Toyota Highlander

osoriob · July 2001

Today I had the dealer fix the brake master cylinder cap problem, they ordered the CAP a week ago and today it was replaced and the whole system was bled.

Brake pedal seems a little tighter,after the service.

Good luck and thanks for all the info you guys input to this townhall

gwkiser · July 2001

Thanks for the posting! I was just by the dealer's the other day and specifically asked if they had a TSB (Toyota Service Bulletin) or a recall for brake related problems and they had said "no". Guess it's time to print it out and take it to them!

hlron · July 2001

I called Toyota customer assistance a week or so ago (as you can see above, I am
posting this on July 25). According to them, the special service campaign for the
brake reservoir filler cap issue is so new that the information had not been provided
to dealers yet. However, one of the two service locations I called in my area knew
about it when I contacted them, the other did not. For the location that knows about
it already, I was told by them that they do not have the replacement reservoir caps
yet. I have a co-worker who has had the work done by yet another dealership, though, so it seems some dealers are already performing the work, others may not quite yet be aware, and others don't have the caps yet. Toyota customer service told me last week or so that we owners should be receiving letters "next week", which would be about now (again, I am posting this on July 25). So, the word should be out to all soon, hopefully.

stached · July 2001

Last night I noticed that the gas tank was below what I consider empty, the needle was half-way between the last "tick-mark" (what I would consider empty) and the "BIG E". To my surprise, I was only able to put 17.8 gallons in, which means that I still had 2 gallons left in the tank.

I just thought that you might find it interesting that empty appears to be the letter "E" and not that last "tick-mark" in the 4 mark gauge.

For what it's worth...

ted83 · July 2001

Thanks to all who have posted about the Hidden Hitch. I see that www.bageco.com sells it for $109. The Hidden Hitch web site includes the installation instructions. It looks very easy to install - just 6 bolts into existing holes.

My question is about the wiring. Does my HL have some sort of "jack" to plug the HH wiring harness into? If so, where is it? BTW, I do have the Towing Prep option. Thanks

raddboy41 · July 2001

Yes, if you have the Towing Prep package your HL is prewired to accept Highlander Trailer Wiring Harness Q14467. This part can be purchased online at http://www.toyotaguys.com for $24.00 + $4 shipping. Also, of those who are experiencing the windnoise (crosswinds or not), have you tried repositioning the front crossbar of the roof rack?

llofgren · July 2001

My question is: can wiring (for a hitch) be done if you DON'T have the tow prep (TO) pkg?

jblaze13 · July 2001

I'm pretty sure Toyota did that to protect us from ourselves. A bunch of vehicles do this.

griggo · July 2001

I called the service department today about the recall and they told me to wait for the owner notification and then schedule an appointment. Can they do that?
I also had oil change done at the same dealer and they installed Avalon oil filter. They said oil filters are interchangeable. Any problems?

gwkiser · July 2001

llofgren, I'm sure someone out there has done this. Try www.bageco.com,www.toyoguys.com, and www.hitchweb.com . If they don't have something listed, I would e-mail them. Good Luck.

gwkiser · July 2001

ted83, the wiring harness is located inside the black box on the underside of the tailend of the HL (on the outside). As raddboy41 mentioned, you will need to buy an adapter harness from toyoguys or elsewhere. Good Luck.

oldbulldog · July 2001

A lot of posts talk about the"1000 mile" break in period --my owners manual says 500 miles for the break in --readers--what does your owners manual say - do I have to go back to school to read - or did Toyota somehow change the breakin period along the way somewhere

stached · July 2001

This is strange, my Toyota Highlander manual clearly says 1000 mile break in period.

On a similar note, I could not find any mention of the missing "Tool Kit" in the manual, that others received gift checks for. It sounds like there might be a couple versions of the manual in print out there already.

