Toyota Highlander

llofgren · July 2001

Thanks for the info. It helps alot to get some accurate stuff on this. Yes, I do understand the hestitancy on the dealer's part regarding a special order. The package described (Cliffy1) with Tow prep, HE, roof rack and convenience pkg isn't too far off from what I am looking for. Steve, do you know if we are getting any of these in the midwest? May I ask, where abouts are you in WI? Thanks, Les.

jimw1020 · July 2001

I found a console that fits perfectly between the seats of my highlander at pepboys.It is made by rubber queen number 0-71897-51371 cost $19.99and has two cupholders.The base is a little over 8 inches,but narrower at the top,push it in from the rear seat floor and it fits perfect.

dichelle · July 2001

Really, do go to a dealer and ask how vehicles for the region are being built, you should be able to find out exactly. My salesman showed me what combinations and what percent of each were being built in which colors. Those are the easiest ones for them to get, but as has been mentioned, your dealer might be willing to trade with another region. By the way, does anyone know if there is a map of these regions? I'd be curious to know how the Midwest is divided up.

You might also check and see if dealers in your area (or maybe even in some other part of the country) list their new inventory online--some do, and then you can get an idea of what's around.

I have to agree that Toyota is full of beans when they say they build what there is the highest demand for. There is no way they can know, when they have never given people free choice--we've all had to pick from what's available. At the beginning, my region only got fully loaded, V6 4 X 4's. Surprise! That's what sold.

In Toyota's defense, someone earlier stated that import taxes are based on the base price, so by keeping that low and adding options, Toyota actually is saving us all some money. Don't know why Acura doesn't do the same.

cndsam · July 2001

I have read this site daily since I first bought my HL in Honolulu. Waited three wks for it to arrive and have the 2WD, V6 unlimited with AG, CQ,HE & DR options in super White. Paid $27345 out the door. We are very pleased with the HL and so far have not encountered any of the problems cited on this site. Just put on the window vent shade and car seat covers (local Hawaiian print[custom made]). My wife and I have to take turns driving it every other week. Here in Honolulu there is only one distributor with many dealers but basically you have to find the right salesman to get the best possible price. I found out that Toyota Hawaii is a separate entity from Toyota USA, therefore our option packages are somewhat different than those made for "USA". There are a lot of HL's here in the lot and most come in the limited version but I was able to order and get what I wanted. It has been very enlightening logging on this site daily and getting feedback from all HL owners from every state. By the way, when I drive, I get anywhere from 21-23 mpg (hwy and city) and when my wife drives--18-19 mpg. Thanks to everyone who inputs into this site. ALOHA from sunny Honolulu

ldorman7 · July 2001

Unfortunately I am an owner of a Highlander that has the howling reedy wind noise. Because the noise only appears in my Highlander while driving over the speed limit, into high cross winds, I think Toyota will not be legally liable to fix my 2001 model. I cannot expect a service tech to exceed the speed limit in a high cross wind to check out my complaint. Toyota will probably put next years model in a high speed wind tunnel and correct the defect. I have had fantastic luck with Toyota's since 1968 and I am still optimistic that Toyota may find a solution to this years model wind noise. Except for the wind noise my Highlander is one fine machine.

svtcobraconv · July 2001

I too am somewhat disappointed in how Toyota selects color combinations and option sets for distribution. This is the first time I've considered a Japanese built car, and was quite surprised. The lack of variation as seen searching dealer inventories is amazing. Even considering the fact the Highlander is in high demand, one would think that the company that pioneered just-in-time manufacturing, Kanban, and small-lot sizes could build you the car you want in less than 4 months. There is no arguing the fact that Toyota builds high-quality products, and they are in business to make money. However, it seems to me they lack attention given to the individual.

cliffy1 · July 2001

Since the HL was introduced, we here in the Central Atlantic Region have seen everything from fairly stripped (not completely, but close) models to totally decked out models plus a few "tweeners". Our distributor looks at the turn rate for each of these configurations and bases its future orders on this.

For instance, the ones with LL, BE, VD and SR sold at a fairly slow rate relative to the ones with LA or the ones with SR but not LL, BE and VD. We're talking a matter of degrees here, but it was something like 10 day turn rate versus a 5 day. Industry average turn rate is something like 60 days (45 for imports). So, if our distributor knows that certain configurations will only sit for 5 days on average and others will sit twice as long, the decision becomes very easy on what to order next month.

