Toyota Highlander

skyreb · July 2001

I am completely satisfied the sounds described as "snaps" and "pops" are nothing more than expansion and contraction. Someone mentioned "cheap plastic parts." Yes, I believe that is a factor, but plastic is used to reduce weight, and costs. Many cars use plastic body panels as well. Some complain about the "ticking" sound when the engine is tirned off. That is the metal shrounds that separate the hot exhaust from other components.

I read several other forums as well as the HL. If you read their coments, we have a real winner here. I can live with a few pops and snaps ..... how about terrible rattles, shakes, engine and transmission failures? No, we are very fortunate.

Happy HL'ing

gunga64 · July 2001

My toyota corolla pinged and ticked when I first got it. 3056 is exactly right. Some people are pycho when it comes to the littlest noise. Sounds like nothing is wrong here. Metal gets hot thats the way the laws of physics works. Be glad that your HL sounds like a puppy when its running.

cliffy1 · July 2001

I know that Toyota does monitor this discussion. I don't know how much it impacts them, but they are watching.

As to the popping sounds, I haven't had any of my customers mention it. I'll talk to my service director on Monday and see if he has heard anything.

cliffy1 · July 2001

As long as the HL you are looking at has the tow prep package, you should be fine. I am a bit skeptical of extensive towing with any vehicle that does not have a truck frame, but at 2000 pounds, you should be fine. If you tow often or plan on getting something bigger, you may want to look at the 4Runner.

jamiewinner1 · July 2001

I wouldn't call people psycho for worrying about noises heard in a car they just purchased for $30,000+. When you spend that kind of money, you expect things to be perfect even though in reality, things aren't always that way. Little noises don't always mean "nothing". I think it is important to investigate anything one might think is a potential problem with their brand new car.
I agree with everyone that the noises I am hearing are just a contraction of the parts in the sunroof. However, I don't spend this kind of money every day and I (along with others) just want to be certain these noises are nothing serious. In fact, they are minor considering that the beautiful new car sitting in my driveway is perfect in every other way.

jblaze13 · July 2001

I'm really happy that technology has given us these wonderful plastic parts but we both know that all plastics aren't created equal. I somehow think that a vehicle of this weight could handle a few more ounces of quality plastic. I'm very happy all I have to complain about is a couple of sounds. However, like many others on this board, I purchased a Toyota because of its quality reputation. This is also a 30k+ vehicle. I don't think an extra $20 for quality plastic would break anyone who paid $30k for a vehicle. Maybe Toyota could take a $20 hit on the margins on this vehicle. They're making plenty.

charansm · July 2001

Hello all,

We have been looking for an SUV now for some time. We had almost decided on 2WD-V6 Highlander with a Limited Package(LL), But we were not getting the color that we want (Gold or Silver).

A local dealer had a Silver 2WD-V6 but no LL, Today we were about to say yest to the deal but thought of sleeping over it tonight. The price was $27,300.

This made us wonder if 4Runner would have been better especially with the sale going on all 2001 models.

Can some please suggest ?

Charan.

gunga64 · July 2001

Sorry your right 30k is a lot for some noises, just wanted some of you to know that a lot of noises some are hearing are normal. I must say I wish a lot more people would [non-permissible content removed] about paying 30k+ car, hell I wish more would complain about paying 20k+ for a car. It really pisses me off that we are paying this kind of money for a car. I don't think inflation is that high that the average car costs 22k now. It's rediculous, I'm waiting for the day when everyone starts to boycott new cars, and pressure these car compaines to cut costs, and profits. I hear too many people leasing cars because they can not afford payments. I wish people would see something wrong with that. These same people lease, the top of the line cars. This forces the rest of us that try to get a base model to pay for unnessasary items. I was told by a toyota dealer well we have these options on here because thats what our customer want. I think thats b.s. many customers don't want the options they are just forced to buy them.

cliffy1 · July 2001

It depends on where you live. If you happen to live in VA, MD, PA, WV or DE, there are a pile of 2 wheel drive V6 Highlanders on the way. There is a one month glitch in the ordering system that caused us to get loaded up on this model so you may be able to get the color you want.

