Toyota Highlander

ted83 · July 2001

I have the gray leather and my HL came through Gulf States. How can I tell if Gulf States installed it or if it came from Japan? Thanks.

cliffy1 · July 2001

If its gray, it didn't come from Japan. Ivory is the only factory color for the leather on the HL.

vikoo · July 2001

It's been about a month since I bought my HL V6 LTD. Recently we did our first long drive to Niagara from NJ and only then did I realize about this wind noise, everybody was talking about. It gets really loud when the vehicle hits a speed of 70-80 mph. I could not concentrate on my driving and also could not listen to the music. Has Toyota found any solution to this? Please let me know if they have...

hsvillage · July 2001

My wife and I flew to Louisville KY last Thurs and picked up our Vin. Gold Highlander.We bought it from Kings Toyota of Cinn. and it was the best car buying experience I've had in the last 40 years.Dave Henn the Internet sales rep. drove it to the Louisville airport and met us as we deplaned.He saved us 4 hours of driving (Louisvlle to Cincinnati & back)which allowed us to get on the road that much sooner.The vehicle is a pleasure to drive,we went thru some heavy thunderstorms that reaffirmed our decision to get AWD.I'm surprised how well it tracks around corners and the feeling of control on wet pavement.We filled up in Louisville and again in Brownsville TN,we averaged slightly better than 27 MPG (328 miles/12.02 gals).I think thats respectable for a V6 with strong headwinds and the A/C on constantly.Of course that was all Interstate.Again, Kings of Cinn. & Dave Henn treated me very well and really improved my opinion of Toyota dealers.

hightoy · July 2001

I purchased a new Highlander this past February. I have had no problems whatsoever with its performance. However, I am beginning to think that the paint job on it is on the light side. Some paint was chipped off the edge of the door when my son struck the handle of our snowblower while opening it. I couldn't understand this, since the handle on the snowblower is made of steel tubing. You'd figure a sharp edge would surely cut into the paint. I tried an experiment with our Honda Odyssey and struck its door on the same snowblower handle. No chip. In fact, on nearly every chip, underneath there is also a small dent. It seems as though it takes quite a bit of force to penetrate the paint on my Honda. There are a few other chips that have noticed on my Highlander that indicate that the paint covering is thin. If there are any other owners out there who are experiencing the same problem, let's inform Toyota about it.

robsfhl · July 2001

A couple of weeks ago, a young woman from LA in a brand new Pathfinder backed into us in a downtown San Francisco indoor garage. Her trailer hitch smacked into our front bumper right below the right fog lamp, causing a fist-size dent about 2-3 inches deep. The damage looked relatively minor, like you could just reach behind the bumper and push out the dent. However, to restore our silver 4wd limited to its pristine condition, the entire front bumer had to be replaced ($750 alone for a piece of plastic) and the foglight realigned. Total cost $1,228. Fortunately, my insurance company waived my deductbile as we were not at fault.

tmc1417 · July 2001

Our new HL now has 4000 miles and has been a delight to drive so far. But this past week, 2 things happened. First, the glove box rattle has begun. Can someone tell me the best fix for this. I know many HL owners have written about it but if someone can summarize the BEST solution I would appreciate it. Also this past week my wife was driving and out of nowhere came a loud screeching sound from the engine compartment. She continued driving and after about 10 minutes it went away. I could not see anything wrong other than areas where black electrical tape used in various places was coming loose and falling off. I am wondering if a piece of this tape got lodged on a belt or pulley and this caused the noise. Any one else notice this tape coming loose or falling off? It is used to wrap wire harnesses near the alternator and also in other places. Maybe everybody should take a look under their hood. I pulled off 3-4 pieces that were coming loose. Otherwise, no big problems yet.

dmichel · July 2001

I'd like to add fog lights. The dealer sells the lamp assembly itself, but does not show a wiring harness either in his books or on the computer. Nor did he show the fog light button... Does Toyota market the harness or do I go to pep boys for an after market product? I'd like to use the Toyota parts and do it my self. Any thoughts?

