Toyota Highlander

gwkiser · May 2001

Well, all I can tell you regarding the build quality is that the HL comes off the same assembly line as the RX300 in Japan. I don't know that I would necessarily choose the Lexus versus the Toyota if I had the money. Here in a city of 1 million population, we have only 1 Lexus dealer and at least 5 or 6 Toyotal dealers. If service is poor at one of them, we at least have an alternative not too far away. BTW, my brother-in-law bought a new 2000 RX300 base model last summer. Beyond the logo and a few differences (like the blue digital info panel), it is the same vehicle as my HL Limited.
I don't know what "bells and whistles" you are referring to, but many of the same features that are available on the RX are also available on the HL such as VSC, 4wd, CD changer, leather, auto a/c, etc. In fact, my brother-in-law's base RX doesn't have the HOMELINK garage door opener like my HL Ltd. does.
Oh, I also heard that the RX is due for a restyling in the next year or two. So if you ARE considering an RX, then you should consider that possibility. Just my thoughts.
Happy hunting....
p.s.....I also was going to consider an Envoy. They weren't out yet when I went for the HL. Boy did I luck out!

gtalavera · May 2001

My HL hit the 1500 miles mark, after a 300Mile trip notice on the dipstick oil was at the 3/4 mark compared to full when I first got the vehicle.Has anyone notice their oil consumption, just want to compare. Also , need opinion on synthetic oil and problem with seepage is this true?. I may be on the wrong postings but I know how HL owners love this car would only want the best beside I would value your opinion and knowledge. thanks.

jiffin · May 2001

I went thru the Highlander vs. RX300 tradeoffs earlier this year before buying my AWD RX300. I wanted all Highlander options (side air bags, VSC, complete luxury package including heated seats and CD changer) which are standard on the RX300. What I found out is that if you equip the two vehicles apples to apples, then the list MSRP of the two differ on the order of $3 to 4K. In Feb/March the selling prices of the two differ less than that because dealers were $3-4K off MSRP on the RX300 but only about $1-1.5K off on the Highlander. Hence, the selling prices were only $2-2.5K apart. That made my decision easy because the RX300 quality of trim and materials are superior, you get a 4 year versus 3 year warranty, significant improvement in the level of customer service, etc. Several items, which are unavailable for the Highlander, are either standard (autodiming mirrors for example) or optional (HID headlights and nav) on the RX300. BTW Homelink is on the 2001 RX300.

I think that a Highlander makes sense in the low $30Ks or below MSRP but once you get into the mid $30Ks, the RX300 is a superior buy.

The next major RX300 model change is expected in 2003 and will be produced in the new plant under construction in Canada.

cliffy1 · May 2001

Was the engine still hot when you checked it? it is possible that the oil had not drained back into the pan. Check it again after a long sit and see if it still is lower then before the trip.

rutger56 · May 2001

Okay, this is my opinion on the 4 cyl/6 cyl issue. All things being equal in price and fuel economy,I'm sure everyone would choose the 6 for its additional power. There are also some situations where the 6 is practicle, like towing a boat or trailer,or perhaps if you are using it to carry 5 passangers. Aferall, the 6 cyl in question is a very nice engine and the same as in the RX300. However,all is not equal and I believe the 4 cyl is a better choice in most situations for the following reasons.
-better fuel economy(not by a ton,but with the way gas prices are going).
-I do not believe that Toyota would have gone through the expense of creating a new 4 cyl engine for the HL if the engine was not appropriate to the vehicle.
-it is a 'big' 4 and does have Variable valve timing.
-Price, $1500 less than the 6, and thats $1500 in my pocket. Now, I realize that the 6 cyl will 'return' some of that on resale,but how much is not certain. The dealers will lead you to beleive that you will get all or more than that back later, but you know how stingy they are when you go to trade in,they would never sign an agreement up front stating this; plus of course it is in their best interest to sell you the most expensive vehicle. (note that if you lease,then the $ difference is less and it might make sense.)
- I have driven the 4 cyl and it seemed perfectly fine for my needs. I currently drive a 4 cyl Camry about 33,000 per year and it is also fine.