Now, also depending on where you live, you may be able to steal a 4Runner. This region also happens to be overloaded with Runners and you can get one very cheap right now.

scanner · July 2001

Using the following advise, I was able to get a problem free HL with all the options I wanted for $500 over invoice.

http://www.kbb.com/kb/ki.dll/kw.kc.sp?kbb&&395&article_HowBuyNew

spali1 · July 2001

Quote by gunga64
"...I'm waiting for the day when everyone starts to boycott new cars, and pressure these car compaines to cut costs, and profits..."

I respect where you are coming from with this statement....however, that isn't going to happen in the USA. It just isnt. We love our cars too much.

ted83 · July 2001

I can tell you that HLs and 4Runners are very different vehicles. We bought our HL 3 weeks ago and I have a couple of friends with 4Runners. The 4R is much more truck-like with a much stiffer ride. If you plan to actually take your vehicle offroad, the 4R would probably be better. The HL is more car-like and smoother riding. It really depends on how you plan to use your vehicle.

I have a question.
In the glove box of our new HL was a small bag with 2 black rubber plugs. This is printed on the bag:

IMPORTANT To pre delivery inspector: insert these rubber plugs into the holes of the center side member extensions.

Anybody else get these? I plan to ask the dealer what they are, but I wondered if anyone here knew.

cliffy1 · July 2001

Those are supposed to be put in the vehicle before it goes on the lot. They are plugs, but I honestly don't know what they plug up. It is likely that your dealer didn't do the "PDI" or pre delivery inspection. Check your tire pressure. If they missed the plugs, they probably also didn't lower the pressure to 32 like it should be.

stached · July 2001

Cliffy1, I hear ya on the tire pressure check. I got my new Highlander last week and was wondering why it didn't ride as smoothly as the test drive. Then I remembered what some others had posted on this forum, that the tire pressure was set WAY too high from the dealer. I checked mine and all 4 tires were at 43 PSI (Bridgestones with a 30PSI recommendation). I lowered them to 35 PSI and the ride feels just like the test drive, EXCELLENT!

So does anyone think that me leaving them at 35 PSI is still too high? I've always been under the impression that you leave them a little higher than the recommended level.

Anyway, just a little reminder for everyone to check the tire pressure of your Highlander after buying it!

xcarnut · July 2001

Does anyone notice their HL pulling or drifting to the right ?
I had my dealer check it out yesterday and he claims it is a normal characteristic of HL. I suggested it could be the right front tire that maybe causing this so to satisfy me he switched the Left Front with the Right front. This seems to be better to me but the mechanic didn't think this reduced the drift. He also drove another from the lot but it was non-4WD and that one was similar but again in his professional opinion he didn't think this is a problem and would have to ask Toyota HQ to see if he can replace all four tires. (I didn't ask for all tires to be replaced just make the drift or pull go away)
Anyway, I would like to hear from anyone that maybe experiencing the same.

chadhburke · July 2001

I've been away for awhile and thought I'd give an update. We've got 10,500 miles now and are very pleased with the HL, with a couple of exceptions.

Yes, the reed noise continues to be a problem here in KS. On a recent trip from Colorado Springs to KC, the reed noise was present off and on from the KS/CO state line through Kansas City. Believe me, I am an expert now at explaining this problem to others riding in the HL, and if we all wear earplugs then we can talk using sign language. Now seriously, it remains a significant problem and if anyone finds a solution please share. (Also do not confuse this problem with what others refer to as common "wind noise.")

After five months of owning my HL, I experienced the infamous clicking noise the other day coming from the moon roof. I found this occurs on very hot days, and alternating usage of my moon roof seems to affect the frequency of the noise. Try pushing up on the back of the glass, it seems to make a similar noise so I think that is where the problem resides.