anthony921 · July 2001

On June 13th I picked up my black HL. Nine days later I was returning home from work on the Southern State Parkway on Long Island, travelling in the left lane. In the right lane a motorist looked to her right to observe a NY State Trooper issuing a summons (he was stopped on the shoulder). She began to move to the right, off the road. Whe she realized she was moving off the road she over compensated by turning the wheel too much to the left causing her to careen across all three lanes of traffic, coming to a stop in the left lane, perpendicular to the center divider. The car in front of me slammed on his brakes to avoid hitting her, which he did. I slammed on my brakes without hitting him. Unfortunately, the 2001 Honda Civic behind me was unable to stop and rear ended me at about 30 MPH pushing me into the vehicle in front of me (a 1998 Ford Crown Vic) and into the vehicle on my right (a 1988 Chevy Celebrity station wagon). As I heard that horrible sound of a vehicle in a panic stop, I looked into my rear view mirror, saw the Civic, and knew I was going to get blasted. I turned my wheels to the right in an attempt to move out of the way but there was no where to go. The Crown Vic had a huge dent in his rear bumper extending well into his trunk and the Chevy's drivers door and drivers quarter panel was pushed in. The HL had both plastic bumper covers knocked off, the crumble zones of the rear and front did a great job of absorbing the impact with very little buckling. The paint was damaged somewhat. No glass was broken. The transmission cooler, which is located behind the drivers side front bumper was ruptured because of the angle of impact with the Crown Vic. The front and side air bags did not deploy, again because of the angle of impact (left corner bumper striking the Crown Vic in front of me and the right corner bumper striking the Chevy in the middle lane). The Trooper observed the entire accident and he was surprised as to how little damage the HL incurred as opposed to how much the other vehicles had. I asked if if he was sure about the speed of the Civic who rear ended me. He said yes, about 30 mph. Seems the driver was distracted with something as he hit the brakes way too late considering he was rather far behind me. He was unconscious when they took him out of the car. I hope he's OK. As of today, the HL is still in the shop. There is a problem getting some of the parts because it's such a new model. The Civic was taken to the same body shop as the HL. I found out today that the insurance company for the driver that hit me has deemed it 'totaled'.

I have a herniated disc in my back with many swollen discs in my neck and back. I have not yet returned to work but it's expected I will make a full recovery. Of that I have no doubt. I do realize that things could have been much worse. Thank goodness I was wearing a seat belt. There was a HUGE black and blue on my left arm. When I was rear ended I was thrown backward. In fact, upper seat portion was also thrown back from the force. When I hit the cars in front, I was then thrown forward with the seatbelt stopping me from going through the windshield. All and all, I was very satisfied with the crash protection the HL gave me. I'm curious to see how the HL fares when the government tests it. It passed my test already. As a side note, check this out.... the vehicle that caused the entire chain of events to occur by not keeping her eyes on the road....not only didn't her vehicle incur any damage but because she is listed on the accident report as an 'uninvolved motorist', (because she had no physical contact with another vehicle) she's not responsible for the accident. The one who will hold the bag will be the guy who rear ended me. Everyone else is in the clear as far as responsibility. While I don't think she should bear full responsibility, I do think some is appropriate. Can you believe that????

Jeeeeezzzz....I only had the darn thing nine days.....I didn't even get a chance to bond with it yet !!!!! :-) I'm told it will be ready next week. We'll see.....Safe driving everyone!!!!!!

xcarnut · July 2001

Now I'm no expert mechanic but I want to find the root cause of the problem and I think I may have found the source of the noise.
I am not sure if any of you out there are experinecing the same noise but in my HL 4WD with moonroof on a hot day it pops and pops and pops to a point it would be raher embarrassing had I have a client or similar get in my HL.
So I've started some experimentation by process of elimination. Taking one step at a time, here is whatI've discovered so far.
1. The noise is definately coming from the roof area behind the center dome light.
2. The noise happens only when the HL is in the hot sun for some preiod of time.
3. It is noticeable or heard when the windows are closed and A/C is running.
4. With windows open and/or moonroof open I have not heard the noise.
5. The noise happens with no A/C running and all windows rolled up. (Kids don't try this at home)The sunshade is also open.
HAving eliminated some of these I tried with A/C running and windows up with sunshade closed.
In this combination the popping noise did NOT happen once. Open the sunshade and popping continues. Sunshade 50% open/close position the noise happens just not as frequently.
Based on my personal experimentation keeping the sunshade closed 100% seems to have solved the popping noise mystery for my HL.
I like to hear from any of you if your experience is same or different. Or if any of you have another solution or ??

