Toyota Highlander

retropia · June 2001

If anyone's looking for a 4x2 V6 Highlander, Fitzgerald Auto Mall in Gaithersburg MD is advertising one at $300 over invoice.

http://www.fitzmall.com/

It's stock #9734. I'm not affiliated with Fitzgerald in any way; if I didn't already have a deposit on a Highlander, I'd snatch this one for myself. Fitzgerald often has good deals on their 4x2s at the end of the month (they only seem to have one or two at a time). Their 4x4 pricing seems to stay consistent.

davew6 · June 2001

Jerry, I've got a 4week old V6 AWD Limited with exactly that same brake vibration/noise. It seems like recently the brakes catch closer to the floor also. We have a 1500 mile vacation planned in 2 weeks so I'm taking the car in Monday to check the problem (lets hope its not a 2 week wait for parts).

carold3 · June 2001

I have had my white AL for about 4 weeks and really love it. Has anyone added pinstripes to a white AL? I have yet to see an AL on the road yet and am having trouble visualizing how the stripes would look. Also as far as the wind noise that everyone is talking about. I find the noise deafening when the rear windows are down but find no problem when the rear windows are closed. Is that the wind noise problem everyone else has or do I have something different? That is my only complaint. It's a great vehicle.

jamiewinner1 · June 2001

My husband and I just ordered my brand new HL about 4 days ago from Gulf States Toyota. Has anyone ordered a HL from here? How long did it take to come in? Our dealer said 3-4 weeks. We ordered it because we did not want the Extra-mile package option that seems to appear on every limited. Couldn't seem to find a limited HL without this "option". Thanks for all of the wonderful comments on the HL!

spali1 · June 2001

For those disappointed by the loud air drumming in the Highlander when rear windows are down - its a common characteristic in many 4 door SUV's and cars. Some do it, some don't. This is not a specific condition to the Highlander. The Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango are good examples. In fact, my wife's Camry does it to a much smaller extent. Usually occuring in the 50+ MPH range (higher the speed the louder it gets) there is nothing one can do about it except play with the amount the windows are open (front vs. rear) to reduce the sensation by equalizing the pressures as much as possible. I find if you crack the front windows it tends to decrease the sensation a bit. Only way to stop it completely.... roll the rear windows up. This is a design issue that has been a concern for many years on many different vehicles. The aerodynamics of the vehicle contributes to this issue. Some say a hood and/or door wind defectors help. My experience is that it helps little to none for the cost/trouble. Crank the A/C on and roll those windows up!

toyhl01 · June 2001

For those of you anxiously awaiting the $75 Restoration Hardware Gift Certificate, I recieved a post card in the mail today saying that I had one on the way. Nationwide? Well, I'm in Virginia so it looks like it is.

reticent1 · June 2001

It's right around the right time for the folks who sit around and devise the build orderings from Japan (TVO = Toyota's Vehicle Orders system) to see what's called a "travel rate" for cars. What sells faster, and what sits longest. Here's the thing: every dealership and every fleet or sales person in every store has access to this information. If the people tell you they can't get the car or it won't be built, see if they will discuss the TVO sheet with you. If you see in black and white as the rest of us all can that your car really does or doesn't exist, then you can make better choices regarding what to do about your wants and wishes versus what the salespeople say. That TVO list isn't top secret! Use the best information you have to make the right choice for you and your family.

Next lesson: "Mom, what's an FRS change or a special order?"

-Ret

goldston · June 2001

Jamie,

My wife & I custom ordered our Highlander here in Phoenix Az March 01, 2001 and were told to expect a 3 to 4 month delivery date, and our Highlander now shows up on their paper work as being built in May 2001 with a June delivery date.

You stated 3-4 weeks for delivery for your order and I don't see how this is possible with the Highlander being built in Japan at the Lexus factory then transported by ship to a U.S. port, then any PIO (port installed options) installed and finally transported (car carrier) to your dealership.