With that said, I am pleased with the HL ride and performance. No vehicle is perfect and I really do appreciate the ride quality and not having oil leaks. This is probably the best vehicle I have owned. For those who continue to post meaningful insight and information on this board, thank you.

md2002 · July 2001

xcarnut - When you say it drifts to the right, do you mean a slight drift or a "want to go off road via the right side"?

The reason I ask this is, depending on the road you are on some have more/less angle (crown) in the road. the road generall angles to the right. When I bought my (useless GMC) a few years ago (waiting to go HL or pre-owned TLC) it literally tried to go off the road to the right. I could actually change lanes from the left to the right without touching the wheel. Well after (3) dealers the alignment was fixed and it rides straight and true.

My wifes Solara (great car) goes straight as well. As for the Tech asking Toyota to replace teh tires, good luck. My wifes Solara has a slight wheel vibration from the rear (leased car) and the tech suggested the same. The Field Rep actually told him "No, that it was normal as the suspension tuning is done that way". So she is leasing a $23k car that has a mild vibration, not too bad, but if it wasn't a lease she wouldn't be driving it and the dealer would be fixing it.

Good Luck. Going to demo a HL soon.

perque · July 2001

Purchased my highlander in Feb, and just recently have been driving it at highway speeds during rain. The rain noise hitting the front glass seems really loud, louder than any of my previous or current vehicles. There is also a loud noise as the drops peel away from the side mirror area and hit the area located in between the drivers door glass and the passenger door glass.

Is anyone else experiencing this loud noise. The rain noise is the same as if one was standing under a plastic tarp during a rain storm. are there varying qualities of glass, or is this the same glass toyota/lexus is using on all of their vehicles.

Are these vehicles tested in such conditions prior to putting them on the market?

Help. Thanks in advance

alsop · July 2001

Thanks, Cliffy1 and Stached, as well as other posters on tire pressure - although I have had my FWD HL for five weeks, I had not yet checked the tire pressure - probably should have as a matter of course/routine by now. Since I took delievery of it after the dealer had closed at 9:00 P.M. and it had been sitting in the back lot corner with the shipping plastic still on it before I bought it that evening, and after reading your e-mails, thought I should check mine, too, even though as I noted above I should have before now anyway. One tire was about 30.5 psi, another about 32.5, the third about 36, and the fourth about 37..not TOO bad of a PSI for each tire, however quite a spread using percentage points. I'm kicking myself for not checking them sooner. As for the popping sounds and sounds heard after turning off the HL, I had not even noticed until I saw the postings here - however, I have heard the popping sound near my moon roof (someone's description in an earlier posting of the sound being like popping bubble gum is pretty close), as well as the metal cooling down sounds after I turned it off - all the sounds sound like normal physics in action to me, and do not seem to be problem sounds in my humble opinion. As others have noted in one way or another, I think we are fortunate to have relatively minor issues to be posting, and asking questions about, here, for the most part...at least so far! However, asking, posting, and learning is why most of are here, so it is great reading all (okay, most) of the postings! Thanks for all the great info, everyone. /Ron

wd5938 · July 2001

The rubber plugs you are talking about are to be installed under the vehicle. If you look under the Highlander just in front of the rear wheels in the area below the rear doors on the underside of the vehicle you will see a hole shaped like the plug on each side. Once you've located them simply insert the plug in each hole. This is very easy to do, however it should have been done by your dealer.

edmundted1 · July 2001

Took delivery of my 2001 V6 4WD Bluestone 4 days ago. Just love it! No complaints. Installed the Hidden Hitch today and it only took about 45 minutes. Thanks to everyone in the group that reassured me it was no big installation job - you were all right. And installed the hood protector too and it was easy.

Now I want some good all weather mats. Anybody have any comments on the Toyota All Weather floor mats or the Weathertech floor mats? I know the Weathertech mats have a raised edge around them to keep melted snow, etc. from getting on the carpet. I'd like to know if the Toyota all weather mats do the same.