-Stach

ephriamc · July 2001

I just washed my Metallic Silver Highlander yesterday, which I have owned since May. To my amazement, the paint is chipping quite easily off of the hood and the bumper. I have a 1990 Celica as well and the paint didn't chip that easily. In addition, I noticed little yellow spots all over the car, like it was starting to rust. I tried wiping it off, however the yellow spots were embedded into the paint. Has anyone else been experiencing similar difficulties?

ejay2 · July 2001

From what little I know the wiring harness is to allow for safety lights when towing a trailer, right? So if I'm just hauling bikes I would not need it correct?

Also, is the hitch as easy to install as I've read? Didn't someone have a problem with the exhaust pipe getting in the way?

What is the consensus on which hitch to buy and where. There seems to be some many options out there, from sportsrack, uhaul, bage.com, etc.

alsop · July 2001

My owner's manual reads 1,000 miles as the break in period.

11223344 · July 2001

You are correct that a wiring harness is NOT needed if you only use a bike carrier on your trailer hitch. The wiring harness is needed if you pull a trailer for the trailer brake/running lights.

A large number of folks (including myself) have bought the Hidden Hitch 70777 from www.bageco.com for ~$130.00 (shipping included, no tax since out of state for me).

The installation was easy, the Hidden Hitch instructions tell you that you have to pull down slightly on the muffler to get the hitch in place and once its bolted in you can release the muffler back into position. I did this myself in my garage with no problem.

I then ordered the Thule 994 expressway hitch 4 bike carrier and have been happy with it ever since!

oldbulldog · July 2001

Ahh - do I feel like an idiot - you would think with many years of schooling I would be able to read - apparently not - you guys are right 1000 miles break in it is - I apparently focused on the 500 miles for towing and blew it - sorry mia culpa--now if I can just hide this "little mistake " from my wife---

gwkiser · July 2001

Just blame it on the new car fever....

stever · July 2001

Don't forget Freeway tonight - I have to miss it so I'm depending on you to uphold our honor.

gwkiser · July 2001

That's a new one. I haven't read here (or on any other HL Club sites) about any paint problems on the HL. I'd get that thing to the dealer ASAP. Good luck.

gwkiser · July 2001

How often do you really expect me to get lucky, anyway??!! Sorry we'll miss you (cough, cough) .

gampa · July 2001

Hello, I am looking to replace my 1996 Toyota Camry with something larger and the Highlander seems to fit the need. I have been happy with the Camry's ride and gas milage and feel the the Highlander 2.4L 2wd should do the job... more room is my additional interest now and I have always liked the Camry ride. My main questions are these:
Does the 2wd highlander get the 22/27 mpg as listed?
Has there been any major/minor problems with the Highlander 2wd?
What are my chances of getting a White, 2wd in the Penna. area?

gwkiser · July 2001

As the HL has the same drive train as the current Camry, I would think that you could say it has about the same ride, etc. We replaced our '97 Avalon with the V6 2wd Limited and feel that the ride is a bit stiffer but nothing like the truck-based SUVs.

Our real-world MPG for the V6 2wd down here in San Antonio (read FLAT LAND) is 19 in town and 22-23 on the highway with the a/c set to 72. These figures are in line with what was posted on the window sticker. Based on that, I don't see why the figures estimated for the I-4 model would be too far off either.

Regarding fit / finish, the HL currently comes out of the same assembly plant in Japan as the Lexus RX 300 and it shows.

The only problems that we have heard about have been: (1) models with moonroof are making a "clicking" noise coming from somewhere near the surrounding trim. I can't be any more specific as I have never owned a vehicle with a moonroof/sunroof due to my fears of them leaking. (2) Wind "buffeting" noise when one or both of the rear windows are lowered (even slightly) without either of the front ones lowered. I always use the a/c so I don't have any complaint about this either. (3) Yesterday marked the first recall on the HL since it's release. It involves the cap to the brake master cylinder not sealing well, causing air to be drawn into the system. Here's more details: Recall # 01V228000, includes all models. See http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/problems/recalls/mmy.cfm for more details (go to bottom right of page and fill in info to get to report on the HL). All in all, the HL is holding up well for a brand new model. We have almost 4000 miles on our in the 3 months we've had it and I still get the "new car fever" every time I get in it.

