Toyota Highlander

skyreb · July 2001

I especially like your reason #6 - I always said "Boss happy - boy happy."

I do believe the HL is a superior vehicle to anything else in it's class. I certainly hope you have a good experience with yours. I too like the fact that ours does not have a center console. I would not want one now even if one was available.

Happy HL'ing to all.

zeb3 · July 2001

Thanks again cliffy for helping me with information a second time. Really appreciate it.

ronmetrx · July 2001

I live in the S.F. East Bay and have decided on buying a 2wd, 6 cyl HL, either silver or gold. I received quotes off the 'net today from two Fleet Managers who called me. One offered $1500 over invoice (Hayward Toyota) while the other (Fremont Toyota), I bargained down to $1300 over invoice. Is this a fair price for the S.F. East Bay and if not what other options are available to me? Both quoted invoice prices over the phone which surprised me. Also I might trade in my 1995 SE-V6 4WD Pathfinder as it only has 45K miles and Fremont Toyota said they could give me $10.5K in trade, which I find tolerable. I am tired of the PF's jarring ride and acceleration and the HL seemed so much better in these two categories. Any advice or feedback would be appreciated. If anyone wants to e-mail I can be reached at ronmetrx@hotmail.com Thanks!

afire · July 2001

That sounds a little high for pricing depending on the model you want. I have read of better deals and perhaps better sources here at Edmunds, and if you are new, perhaps scroll to a few months back and see how the pricing has come down a lot on certain more available cars now that the original "I gotta have a car now" folks have their cars. I think there are still certain colors and models that are scarce but there are a lot of board members here from Northern and Southern California who can advise you well. Be patient and wait to see what the advice is from the people who've bought and are buying/leasing right now.

Fiery

raybear · July 2001

Those are competetive for your area.

Prices outside the Bay Area tend to run cheaper, but you'd have to be prepared to travel.

ejay2 · July 2001

I purchased my highlander from Ron Goode Toyota in Alameda, back in February, the month it came out. I bought it from Jerry, Sr. I highly recommend that dealership, service and pricing were excellent. Alameda is a hidden treasure, next to Oakland, but with small town service. I can't recommend them highly enough.

raybear · July 2001

Good deal, good dealer.

marphylous · July 2001

We just completed a 500 mile trip along the coast of northern California in our 4x2 V6 Highlander. The car performed flawlessly. Even the curves of Highway 1 just north of San Francisco were an easy drive. On other parts of Highway 1, I could just leave it in 2nd gear and let the engine do most of the braking. No unusual wind noises even with 25 knot cross winds, although traveling at less than 50 mph.

The only thing that may be an issue is that there is a moderately loud clunk when shifting from reverse to drive. The vehicle is at full stop. It doesn't sound like anything is wrong, but that there is a lot of free play that is being taken up in the gears. Has anyone else noticed this?

Overall, this vehicle is a pleasure.

edmundted1 · July 2001

Just got my Highlander. Notice the passenger side front floor mat looks strange at the top right side - it doesn't have a raised edge like all the other mats and on the reverse side (rubber side) is a cutout for this area. Is this normal or do I have a defective floor mat? Thanks.

bojack1 · July 2001

I ordered my filters also from Toyotaguys a few months ago(Jim 1800-231-2909) and they supplied me with part # 90915-YZZB9for the v6.This was the same as the original factory oil filter.Here is a link to some photos I've taken a couple months ago.

http://albums.photopoint.com/j/AlbumIndex?u=921375&a=12464178&f=0

alsop · July 2001

If you mean the little"flap" portion on the upper right side passenger mat that folds up toward the firewall does not have the raised edge, but the rest of the passenger mat does, then that is the same as mine. I had not looked at it until your posting, but it does look kind of like a cut out pattern on the back; although it looks to me like it was made that way so it could fold up againest the corner okay. Mine seems fine like that and fits perfect. I hope this info helps.

gc35 · July 2001

I recently purchased a Draw-Tite hitch for my HL. From the posts in this townhall, I assumed it would be easy to install. Screw in six bolts and it a done deal. Not so. How do I get it into position with the tail pipe obstructing the way? Do I have to remove the muffler first? Can anyone help?