cliffy1 · August 2001

Huge bummer. I'm really glad you came out of it with only minor injuries. Your report is encouraging for those concerned about crash safety.

tdore · August 2001

I wrote a few months ago to inform everyone that I towed my Highlander behind my motorhome with all 4 wheels down as described in the manual under "Dingy Towing". Coincidentally or not the transmission died after 120 miles of towing. The car had 3,000 miles on it and Toyota had to put in a new transmission. I am very happy to say that I just towed it 2,300 miles and it works perfectly. The dealer had no idea why the transmission went bad but he stated that there are two type of automatic, one that can be towed and one that can't but mine was the type that could supposedly. Anyway, I have no idea why the first transmission died but everything is fine now so I would certainly recommend this car as a good tow car behind a motorhome. By the way I just got my master cylinder cap recall notice yesterday.

Tim

vikoo · August 2001

I got the "Brake Master Cylinder Reservoir Cap Safety Recall Notice" for my HL, from TOYOTA yesterday. I need to set up an appointment with my dealer. Has anybody got it fixed? Did you notice any difference in the brakes, after the replacement of the cap?

alpha01 · August 2001

glad you are ok.
the Civic drive was unconscious.. at 30mph? no seatbelt, I suppose.
~alpha

retropia · August 2001

I'm glad, too, that Anthony921 will recover and that his Highlander (and seat belt) protected him from worse injuries.

Personally, I think a compact, sportier sedan is more fun to drive than my Highlander. (Easier to park, handles better, etc.) HOWEVER . . . I decided it was worth a small trade off to get a safer vehicle. I feel much safer in my Highlander.

A friend of mine who used to work with ambulance drivers said they buy larger vehicles for their own families. It had something to do with being a frequent witness to small-vehicle accidents.

retropia · August 2001

Vehicle color is such a personal preference. I like darker colors. My Indigo Ink Highlander is striking, although I wish it were a shade or two lighter. Water spots and bug splatters are easily seen, so I will be spending extra time washing and detailing.

Mine came from a Southeast States Region dealer, and I also have PIO-installed gray leather. No problems with the door pads. I believe my door pads are vinyl, not leather. Given the location, I think the vinyl will hold up better, and it looks fine.

From what I've been able to determine, my PIO-installed leather upholstery is as good as, if not better, than the factory leather. I don't know if Southeast States uses a different vendor from Gulf States for their upholstery kits.

11223344 · August 2001

I received my recall notice this week and had my Toyota dealer perform the recall work this morning. I drove the truck for about 5-6 miles and the brakes appear to feel / work the same to me! I was the first brake recall that this Toyota dealer had done on the Highlander.

jblaze13 · August 2001

Glad you're OK. I had an accident in my black HL a couple months ago. I can only reiterate about how much safer I feel in the vehicle even after the accident. I think your accident was a bit more severe. Most of the parts on my HL came in within a few days. However, I had to keep taking it back because they didn't do a good job on the paint. One thing about black, if they screw up the paint, you'll know it. Inspect it thoroughly. Good luck with your recovery.

Hey robsfhl! What insurance company waived your deductable? That's the company I want. Even though my accident was clearly not my fault, I was still stuck with the deductable.

mikey00 · August 2001

Below is a message I just posted on the RX300 forum. I know from reading this forum some HL owners are experiencing the same problem. If you have some a similar 800# for problems please make them aware of yours.
I just returned from the dealer trying to have my clicking sunroof resolved for the second time. The technician who looked at it has the same SilverSport as mine and also has the clicking sound. He claims it is due to heat expansion and cooling contraction of the plastic and metal parts used in the sunroof and there currently is no fix. They did , however, file a problem report. I also opened a case # at the Lexus customer satisfaction line at 1-800-255-3987. I urge anyone else who is experiencing this sound to do the same.

drew_ · August 2001

Glad that you're okay! Please keep us updated! I'm curious as to whether you had your head restraint adjusted up or just all of the way down? In any case, the following link may help you to determine the proper height your head restraint should be at:

http://www.hwysafety.org/news_releases/1999/pr060399.htm

"What determines good head restraint geometry: Two criteria determine good head restraint geometry. One is height -- the top of a restraint ideally should be as high as the top of an occupant's head. The second criterion is backset, or the distance between the back of an occupant's head and the front of the restraint."