Finally, I can't offer any help regarding a source in PA. My guess is that most sold up there are of the AWD / 4WD variety due to the winter conditions, whereas down South, the 2WD is more popular. Just my two cents worth. Good luck in your hunt.

little_pogi · July 2001

My biggest dissappointment on my I4 Highlander is the mileage. After 1000 miles of mostly conservative city driving, I was averaging 19.5 mpg. After 3000 miles, my combined highway/city driving, I average 22 mpg. I have not gone into a purely highway driving situation so I could not give a highway mpg figure. I have been reading postings here everyday (starting at #1) and have not come accross somebody reporting a highway 27mpg or better on their I4.

Re the recall, I guess the recall on the Japanese Kluger V also do apply here on Highlander version. Go to posting 2996. It also refers you to a site that will show a diagram of the problem.

suvshopper4 · July 2001

little_poggi:
Hang in there. My RAV4 I4 mileage continues to improve. I am now over 9,000 miles, and I am impressed. I'm getting the top end of the EPA estimate, and it may improve even more. Maybe those tight little engines just need to loosen up with use.
How do you like the acceleration of that 4-cylinder in that size vehicle? Auto or stick?
ejp

hiya2 · July 2001

I too am very interested in what miles per gallon people are experiencing in the 4 cyl versus the V6 engine for the Highlander. I have read many benefits of the V6 in regards to spunkiness, etc. Obviously the 4 cyl is less expensive up front but I am mainly concerned about the difference in gas mileage over time. Also, I need to enter the expressway while cars are speeding by at 70+ miles per hour. How does the 4 cyl, 4X2 do in these cases? After the breaking period, is anyone with the 4 cyl getting close to the PEA of 22 city, 27 highway? Would like pros and cons of 4 cyl versus V6. Thanks in advance for your time. With either car I intend to get the Vehicle Skid Control. I

cliffy1 · July 2001

You may have a difficult time finding a 4 cylinder with the VSC. In fact, this is a fairly rare option in most parts of the country unless you also get the Limited package, moonroof and leather. If the VSC is a requirement, you may find that you don't have an option on which engine to select. The only exception would be to factory order one and most dealerships will not do this on a Japanese built vehicle. It is possible, but not fun.

denverjoe · July 2001

Just test drove a blue highlander. The rear quarterpanel has bad orange peel on both sides of the vehicle. The check engine light came on during the test drive. Does anybody notice that the steering wheel is not square to the front seat? It is off by 1" from right to left side.

skyreb · July 2001

I think you must consider the HL is not the right car for you. There are many fine vehicles on the market; you owe it to yourself to consider others.
Happy HL'ing to others.

cliffy1 · July 2001

That "orange peel" is there for a reason. Toyota applies an undercoating compound to the rocker panels, leading edge of the hood and all lower panels before paint is applied. This prevents stone chips in the paint.

The check engine light was most likely due to somebody not tightening the gas cap. This will happen on any new car but it unfortunate the your dealer didn't do its job when they filled the tank.

Totsuka · July 2001

I just bought a Green Highlander. Great car and I love driving it. The dealer was very bad and dishonest. Too bad I had to experience it and it's disappointing. I bought it from Pacific Beach Toyota in San Diego and don't recommend anyone buying a vehicle from them.

Kevin

litzinger · July 2001

PeopleFirst is currently offering 6.75% for a 60 month loan. I'm wondering what people's experiences have been negociating with Toyota finance. If I say to them, "I have 6.75%, can you beat it?", will they? Anybody out there get below 6.75% from Toyota?

(also posted this on the yahoo club board)

hlhappy · July 2001

In March we contacted 9 Toyota agencies, not one of which would place a factory order to build us a Highlander equipped (only) as we wanted.
Then we found Dianne@earthlink.net.
After some brief e-mail exchanges a build order was placed April 5, 200l. Car arrived 3-1/2 months later exactly as specified, i.e., AG, CQ, DR, HE, TO, VD and CF option codes. Made one trip to Carson to pick up our new HL.
What a delightful experience, compared to previous car buying hassles.
.

ted83 · July 2001

6.75% is a good rate. I bought my HL 4 weeks ago and the best rate the dealer would offer was 7.5% for 60 months. I work for a bank and 7.5% was a little better than my employee rate so I was satisfied.

stached · July 2001

I was happy with the 7% financing that I got about 3 weeks ago thru Toyota on my Highlander.

alpya · July 2001

Hi,
I am in process of buying a new Highlander v6 AWD. I had requested a quote from Carsdirect.com but they came up with a MSRP value.