I realize it may come down to individual preference and needs,and again the 6 cyl is a great engine. But, for my needs I would take the 4 cyl and keep the $1500. It would be nice to hear from opposing views and I am sure there are plenty.

joepeppy · May 2001

Perhaps you did a lot of short trips prior to your 300 mile highway trip. Short trips result in moisture accumulating in the oil which increases the volume. This burns off at high speed, thus reducing the oil volume. Consequently, if you did short trips, the 1/4 quart oil consumption was not just due to the 300 mile trip but also included the prior miles.

gtalavera · May 2001

Thanks Cliffy,Joepeppy,

I read on the maintenance and repair post that it is normal
for a new engine to have a little oil consumption, just as long
its not excessive. I guess 1/8 of a quart after 1500 miles is not
too bad. I just wanted to get some feedback from others if they
notice the same. Anyway, would like to get your opinion aswell on
synthetic. thanks again.

chadhburke · May 2001

Thanks for the post about the wind noise, rfhou. I posted a message a while back about this same issue and also felt it was caused by the window moldings on the pillars. Looking forward to your results after getting the supposed answer installed.

We love our highlander, except for the wind noise. Recently on a 3 hour trip through nebraska at 80 mph and 20-40 mph crosswinds, the noise was so bad you couldn't hear anyone talk inside. At one point the noise was constant for about 15 minutes.

On the oil use questions, I have not experienced any loss of oil. I've got 3600 miles on it.

Has anyone purchased the hood protector accessory? It seems those rock chips (on black paint) are already adding up.

gwkiser · May 2001

Hi there. As a matter of fact, I purchased the hood protector on sale through the parts dept. when I was still waiting on our HL. I installed it as soon as the vehicle came in. I have found that it does protect the leading edge of the hood, but now I am concerned about all the frontal area exposed. I'm now considering purchasing a "bra" to use for those long road trips. If you would like to see what the protector looks like mounted, here's the address:

http://clubs.yahoo.com/clubs/toyotahighlanderclub

Select PHOTOS, then My GST Bluestone Ltd. to see it.

Happy HL'ing......

brad_22 · May 2001

Anyone know a quick way to take that tonneau (sp?) cover out?

cliffy1 · May 2001

push it to the left. It is held in place by spring tension and compresses for removal. It takes only a second to get it out.

oily · May 2001

Well before the end of March ordering "deadline" a dealer in Houston ordered our non-Limited HL with BE and VSC, but without SR. Today he told me that based on a discussion with Gulf States Toyota 3 days ago, the vehicle will definitely be built in May and delivered in June. However, he says they won't know anything more about the vehicle configuration or timing until it is on the boat. Is that the way the system works, or is something fishy? Does Gulf States really know (from something official) that it will be built in May, or is that an opinion based on previous experience?

Another dealer told me that Gulf States has released the information showing what is allocated for production in May and that there is nothing scheduled to be built like what we want.

Who's right? Are there some specific questions we should be asking? We wonder if we're being strung along.

bojack1 · May 2001

What is the accuracy of the odometer versus the dash board computer.
If I set the cruise control to 60 miles and reset the dash board computer at zero I get a different value like 57 miles.
How come both speed are not the same?
Which one is the right one?
Where the dash board computer gets is speed from?
This is a copy from a NG question, but mine does the same.

mark495 · May 2001

In the recently released June issue on page 8 is a small box with initial impressions of the HL. A very positive mini-review.

"The HL is nearly as comfortable and quiet as the [RX 300] and even better in two important respects: It has more rear seat and cargo room, and it costs thousands of dollars less....... Unless you need seating for seven, the HL is a wise alternative to almost any conventional SUV and some all-wheel-drive wagons. Its reliability should be topflight. We'll have a full report soon."

As the general public discovers this SUV (Car & Driver June report too) it will become more popular and difficult to get, with just 70,000 scheduled for the first year, I imagine.

toyotawalt · May 2001

Thanks for the post, Mark495. It's good to see the premiere consumer mag agrees with US!!! I'll be looking forward to their full report in a few months.