If your dealership ment to say "months" and mistakenly said "weeks" it would be good to get a clarification from them.

Best regards,
Philip

reticent1 · June 2001

There are very defined differences between a preference and a build order. The preference is a car out of the mainstream allocation -- a car that shows on a typical TVO. A build-order is a special "build this for me my way because there isn't a snowball's chance in heck it'll ever show on a TVO anytime soon" and that IS a 3-4 month wait. Preference is faster but you have to accept a more mainstream car.

-Ret

goldston · June 2001

I absolutely agree that a preference order and a build order are two completely different options, and if Jamie #2557 requested a "preference order" then his 3-4 week wait time is correct.

Best Regards,
Philip

jamiewinner1 · June 2001

Philip and Ret,
Thanks for your input. I think we did do a preference order. Our dealer said he would find a Millennium Silver HL on the TVO and then have them put the options we "ordered" on at the port. So our HL will be one already built, we just decide what options we want and don't want put on at the port (this way we can eliminate that extra-mile package we don't really need). So do you think this type of ordering may only take 3-4 weeks? I hope so! Thanks for you help, it is greatly appreciated!
Jamie

edmundted1 · June 2001

Hi, I'm ordering a Highlander Monday and need some advice on the color. I am leaning toward the Bluestone Metallic as first choice. Anybody have this color and do you like it? Does it show dirt real easy? I'm also looking at the Silver and the dark blue. I'd appreciate any comments that might help me decide on a color. I think all the colors look nice, I'm just trying to decide between the Bluestone, Silver, and Indigo Ink Pearl. Thanks for your comments...
p.s my wife likes the Bluestone so we "might" get it, but wanted to know about all 3 colors.

Also, is any of these colors "safer" on the road and more easily seen and less like to get hit?

jcerra · June 2001

I might be in the market to take delivery in the next 2 to 3 weeks. How well are these cars selling? I went with someone else to a dealer not to long ago, and was impressed, but I had a hard time figuring out supply/demand. I absolutely abhor paying over list, and frankly would more likely buy something else I like where I can get list + $200. My guess is these things are moving pretty well, SUV slowdown or not.

Thanks in advance.

logan11 · June 2001

I purchased my HL 2wd on 5/19/2001 and there was a very slight noise when first started and the rolling forward of three to four feet. It sounds like a spring or wire releasing and has only gotten louder as the days pass. It is now quite loud, the first time you start the engine and go backwards or forwards the three or four feet. I was given the answer that it is the computer setting the AS brakes. After the service manager at the dealer of purchase called the Toyota Tech Line, because he had never heard the noise at all. I can not believe that Toyota would make such a system that keeps getting louder and louder. Has anyone else noticed this noise and if so has it gotten more noticeable from the beginning first faint click?

tfuzz · June 2001

Toyhl01--you asked about a cargo liner that covered the sides as well as the floor so your dogs wouldn't scuff the vinyl when riding in the back. I was looking through an AutoSport catalog today and saw just such a liner. Quote from the catalog: "Custom-tailored to perfectly fit the floor, sides and rear seatbacks in your SUV ... Available for most SUVs from ... Toyota ... Made from original manufacturer's vinyl for perfect interior match!" It says they are held up with Velcro. Looks like the price would probably be $119. They don't seem to have a website but their phone is 800-726-1199. The photo in the catalog looks pretty nice. If you get one let us know how it works--I am considering one myself for the same reason.

joanzie · June 2001

everyone don't be mad as I'm checking out the highlander site but own a 2001 rx300. I was looking at the colors it came in and was surprised to see the bluestone was similiar to my blue vapor which I love. It does not show the dirt and is a blue-grey but mine is metallic it is a lot different than the silver. it's a really nice color.

gooble · June 2001

Hello,

I'm looking at buying an HL. I noticed in the specs that there it does not come standard with a front/head air bag and nor is it available as an option. A side airbag is available as an option though.

Is this normal for SUVs or is Toyota just cutting corners while risking it's customers safety?

