Toyota Highlander

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Comments

  • brad_22brad_22 Member Posts: 154
    That sucks. I thought it was against the law to drive w/o insurance...

    Anyway, let us know how much the repairs cost. Not that I'm planning to get into an accident or anything (knock on wood), but it'd be nice to know what to expect.
  • jam1000jam1000 Member Posts: 182
    In response to several posts regarding the same problem with the Highlander, I posted a while back about a popping noise seeming to come from the roof of my 2000 Landcruiser. One person posited that the problem might be due to expansion and contraction of parts due to changes in temperature in the cavity between the inside ceiling and outdoor roof in vehicles with moonroofs.

    Since then, I've found that the noise, which has always been intermittent, will quickly go away if I give the ceiling a sharp whack. My question is whether this tends to confirm the theory above, suggest that maybe there's something out of place in the moonroof or ceiling area, or something else? Does this suggest something fixable? In any event, I'd like to figure something out, since the current solution can't be doing the vehicle or my hand any good.
  • msmdrmsmdr Member Posts: 12
    Hi Cornhusker and All,

    Re the hot air coming into my car in fresh air venting, it appears that your suggestions to turn the temp control ALL THE WAY into the blue zone improved things. Since it was fresh air coming in, I did not think that that was so important to set it at the max so I think that it will work. Our warmest day around here lately has still been only 72.

    A warning to all HL owners. In the little storage box above the driver's head that drops down near the map lights, I stored an Aviator style pair of sunglasses with metal rims and ear pieces. They were not in their case as the little box wouldn't close tight with the case in it. I left them in my car on a 65 degree day with the sun out. I came out in the afternoon and lowered the box and took out the glasses to wear. They were so scalding hot that I gave myself quite a burn on the fingers and palm of my hand. I have left glasses in a dash window before and never had them be this hot. Whether it's because it's a closed-in space in that box or or what - just watch what you put there.

    As for financing, absolutely investigate any local credit unions. Many have really loosened up their joining requirements. Some only ask that you keep $50 in an account. I used one and got my loan at 5.9% for 5 years.

    A techie question re this site: if I want to go to a particular post, per the template at the top,
    I have entered in the post's # but the program always sends me to the middle or the end of the list, no matter how many times I put in the number of the post I want. So it means I have to page and page through until I get to it. Have I missed a setting? Am I doing something wrong?

    Thanks to all of the very helpful people out there.

    Bernice
  • hawkeye70hawkeye70 Member Posts: 43
    For synthetic oil, there is an Edmund's message board under "Maintenance and Repair" dealing with synthetic oil. There is some interesting discussion, but not a lot of science. FWIW, I have several friends who have worked in auto restoration and racing shops and they both use Mobil 1 in their cars. I am inclined to use it also. Our local Costco even sells it for $22 for a six pack.
  • cliffy1cliffy1 Member Posts: 3,581
    Your dealership is telling you something that is not true, but if they are offering a free oil change, take it. The HL does not come with any special break in oil, nor does any Toyota product. The book calls for the first oil change at 5000 miles. If you needed one sooner, Toyota would tell you.
  • tdattdat Member Posts: 27
    but the local dealer (Poway Toyota) claims that it's very difficult to find HL V6 2WD with Limited package *without* being almost fully loaded. I'm told that Toyota seems to think that those who are interested in HL with Limited package would want *everything*. This is adding another $2500 to the price for things I really don't want/need (SR, BE, TO, VD, LL, EJ, LA, HD, CF, SK, GN)

    Is this true or are they just blowing smokes?
  • raybearraybear Member Posts: 1,795
    They're not lying.
  • spali1spali1 Member Posts: 11
    That is true. Most who buy a Limited want most if not all the goodies. You will probably have to special order. Good luck!
  • gwkisergwkiser Member Posts: 326
    OUCH! Sorry to hear about the accident. You're very fortunate to have come out OK physically. The HL is just a vehicle (I know, I know , those are blasphemous words around here), but look at it this way: We all know Toyotas are built well, and so repairing it should go without a hitch. Good luck and keep us posted. You're welcomed to vent anytime...after all, it could be one of us next week.