Thanks

gwkiser · July 2001

Guys, I too thought there was something wrong with the mat. Even the service tech did and reordered me a set of 4 mats. When they got in, the front passenger mat was the same. I finally figured out that you have to make a crease at the point where the floor meets the bottom of the wheel well. My guess is that with a crease, any outside edge stitching/trim would "double up on itself" and look cheesey. OTOH, the mat does fool you into thinking it has an unfinished edge. When I finally figured this out and informed the service tech, she let me have the new mats anyway.

edmundted1 · July 2001

Thanks. Kind of what I thought but wasn't sure. It makes sense the raised edge isn't on the upper end because of the bend. Wanted to see if everyone else had that too.

This is the only real thing I've found on my 1 week old HL. Just can't find anything wrong with it! So far best vehicle I've ever purchased and love driving it.

gpolt · July 2001

Ron,
Sounds like agreat price for a V6. Curious as to what options that price included. Thanks

mobilmom · July 2001

Wow! That sounds like a great price! We are looking for about the same options that you are and haven't been able to get close to that. Does that fleet mananger only do SF Bay Area? Would you mind emailing me and letting me know how you found her? Thanks, in advance!
Mobilmom

raybear · July 2001

She's SoCal.

boulderhl · July 2001

Just wondering if anyone has purchased a rubber mat for the cargo area that fits good and they would recommend (preferably with raised edges to contain spills)? And if so, where did you get it, and how much did it cost. Thanks!

jblaze13 · July 2001

I noticed the transmission was a little rough at first when shifting to/from reverse too. After driving it a few weeks it seemed to work it self out. I don't know what the technical issue would be, but it eventually went away.

hawkeye70 · July 2001

I also notice a transmission clunk when I shift from reverse to drive, but only one time after I start it cold. If I imediately shift it out of drive into reverse and back into drive again, there is no clunk. I wonder if the ports, valves, etc in the transmission just don't have fluid in them until shifted once. I have a V6 FWD with no VSC and about 4k miles. Any one else notice this?

ronmetrx · July 2001

"Sounds like a great price for a V6. Curious as to what options that price included."

Here are the options:

FE, DR, TO, UQ, AG, CQ, HE, CF...but now my wife wants to wait about a month!

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!

Sorry had to vent a little...will work on her tonight to see if I can change her mind.

marcasoo · July 2001

I was doing some thinking and SOME OF MY IDEAS ARE GOOD AND SOME BAD.. So

here it goes. Maybe this will be a good one. Everyone has been bitching about the center console in the
HL. I would have to agree that it isn`t a very good design too. So as I was looking at other suv`s on the
web. And thats when It hit me. A post i read here said that in japan the highlander their called a kragon
or something like that. and that it had a center console that

ran the whole way front to back and was really useful. Well I don`t know why I didn`t think of this before.
Take a look at this picture of the center console on the lexus rx300

http://www.kbb.com/images/midsuv/RX3004.jpg

Well same platform as the HL Ya think its the Hl/Kragon in japan ? I think so!

I`m going to first buy my HL and then see what the RX300 console costs.

If so problem solved. Let me know if this works.

Marcasso

gwkiser · July 2001

Interesting that you mention the RX. I happen to be babysitting my brother-in-law's 2000 RX and I've been having the same thoughts. I'm sure it's extremely expensive AND one would have to figure out how to "plug up" the a/c vents that come out of the back of it (I was thinking about installing headphone jacks and volume controls). Then you also have to consider whether or not the color would compliment the rest of the HL interior.
Personally, I'd rather see if the Kluger V console would work. The primary obstacles with it are related to the fact that the driver is on the other side of the car and storage door orientation and gear shifter lever placement might be incorrect for the US (not to mention the hassle of getting it imported...what's that exchange rate right now?? ). I think there's someone named zuzu in the Yahoo HL Club that was looking into this. [LOOK THE OTHER WAY STEVE AND DREW!!]

impe · July 2001

To Bojack1 Re: 3115

Thanks for the info which confirms that ToyotaGuys sent me the oil filter for the Avalon.

A picture really is worth a thousand words - I am going to take a picture of the 90915-20003 filter that was installed on my HL at the factory. It looks similar to, but not exactly like the 90915-YZZB9 in your picture.

I will call Jim and get his opinion on whether or not I should use the other Avalon filter for my next oil change or get the 90915-YZZB9.