Thanks!

shl72953 · June 2001

Come on, Gooble. Toyota isn't risking your safety by not putting in sixteen different airbags. If you want such a vehicle, try contacting Volvo and ask for a custom made job. Of course, you should be prepared to pay around $300,000. There are a lot of vehicles on the market with head airbags, but most of them carry a pretty heavy pricetag. It seems like people want all sorts of equipment but don't want the price to go up.

stached · June 2001

Just to make sure that everyone is on the same page, the HL comes standard with both a driver and passenger airbags, with side airbags optional.

toyhl01 · June 2001

tfuzz--thanks for the info. i'm going to check it out!

shafty · June 2001

Has anybody heard about Toyota's new "Access" pricing coming June 15? This is supposedly their attempt at utilizing a one price, no dicker policy at all their dealerships (aka Saturn). Not sure if this is also being introduced in US or not.
My dealership says the new "Access" price for the HL will be about $1000CDN more than what he is currently offering....
My questions: 1) Anybody know what the CDN "Access" price will be for the HL?
2) If there truly is going to be no dickering on price, how do the rural dealerships expect to survive when a majority of their business is derived from urban buyers driving a little further for a better deal?

gooble · June 2001

Thanks Satched. This clears things up. On the edmunds site I could not find that driver and passenger airbags were standard and did find this on the Toyota web site.

norskman · June 2001

I would like to thank hawkeye70 for his information on where to get a trailer wiring harness for the HL (post #2409). My HL came with
the towing prep option (TO), and I got my hitch at UHaul. However I couldn't find the harness anywhere. The dealer said it wasn't available from Toyota. I ordered it from toyotaguys.com and it arrived in 4 days. Fit perfectly and the instructions were easy to follow.

bdurden · June 2001

I posted a month or so ago about the brake grinding and the infamous popping sound coming from the sunroof area. Received no responses until now. Toyota of Roswell told me that I needed a brake booster and the part was indeed on back order - took 5 weeks to come in - told me the car was safe to drive however. Had it installed last week and braking seems to be much better and no longer grinding. As far as the popping sound - they said that they have not heard of that complaint yet and you're right, it does pop usually when the car has been sitting in the sun and heated up on the inside. Still love this car and don't miss the Benz it replaced at all!

ejay2 · June 2001

Norksman,

Which model U-Haul hitch did you get and how much was it? Can you install the wiring harness. Sounds like you could. Thanks for any assistance.

wd5938 · June 2001

As far as safety is concerned, the Highlander has safety features that some other SUV's don't offer. Most people probably don't really pay attention to safety features other than airbags.
In addition to front airbags and optional side impact airbags the Highlander also has side impact door beams, switchable seatbelt retractors in all passenger positions, front seatbelt pretensioners (takes up slack in the belt in a crash) collapsible steering column, the optional VSC (vehicle skid control) which some people on this board have already had the oportunity to test themselves. The ISO-FIX child restraint system on the rear outboard passenger positions. Some of the other manufacturers don't even offer this system yet on their SUV's. These are just a few safety features, so I don't think they cut corners.

zhen_chen · June 2001

This is to respond to logan11's posting. My Honda had a similar problem. Anytime I go from 0 mph or very low speeds, I would hear a noise that sounded like someone is knocking on wood and I can feel the vibration of that noise. The first dealer I went to couldn't figure it out. The second one did. They said it was because one of the struct joints wasn't lubricated well enough. They took it apart and lubricated it and the problem went away. But now and then I could still hear a little bit of it, not as much as before though. If your car is still under warranty, I would recommend fixing the problem even though I don't think it is a serious one.

drew_ · June 2001

FYI, all vehicles have side impact door beams nowadays, heck my '94 Grand Voyager LE AWD minivan has them too (it meets 1997 side impact safety standards). Collapsable steering columns were introduced in the 1970's. Regarding ISOFIX, it will very soon be mandated by the law, just as upper tethers are. It is curious that Toyota decided not to place one for the middle rear position though (same with the Lexus RX300), since that is considered the safest position by most child safety experts.