    BTW, BRAD 22, I think it IS illegal to drive without insurance . But then there IS insurance for that too (uninsured / underinsured motorist portion of premium).
  • ballfire8888ballfire8888 Member Posts: 131
    I purchased a Pathfinder 2 months ago and am fairly happy with it. My buddy took delivery of a HL last week and he still cannot sleep at night thinking about his decision.

    Do any of you folks have any comparative comments on these 2 fine trucks?

    TIA
  • drowowdrowow Member Posts: 1
    On Saturday I bought my black HL 4WD 6 Limited fully loaded. Paid invoice +7% in San Francisco East Bay. Very happy with it so far. I am debating whether to purchase Toyota's extended warranty for $685. It covers 75k miles/7 years or 100k miles/6 years. Both have a deductible of $50.

    I'm also considering the paintguard/fiberguard/leatherguard offered through my dealer by PermaPlate. All surfaces guaranteed for 7 years for $495. Advice? Opinions?
  • dniehusdniehus Member Posts: 83
    As I'm sure you would expect, you're going to get strong feedback on this forum for the HL. Among other vehicles, I looked at the Pathfinder before buying my HL Limited. For what it is worth, I actually prefer the styling of the PF over the HL. However, reason quickly prevailed. My reasons for not buying a Pathfinder: it is a truck-based SUV so handling in the HL is superior; the gas mileage in the PF is much worse than the HL; I found the back seat very cramped and difficult to get into; I didn't like the spare tire mounted on the bottom of the vehicle; crash tests were mediocre at best. The Pathfinder hasn't had a major design update in several years so it doesn't reflect the latest in automotive design and technology (e.g., vehicles skid control not even an option; it's been a few months, but I don't remember side airbags being offered, etc.)

    For me at least, once I compared the details, the PF wasn't a serious contender. I was more torn between the HL and the Subaru Outback VDC.

    Hope this helps YOU sleep better at night. You clearly made the better decision than your buddy.

    Don
  • svtcobraconvsvtcobraconv Member Posts: 85
    As I have stated here before, IMO any protection package is a complete waste of money. You can wash/clean your vehicle a lot of times for $495, which will do far more good than any protection package.
    I've never purchased an extended warranty, and probably never will, but a Toyota-backed extended warranty is not a bad idea for many people.
  • sagmansagman Member Posts: 11
    I have a special order HL coming in soon. Two people I trust, both Toyota service managers with many years' experience, gave conflicting advice on rustproofing: one said it was a waste of money because the standard undercoating provides all the protection needed; the other said that rustproofing done right does make a big difference in protecting the vehicle.

    Again, neither person is trying to sell me this admittedly high-profit service. Anybody care to comment?
  • cliffy1cliffy1 Member Posts: 3,581
    There is a difference between rustproofing and undercoating. I don't like, nor do I recommend rustproofing. I don't mind the undercoating though, depending on where you live. In the Central Atlantic Region, we get enough snow that salt is an issue. Also, dust control chemicals are applied to the roads in area where they are dong construction. The undercoating simply means you don't have to worry as much about cleaning the underside. Your owners manual has a section on corrosion prevention and you are told that it does more harm them good to simply wet the mud and debris. This makes steam cleaning the best option short up a complete undercoating.
  • chadhburkechadhburke Member Posts: 27
    I do not participate in the practice of buying extended warranties. After you work through the numbers and risks of actually using the extended warranty, it is almost always a losing proposition. Toyota already has a solid 5-yr/60k warranty on the powertrain and related. After you consider an alternative investment with the money (i.e. a simple money market at 5%) AND the probability of a major failure, it doesn't make sense to me.

    For example, using the $685 example you cited for 75k mi/7 years, you wouldn't gain anything until after the 5th year or 60k miles. At seven years, you could have invested the $685 in a money market account at 5%, which would grow to $964. If a catastrophic failure of the engine or powertrain would have occurred, I would bet it would have happened by the end of the factory warranty.