Update to all: I've got about 3k miles on my AWD V6, and have found no problems with reliability. I still miss having a console, but am working around it. I found a bracket/charger that works well with my cell phone; I have it "permanently" in the cig-lighter (the cell phone snaps out of it), and still have a power port left for anything else I need to plug in (plus the one in the back!). Others have expressed disappointment with the CD changer; but I enjoy it. Never had anything so nice.
I'm getting REALLY accustomed to the higher ride, so much so that I get to feeling a little low to the ground in my Camry. I may have to sell the '94.
I still love this vehicle. But the acid test will be the 7k miles trip MD-CA and back later this month and early next. I'll report back.
Hi yo, (Millennium) Silver, away!!!!
W

gunny93 · May 2001

Got our red Highlander last Friday (5/4) evening. Love the ride and sense of traction. We upgraded to the Michelin cross terrains, and have no regrets. I believe it rides even better than the Previa we had for seven years.

As to the hood protector and bra. My salesman says the hood protector will help keep the bugs off the windshield, but will reduce fuel economy. He also recommended against the bra, saying he has seen a lot of vehicles come in with paint damage from the bra. We live in farming country (the road in front of the house is one and a half lanes paved, down the middle) and commute 20 miles each way to work, play, everything. I'm very much interested in hearing what experience others have had regarding the bra, and was wondering if the bra will fit with the hood protector. Now, if there were some way to keep the birds away from it when I park at work, life would be perfect!

gwkiser · May 2001

Hi gunny93. The two issues you brought up (possible paint damage and if it will fit over/around the protector) are the concerns I have as to why I'm not sure if I will get the bra. Regarding the hood protector protecting the windshield, I haven't noticed as I haven't been able to put much highway mileage on the HL yet ( just passed 350 miles on the odometer). As to its effect on the mpg, I've just filled up for the first time and, with the protector, my 2wd V6 got almost 20mpg in town. This was suprising as it's very close to what we used to get on the '97 Avalon we traded in. Of course, there's always a chance that I miscalculated (didn't want to trust the readout on the limited's digital info screen which showed about 18.7 I think). I'm 1/4 into the second tank and I'll get a better read on it the second time around (and later as the engine "loosens up" a little more). Thanks for the note and enjoy your new HL. Post some pics if you want either here or at http://clubs.yahoo.com/clubs/toyotahighlanderclub .

thx_robor · May 2001

Posted this elsewhere, thought it might get more response here:

For 2001, the Lexus RX300 is available with optional High-Intensity Discharge (HID) Headlamps. Does anyone know if this system can be fitted to the Highlander? I would think the unit would be an easy fit. Is this something I could get the Toyota dealer to include and install? Is there any crossover between the Toyota/Lexus distribution systems? Thanks.

gpolt · May 2001

Has anyone been able to locate a Highlander with side airbags without purchasing a Limited?

Has anyone purchased a FWD V6 in the Central Atlantic Region?

Thanks.

reticent1 · May 2001

Each region builds their cars differently. On the west coast, a Limited model can always be found, for instance, with leather. The side airbags are sadly considered a luxury here on the west coast and only come with "LL" Limited models. With leather. While it's a bit of a wait to get one built to order, it also may be more available in different regions. Most fleet managers at larger dealerships would be happy to tell you how their cars are built. There might be a region who requests some "BE" code cars on the more ordinary Highlanders. It never hurts to ask.

As for the question about the front-drive versus 4wd, it's also a regional thing. I'd assume that a state like Colorado would have a higher ratio/mix of 4wds. And, dry warm climates such as Southern California or Florida might see more 2wds. The respective regions know their market, and order their cars accordingly. They are also free to make changes to the way cars are built every two months.