Drew
Host
Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket & Accessories message boards

dichelle · August 2001

Anthony: Glad you're pretty much ok, and thanks for sharing your information on crashworthiness of HL. I'm sorry it was info gained "the hard way."

xcarnut: I always keep the sunshade closed, and I have NEVER heard any popping noises, even though we've been having 90-95 degree days with some regularity. It makes sense that leaving it open would allow the air conditioning to cool the moonroof faster, possibly causing popping. But you also said it happens with no A/C on and sunshade open? Wonder why?

Anybody else distrust the readings you get from the outside temperature gauge? Mine seem unrealistically high when the car has been parked in the sun.

jetscreamer1 · August 2001

Glad to hear you made it through that crash in one piece. I, too drive the Southern State Parkway and know about the idiot festival that ensues whenever the troopers have got someone to the grass for a ticket. Every other day here on Long Island we read about wrecks involving suvs that have dire endings for their drivers. Despite the damage and injuries, Anthony is fortunate. Its reassuring to learn that the HL can stand up to an impact such as the one Anthony has been through. However I, like others, am anxious to see government and Insurance Institute findings. I had the brake cap replacement performed today and the brakes have lost that spongy feel and stop with a little more vigor now.The brakes were bled and new cap installed. It took roughly an 1 1/2 hours for this to be done.

ltw1 · August 2001

I've noticed the same thing as you xcarnut. I don't use the moonroof nor did I want one but didn't want to order one either so got the moonroof. However, even with the screen closed and A/C on until it gets cool the popping sound does happen maybe a couple of times but not much. If I open the screen it occurs alot more.

ejay2 · August 2001

Brake recall work was done today, took about 45 minutes. There is a firmer response to the brakes being applied, not a significant difference, but a difference nonetheless.

I'm glad Toyota is responsive to these issues perhaps more responsive than other manufacturers.

robsfhl · August 2001

Jblaze13, my insurance company is CSAA (www.csaa.com). They've always taken great care of me from paying quickly to waiving the deductible when the other driver is at fault. I'm not sure they insure outside of California though. By the way, what did happened to your HL?

Hightoy, I was told by my dealer that the paint Toyota uses contains no lead and is therefore a bit "soft". He convinced me to shell out some bucks for the paint protection treatment (the classic dealership scam?), which is supposed to add strengthening properties to the paint that is lost by having no lead. I also received a bottle of revitalizing solution that i'm supposed to apply every 6 months. It looks like nothing more than liquid car wax. So far I haven't noticed any paint chips, but I'm not sure if its due to the paint protection treatment.

jrea · August 2001

I notice that the outside temp gauge takes a very long time to register correctly. I think it is accurate enough when given the chance, but sometimes it takes 15 minutes or so of driving to get a reasonable reading.

Sunroof: I have experienced a few "pops" from the sunroof but not for a couple of months now. I tend to use the sunroof only in the early morning or evening; otherwise, I leave the shade closed to keep the mid-day heat out.

Brakes: I have received the recall notice. However, my brakes have always felt tight and responsive, so I am reluctant to have them messed with. (If it ain't broke, don't fix it.) Does anyone know if it is dangerous to ignore the recall?

needsahl · August 2001

Took my Highlander in for the brake recall this morning at 8:00 they said it would take an hour and a half so I came back at 9:30 and they tell

me the parts won't be in till 10:00.Thanks for the good service run around in Ft.Myers .Now to reschedule the deal

jetscreamer1 · August 2001

It may be best to err on the side of caution with regard to the brake recall. The only part to be replaced is the fluid reservoir cap. The only service to be performed is bleeding the brakes which will optimize brake performance. Its not a matter of the brakes being torn down to a component level, rather simply opening the bleeder screws and discharging several ounces of fluid to evacuate any air present. At the very least, you'll get the revamped cap.

gwkiser · August 2001

I would definitely get the recall work done. If you look in the notice you received, you'll see that Toyota enclosed a sticker for the dealer to use. I don't know if it gets applied to the vehicle or to some paperwork that gets returned to Toyota HQ. Either way, I'm sure the HL gets "tagged" somehow to denote that the recall has been performed. If you don't have it done, there's always a chance that resale could be affected. As jetscreamer1 said, this is a basic job and I wouldn't hesitate to have it done.

little_pogi · August 2001

dmichel,
The original Toyota fog lights may cost you over $300 (housing, lamp, and mounting hardware). If you have a V6 engine, there is a probability it is pre-wired at the front bumper. Installing these parts is the easy part of it. Making it work is the harder part. You will have to figure out where the fog light relay goes on the Main relay block, and then wiring it correctly to a manually operated switch in the driver area. The original fog light switch is bunched together with the headlight switch assy. Going this route, requires a more complex rewiring to the body ECU(electronic control unit).