Having said that, I will also tell you that I sympathize with many of you on this situation. I would be quite happy to see side air bags and VSC become standard. I would also prefer to have only one or two options available. It would make my life much easier. It would not allow Toyota the ability to make subtle changes to meet the highest demand though.

boulderhl · July 2001

I'm sure the MPV is a fine vehicle, but if its only a few thousand less than a HL (and not a seating issue, i.e. you need to seat 7), I'd be hard pressed to pass on a Toyota. I've got a friend that had leased a '98 MPV and has been trying to sell it for over 6 months and just get enough to cover the remainder of his lease payments, with no luck at all (and its in extremely good shape). He's tried listing it himself in the paper, taken it the the auction, and had it on a dealers lot, but still has the car!

toyotawalt · July 2001

Thanks to jimw1020 for the info on a CHEAP center console. Certainly it's cheaper than the one we saw earlier on this board. I'll check it out.
Walt

steveb84 · July 2001

llofgren, so far the Chicano region (MN,WI,IL,IN and Upper rich)is still not getting any of the
4 cyl 4WD. The Kansas City (IA,KS,MO,ND,SD,NE) does get them in one combination. They are using the Quick Order package, not the Con. Package; none have towing. Hope that helps.

gunga64 · July 2001

The price difference between the MPV and HL is dramatic IMO, your talking the HL is 25%-60% more and you have to put up with the cocky Toyota dealers, The MPV also has more going for it then the 7 passenger availablity. You can basically put the rear seats into the floor and gain a ton of rear room. The HL to me is still a little to small in the rear behind the seats. But I still have'nt ruled it out.

They are based on different requirements so to most people the HL is a fine choice, but trying to say someone leased an MPV and is having a tough time selling it, I basically blame that on the lease, and the model. Leasing to me is the dumbest thing you could do. Also the 1998 version of the MPV was near the last year for that model, and is very dated. It was basically unchanged for 8 years. the MPV prior to 2000 can't be compared to the autos of today.

tomasj · July 2001

Just purchased a non-limited Highlander with 2WD and V6 with the usual options for $2400 under MSRP, feel fairly fortunate to get such a deal since they've been selling fast here in California. Thanks to all of you for your input on this message board.

mtwallace · July 2001

Sounds like you got a pretty good deal. Are you in Southern Calif, Bay Area, Sacto area, Central Valley? How did you purchase your car. Did you use priceline, the fax method, internet, or old-fashioned haggling? Did they have the car you wanted on the lot already? I would like to learn from your experience.

mtwallace · July 2001

Based on what I've been reading about the wind noise, limited supply, etc, I am thinking it might be better to wait until January or February and buy a 2002. What does anybody else think? If you were in the market for a Highlander now, but had no particular need to rush into a purchase, would you wait?

gatorflo · July 2001

I've been researching this vehicle for the past couple of weeks and except for the very common, almost standard wind noise, I am very impressed so far on paper. I will be test driving one this weekend. The vehicle is fairly know but have no doubts that it will be reliable due to the Toyota name. This isn't a Honda made by Izuzu. If I'm not mistaken the vehicle came out in February. Has anyone driven the HL in snow or ice. I live in Southern New England so the weather her can be very inclement. I am also curious what the vehicle is like during a hard rain. I am curious how the HL handles with/without either LSD or VCS.
Thank You

oled · July 2001

I am very interested in several mid-sized SUVs including the Highlander, however I have decided to wait until Q1 of 02 before I make my final decision and buy. Assuming that the 02's are released in October, five months will give the pricing a chance to settle down. Of course you must know that I did not install Windows 95 until 1998.
Have been following these postings for 6 weeks now and everyone's input is helpful.

HAPPY 4TH!

scanner · July 2001

I guess-timate the following percentages based on info provided by Car & Driver.

V6 4x4 - 54%

V6 4x2 - 36%

I4 4x4 - 6%

I4 4x2 - 4%

http://www.caranddriver.com/xp/Caranddriver/previews/2001/February/200102_preview_2002_highlander.xml

socalbob1 · July 2001

I am new to this topic, but I just wanted to make a comment about a disparaging remark that was made about Carson Toyota. Calling anybody a "[non-permissible content removed]" with or without reason is purely juvenile. I recently purchased a Sequoia from them and was so impressed with the straightforward attitude of their Internet sales staff that I brought a neighbor of mine to them to buy a Highlander. Just as with my Sequoia sale, everything went very smoothly and there were no games played. What was promised was what was delivered.