-Ret
-Ret

gpolt · May 2001

I've checked with several regions and have received the same negative response. I'm convinced that although it may appear as an option in the catalogue, in reality, one cannot obtain side air bags in the U.S. without ordering the Limited package. The 800 customer service does not dispute it.

tex · May 2001

My Highlander came with a 3M protective plastic film over the front of the hood, mirrors and near the bottom of the rear doors. At first it was almost invisible but now I can easily see it. I do not find it objectionable and is definitely better than a plastic shield on the front of the hood.

jaymarc · May 2001

Dealer in Richmond, VA transferred a limited HL for me, as we had worked the deal that was acceptable to all parties. When he received the HL it did not have a center console, and assured me he would install one for me. After the dealer called Mid Atlantic Toyota, they told him it was not possible from a structure standpoint to install the center console after market, and the only way it would meet requirements was being installed in Japan when being built. Anyone have knowledge about this?

jimxo · May 2001

This is true. I have read the same thing on these post and was told by dealers that they cant do anything about it. I ordered my HL March 28 and was told Toyota will not allow special orders for HL with the center console.

This had something to do with a quality issue on existing consoles already in service.

When mine arrives its anyone's guess if there will be a center console.

andrec8513 · May 2001

This is not true. Center consoles have been released, but are on backorder. I have been waiting 5 weeks for mine, and it should be here shortly to be installed by the dealer. This is a Port installed option anyway, so that dealer is giving you a load of @#^*&^%$&^. Push the issue to get the console.

Andre

rutger3 · May 2001

This is one of the only 'flaws' I can find with the HL and toyotas marketing unit. This is 2001,they are suppose to be on the cutting edge. How could they have left off side air bags as standard equipment,when you can already get them on cheaper vehicles. Afterall, many families will be buying HL's and safety is a major issue with this portion of the marketplace. It always amazes me when a Mfg. thinks a safety item should be an option. I hope this is something corrected for the 2002 model year or the competition will pass them by.

cliffy1 · May 2001

Believe it or not, safety is NOT the primary reason my customers pick the Highlander. It is on their list, but it comes in behind comfort and price. Yes, this is a generalization but there is a method to the product madness.

tpo66 · May 2001

We are interested in a 2002 AL V6 Limited. After reviewing the various posts, is anyone aware of any changes/improvements that Toyota is planning for 2002. I assume that they would start production around August, 2001. Any thoughts? Thanks.

jaymarc · May 2001

AndreC You should check with your dealer and ask them to check with the entry port of the vehicle, as I have found out from my dealer that in Baltimore, the entry port here, there is no way possible to install the center console, for certain reasons, but in fact the consoles are available in this part of the country.

reticent1 · May 2001

Cliffy, it really depends on what one thinks the dealer is doing. There are certain ways to obtain a car for clients. One if to preference. But, if the "preference" at the start of an allocation isn't built the way the mainstream regional orders are, the car can be preferenced til one is blue in the face and it'll never happen. The next way a dealer might locate a car is to do a locator (they are done frequently) and see if a car exists elsewhere. A trade prior to the car's hitting the ground is most advantageous. The 3rd way, and something that is done all the time at certain dealerships, is to order-build the car from the ground up, just as the customer wants it. That takes longer (Japanese cars 90-120 days) and domestically produced cars, 60-110 days.
If your dealers says they can't "special build" a car, it isn't entirely true. They can. But, managers and dealers like to keep their salespeople's heads in the sand. They want to sell something "right now" vs. something 3 months from now. "A bird in the proverbial hand"... and you may have to go find another dealership to help you down the right path.

-Ret

rutger3 · May 2001

Why is it that dealers say that safety equipment is not a high priority item,but when their vehicle does well in a gov't crash test,they can't market that point enough. Even the new HL brochure touts the safety issues bigtime. I'm not saying this is the only issue people look for, there are many others mentioned like comfort and reliability. Price should not be an issue since we are only talking $250 here on a vehicle already thousands less than the competitors.If price were that important than why not have ABS as an option and save much more,or eliminate the rear headrests like the Mazda Tribute,or the seatbelt pretensioners. The answer is that many of the competitors have these as standard euipment,plus it just makes sense.Nowadays,it makes no sense marketing a new vehicle without all the safety equipment available(Saab,Volvo,and VW already know this,even the economical Ford
Focus is more readily available with side bags.)
I will bet a dozen donuts that the 2002 HL will have them standard.You can live with a vehicle that is not that comfortable;you may not live with one without all the safety equpment.This was an error in judgement by Toyota.

reticent1 · May 2001

Rutger, I think it's a regional thing. I know that the LA region (Calif) orders 80% of their SEQ models with side airbags. But, for whatever reason, the side airbags in SoCal Highlanders are only available in Limiteds with leather. This may change for dealer councils meet every two months. If it's brought up there, it may change. But, I agree -- leather, 6-disc CD, roof rack... they are all extras we may all be able to live without. Side impact airbags may be something we need to continue living PERIOD.

