. I found mine on the passenger side of the center stack. There is an access panel that is to the left of where a passengers left foot would be if stretched up against the firewall. I opened it by undoing the 2 fasteners and looked for a skinny wire with a plastic disc the size of a quarter on the end. One side has a tiny microphone, the other, sticky tape to adhere it to the proper location. Don't know the location as it had already come unstuck and was resting on the floor behind the panel. Hope this helps you locate and we can find out about getting it to work properly.

dianne4toyota · April 2001

Cars are allocated in 4cyl, V6 everywhere differently, region to region. Use the internet! Cars are out there the way you like, so do not despair. There are some very good dealers out there on the internet with great inventory, and if one dealer says "no" try another in perhaps a different regional area.

Dianne

mcw31762 · April 2001

Hey engage ---

If you go through the Edmunds pricing of a 4x2 V6 with only those two options -- conv. and app. packages, they show the MSRP to be $26785! The Invoice is $23,780 and the Edmund's True Market Value is $25,890. I would think you could dicker with the dealer for a better deal than $285 off sticker especially when it already has 1800 miles on it. I'm sure I've read people getting good deals in the NE area...check some of the earlier posts.

dianne4toyota · April 2001

The problem the guy may have is that while it's common to have a 4cyl that's very lightly equipped, the V6 is alltogether another story.

The V6'es in all regions, after reading enough posts here from all over the USA, tend to MSRP at $27900 to $29000 with equipment that's listed as: FE DR TO AG CQ HE CF. I am not saying that a way way cheap car can't be had because even *I* have orders for cars like this to build... but know that you (or he) building it on an internet screen or piece of paper doesn't mean that it exists in real life.

Dianne

svtcobraconv · April 2001

I am fairly certain we saw a Bluestone/ivory 4cyl 2WD with the Preferred Package at Superstition Springs Toyota in Mesa, AZ while on vacation. We would have considered bringing it back with us to WI if it would have had charcoal interior. (2WD units are currently very rare in WI, as are anything in Bluestone.)

awchan13 · April 2001

I just leased a Highlander her in San Jose, CA. The dealer wouldn't budge on the price. They said that they were selling too many at MSRP, and that they weren't backing down. This is my first time leasing, so I'm hoping a fared pretty well. It's a Limited Edition Highlander, without leather seats. The MSRP was 32,215. I don't know if this makes a difference, but he put on the lease that the car price is 32,550. I went with 3 years, nothing down. The monthly payment is 615.79. 12,000 miles a year, he wouldn't let me have 15,000. And 15cents per mile over. He said that the APR was in the 5% range. The car had 6 miles on it when purchased. So far the vehicle drives very nicely. The only thing that may suck is the gas mileage, but it's still pretty good for an SUV. Just hard when you're paying $2.00 a gallon out here. The dealership worked with me well when purchasing the car, but afterwards....let's just say they're less than superb.

tanner887 · April 2001

My wife and I test drove a new 6 cyl 4WD Highlander today. What we thought would be the SUV for us,was not. The car had good enough power to merge into traffic,though approaching 3000 RPM at only 65 MPH. At a slower speed I accidentally put one of the back seat windows down part way. The noise and pressure on our ears was almost unbearable. And putting both rear windows down even part way only made this problem worse. The dealer mistakingly gave us a 4CYL 4WD to test drive first. This is where we first noticed the problem. When we got back to the dealership and I pointed out the mistake he gave us a 6CYL 4WD to test drive. This time he went along and got to hear this noise for himself. He thanked me for quickly closing the rear windows! We like to occasionaly drive with the rear windows down in our current car. Overall we thought the Highlander was O.K. It has a good enough ride and sufficient power.It is a bit pricey and we felt that for over $30K you should get much more. And why no hatch/lift glass?

sotagear · April 2001

Just picked it up tonight. Leased it from Magnussen Toyota of Palo Alto (Northern CA). The guys there were great, especially Jonathan (fleet manager).
Did a 3 year lease & got an Unlimited V6 with FE DR SR TO AG CQ HE & PIO's of the rear spoiler (RF), center console (SK), floor/cargo mats(CF) & alarm (V5). MSRP was around 29577 & my cap cost was for $300 over invoice. Although this was a special deal through the regional Toyota guy, the sales manager at the dealership was normally going to sell it for $1000 over invoice. I saw an ad this weekend at the same dealership for $2000 off all HL's.
I recommend the dealership. Most of the guys there are straight-up. Talk to Jonathan Latchford. He's a good guy.
Got the Sundown Red Pearl/Ivory & it looks good with the spoiler. Now I've got to get the fog lights. Even if I don't have them hooked up, it just looks better than the plastic inserts.
BTW - it came with Goodyear Integrity 225/70R-16's. Is this the standard tire most of you on the west coast have been getting? I don't remember anyone talking about this tire. Is this an OK tire?
The drive home was great, just not too fond of the stock stereo. That's pretty standard for me anyway, I usually never keep the factory stereo - I'll upgrade it, I'm sure - at least the speakers, to start with.