I am guessing that you used a digital for the picture; I just got an Olympus C-2100Z, and I am having bunches of fun with it. I was going to take a picture of my HL next to my Jag E-Type which must be at least two feet shorter in height but the Jaguar, all of a sudden, won't start; of course that is nothing new!!

Thanks, again for the info.

Impe

afire · July 2001

This issue about the console comes up from time to time, even with folks posting that they are being told that the 2002 will have it standard (untrue, BTW). Fact is, Toyota's engineers and marketing department stresses strongly that HL is flat-floor, low to the ground for easy access inside and out. If you care to upgrade to center console and further add the total blockage between the seats with "Kluger" console" then so be it but it really wasn't the intention of the Toyota engineers in the original design of the car. Nor is it the wish of the majority of HL buyers -- they like flat floor and the easy access into the car and inside the car.
Perhaps with enough requests of Toyota, they will make the console from Kluger an available thing?

pauleul · July 2001

I'm curious about your comment regarding "the wish of the majority of HL buyers". Is this a statistical fact or your opinion? If it is a statistical fact, do you know how many HL buyers have even seen a lexus console or picture of the Kluger console? My guess is if they did, they would quickly change their opinion. As to the owners who do have the cheap console available here in the states, I'd bet few if any are impressed with it. I also find it interesting that the demand for the cheap console has been so high that Toyota has not been able to fill it (this according to previous posts. Could this be an error on the part of marketing?

afire · July 2001

You have been very vocal, almost fanatical about insiting that the Japanese console be available to you. I know enough to know that a huge ratio of Highlander folks preferred fluidity and accessibility in their cars. You are one of the few who insist on having the big block between the seats. I am certain you will be one of the most vocal about this issue and you are well within your rights to request that someone local to you order this from their parts department thru Japan.

The Highlander isn't a thing wrapped around a console. The flat floor is a huge plus for many owners and buyers, and easy access to the rear of the car with the lower center console is a lovely plus.

Afire

alsop · July 2001

I am so dis-interested in a console that if they were free I would not put one in my HL. The flat floor and the space between the seats was (is) a big plus for me. MUCH easier to stow items between the seats, to move what I need up to the center floor between the seats, and great open space area - a consule would be a waste of space..I REALLY, REALLY like the open space. Besides, I spill my coffee about 25% of the time (well, rarely the whole cup, but I tend to slosh it or tip the cup a lot) - in the Honda Accord I had before the HL, and previous vehicles, that meant coffee all over the console, and sometimes seats! Way cool having those cup holders near the floor, with a cloth table place mat under them to catch my coffee cup sloshes (and, no not because of the location of the cupholders, because of me). Console? No way for me...and I know there are others, too. Besides, Toyota marketing is not dumb...they did not sit in a dark room isolated from the world and then one day walk out with plans for a new vehicle. It it obvious the Highlander is the result of a lot of market studies, and determining what people want - or most people in a certain market segment, at least. Of course not everyone is going to like all features of a certain car - but I think Toyota did not invest all this money in a new vehicle without knowing what most people want. Anyway, as is or with an added console, we HL owners have great cars! I hope everyone enjoys their's either way! Oh, also, for what it is worth, I have seen Lexus RX 300s, with their consoles, and I have seen photos of the Kluger V with consoles - and, I still stick with all my above statements - no way do I want one of those, or any other console. Again, though, I hope everyone enjoys their Highlanders either way, whichever your preference is!

pauleul · July 2001

Fanatical? All my posts have been in response to other comments made regarding lack of a console. I have no objection to Toyota providing the option of no console. I, and many others, would simply like the option to have the console. Others appear to believe we should not have that option and imply marketing and toyota know better than we what we should have. Isn't it strange that in their own country they have the deluxe console? What happened to all those great ideas of no console their? One might also ask why almost every other manufacture provides a console. Lack of good marketing departments? My response to your original post was simply to confirm if it were fact or fiction. I believe your response answers that question. People read these posts looking for facts. My only point.

afire · July 2001

When you remove the emotion, you get fact. Fact here is that you have been tremendously fanatical about the lack of a console you'd like and think is a good idea. Many things have been invented and designed and created and even marketed by folks in the same mindset as you: they wanted an item that wasn't available to them, or thought everyone else might want it too and made it or caused it to be readily available as distributor or even marketing liaison.