It will take a push for the regions, internally, by an insider, to get them to add side airbags to the HLs.

gunny93, I agree with your PS. $:\$

-Ret

gunny93 · May 2001

Sorry about that folks, got my hand slapped because of my P.S. Anyway, here's the important part of my original post...

Just thought I'd pass this along to the board for those interested in crash test results. One of my co-workers is also a volunteer EMT. Today he informed me the Highlander proved to be a very safe vehicle. Last night he responded to an accident where a guy driving an HL ran a stop sign and got broad-sided by "a big old Buick" estimated doing 65-70 mph. Driver of HL was fine. My co-worker says he really hated having to use the "jaws-of-life" on the HL though, knowing I had just gotten one and park next to him at the office. No side air bags in accident vehicle either.

daltex · May 2001

Does anyone know where I can find the article on the Toyota Plant in Japan (the "best plant in the world") that builds the HL and the RX300?

stever · May 2001

deerlake7 · May 2001

Lot's of discussion on the inability to obtain a Highlander with side air bags and without the limited package. Although things may have changed since we pick ours up in mid-February, our "unlimited," cloth seated Highlander has side air bags and VSC. We are served by the Chicago region and we received ours about three weeks after we ordered it. Glad to hear about some real life safety experience as well.

hialeahmaria · May 2001

I read someone's description of brake assist in use. I have yet to feel anything other than good, normal braking. Have I not stop abruptly enough to feel the "assist"? What does it actually feel like?

Did anyone upgrade to the Enkei wheels and if so, any pics?
Maria

bluestonev6awd · May 2001

We purchased our v6 AWD "unlimited" highlander in mid-April from a dealer near Buffalo, NY. We have the side air bags with cloth seats. The port was Newark, NJ. We also had the center console installed at the port as well. Hope this helps...

bluestonev6awd · May 2001

I purchased a product (made by 3m) that is a clear self-adhesive urethane (8 mils thick...about 1/125")which covers the hood, leading edges of the front fenders, and portions of the grill...similar to what came on the vehicle at the bottom corner of the 2 rear doors. Great product...easy to install, virtually invisible, and so far no stone chips (1800 miles later). No, I don't work for 3m, or the company I purchased from.

shl72953 · May 2001

I had my customizer order the entire package of 3M products for paint protection. I think it was from Invinca Shield and the retail price was around $370 for 18 pieces. He ordered them about a week ago and hasn't heard from them since so I don't know what the total cost is going to be installed. I figured they were like the things that cover up the lower corners of the rear door and would be economically feasible if they protected the paint for the next several years. Has anyone tried the shields for the headlights and/or foglights? I had previous vehicles with things like the Lund hood protectors but although they looked pretty sharp at the onset they became a burden within a few years. Hoping the 3M tape will hold up better. If not, will take it off and write it off to experience.
Wally

stever · May 2001

I bet the 8 millimeter stuff works better :-)

(unless they've fixed the typo, this link is what I'm referring to).

Steve
Host
Vans, SUVs and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards

sjz · May 2001

I received my new HL remote via eBay, and attempted to program it today. There is a procedure in the service manual for adding a new remote, which involves putting the key in and out of the ignition twice, opening and closing the door, key in and out, spinning around 3 times on your feet, and howling at the moon. I can't get the car to go into the add, confirm, prohibit, or reset mode. Has anyone had any luck trying to do this? It has nothing to do with the NEW remote, as I haven't even got far enough to register that one into the HL's memory.
-Steve

dean2sm1 · May 2001

Our new HL has side airbags, but for those of you who don't have them: a car expert here in Madison, WI(Matt Joseph), who really does know a lot about cars(and rated the HL very high), feels that these relatively small bags are more of a profit item for Toyota than a significant safety and protection item. They don't go high enough to protect the head. I think the door beams do protect significantly. but again, not the head. Best idea: don't get hit from the side.

reticent1 · May 2001

Yes, they are indeed side airbags that come from the rear part of the seats in front. They are not side-curtain airbags as the Sequoias have available.