What was delivered you may ask? A beautiful silver Highlander for $500 over invoice.

Scumbags? Hardly.

xcarnut · July 2001

I too agreee with ltw1 about the brakes being touchy. I got mine done over the weekend and that touchy spongy feeling is gone. I thought it was the new vehicle for me and was not use to the brakes on an SUV. Cap made a difference in the sensitivity and just overall feel of the brakes.

One question I have for anyone out there - I've noticed occasionally if I'm stopped at the stop ligjht or on a stop and go traffic if I have foot on the brake pedal it'll go down little further to the floor. I do not increase pressure or reduce pressure this just feels like when the brake lines are being bled (anyone who has done home brake job will identify) and the valve is opened to let air out and how the pedal goes to the floor. Anyone have this happen on their HL ?

olivemarie · July 2001

Would appreciate any feedback from 4x2 4cyl owners on adequacy of power, and mpg. I have been looking at wagons and suv's and have been shocked at the very poor mpg of these vehicles. Even the mini/cute utes have poor numbers.

I have been driving a 97 Mazda Protege and the poor thing is soooo under powered that it has become painful to drive...but it has spoiled me with good mpg. I fear that I want the best of both worlds, so I am considering the 4x2 4 cyl.

Live in Mich, but have been getting around ok in Winter with small fwd cars for many years.
Looking forward to any and all responses. There is a 4x2 4 cyl at a local dealer dressed out nicely and they can't seem to give it away!

Olivemarie

sparcle · July 2001

I got a 4x2 Highlander 3 weeks ago. Feel the power is adquate. Very quiet and comfortable ride. The gas milage on the first tank was 23.8 on mixed driving with a lot of cities. The problem I am having is that I have to stay under 55mph for break-in.

gbohres · July 2001

We've had our Highlander since mid-May. Driving back the 300 miles from the dealer in Tuscaloosa AL that gave us the best deal (and staying under 55) we got 27 mpg on the very first tank. Since then we've taken one 800 mile road trip, loaded to the gills with passengers and gear and got 22-25 mpg in somewhat mixed driving. Two tanks around town (Panama City FL) have given us 20 mpg.

We also have a four cylinder 94 Honda Accord with acceptable (to me) power and, so far I'd say that our Highlander has comparable power. We did some two lane driving/passing on our trip, some in rolling hills, and when you add in the dramatically better visibility, the Highlander made passing easier and safer than the Accord.

tomas7 · July 2001

I purchased my Highlander on the central coast after soliciting bids from dealers from San Diego to San Jose. I would recommend talking to as many people as possible in order to better educate yourself on what is a reasonable price to pay. Allow me to throw in my two cents worth and praise Carson Toyota as an excellent source of information.

gunga64 · July 2001

Is the toyota financing a good deal or is it some trick. We went and looked at a toyota last saturday the sales guy said that it was the last day you could get .9% financing. We still decided to wait. He calls me up today(weds) and says they still have the .9% financing, are these guys trustworthy at all. I have found them in a ton of lies now.

steeph123 · July 2001

MT
I think you would be wise to wait unti the 2002 models come out.
Iam sure by then Toyota will have resolved some of the problems. Also, they will probably add a couple new colors.
If you can live with wind noise and a glove box rattle buy now.

xcarnut · July 2001

I got mine from Tracy Toyota and would recommend them. But they are no different than most others. They'll try to sell it to you for as much as possible. Just be armed with the invoice price of your HL with the options you want and run a sanity check via the Edmunds TMV.
I got mine $700 or $900 over invoice. I walked out the door incl. T&L under the MSRP listed on the window label. So it was fairly good deal.