Can anyone who has bought a Highlander from East Bay Area in CA share some info regarding the Sales person and Dealer.

Thank you
Alpesh

mtwallace · July 2001

Check out post 3238. You may want to consider Diane for your HL purchase.

I just helped a friend buy a Highlander (2WD, 4cyl) for $700 over invoice. All it took was one e-mail to Diane, after looking up the inventory on her website. She responded within half an hour and a deal was formed. Shipping was arranged to NorCal for $300.

I gave up the idea of getting a Highlander here in Sacramento because of the local prices. If I had heard of her earlier I might be driving a Highlander instead of a Passat. (love the Passat though)

seemomgo · July 2001

Hi, folks. I've followed this board since February and you all have helped me out before. I'm really hoping you can help my out again!

I've got 2400 miles on my silver HL and love it, but I think I've got a serious problem. I took it to my dealer 5 weeks ago because I noticed wind noise at about 40mph which sounded like the the passenger's window was slightly open/cracked. The dealer checked it out and said it was normal wind turbulence.

About 3 weeks ago, the rear passenger's window started rattling off and on - I can stop it by gently pressing out on the window or upper part of the door. It doesn't always happen, and I can't pinpoint exactly where it is coming from or what triggers it to start.

Then, one day I opened the door and found my beautiful leather door trim on the rear passenger's side all sunken in and matted down along the entire length where it meets the window as well as half of the front passenger's trim. Cleaning and conditioning didn't help a bit.

Has anyone ever heard of such a problem? It looks like water damage to me, but maybe it's the adhesive under the trim... I really don't know.

If anyone can please help me, I'd be truly grateful!

-seemomgo

xcarnut · July 2001

To all those who may be pondering of taking their HL 4WD off road. One recommendation, get better tires for it.
I just came back from little camping trip and we decided with 4WD we should be able to take this further down to the lake than where the road ends. Seeing how there is a semi-trail there to get to the best beach spot we decided to trek down with HL to that elusive perfect spot to do some daytime beach camping and a place to anchor the WaveRunners and for kids to play in sand and water.
The HL is definately a fun toy to have it did gets us there and back, to borrow line from Toyota ad. How we got back will undoubtedly add as a conversational piece when I meet my cousins again.
The HL had plenty of power to get out of soft sand with loose gravel in 110 plus degree temperature with A/C running and loaded 5 full sized adult men and 4 20 pounds of ice bags and coolers. But.... on a steep climb with this gear and with loose rock, fine sand I came close to digging a nice hole for the HL with less than 1500 miles. This is primary due to the tires (factory OEM) Bridgestone Duellar H/T are definately not made for biting in the sand. I recognize probably 98% of HL owners won't ever go off-road but should you ever decide to go off the beaten path, keep those tires in back of your mind before you get too far and get stuck!!
Other than that the truck/car gave us decent mileage of 19.2 MPG overall (includes fwy, hgwy, strt, off-road). Great truckar.
Happy HL'ing

cliffy1 · July 2001

I just spoke to one of my customers who had their HL in mud this weekend. I didn't probe her on how deep or difficult the terrain was, but she reported that the HL did quite well. I suspect is wasn't anything too hard core, but it was nice to hear. I agree that if you are doing anything but a dirt road, off road tires are in order.

stever · July 2001

Did you air down your tires?

See the SUV for Beach Sand discussion for more details.