    With that said, assume that at 7 years there is a 50/50 chance you have a claim. That claim would have to exceed $1978 in order to justify the $964 expense ($964/.5 + $50). I think the probability of a major failure between years 5 and 7 is more like one in 5, or 20%. At this rate, the claim would have to exceed $4870 ($964/.2 + 50) to break even. Perhaps my 20% failure rate is still too high.

    It boils down to a judgment call and your tolerance for risk. I'd rather do something else with the money today.
  • jamiewinner1jamiewinner1 Member Posts: 6
    tdat,
    My husband and I just ordered our HL 1 week ago. We had the exact same problem as you. Never could find a Limited HL WITHOUT all that extra stuff. So our dealer talked us into ordering exactly what we want. We ended up with a 2WD, limited, leather, moon roof, center console, 6 disc CD changer for $2500 under MSRP. So it saved us a lot of $$ to order it ourselves. Delivery is supposed to take 3-4 weeks. This is what you have to do: don't special order it from Japan. Just have your dealer find out (by looking at the TVO) when the HL in the color you want will be coming through your port, the dealer sends in an "order sheet" to let the port know what options you want put on and which ones you want left off. It hopefully won't take too long to come in. I will let you know! Good luck!!
    Jamie
  • carol31carol31 Member Posts: 3
    According to jamiewinner1 she got the limited without all that extra stuff. I would also get the limited if it wasn't for all that extra unnecessary stuff. Did the dealer actually not charge for the full price of the limited package?
  • mdekruytermdekruyter Member Posts: 7
    Regarding the extended warranty, in certain situations I think it makes sense. I you have the 4wd highlander with lots of options (limited) the probability of failures goes up because the complexities of the systems,most of which are computerized. A failure of 1 main system will cost more than a 100,000 mile warranty (about $825 at toyotawarranty.com).

    You spend $800 - $1,500 per year to insure the body of the car, $1,000 per year on gas, etc., but you would not spend $825 to have full coverage on every componant. Let's face it, even Toyota can't build a 4-wheel drive truck that will last more than 100,000 mile without some repairs.

    Just my opinion
  • gunny93gunny93 Member Posts: 9
    I think what Jamie is talking about regarding "extra stuff" is a lot of the port installed options (PIO). After deciding what color we wanted, red, I gave our dealer the list of options I wanted, and my wife would let me get. V6, Limited, sun roof, upgraded stereo (wife told me I didn't need a 6 CD changer)and towing prep package. Told the dealer anything else we considered "fluff" and was not of value to us. He checked around, found one with our specs on a boat coming into Baltimore. We signed the papers, and picked it up the beginning of May, about the longest week or 10 years I ever had to wait. He did mention it was originally scheduled to have a lot more options installed at the port (Baltimore), but they were able to intercept it before hand and leave it the way we wanted. No complaints from us, and we've been enjoying it ever since. Cliffy, or one of the other dealers here, can probably give you the insider's view of this, but my advice is, pick out what you want, and find a dealer that will get it for you. Just remember, there are some restrictions, such as, to get a sun roof, you have to have the aluminum wheels. At least thats how I read the options list.
    John
  • cliffy1cliffy1 Member Posts: 3,581
    In a practical sense, we can't alter factory equipment. If everything sent to your region has LL, SR, VD, LA and the rest, that is how yours will come. It is the accessories that we have control over. Things like the hood protector, console, floor mats and others are things that we can add or delete if we catch them soon enough. Those items are added at the port. If we find a vehicle that is due into port, we can tell Toyota exactly which PIOs we want.
  • jimxojimxo Member Posts: 423
    I wish my mother purchased a warranty on her Avalon. With only 80k miles she has repaired the following out of pocket.

    2 main engine oil seals
    1 Drivers window motor
    1 Drivers side side mirror
    1 Power Antenna (not to damage)
    1 Power steering pump
    1 major repair to front control arm/

    Total cost to date $2,500.00

    I say get the warranty on your 30k HL. It will add value if you choose to sell the car later.

    All though I must admit I passed on the extended warranty on my 2000 Maxima.

    Now IM getting confused!
  • tdattdat Member Posts: 27
    Thanks for all the input. I will ceratinly consider special-order. I personally don't mind waiting extra week or two to get exactly what I want.