In short, adding fog lights is possible as long as you have the technical knowhow, reference manuals, and time to do it.

rphillips2 · August 2001

Just picked up my Highlander with the standard radio and cd changer. The sound quality is not what I expected. It sounds like something out of a low end car, not awful but could be better. Has anyone upgraded the speakers or added a amp. Or do I just need to change the whole thing.

svtcobraconv · August 2001

I don't think any modern automotive finishes have lead in them. This sounds like a typical dealer scam to get you to buy a protection package. There is no product that can be applied that would "strengthen" the actual paint itself. The Toyota factory finish should be extremely durable.

seemomgo · August 2001

Hi, gwkiser.

I took my HL in today and the tech. said he had seen the door trim problem once before, but not on an HL. He was told by the leather shop they sent it out to that it was not a fixable problem and caused by the installer putting on the adhesive, smoothing down the leather, then pulling the leather back up because it wasn't attached/aligned correctly. It makes sense that some of the foam was pulled up, then probably got picked off, and the leather replaced. So they are ordering 2 new panels for me.

I hope you get yours fixed soon - there's absolutely no reason for you to have to wait. It is clearly an installation problem and shoddy workmanship.

thanks for your help,

seemomgo

chptoyta · August 2001

There is no good way to keep chips from occurring but toyota puts softer paint on the front of the hood and on the lower parts of the door panels to reduce chips. As for the paint sealant not necessary but sometimes not an option. The region will have it installed before it arrives at the dealership. Most dealerships will take it off if you order one.

michanth · August 2001

What kind of Insurance rates are Highlander Owners experiencing? Are all Highlanders perceived by the insurance companies as a truck, suv, station wagon etc... Are rates lower for 2x4 than 4x4, with or without VCS or perimeter alarm?

Thanks in Advance
Michael

msmdr · August 2001

I know hightoy and robsflhl have been discussing exterior paint but I believe that I have a problem with the interior "paint" on the dashboard. I've had the car since mid-May and am loving driving it. I took it in 2 weeks ago for its 1600 mile first oil change. While there, I questioned the service people about my dashboard.

When I got the car, I assumed that the dash was made of some type of plastic covered with paint. I began to notice several "dust" speck areas on the dash and went to wipe them off. They didn't come off, even though I tried several times. It appears that they are not dust but multiple tiny little areas where the paint coat on the dash did not cover whatever material is underneath. It seems that the paint coat is extraordinarily thin on the dash (color is gray). Anyone else seeing this problem? I asked service to check it at my oil change and when they were done, I was told that the service mgr. wasn't there and only he could really tell me something. (No problems with exterior paint on mine that I can see)

I got my brake cyclinder cap recall, so I am making that appt to be done in a couple of weeks
at the beginning of my vacation and I will make sure that the service mgr. or someone who can answer my paint question will be there. I'll let you know what they say. Glad to see that unlike
Ford, Firestone, etc. that Toyota is right upfront with the recall notices. Gives me confidence as this is my first Toyota.

Meanwhile, my sister bought a new Toyota RAV4 last week, silver - a beauty. She'd always been a Honda buyer before this but since she's ridden in my HL decided to try RAV4 and loved it. On the second day she had it, someone hit and ran her right side front quarter over the right wheel. She was sick about it as you can imagine. She didn't notice it until toward the end of the day so it could have been done at any number of stops she made that day. I read that someone here did not have to pay the deductible on an accident because he was deemed not at fault. Can anyone tell me anything about that. We're from Mass. where they have "no fault"
insurance. I don't think she should have to pay the deductible as she was a totally univolved party. Anyone have any advice?

My only other disappointment is that I did my first mileage test and on a combination of about 50-50 city/highway driving, I only got about 15.9 miles/gallon. I am not a jackrabbit starter; I thought I should be doing better. I have a 6 cyl awd. The 12 y.o. 6 cyl Chevy S-10 Blazer I had before this got 20-21 mpg.
Bernice

anthony921 · August 2001

for your kind and positive comments!