Thanks to everyone in this group for the excellent information being shared.

jetscreamer1 · July 2001

Like many folks, I use the Internet to research and compare products and services. So when I started shopping for the Highlander back in March, I consulted Toyota's Website for all the specs, options and other info I'd need to make a decision-after all, if you're shopping for a Toyota, you go right to the source. I selected a V-6 powered, 4wd with a host of option packages including the Tow Prep Package(TO). According to the TO package's description on the Website, the package included a heavy duty radiator, alternator and ..a tow hitch. After reviewing the window sticker which specified all the options I was looking for(including the TO package), I chose it to be my new vehicle. When the dealer delivered the truck, there was neither a hitch installed or supplied. Upon questioning about the whereabouts of the missing hitch, the dealer indicated that they would not be able to intervene since it was Toyota's Website and they weren't responsible for its content. I called Toyota's 800 number to see why a hitch had not been furnished as had been promised/specified on the Website. The ensuing weeks of double-talk, lies and apathy on the part of Toyota and it's New York/New Jersey Regional office have all conspired to make me think of Toyota as an adversarial entity instead of a company interested in good customer relations.
The company put up quite a fight and refused to acknowledge that by indicating a hitch was supplied with the TO package and not supplying it they were effectively engaging in deceptive advertising. They repeatedly stated the inclusion of of a hitch in the TO package was a mistake. If so, then why wasn't it removed from the website? (Remember, I started shopping for this SUV back in March, its now July) as of this posting, the site still indicates the hitch as being part of the package. They tried to defend their position with these weak arguments:
 I didn't pay for a hitch, therefore I wasn't entitled to a hitch. I maintained I did pay for a hitch when the TO package was purchased-based on the inducement of the Website.
 There is no hitch available from the factory. I maintained that was an internal factory issue and not relevant to the issue at hand: what they advertised and what I thought I was purchasing were not the same.
 "If you wanted a hitch, you should have purchased the UQ package". Hmm, now suddenly there is a factory hitch in a package? The UQ package contains a converter-the TO package also has a converter as well as the beefed up radiator and alternator. The TO package, as specified, would seem to supercede the UQ package on a component level, so why would anyone order two packages that would have resulted in two converters? And who would purchase a hitch without the benefits of the tow prep package?
Early July saw the end of regular correspondence bewteen myself and Toyota, as they pondered the matter no longer-they would not furnish a hitch. Still knowing that I was right and they wrong, I contacted my local Consumer Affairs office. The matter was settled within three days. I was supplied with a Da'Lan hitch.I strongly urge everyone else who purchased the TO package believing they were getting a hitch with it to contact either your local consumer affairs office or your state attorney general's office. Bypass the dealer and 800 complaint line-they won't listen to reason. They will, however, begin to listen when fines and other sanctions for deceptive advertising practices are involved.

gbohres · July 2001

Re Message 3075: We also found the two plugs in our glove box when we picked up our 4 cylinder FWD Highlander in May. I called the salesman and he told me that the plugs were delivered with all HL vehicles, but were to be installed only in areas where they received a lot of snow. Cliffy1???? Is this correct, or should we install them in Panama City FL?

Re Message 3077: We had a choice of TOYOGUARD or the TOW package. We knew the TOYOGUARD was just dealer profit, so we chose the TOW prep package. The salesman said it provided a wiring pig tail to ease installation of a tow hitch if we ever chose to add (which we haven't). Looking at the Toyota web site mentioned in message 3077 I'm now wondering if we have a heavy duty radiator, transmission oil cooler, 130 amp alternator, engine oil cooler, power steering oil cooler, pre-wiring harness, fan coupling (80W to 120W), radiator size, tow hitch, and converter box listed there.
Cliffy1, can you or anyone else walk us through an inspection of our HL to see what else (other than the hitch) that we paid for and didn't receive?
Thanks in advance,
Redfaced in PC FL (and not from the sun)

steeph123 · July 2001

Edmundted1
I purchased my rubber mats from weathertech in grey.
I had to cut them to fit in the back. They look good in grey and almost match toyotas grey interior.
I also hope toyota resolves the wimd noise some of us are experiencing.

litzinger · July 2001

Also posted on "How much did you pay" board...