    Since the salesman at Poway Toyota is insisting on $1000 below MSRP, I will be checking another Toyota dealer around here, referred by CostCo Auto Program.

    I will let you all know how everything works out.
  • scribblahscribblah Member Posts: 1
    I'm interested in purchasing a Highlander, but I'd like to get some recommendations on dealerships that you've had positive experiences with.

    Thank You!
    Scribblah
  • jblaze13jblaze13 Member Posts: 152
    I came extremely close to buying a pathfinder before I purchased my HL. Like dniehus I prefer the looks of the Pathfinder. I didn't purchase it because its due for an overhaul vs the HL being a new model. I didn't want to buy a vehicle that may be replaced next year. Also, I liked the look of the LE but couldn't find it withouut the leather,etc. Lastly, I test drove the HL....need I say more.
  • reticent1reticent1 Member Posts: 70
    There is a difference between a build order and a preference.

    Building a Japanese car to order means you get it any way you like, but it's a 3-4 month wait. There's a system-method called TVO which tells Japan how each region wants their cars built... model by model.

    "Preferencing" a car means that the car you need/want it close enough to normally built cars to simply request off one of the next few boatloads. That's a far faster way to get a car.

    All cars can be ordered EXACTLY as folks want; it's done all the time. One must just be patient. And, as summertime rolls around, it's more difficult for Toyota to accomodate you as the build-out for the prior model year slides into being, meaning a specially-built car after early June becomes a 2002 (next year's) model.

    The reason a "preference" is faster is because it's part of a normal build structure, and the PPO's (post-production options) are added as the car hits the port facility. PPO's for Highlanders are things like center consoles, step boards, mats, rear spoilers on non-LTDs, glass breakage sensor upgrade, gold packages.

    -Ret
  • pacotacopacotaco Member Posts: 4
    My complements to all of the participants at this site, I have been an active reader for about 3 weeks now and feel I know enough about the HL to build one! I am planning to purchase and live in Virginia. Since my choice of options are different from the normal packages on the lots I will probably have to order. What is the average expected delivery time on an order to the Southeastern US. Secondly, was told the HL's are built in Japan, but recently heard they come from a plant in Kentucky...which one is correct? Finally, does anyone know of the release and sell dates for the 2002's? Thanks again, paco.
  • tdattdat Member Posts: 27
    No recommendation but just who I am dealing with.

    Poway Toyota contacted me via CarPoint. I exchanged emails with Internet/Fleet salesman but every price quote he gave me is only $1000 MSRP. I offered him $1000 above invoice but he seems to completely ignore it.

    I have an appointment with Kearny Mesa Toyota this afternoon for test drive and some negotiation. They contacted me via CostCo Auto Program. I will report how it goes.
  • cliffy1cliffy1 Member Posts: 3,581
    I suggest asking your local dealer to show you a TVO book before you decide you need to factory order one. We should be getting the new TVO book soon for the June orders. You are fortunate to be in VA. There are plenty of dealerships here and if one dealership will not provide a TVO for you to look over, you can always go to another.
  • raybearraybear Member Posts: 1,795
    You may have to look farther north.
  • sbondysbondy Member Posts: 6
    I did not have a good experience a Kearny Mesa Toyota. They tried to get me to by what they had and were not very interested in helping me get the highlander we wanted. We ended up buying from Toyota of Escondido through Autobytel. We got $1500 off MSRP on a loaded Bluestone limited 4x4 V6. Maybe not the greastest deal see on this board, but seemed reasonable given the difficult nature of getting a Bluestone at the time. I would try them if you are unsatisfied with Kearny Mesa Toyota.
  • tdattdat Member Posts: 27
    sbondy, sorry to hear about your bad experience at Kearny Mesa. Yeah, they didn't have exactly what I wanted but I knew I might have to wait for a week or two to get exactly what I wanted.. Even though I initially did not want anything other than Limited and towing packages, my wife just fell in love with almost-fully-loaded polar white HL they had in the lot.