Hope this helps!

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

brad_22 · June 2001

Personally, I think the Millenium Silver color (which happens to be my HL's color) is excellent, especially after a wash and wax. It looks even more incredible at night when driving down a well-lit main street! Real sleek...
Also, it doesn't show dirt as easily as other darker colors.

Toy_lander: I'm looking into getting the fender flares too, although that might not be possible since I have the mudguards. However, I just put in an order for some HL side tubes which should arrive in a couple weeks.

rutger3 · June 2001

I don't think Toyota compromises safety because they do offer many other safety items,and if it is as safe as the RX300 thats pretty good.
HOWEVER, I do believe they 'cheaped out' by not making side and/or head airbags standard. You do not have to spend very much nowadays on a vehicle to get sidebags;an example is the VW Passat. Other less expensive vehicles either make them standard,or much more easily avialable in all trim levels. Come on Toyota,we are only talking about $250 here. Is there anyone out there that would not have purchased their HL if it was $250 more? Furthermore,I would bet that the 2002 models will have them as standard equipment. Now if you want them,you have to get the Limited package and spend thousands more. If Hyundai,Suzuki,and Ford have them,Toyota certainly can. Come to think of it,maybe they are compomising your safety.

brad_22 · June 2001

One way to avoid using the airbags is to avoid accidents in the first place, and after an incident this weekend, I have to congratulate Toyota for the engineering on the HL (especially the brakes and skid control)!

I was driving about 55-60 with the sun in my eyes when a large dog suddenly sprinted from behind a tree 20 ft. in front. I slammed on the brakes and jerked the wheel hard to the side, thinking that I was either (A) going to hit the dog or (B) be the first person to roll a HL on its side. Luckily, neither occured. The brake assist kicked in and I fishtailed only slightly before regaining control. I was a little shook up, but the highlander was fine.

Thanks Toyota!

steeph123 · June 2001

I have owned my highlander for 3 weeks now and i have been suprised with all the little annoyances this vehicle has.
I was driving home from my kids baseball game and when they lowered the rear windows the noise was really bad.
I have heard it mentioned before on this board but this was the first time i experienced it. My ears felt like i was flying at 30,000 feet in an un-pressurized cabin. I hope there are solutions to these problems. For those considering purchasing a new highlander i would wait until the new 2002 comes out. Maybe by then these bugs will be worked out.

cmcardle · June 2001

I know of no vehicles that do well with only the rear windows down, and from the numerous posts on this board, the HL seems to be worse than most.

Moving forward, what are "all the little annoyances this vehicle has"?

macmac · June 2001

Just got back from Las Vegas. There was a lot of high wind in the desert. I believe that the noise is coming from the top part of the door (where the rubber seal of the door and the door fame come together). Those that can hear the noise... try sticking your fingers between the rubber seal of the door and the window frame. Every time there was a gust of wind I can feel the window part of the door gap get bigger. It would happen on both doors but it seems that it did not happen at the same time. The noise would happen on the left side then it would switch to the right side. Also notice... if the wind is blowing from the drivers side to the passenger side the whistling noise is happening on the passenger side. My conlusions... 1.) maybe the air is being down forced by the rack on top. 2.) maybe the side rear view mirrors gap area too large. 3.)maybe slight twisting of the fame of the car or door.
I don't drive this area often. So I don't hear the noise much.
Those that hear more often than I do. Try sealing the door and the frame of the car with duck tape. See if that helps.
I hope toyota can find a solution too the problem.

cmacleod · June 2001

I've been lurking here for a while and I just picked up my new Highlander this weekend. First I'd like to say thank you to you all (especially those of you that work for Toyota) for answering questions and sharing your experiences.