Perhaps you might head off in that direction with this Kluger console idea? Create and make it happen? Just a little thought here. No harm or cause for anger, just perhaps possible you might be our next millionaire!

Afire

stever · July 2001

OK if we move along? And you guys think you have problems over a console :-)

Steve
Host
Vans, SUVs and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards

svtcobraconv · July 2001

I'm not trying to prolong this console vs. no console debate. This of course is a personal preference thing. I just happen to be in the group that prefers not to have a console. Anyway, I found a Highlander that has the right options for me, except it has a console. I would want it removed. This would seem to be a very simple thing to do, especially considering it is a PIO option, which are typically only "bolt-on" items. However, prevoius posts suggest adding a console is a "highly technical process", or something like that. Has anyone removed the PIO Toyota console?

seankat1 · July 2001

Apparently, Toyotaguys are on the same page as my local dealer. I had a free oil change performed at my local Toyota service center and they installed the same filter that Toyota guys sent me. Is this the wrong filter? Will it do damage to the engine?

svtcobraconv · July 2001

Just talked to the dealer who has the HL I was interested in about removing the console. He said the carpeting is cut when the console is installed, and they would not remove the console. He further stated his service people said there was really nothing technical beyond this. Guess I'll look for or order one without the console.

watchmansusa · July 2001

Here is some input on the subject of a Highlander Console. On an un-named Highlander Club site the respondents to poll question - I wish Toyota would improve the Highlander by...(limit yourself to three (3) selections, please);

The desire for a Highlander console was the number one vote getter by a 2 to 1 margin over the nearest other high vote Toyota improvement. This is not a scientific poll but it is better than conjecture.

little_pogi · July 2001

I find it entertaining to read posting on people that has opposite views on this console. For those who dosen't have it and want one, there are previous postings that claims to have found a 3rd party manufacturer that perfectly fits in. Sorry I can't recall the posting number. Should you not have the patience you scroll back for previous posting, you will never get that console. And for those who want it removed, you only need to take out 3 screws. After removing that console, there are 4 more bolts that secure the two protruding console mounting brackets. Most likely, you may want to remove these too since they are a possible safety hazard if you plan to use the space to go to the back seat. Then good luck covering that unsightly carpet hole between the front seats. Quite interestingly, I've never seen somebody offered on e-bay a PIO Highlander console. For me, I decided to to move that console 3 cm to the front and 2 cm to the right to get more space at the back and that 2 side pockets on the driver seat.

pauleul · July 2001

Thanks for the statistical information. It fits with what I would have expected. Could that be passed on to your marketing department afire?

Steve, I just read the member agreement again and it appears to me we are doing exactly what is the suggested purpose of Town Hall. The console has been the second or third most mentioned concern in 3000+ posts. If you want to leave a topic, you might consider the one about too much noise when the back windows are down. Nothing can be done about that.
afire, I have no desire to reinvent the wheel. It already exists. I believe it should be made available to all of us (2 to 1) that would like to have it. Someone needs to speak for a cause. I already have enough money and have no interest in becomining a millionaire, but thanks for the thought.
I do believe it is a credit to Toyota that they have built an suv that has almost nothing wrong with it (based on posts here). Thats cool. Some of us are just trying to show toyota a way to sell even more HLs and make even more customers happy. Something any marketing department SHOULD want to here!
PS - this board was getting a little slow anyway. At least we found some new life. Isn't this fun?

stever · July 2001

I guess the six posts in a row by just two guys encouraged me to ask for a breather. Glad that some others hopped into the mix. Carry on :-).

Steve
Host
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alsop · July 2001

Sorry, Steve (host), I can' resist this one, but I mean it light heartedly

Re: Watchmanusa's post on post #3139, he states on an un-named Highlander Club site that respondents to the poll "I wish Toyota would improve the Highlander by...(limit yourself to three (3) selections, please)" he states the desire for a console was the number one vote getter by a 2 to 1 margin over the nearest other high vote Toyota improvement. The 2 -1 margin is correct. However, that poll question, of which the actual wording is "An improved (on the order of the KlugerV) center console option" received 26 of the 119 votes total (there were 19 choices, by the way). So, looking at it another way, only 22% of the votes were cast for that choice, which actually did not ask about a desire for a console, it simply gave "an improved" console option as the question. Anyway, this stat stuff is all in fun and it does not matter to those that want a console or those that do not - one either does or doesn't! Also, thanks for keeping us moving along, Steve (host)! I agree, the more of us the better on ANY subject! Take care, everyone, and keep enjoying our Highlanders!