I'm wondering what people are getting from Toyota for a finance rate? Has Toyota offered anyone 6% or below on a 60-month Highlander loan?

stached · July 2001

I got 7% on a 60-month loan last week thru Toyota for my Highlander.

txags · July 2001

Hi everyone, I have a Limited with leather HL V6 AWD with 7K miles that was vandalized yesterday. My wife and I parked our HL in an upscale neighbor cummunity park where we have been walking our dogs there for past 2 years. We were only gone in 15 minutes. When we returned, the driver side widnow was broken into and the glass were shattered every where in the car. Whoever broken in, didn't take anything but did a a major damage to my driver side door (3 big dents with paint being chipped off) and the tool they used to break the window, torn part of the front passenger seat where you could see the inner material.

Question, according to the body shop estimator, usually with the damage to leather seat like that, they will have patch it up and dye the area to match the color of rest of the seat. Is this normal pratice?? I have asked estimator and my agent to see if they could replace the seat . Or should I ask to replace the whole leather seating in the HL to ensure the color will match. Please advise.

Thanks,
Tony

txags · July 2001

Before the car was vandlaized, I installed hidden hitch. With a friend's help, I was able install the hitch in 40 mintues. Had some trouble around the muffler area. But it wasn't too hard.

I also had a chance to drive 2001 RX300, it was a loaner car from the dealer for my wife's GS's 30K service. Here is what I have noticed: RX seems to drive smoother than my HL. When take off from the light, the transimission seems to shift smoother , less hesitation ( I was told VTT-i caused the hesitaion) than HL. Steering wheel seems a bit tigher than HL. Of course, interior of RX is much quieter than HL. Other than the issue that I listed above, HL is great., just like a RX.

cliffy1 · July 2001

There is no hitch on the tow prep package. I know what the web site says (much to my surprise by the way) but I also know what the invoice and the brochure says as well. If anybody wishes to take this up with an attorney, have at it, but I'm not going to get myself involved.

gbohres · July 2001

OK on the hitch. What about the rest of my questions in message 3077?

cliffy1 · July 2001

I honestly don't know enough about the plugs to comment, other than I know they are supposed to be installed at PDI. Your salesman was also incorrect about the "pig tail" being included in the tow prep package. The harness exists for you to plug the wiring harness into, but you don't have the actual "pig tail", nor the hitch.

sbell4 · July 2001

They are not installed to vehicles here in the south when the vehicle is inspected at the port facilities. I'm confident the dealer would be happy to install the plugs free of charge if you would like. The plugs are often left in the glove compartment wrapped in plastic that says important,important,important. I understand your reaction because of the situation but I think if someone at your local dealer would just simply give you the information you need face to face it will make you feel much better! I am on your side about the plugs if you want them installed but the hitch is not part of the tow prep package and I respectfully disagree with the thought of you paid for something that you did not receive.

gbohres · July 2001

I think I understand the hitch and plugs.

How about items listed in the brochure for Tow Prep, like:
Heavy duty Radiator?
Transmission Oil Cooler?
130 amp alternator?
Engine Oil Cooler?
120 watt fan coupling?
How do I verify I got these? What DID I get for $160?

Thanks,
Gary

afire · July 2001

If your car had the "TO" code on the MSRP, then you got everything in the tow prep package. It comes from Japan that way, so you got 'em.

Fiery

ted83 · July 2001

wd9538, thanks for the info on the plugs. Yes, they were easy to install, they just pop in. I think everyone needs them, regardless of where you live. Without them, you will get water, dirt, mud, etc. up inside those holes.