-Ret

tdore · May 2001

I bought my Highlander 3 months ago for the express purpose of towing behind my motorhome with all four wheels down. According to the user manual this is fine as long as you don't exceed 55 MPH and don't drive more than 200 miles without starting the engine for at least 5 minutes and have the shifter in neutral and the key on accessory so the steering does not lock. Well after 3,500 miles the transmission is gone and will need a new one. The dashboard has been replaced because of discoloring. The airbag sensor had to be replaced the day after I bought it because the idiot light was on. The dealer had the car for a week one day after I bought it! The outside temperature meter states that it is 85 degrees when it is really 55 degrees so I suspect a microprocessor will have to be replaced now. Anyway I am not a happy camper and the Toyota dealer is hinting that quite possibly the vehicle really can't be towed with four wheels down, hence the ruined transmission. The Toyota district representative is supposed to contact me on Monday and shed some light on the situation. Basically after three months the car has been in the shop for two weeks so far and at the least I will have a new transmission, new dash, new airbag sensor and possibly a new microprocessor. If it cannot be towed then Toyota will have to give me my money back and pay for the towing brackets I had installed. Do yourself a favor and buy anything but a Highlander!

reticent1 · May 2001

Problem cars are in every single line of automobiles. Luckily, there are very very few in Toyota's model lineup. I suspect you'll have a brand new car soon if you press the issue. Especially if the car's NOT supposed to be towed 4-wheels down and the dealership will be truthful and admit that they did advise you in favor of it.

-Ret

gwkiser · May 2001

Boy, am I sorry to hear about all your problems. I can only encourage you to push the lemon law/money back issue as hard as you can. It's seems that you got all the problems that the rest of us were worried about. Good luck and let's hope things improve for you soon (with or without a Highlander).

skyreb · May 2001

I take strong exception to your last statement regarding doing yourself a favor and not buy a Highlander. You may have a lemmon; you may have been mis-advised; but there are thousands of us that find the HL to be an exceptionally well designed and executed vehicle. Maybe you should try a Ford Escape.
Can you honestly say you NEVER pulled it over 55 mph? If you can, you are the exception. I see them every day travelling much faster than 55 mph. Did you stop and run the engine as prescribed? Maybe the answer to these is yes, and if so, good for you. I hope you find some satisfactory resolution.
Good luck, and I hope you find happiness somewhere.

nofeer · May 2001

How much pressure do you think the hl is putting on the rx? it seems a no brainer unless you want nav,which you can add aftermarket. does this mean rx is up for a big change. with the same drive train, better interior looks (my wifes opinion) why buy a lexus?

cliffy1 · May 2001

I just drove a HL to Richmond and back yesterday. This is 100 miles each way and I came to appreciate this vehicle a lot. First, for those of you with wind noise, I know the sound you are referring to, but I didn't experience it yesterday. I was driving over 80 MPH and it was as quiet as a church. I am pretty sure that positioning the bars on the roof rack makes the difference. Place them toward the back and about 18" apart.

Next, at 80 MPH, the RPMs were just over 3200 but it was very quite and extremely responsive. Tracking was good and solid.

I discovered that I too wish this thing had a larger console. If I were a person who used a brief case or purse, I'm sure I'd feel different though. My trip down was in one without a console and the drink holder was inconvienent but big enough for a real cup. The ride back had the "console" and its drink holders are way too small. This was a very minor point, and if I were in the market for this kind of vehicle, it wouldn't stop me from buying it.

Overall, I was very impressed. This was the first long drive I have had in this vehicle. I really didn't see where much comfort was lost over the Avalon. The seats were great, visibility was good and the controls were easy to use. It was the quite and solid ride that really got me though.

Toyota Highlander

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