    Anyway, to make a long story short, I ended up driving off the lot V6 2WD HL with

    Limited package
    Premium sound
    Heated seat
    Traction control
    Leather pacakge
    towing prep package
    Daytime running light
    center console, floor mat

    at $1000 above invoce, totaled at $30523 + Tax/License. I think financing thru their bank at 7% for 5 years made the deal. I squeezed two free oil changes out of the salesman as well.

    I'm relatively happy with the deal I got. For your information, I dealt with Ernie Jamie at Kearny Mesa Toyota. Tell him Sang sent you.

    I'm sleeping in the car tonight. :)
  • siasconsetsiasconset Member Posts: 14
    Do the rear seats slide back and forth? It looks like they are on tracks and have some travel like the 3rd seat of the Sequoia...
  • tdattdat Member Posts: 27
    Yes they do. They recline a little bit and fold forward to expand the cargo area. As they do, the bottom part slides forward/backward.
  • toy_landertoy_lander Member Posts: 5
    Today I was looking over the roof-rack system on my one week old Highlander. As I moved one of the cross section I discovered damage under the bar to the paint of the roof. Provably happened during the transportation. It looks like chain may have been dangling and beating on that portion of the roof. About 1inch of the inside edge of the groove where roof rack is attached is scratched to metal and its rusted and about 5 inch circle on top of the roof next to the gash has bounce marks going through the paint (not to the metal). It also looks like someone moved one of the cross bars right over it to cover it up.

    What should I do? I did not contact the dealer yet, but I prefer not to leave it at dealer (2 hours away) if I don't have to and fix it my self or get it fixed localy. Do you think dealer should have to fix it or compensate me for it? Should I get estimate? Please, give me your opinion. Thank you.
  • cmacleodcmacleod Member Posts: 4
    I have a Highlander Limited that I thought was loaded.

    As I was checking through my manual to figure out how the windshield wiper deicer works, I realized that my Highlander does not have such a feature!

    I've read in this group that some people have this option on their HL. The manual (p.96,97) shows that the second button to the right of the rear view mirror control can be "Type A", which is just the outside rear view mirror defogger, or "Type B", which also includes the windshield wiper deicer. I'm stuck with Type A.

    I don't remember seeing this as an option or I definitely would've asked for it specifically. Living in a snowy state, I was really looking forward to having this feature.

    What determines whether you get Type A or B?
  • imoimoimoimo Member Posts: 19
    Hi everyone, I'm new to this site but I find it very interesting and informative especially now that I'm really caught in deciding whether I should wait for the 2002 model for either cars (besides picking which car of course). I live in Calgary, Alberta and it seems like there's not too many Calgarians or Canadians for that matter that comment on either cars/suvs. I had test drove both HL and mdx and liked really prefer the feel of the mdx over HL. But it seems like the HL has a more subtle character in it which I prefer. But the HL lacks the steering wheel controls and the steering seems lighter than the mdx. Besides I read about the lacking of deicer on the HL. Both vehicles come very close in price (47,000 cdn) if the HL has the limited package. Can anyone tell me when the 2002 model of the HL would be out?? Thanks in advance.
  • gwkisergwkiser Member Posts: 326
    Regarding where the HL is built, currently it IS built at the same facility as the Lexus RX 300 in Japan. However, it would not suprise me if Toyota eventually shifted the production to its Kentucky plant (where Avalons are built). Perhaps Reticent1 or Cliffy1 can be more definite.
  • jreajrea Member Posts: 26
    My understanding is that the windshield wiper deicer feature is only available as an option in Canada. I researched this before purchase. Didn't keep me from buying, but I'd really like to have had the option.
  • chadhburkechadhburke Member Posts: 27
    The July edition of Car and Driver features an article featuring the "5 Best Trucks", a play off the original 10 Best cars. In the brief review, they segregate the trucks into five categories, including three SUV categories (small, large and luxury). The HL won the "large SUV" award, which doesn't surprise me.