As for the hitch, it would be called a "towing package" if it included the hitch, instead of a "towing prep package." What the towing prep package includes depends on your engine.
Both engines get a heavy duty radiator, trans oil cooler, heavy duty alternator and prewiring. The 4 cyl also gets the engine oil cooler and 120 watt fan coupling. The V6 gets a 80 watt fan coupling and power steering oil cooler.

osoriob · July 2001

I was able to eliminate the rattle from the glove box by placing 2 small strips of 1/4" thick rubber foam.
If you open the gove box and look on the edges, on each side, you will see a thin black strip of black cloth tape, this piece of cloth rubs against the sides of the glove box openings, so I placed the thicker pading of rubber foam right on top of the old ones.......and the rattle was gone.

I also placed extra pieces on the spots where the small rubber bumpers and the glove box light switch hit the door. (light switch is the little black stem next to the latch)

so far is working, we'll see what happens as the rubber foam compresses down.

good luck everyone.

xcarnut · July 2001

Thanks for the reply md2002. Mine is similar to what you were explaining about the GMC truck. My HL would change lanes to the right and keep going off the freeway if I didn't hold steering wheel.
Since, Saturday I've driven it on a absolutely straight non-crown freeway (just repaved less than a month) and today wasn't a windy day.

Now after the tire switching from left to right and right to left front tires, it doesn't changes lanes but the steering has gotten more sensitive it is almost harder to keep it going straight.
I know the mechanic checked the tire pressure so I doubt if it is over inflated.
It is not a major problem but I;ve noticed my hand gets tired from holding the steering wheel so tight or at least holding it. I have a Camry it does not pull or anyrhing just drives dead straight for most part.
I'm going to have to ask the dealer to get me two front tires from another and see if it makes a difference.

impe · July 2001

I just changed the oil in my HL, and during the process I discovered a new noise coming from under the hood. It is a mild to loud cursing sound depending on which part of the engine you hit while attempting to get the wrench on the filter. I would like to meet the genius responsible for the placement of the oil filter on the V-6.

I ordered two Toyota filters from ToyotaGuys. They sent me filter numbered 08922-02011 (made in US). The original factory filter is 90915-20003 (made in Japan). They are identical in size, and the new filter fits properly but if you compare the two looking into the inside, they appear somewhat different.

I am going to ask ToyotaGuys about this in an Email, but thought I would also mention it on this forum since there are some pretty well informed people here.

Also, I am going to start keeping comparison records, my calcs. as the computer calcs., for gas mileage since my calculations figure a bit lower than those of the average MPG as stated by the computer.

All-in-all this is one fine vehicle and getting better all the time.

Impe

P.S. Also got a cargo net from ToyotaGuys. I really like it. It keeps things from flying about in the wayback and terrorizing the dog.

mobilmom · July 2001

Can anyone tell me what these Gulf States charges are and how much they legitimately should be? And are they legitimate? We are being quoted about 1200 or 1300 higher for this aren't familiar with "Gulf States Distribution." We're going out of state to look for the HL, since we want a 2WD, can't find it locally, and are most likely moving to that area soon, but were blindsighted by this new fee. Any information would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks - Mobilmom

shl72953 · July 2001

I noted with real interest the various problems people have mentioned pertaining to their Highlanders since I also had the same complaints. I solved most of them rather easily. The glove box rattle stopped when I used lag bolts from an unassembled rear deck. The roaring sound went away when I knocked out the rear quarterpanel windows. This also eliminated the dog slobber from the passenger side door as the dog can use the hole in the back to look out. Unerring accuracy with a .45 ended the squeek in the moon roof and brought in fresh air without fiddling with any of the controls. Leaving the oil filter off takes care of any inconvience with changing it. And simply waiting until the dealership closes before taking possession of the HL eliminates all those added on charges. I suppose some people will find fault with my solutions to each problem but I suspect they find fault with everything anyways so I don't pay too much attention.