BTW: The person posting Carson Toyota bashing has got be nuts. I've to Dianne at CT and she has been totally fair and easy to work.

plantrunner · July 2001

We had the brake problem. The dealer fixed the problem by bleeding the system again. He said if this didn't work (which it did) he would replace the booster.

e7841 · July 2001

I purchased a 2wd 4cyl Highlander in March 2001. I drove it from upstate New York to Disney in Fl. and back. I have about 6,500 miles on it.
This vehicle replaced a 95 Ford Windstar which is my Wife's car. It is used mostly to transport the kids and the family on local trips.
It came equiped with tinted windows, side airbags, a VIP alarm system, center console, rear storage shade, mats, and towing package. I paid $25,200.
The car is solid and very quiet. Did not experience wind noise. The engine and transmission is very smooth. I averaged 26 mpg on my trip to Fl. and the family was very comfortable.
I had test drove the 6 and was very impressed with the power. I needed the economy of a 4 and the dealer only had the 6 cyl loaded to the gills for around $32,000 which was more than I could afford.
The power of the 4 cyl is impressive. It moves the car as well as the V6 moved my old windstar.
What has impressed me with the Highlander the most is how well made and put together it is...I guess after the Windstar, a Hyndai would have been an improvement. (have you driven a Ford lately?)
I havent been back to the dealer since I bought the Highlander. It runs great and not having to deal with car dealers is worth the $25,000 I paid.
I recommend this car!

Tom

skyreb · July 2001

I live in northern New Hampshire, and the HL was great in the snow. I have a steep drive, and never doubted I would make it up. I do not have VCS so cannot comment on that. Actually, I am impressed with every aspect of the HL, as was the writer for Car & Driver Magazine, June 2001 edition, currently on the news stand.
Happy HL hunting.

llofgren · July 2001

Glad to hear you have had such good luck! I am very interested in the 4 banger.....but I also know that with the AWD, there is more weight. Can anyone on this forum comment (or has it been done already) about the AWD version of the 4 cyl? Thanks!

sbell4 · July 2001

You must be in NC,SC,GA,AL or FL. 0.9% financing is through Southeast Toyota Finance on all Tundra, Reg cab Tacoma, Corolla, Solara(non-convt.),Camry in lieu of cah back. It does not cost the dealer anything for you to take advantage of this program. It has nothing to do with the Highlander. Programs go from month to month and it the proper thing to tell someone is the program goes until the end of the month and that Toyota will not announce any new programs until the beginning of next month.

stached · July 2001

So is Toyota offering 0.9% financing nationwide on ALL vehicles? I've only seen this type of financing offered on overstocked Camry's and Corolla's before.
If it isn't nationwide, are there any suggestions/tactics on how to get it on a Highlander??? (That would be a GREAT deal!)

Thanks in advance for your replies!
-Stach

tdat · July 2001

Is it possible to have my HL serviced at the dealership that is not where I bought the vehicle from but closer to my house? Would I get the same level of service?

stached · July 2001

Typically you would get the same quality of service, it's just that the "new" dealer would give scheduling preference to people that bought cars directly from them. At least that's been my experience.

gatorflo · July 2001

Skyreb. Thanks for your response. I figured that the responses that were received would be positive. I'm curious as to what type of model you have. Is it a AWD or 4x2? Is it a V4 or V6?

Thanks

gatorflo · July 2001

Does anyone know when the 2002's will be released? I am having a difficult time finding the vehicle I want at the price I want. If 2002's are due out soon I may wait to see if they have better deals. Also I should be able to get a better price on a 2001

thanks

mtwallace · July 2001

Thanks for the info. I am helping a friend buy a Highlander who doesn't have Internet access, and therefore, has little of the ammo necessary to get a good deal. He'll probably wait until 2002 hoping they handle the wind noise problem. Dealers around here have few or no Highlanders and are unwilling to deal at all.

Both of you (and many others on this forum) cited Dianne at Carson Toyota as a valuable source of information. What kind of information did you get from her? Did she help you locate the HL you wanted? Give you an idea of which dealerships in NorCal might be willing to bargain? Did you actually consider buying from her? I am jsut curious.

Thanks, Mark

skyreb · July 2001

Good to hear from you.

In February, we bought a V6, AWD, unlimited. We used it almost exclusively for the duration of the winter, but now, we let it "rest" and are doing most of our driving in our Acura sedan.
The HL was somewhat of a "sleeper" for us .... we ordered a Ford Escape, but when that deal failed, we cancelled, and have been grateful ever since. We were not even aware there was a HL when we ordered the Escape. We bought through Autobytel. The dealer is in Manchester, NH. There is a closer dealer in Berlin, NH, but they were totally unwilling to negotiate, in fact, they wanted additional money over MSRP.

We are especially pleased with the HL. Absolutely no problems or concerns. It is the right size, and we appreciate the wonderful quiet ride and comfort (we turned in a leased Explorer that rode like a truck and delivered terrible mileage) The HL delivered 22 mpg the first tank, and we have gotten as high as 24 (remember we do not live in the city, so those figures are a bit "rosey.")