Couple questions about the Aluminum Wheels:

1. Are they anodized?

2. Do they have a clear coat?

3. Does the torque rating for the lug nuts (in the manual) apply to both the steel wheels and the aluminum wheels?

4. What size are the lug nuts? None of my "standard" sockets fit and my largest metric (19mm) is too small. I'm going to buy a new socket for my torque wrench and I'm guessing it's 21mm. Am I right?

Thanks for answering any of the questions!

hislander · June 2001

My HL is up to 5000 miles and I wanted to do tire rotation on the vehicle. My question if any one can help is that do I need a special wrench for the wheel-lock nuts? If I bring my vehicle to the shop for tire rotation, do they have special tool to do the job? Thanks.

rutht · June 2001

Having test driven both these 2001 vehicles, I wonder if someone else has compared these vehicles. The AWD and Traction Control features are really a selling point in mini or mid size SUVs to me. The Hyundai Santa Fe doesn't require you to have that expensive repair item of a Sunroof, and in my vehicles DARK color LEATHER seats are a must! Can anyone direct me to any SUV with these features and a V6 engine? The monster gas guzzlers are not on my agenda for a 2002 model. Acceptable comparisons: Chrysler T & C AWD & HONDA minivans

hawkeye70 · June 2001

Regarding the aluminum wheels:
1. The 6 spokes are painted except for the edge of the rim (closest to the tire) which is machined and not painted.
2. The painted and machined surfaces that are facing outward are clear coated.
3. Don't know.
4. A 21mm socket will fit the lug nuts.

Regarding the wheel locks:
You should have received an "adapter socket" with your wheel locks. It fits between the wheel lock and a standard size socket. It may be located near your jack and lug wrench. It is the only way you can remove the wheel locks.

wd5938 · June 2001

FYI the July issue of CAR AND DRIVER picked the Highlander as the best large sport utility vehicle in its 5 Best Trucks of the year. Other vehicles nominated for that class were the Buick Rendezvous, Chevy Suburban & Tahoe/GMC Yukon, Ford Explorer, GMC Envoy/Chevy Trailblazer, Jeep Grand Cherokee and Mercury Mountaineer. Also AUTOWEEK June 4 edition has a driving impression of the Highlander 2wd, and they give it good remarks. More positive comments about a great vehicle!

jrea · June 2001

My dealer just told me that they recommend changing the oil after 1000 miles. They say it is a synthetic break-in oil. There is no charge for their service, so I can't see any reason that they'd give false info. However, I've not seen anyone else mention this in the forum.

ajspecial1 · June 2001

help!!
is a 4x4 really better that a 4x2 for cleveland?
where are they hiding the unlimited v6's?
how can i get a vehicle shipped to me?
who's got the best pricing in my area (ohio, mi, pa)?

bcnewen · June 2001

Has anyone investigated whether it is possible to buy a key with integrated wireless entry buttons and engine immobilizer security sensor? I was traveling in Europe last week and had a rented Toyota Avensis which had a key with the wireless buttons integrated into the plastic part of the key. I did not look for the security sensor since I did not yet have my HL and was not thinking about this. I like to travel light and carrying both a key and the wireless transmitter in my pocket is inconvenient.

I am hoping some other Toyota model uses the same system and I could order a key from that model and have the dealer program it for my HL.

little_pogi · June 2001

I always believe doing an oil change immediately after the break-in period on any new or rebuilt engine is a must. That oil is heavily contaminated with microscopic metal fillings that acts like grinding fluid on the engine. As the metal to metal contact gets polished out, the lubricating action of oil gets more efficient if you change your oil after the break-in period. A 15 min oil change will do your engine good in the long end.

norskman · June 2001

The hitch I got at UHaul for my HL was the model that also is used for the RX-300. I believe it is model #41541. It is a class 3 hitch and sells for about $165, not installed. I had them install it as their "hitch central headquarters" said to allow 2 hours for installation as it was a tight fit. However it fit easily and the installer said it was simple and quick. I also bought the tongue and ball so the total was about $250. The wiring harness is simple to install, but I was picky about where to put the connector bracket. You could easily fasten it to the underside of the bumper. However, I mounted the bracket to the underside of the hitch cross bar. To do that I drilled two holes and tapped them for the 10-24 screws that came in the kit.