cliffy1 · July 2001

You win. That is the funniest thing I have read here in a long time.

zeb3 · July 2001

I bought my HL - V6 Ltd fully loaded 2 months ago. I am very happy except for the same problems everybody is been facing. In addition I was interested to know where would one get a child seat that could be used with the child seat clamps provided in the HL? We are having a baby and its been an uphill task for me to find one that attaches to the latch given in the HL rear seat. Would somebody provide me the model and the manufacturer ?

oled · July 2001

purchased the Highlander, did you look at/compare it to the Santa Fe? What were your pros and cons? Also has anyone had a good Toyota pricing experience in NW Arkansas? WE moved here from So.Cal where there seemed to be a Toyota dealer every couple of blocks, and you could bargin with several with no strain or excessive driving. We are in the painful process making a final selection and would appreciate any and all comments

pauleul · July 2001

You missed the solution to your center console problem so, here it is.

Head down to Toys R Us and purchase a child size tool box. Not only will it work great and fit well, but it is made of the same high quality plastic Toyota uses. Spread a little chewing gum on the top for an excellent cup holder. Use the extra plugs you find in the glove box to put in the opening of your cup to prevent spilling.

If you don't like that solution, we could always go to war with Japan and after we have beaten them to a pulp, take away their Kluger consoles.

wd5938 · July 2001

I purchased my Highlander in March and the only problem/issue I have is the wind noise, but I have only experienced it a couple of times. Other than that I have no complaints. I do have the tow prep package and was aware that the hitch was not part of the package. I also have the console box, which is the same one used in the Prius, and they could have done better with that. I was considering the 2002 Trailblazer/Envoy/Bravada...If you want to read about problems make a vist to their message board. I started the search for the replacement of my 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee last summer and read spy reports. Every time I read the posts on the TB/Envoy/Bravada board I know I made the right decision. I agree you should get what you paid for, but the complaints mentioned here are not problems. They are nothing compared to those with the new GM SUV's. (If you paid 30+K for a vehicle you would expect to be able to get in it from the drivers door right?)

cliffy1 · July 2001

I believe Fisher-Price has one. Make sure it is marked with either the term "ISOFIX" or "LATCH".

marcasoo · July 2001

I am in the market for a HL. Some time ago I saw some posting regarding car buying groups.
I live in so Cal and want to get the best deal I can. Will these auto brokers get me the best price
And what do they charge. Who has used one and how much did you pay for this service and HL
with everything on it.

raybear · July 2001

It's all relative. You can often get the best price on your own, without a broker helping, but it can be a lot of work. Some internet services will get you quotes, you can link to carsdirect right from Edmunds to get a price to work against, and there are a number of other services out there also.

dean2sm1 · July 2001

I am amazed that jetscreamer1, who obviously picked the correct pen name, was able to brow beat Toyota into a free hitch. But, Toyota should get their act together. Their web site does indeed have a typo regarding a hitch as part of the Tow Prep(TO) package, but the Highlander sales brochure does not make that error. Also, there is confusion about whether there is a power steering cooler as part of TO. Brochure says yes in the V6, but web site says only in the 4. Brochure says nothing about pwr steering cooler in the 4!! Neither I, or the technician at my first oil change, could find a power steering cooler, only the extra transmission cooler was apparent in my V6 with TO. I assume Toyota will straighten out their mess in the 2002 brochure.

zemmy2 · July 2001

I almost bought a Santa Fe but the dealer jerked me around. Needless to say I'm glad he did. Anyway the main reasons I leased a Highlander were....

1. More rear seat room for my 7 month old son's car seat.

2. Dealers close by for service. Hyundai dealers were too far away. I think there is some warranty restrictions to get the 5yr/60k bumper to bumper.

3. Reliability of Toyota
4. Lease price was about the same.
5. Actually like not having a center console, easier to get to the back if needed.
6. It was what my wife liked the best. If she's happy, I'm happy:)

Toyota Highlander

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