We got the grey interior and like it much better than the lighter interior, which seemed to show dirt more .... but colors are mostly individual likes.

You cannot go wrong with the HL if our experience is any indicator.

Happy HL Motoring

bertcherylg · July 2001

A couple of new aftermarket items just became available for the Highlander:

Draw Tite just released their trailer hitch. It looks and works very well. http://www.draw-tite.com/

Floor & Cargo Trays from Mats4Less

http://www.mats4less.com/highlander.html

yankee_wasp · July 2001

Hi,

I intend to buy a HL (V6 4WD). I stay in North Jersey and would like to know, the prices that are going around for Highlander. Also are the dealers asking for a premium on the car ?

Any information provided would help me in my negotiations with the dealers.

Thanks

davida5 · July 2001

My parents are thinking about buying a Highlander. Likely loaded with AWD, V6, etc. What is a reasonable price to pay with respect to MSRP in either Tucson or Phoenix? Thanks!

marphylous · July 2001

An owner in Japan reports an Internet story that says Toyota is recalling some Kluger V's (Japan's version of the Highlander) for potential brake system problems. There have been 27 claims in Japan, but none outside of Japan. The owner provided a link to a site that describes the problem. However, all descriptions are in Japanese. The link is

http://www.mlit.go.jp/jidosha/recall/recall01/07/images/toyota7-3-2.gif

The problem appears to be in the "resevoir tank cap". In the link, the faulty part is on the left and the replacement part on the right. The symptoms are progressive. The brakes become less and less responsive. The part may be allowing air to leak into the system. Toyota says that they will also bleed the air out of the hydraulic systems.

Please note that the owner acknowledged that the translation may not be entirely correct.

svtcobraconv · July 2001

Hey mtwallace,

I think we will wait and perhaps order a 2002. We've not been able to find the right 2001 Highlander for us. Some HL's we have seen have been "almost" right, but to pay $25,000+ for something that isn't exactly right for us would be a mistake. However, we have no particular need to buy another vehicle right now, so there is no pressure to act immediately. BTW, I finally got my wife to stop and look at a new 1200 Harley Sportster yesterday...

swhtech · July 2001

I would like to get some information on what people are getting for lease deals in the Northeast? Specifically what price you are buying the car for, and what the lease rate factor or APR is? We are looking at a V6 4x4 with AG, CQ, HE, SR, GN, CF, DR, RF, which invoice is approximately $26,700, retail $30,700.
We went to Bernardi Toyota last night, and they were trying to lease it at MSRP, with a lease APR of 7.68% or lease factor of 0.0032. Nissan is offering a lease factor of 0.0013 which is 3.12%, on a Pathfinder SE, which makes a huge difference. Any information and dealers where people had success would be appreciated! Thanks!

daltex · July 2001

Hey all. Can anyone who has had brake booster problems tell me what I should notice if I have the same issue?

sab2624 · July 2001

Does anyone have any suggestions for a cargo liner? I see that Weathertech offers one for $89. Also, does anyone have a good suggestions for where to order Toyota Accessories? Thanks, sb

griggo · July 2001

I got my HL about 5 weeks ago in VA. 2WD, V6. After market leather was installed by a designated leather installer. They messed up armrests. I leave in Maryland. Can I go to a dealer in Baltimore to do warranty work on leather interior? Second question. Did anyone noticed a clicking noise when you start driving? I can not pinpoint where it is coming from, but it sounds like a relay switch. Thanks

cliffy1 · July 2001

If the leather was installed aftermaket, the work would be warranted by the people who installed it and other Toyota dealerships will be of no use.

The clicking you hear is normal. It is the ABS system doing a self check.

griggo · July 2001

Thanks for your response. I called the shop that installed leather about a month ago. The owner told me he needs to order some items. That was it. I am still waiting. What can I do as an owner? I do not want to drive > 100 miles just to face them. Any suggestions?

cliffy1 · July 2001

Either call the dealership and ask to speak to the General Manager or call 800-GO-TOYOTA. By going directly to the GM, you will avoid the lame excuses and probably get better results. The call to the 800 number will generate a case file with Toyota and they have 48 hours to clear up the problem and report the results to Toyota.

Toyota Highlander

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