skyreb · June 2001

No doubt most have watched on the news where the insurance agency tests several pick-ups, including the Toyota (which scored very well). While no guarantee the HL will perform as well, it certainly does make one think the Toyota design team has the knowledge to design a safe vehicle.
The HL does have minor areas where changes should be made, but on the whole, it is a fabulous vehicle. Anyone doubting that statement, read several post re other SUV's.
rutht - After reading the reports on the Santa Fe's poor quality and performance, I could not give the SF even the most casual consideration.
I feel like we made a very wise decision .... I have learned to appreciate the Toyota quality more every time I drive the HL, and even more every report I hear/see and read about the competition.
Happy HL'ing to all.

mkstring · June 2001

Lexus' version of the keyless entry integrates it into the key, but I havent' seen it on a Toyota model in the states. Personally, the keys are expensive anyway, and I'm not much for making them even more expensive if I loose one.

After talking with several people (other Toyota owners), I'm going to go with synthetic oil in our (read: my wife's) Highlander. Any recommendations on brand? We've got 2400 miles on it now.

And this one's just for joanzie: If I could have afforded the $6000 extra, we'd have an RX300. We test drove one a year ago and I really, really liked it, and my wife's sister loves her '93 SC300 (as do I). Sure it's a Toyota, but it looks like a Lexus

. Don't let anyone give you a headache for mentioning you have a rx300, especially since I consider the HL the "little cousin" to it.

mkstring · June 2001

Brad, do you have the traction control option on your HL? When I fishtailed ours at 65mph in light drizzle on wet pavement (tire tread across the lane), I too felt that it didn't want to roll, but I don't have the TC so I didn't have much help in get the vehicle stable. And, I tried getting back into my lane, since I went into the inside emergency lane, but I think the road conditions plus my unfamiliarity with the vehicle all added up to my issue: I hit the concrete dividers in the middle of the tollway I was on. So, congrats on missing the dog and thanks for verifying that despite it's size and height that the vehicle is pretty resistant to rolling.

PS Drew: I'm still searching for a advanced driving course in SE Texas to help get the feel for the HL in those situations without worrying about hitting something. I've still got the links you sent previously, just looking for the one I need

thlndr · June 2001

- Don't about 4x2 being "really" better than 4x4.
- There are enough unlimited v6 4x4. I just bought one last week. About $600 over invoice listed on Edmunds + $350 advertising fee.
- Don't know about shipping one.
- Check Ganley Toyota, Brunswick Toyota and Classic Toyota who were all real close. Don Joseph Toyota only wanted to deal from "top-down" - meaning below MSRP, not above Invoice. Bedford Toyota was $1800 over invoice.

brad_22 · June 2001

Actually, mine doesn't have the VSC. Instead of saying "skid control", I should have said "EBD" (electronic brake distribution). Whether I would've been able to regain control so quickly if it had been raining is not something I want to experiment with! : ) However, that goes without saying for whatever vehicle you drive. I still feel safe in the HL no matter what the conditions are!

jblaze13 · June 2001

Imagine you're on your way to work in your barely 2 month old Highlander. Someone in the next lane decides they want to come over without looking and before you know it your beautiful new Highlander has more damage than you can stand to look at. Fortunately, nobody was hurt except me (broken heart). I knew that if anybody would understand, it would be you guys. The guy had no insurance...Talk about a cause for road rage. I have to enter and exit on the side that wasn't damaged so I can pretend its not that bad. I hope it doesn't take too long to fix.

Lots of damage to the front quarter panel and bumper. I couldn't believe the whole quarter panel was damaged but the wheel well maintained its shape. I had no problem controlling the vehicle even in the rain.....NOPE, I don't have the VSC either.

Toyota Highlander

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