mattbrown15 · July 2001

What should I expect to be paying for a highlander 4X4 V6 in relation to invoice in Connecticut? If anyone has had good buying experiences (price or service) with specific dealerships, please let me know. Thanks!

hsvillage · July 2001

Has anyone had experince with Kings-good or bad?I have a quote about $1000 over invoice for an AWD with DR,AG,CQ,HE,SK,GP& CF.I will have to fly to Cinn. and drive it back to AR but it is a lot better price than I have seen locally.I considered flying to L.A. and seeing Diane at Carson but this is quite a bit closer.I enjoy most of the discussions in the Highlander group altho IMHO the console has been beaten to death.

pauleul · July 2001

Statistically Steve, you are the weakest link. 3 + 2 = 5, not 6. The sixth post was from a third person who has a difficult time keeping coffee in their cup. :-)

For those wishing to remove their console and are worring about the hole in the carpet, relax. The one who spills coffee already has towels and mats to catch the spill - so the hole will never be seen and as a bonus, allows the coffee to drain out. The people who want more space for their purse or other items will always have enough junk in the space to keep the hole covered. The people wanting to walk thru (I assume these are rather small people) should put a regular rear floor mat in this area anyway since their shoes must get dirty sometimes (remember this is a SUV).
Then you can sell that console as mentioned in a prior post. Keep in mind you will have narrowed the market when it comes time to sell. What ever percentage of people wanting a console will not be interested in yours.

OK I'll go away now.

stever · July 2001

lol, uncle! btw, I also prefer "a SUV" instead of "an SUV", although people keep jumping on me for that too. Is it me or did you just edit your post to make it "an SUV"?

Now can you tell me a good way to clean Bakelight on my circa 1940 WE 302 phone I picked up this afternoon at the junk store?

Steve
Host
Vans, SUVs and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards

stever · July 2001

pauleul · July 2001

Hey, I didn't go to college and I ain't that smart! Why do you think I'm such a FANATIC for accurate information. I NEED HELP! I also had to fix already because I left the y off.

So an is wrong huh? Well I'm too old to change bad habits but I'll take your word on it and fix it before someone else gets me.

Keep up the good work. It helps to prevent things from getting too boring.

Paul

stever · July 2001

No, "an SUV" is grammatically correct. But I don't like it :-). English being the flexible language that it is, I may start a movement to change it....

Oh yeah, I see you edited it again. Glad to see you've decided to join "the dark side."

Steve
Host
Vans, SUVs and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards

rihoops · July 2001

I was wondering what people were paying for their Highlanders, especially in the Northeast. Also, one dealer quoted me a $490 charge for Toyota advertising. Never heard of this, is it true?

skyreb · July 2001

I live in northern New Hampshire. The nearest Toyota dealer would not discuss anything even or less than MSRP. I used Autobytel, (Manchester NH) and got it for a little less than $1000 off MSRP. But that was in February. I understand they are dealing more now that it has been out a while. Unless it was hidden, I did not pay for "advertising."
I think the key is to take what they have in stock. I accepted a feature I really did not care about (sun roof).... They gave it to me at no cost. It costs the dealer considerable bucks to search; then trade (usually a more expensive car for a lesser); convey both cars between dealerships; plus two drivers costs.
I could not be any happier with my HL, and now, I enjoy the moon roof as well.
Hally HL'ing to all.

cliffy1 · July 2001

Skyreb didn't pay an advertising fee because his deal was discussed relative to MSRP, not invoice. Every region in the country does have an advertising fee and this ranges from a low of $250 to over 2.3% of the base invoice. It is tacked on to the invoice that the dealer pays. I just got done with this discussion in the Solara topic in the Sports Cars conference. You may want to drop by and read more about it.

llofgren · July 2001

Hey Cliffy1,
I know you have answered this before.....but can you clarify what UQ adds in addition to TO? I have ordered a HL without either and now I am wondering if I made a mistake. Can I still add a hitch and wiring (to the hitch) WITHOUT TO and/or UQ? (I realize my tow capacity will be less).
Thanks!!

Toyota Highlander

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