    I've got 7100 miles and remain very pleased.
  • pacotacopacotaco Member Posts: 4
    Thanks for your reply concerning the delivery order. What exactly is a TVO and how does the process work? Is it all of the orders produced for dealers and not reserved for customers expected to deliver to port during a particular month? Thanks for you help, paco.
  • cliffy1cliffy1 Member Posts: 3,581
    TVO stands for Toyota Vehicle Order. Each region has a central distributor. Here in VA, we have Central Atlantic Toyota Distributors (CATD). CATD looks at the turn rate for each model and decides how to order the cars from Japan. Based on the turn rates and input from its dealers, CATD may order 30% without the alloys, 30% with alloys and a sunroof and 40% with everything you can stuff on to one. As a dealer, we can "preference" from that pool of vehicles. This means we tell CATD "as long as this is what you are ordering, we would prefer 5 with this, 3 with that and 2 with the other and here are our color choices."

    Every month, we get a TVO book that tells us how CATD is ordering the cars. Just before an allocation is cut, we transmit our preferences. By asking your dealer to see a TVO book, you can find out not only what the dealer has coming, but what he can get quickly.
  • reticent1reticent1 Member Posts: 70
    The TVO is the dealer's ordering guide. It tells the dealers how their cars are going to be built, either from Japan or from the USA built cars. Where US-built cars are able to be modified, the Japan cars cannot. TVO's change at the rate of about every 2 months. They vary slightly, and they become more defined and etched in stone as the year progresses. Unpopular options, colors, or slow-moving model cars to sell drop off, region to region. Certain colors are dialed up as far as they are allowed, and some colors get dropped. Packages are cancelled. That sort of thing.

    -Ret
  • ellybillellybill Member Posts: 5
    You don't really need to buy a "cargo inner", just turn the cargo mat over that came with the HL, the back side is rubberized ! We deliver meals on wheels and the resulting mess from leaking ice box etc. wipes right up. Also just got home from trip here in Texas to Wisc. , and back and the rubberized backing keeps suitcases etc. in place. We have 0ver 6000 miles on our HL and feel left out, as we don't have ANY of the complaints I see posted! Had an Avalon and a 4 runner, with no problems. Peace.
  • krishvishkrishvish Member Posts: 1
    Hey Guys,

    I joined the HL Lovers club couple of months back. I have a green 4WD HL. I have a question for you guys. Do any of you guys know of a good towel to dry the HL after a wash. I have tried a lot of stuff but the lint keeps sticking to the HL, which is annoying especially because it is a dark color.

    I also dont want to scratch the paint. Because of this problem, I have been using automatic washes for the past 2 months ( touchless ofcourse).

    Your advice will be greatly appreciated.

    Thanks in Advance
    -Vish
  • squeakersadiesqueakersadie Member Posts: 10
    We use a good chamois...our carwash provides a tub and wringer. Works great, and makes the Bluestone metallic shine!
    Enjoy your HL.
    JM
  • ejay2ejay2 Member Posts: 20
    I use the silicone based handheld wiper, which does a wonderful job of pushing water away from the vechicle body. You can get it at Costco or Target Stores. It costs about $12, and is less abrasive than regular cotton towels.
  • mobilmommobilmom Member Posts: 10
    Are there HL's out there, without doing the Japan special order thing, that are coming in equipped with the vehicle skid control option? I am looking for a non-limited 4x2 v6 model. If not, is this an option that can be added at the port? After reading posts about handling in wet weather, it really seems ironic that such a valuable safety feature is not widely available.
  • jdlaw1jdlaw1 Member Posts: 1
    My wife and I got our beautiful black limited yesterday. We waited over 4 months for ours. We factory ordered from Japan. Placed our order Feb 2nd or 3rd.

    We feel that it was worth the wait. Our biggest desires were the limited package, leather, and tow hitch. Since, like everyone else, we couldn't find a (black) limited without all the other add-ons, we decided it would be wisest to order it like we wanted it.

    The price for a fully loaded one was just to close to that of a base RX300. For a couple of thousand dollars difference, we would have had to have gone with the Lexus. The way we ordered ours, we got the luxuries that we wanted without closing in on the cost of a RX.

    We did the home work, faxed about 95% of the dealers in Florida, and walked away for $500 over invoice.
  • batiabatia Member Posts: 7
    Does anyone know about why head airbags are not available on HL? There is a BE option for side airbags, but not for head airbags.

    Also, are there any safety test results available on HL?
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