qthl7 · April 2001

This is a factory installed option only. The sales brochure indicates that it can be installed at a later date. This is not the case. I own a Highlander Limited loaded except for the console. I called Toyota Region Office in Torrence,CA and they said it is factory installed only. I am very disappointed with Toyota not supplying their dealers with this option. If enough Highlander owners complain to Toyota about this console problem hopefully in the future it can be ordered and installed at the dealer level. My dealer tried to order the console for me but is refunding my deposit on the console. Toyota needs to improve this situation by making the center console available to the dealers. Anyone have any luck in locating a generic center console that will fit in the Highlander?

inky · April 2001

Wake up! Do not pay that. You are being ripped off. Run. You can purchase a 32k Highlander most places for $30000. Well, you can buy on 60 month note at 7% for guess what $600 per month. In 36 months you have lots of equity in 5 years you own the vehicle. If you lease for 12000 miles per year you are nuts to pay $22,140 for using up 36000 miles over 3 years. Yikes. I was ripped off one time in my life and will never lease again. Some leases are good if negotiated but you are being taken advantage of. Do not lease. Change to purchase. Leasing also has insurance disadvantages.
INKY - sorry to rant but mannnn.

svtcobraconv · April 2001

After looking at about 100 Highlanders, I've noticed most 4x2's have Goodyear Integrity tires and the 4X4's have Bridgestones. This might make sense because the Goodyears have a less aggresive tread, and would be the right tire for a 2WD set-up.

devlopper · April 2001

I could not agree more. The reason that the dealer did not budge from MSRP was because you stayed and did not get up and leave. The reason that he would not give you 15,000 miles per year is because you stayed and did not get up and leave.

Like inky wrote, either turn this deal into a purchase or RUN!!!!!!!!!!!!

gwkiser · April 2001

RUN...RUN...RUN AS FAST AS YOU CAN!!!

Tanner, if you can still get out of the lease, do so immediately. The dealer did not do you any favors whatsoever! In fact, it sounds like he got the best of you.......

Whether you lease or purchase, deal with someone who is willing to deal with you. Granted, here in the HL clubs, we all value our vehicles highly. HOWEVER, to the dealer, it's more about pushing them out the door, whether it's a Corolla, Camry, Avalon, or Sequoia. Get what YOU want not what THEY WANT to give you. If they don't budge, then move on to the next dealer. Hold your ground and you'll be suprised what will happen. Use all the resources you can to research BEFORE you set foot in another dealer. Don't be afaid to walk in with a printout of the Edmund's pricing sheet. I did and it definitely proved a very valuable tool in my negitiations.

Please remember, we are all here to support you and help you. Our intent is not to make you feel bad, but, rather, to make sure you get the absolute best deal you can...

As a final note, try posting a message with "Dianne" or "Swbell" in the title. These two are salespersons at Toyota dealerships and they might be able to give you some help as well. (Be advised that I am not soliciting business for them specifically, but think that they can offer more advice on the subject than most of us because of their unique perspective, that's all.).

Happy Hunting......

pwash19 · April 2001

The wife and I just returned from a weeks vacation to Florida. We drove from Maryland and the round trip was 1750 miles. We rented a Highlander V6 Limited with almost all the options.
GREAT CAR! Yes, I said car, this is no SUV and I don't care that it is not. We are going to purchase one at the end of the year after all of you crazy people are done purchasing and are out of the way.
The ride was wonderful, unlike any SUV I have driven/ridden. It was quiet, comfortable seating/leg room, well mannered on the road and the gas mileage was a respectful 22 mpg on the road. At 5000 miles on the odometer the fit and finish was great.
We have made this trip before in our Blazer and did not weather the trip as well in the Blazer.
Two things that I missed, the center concole is a must have feature and auto volume control that my Blazer has was missed.
I did hear the noise that the roof rack makes. While we were travling South there were some cross winds and it was noticed several times. It happened at different speeds. It is something I could certainly live with, I think?
It was hard giving the HL back after having it for a week.

hawkeye70 · April 2001

Congratulations on your new HL and on the great deal you were able to negotiate. Regarding tires, my V6 4x2 has Goodyear Integrity tires and they are the only tires I have seen so far on HL's in SoCal (except custom wheel/tire combos). These are relatively inexpensive tires and are not very good handling. The wear rating is good, and the ride is smooth, but at the expense of performance.

On the subject of the sound system, I agree that the stock system needs upgrading. I was told by an audiophile friend (who listened to the HL stereo) that new speakers and a new amplifier would be needed. I don't mind the head unit, so I think I'll keep it, but I wonder if the stock system has a separately located amplifier, or if it is integrated within the head unit. Has anyone looked into this yet?

dmeyer2 · April 2001

I have owned my Highlander for two months. I also noticed a high screaming noise when traveling on the New York State thruway during high winds. I moved the front portion of my roof rack back, and the noise disappeared. Has anyone else experienced this solution?

bobincanada · April 2001

I have had my new Highlander Limited (fully loaded) for two weeks and have not yet taken up the ECP. I have also just bought a 2001 Sienna, with the XLE Package 2. Is ECP worth getting? Each vehicle will be driven about 15 to 20K per year and will be kept about ten years.
Is anyone paying full price? I have been offered a ten percent discount. It still seems a lot of money for the expense and quality of these vehicles. Even the staff at the dealership are split in their opinions. What is the value?
Third party insurance is less available here in Canada and I have been strongly advised against that approach.

Toyota Highlander

Comments

Helpful Tools

Most popular vehicles