Steve
Host
Vans, SUVs and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards

gwkiser · July 2001

If you happen to have a gray leather interior and bought your HL in the Gulf States Toyota distribution area, most likely it's a defect in the workmanship. It is my understanding that this is a problem with some of the Gulf States installed leather interiors. Our HL had something on the top edge of all four of the door panels which looked like water damage. It was barely noticeable on 3 of the doors and VERY noticeable on the fourth. It looked almost like the foam had deteriorated behind the leather, leaving recessed areas. I pointed the problem out on the day we picked up the HL and the service tech said she would order replacements. She didn't nor did she ever call me. So, when I went in for the first oil change about two weeks ago I mentioned to the General Manager that I hadn't heard about the replacement panels and reminded him that they should call customers back, even if the news is not good. (Poor guy, he just came here from California and apparently inhereted some real problems). Anyway, he said they would have to call GS to figure out the procedure. I told them I was told that the replacements would be ordered. GS requires them to send the vehicle to a local leather specialty shop to see if the existing panels could be repaired first. I warned him that I was a VERY meticulous type and that the chances were that their job WOULD NOT satisfy me. Nevertheless, the shop couldn't do anything, and the dealer got GS to approve four new panels, two of which are backordered as we speak. If the dealership doesn't come through, I'll go back to them and speak with the General Manager of the dealership, or Red himself if I must. I'm sure I will get the issue resolved. It's simply a matter of how much effort on my part is required. FYI, I was aware of the risks in ordering something that is not from the factory and don't regret doing so even now.

Beyond the sloppiness of Red McCombs Toyota Service here in San Antonio, TX, I have no complaints with Toyota themselves. We have recieved many compliments on the HL and, even with this "bump in the road", enjoy it tremendously.

rphillips2 · July 2001

What is everyone's favorite Highlander color? I'm trying to decide between silver and indigo blue.

scanner · July 2001

http://www.dupont.com/automotive/news/01pr/color01.html

BTW, I think the HL brochure mixed up the pictures of Indigo Ink Pearl and Bluestone Metallic.

jetscreamer1 · July 2001

Silver is a decent, refined color. I chose a black Highlander which seems to be more of a maintenance hog when it comes to washing and keeping the paint free of noticeable bug splatters, pollen and watermarks. To remedy this problem, I think I'll simply repaint he HL to match the Partridge Family bus and get Shirley Jones to drive me around.

xcarnut · July 2001

Hi Steve - No I didn't reduce the air from standard on road recommendation.
Though that is an interesting point you've brought up.
I thought at one time either in the 4Runners or the LandCruiser or Toyota Truck there were notices I remeber seeing about reducing the tire pressure if going off-road, now in my HL I don't think I saw it anywhere in glove box or door jambs or anywhere ? Has there been new tire technology reasons not needed or won't the tire possibly explode (maybe too dramatic word)or did Toyo. Product Mgrs, figure not needed if close to 98% of pop. won't need it so why bother putting any notices ?
Regardless, next time I will need to remember to reduce air if going off road.
Thanks

Anyone have any ideas.

seemomgo · July 2001

I do have the PIO gray leather installed by GST! I can't believe you have the same problem! I really appreciate you sharing this with me as now I have some "ammunition" to take back to the dealer (I never thought I'd admit to this, but we women ARE treated differently when it comes to automotive repair!)

You gave an excellent description of the problem and mine is exactly as you described. I'm relieved (I think) that it's the foam and not from water.

Like you, I love the gray leather and am happy I ordered it, but I've already had one seat-back and one headrest replaced. They were very poorly installed and my sales person admitted the PIO leather is an ongoing problem.

Thanks again for the info, gwkiser. I'll let you know what happens. My HL goes in Thursday, and it will be interesting to hear what they say about it.

-seemomgo

dichelle · July 2001

My Indigo HL is beautiful, especially in the sunlight--but any water spots show up badly. If you don't mind washing your vehicle (and making sure it's dry afterwards), go for it. So far, I'm keeping mine pretty clean. Wish the Bluestone had been a bit more blue.

stever · July 2001

Edmunds' link

7 New Sport Utility Vehicles Sustain Big Damage In 5 Mph Bumps

Steve
Host
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Toyota Highlander

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