Cliffy 1: One of the reasons I did post about my 'mishap' was to reassure anyone who might have doubts about the crash worthiness of the HL. Of course the governments tests will be more exhaustive but I think the results of my accident bode well as far as the conclusions they will reach.

Alpha 01: I don't think he was in fact wearing a seatbelt which would explain his condition right after the accident. I asked my insurance company to check on his condition if possible. The force of getting hit with an airbag without a seatbelt is nothing to play with.

Retropia: I was always a strong believer in seatbelts, now even stronger!!

JBlaze 13: Wait a sec....You have a black HL and were also involved in an accident? Think we are jinxed? Hahahaha!!!! I have heard the same thing you stated about black paint being a little tougher to get right. I'll post as to how well they did. The repairs are guaranteed for life. I just hope the vehicle 'feels' the same afterward. I've heard stories both ways. I'll keep my fingers crossed.

Drew: Yes, the head restraint was adjusted correctly. Even before I pulled out of the dealership on June 22nd I made sure, just in case. That article you posted was very interesting. In retrospect, when I heard the screeching of the tires behind me I should have placed my head against the headrest. This probably would have minimized the injury to my neck somewhat by reducing the distance my head travelled backward after impact.

Dichelle: Yes, I agree it certainly was learned the hard way. All in all, if this is the worst life throws at me I'll be a very happy camper. As a result of this accident I do find myself checking that rear view mirror more often especially in 'stop and go' traffic.

JetScreamer: Boy, did you hit the nail on the head with the remark 'idiot festival' to describe driving on the Southern State Parkway when a trooper has someone stopped on the shoulder. At times it's truly unbelievable!! I got my notice the other day regarding the brake recall. So far that's the only complaint I have about the HL. It just took too much 'pedal stroke' to effectively apply the brakes. I'm glad Toyota is addressing the issue so quickly. Now, if only I had to HL to BRING to the dealership!!!! :-)

Again, thank you all!!

gwkiser · August 2001

Thanks for the update. I should be hearing something soon regarding our new panels...or should I say....they'll be hearing from me soon . I'll be having the recall work done at the same time to avoid an extra trip. Of course as a precaution, I'll have to tell them to have the recall work done first so the brake man doesn't get fluid on the new door panels!

alpha01 · August 2001

thanks. this is a very nice forum and its good to engage in discussions with you folks. my internship has me surfing the web constantly, and once i finish my work, I am always here. right now, the Lex ES 300 board is getting downright surly. all Im saying is that is fun to come here.
~joe

alsop · August 2001

Michael, and All - Regarding the insurance question, in my case I traded in a 1997 four door, 4 cylinder, Honda Accord LX for my HL FWD non-limited. My Highlander is listed by my insurance company (Allstate) as a "01 Toy. Truck Highlander". My insurance dropped by about $27 a year...so I am pretty much paying the same for the new HL as I was my '97 Accord. Of course, it is hard to compare any insurance as an apples-to-apples; for example I have no idea if one of the reasons it dropped a bit in price is because perhaps Accords are stolen more than many other cars and thus maybe (?) have higher rates, or if it is because the HL is listed as a truck, or what...plus, I do not know, of course, what class other insurance companies put the HL in. Anyway, I hope this little bit of info is helpful to you.

tfuzz · August 2001

>>I notice that the outside temp gauge takes a very long time to register correctly. I think it is accurate enough when given the chance, but sometimes it takes 15 minutes or so of driving to get a reasonable reading.<<

I have also noticed this. Mine takes at least 15 minutes to register correct temperature.

ctperson · August 2001

I was reading a Consumer Reports Car Guide and it said that Toyota recomends high octane or premium fuel for the Highlander. Is this true? What are current owners using?

ejay2 · August 2001

I have tried in vain to purchased a hitch from my local U-haul dealer. I obtained the part number from U-haul's website and called 4 of the local U-haul dealers, 3 said they would call back for availability and none did, the 4th said to try 1-800-u-haul for other locations. I understand the highlander is a new vehicle, but that doesn't explain the absolutely poor service.

I have placed an order for the hidden hitch from bageco.com. I think this is what the majority of you hitch owners went with. Also hidden hitch has a website, hiddenhitch.com, where you can actually print out the installation instructions.

Are you hitch owners pretty happy with your hidden hitch. It appears the installation is straightforward.

mikey00 · August 2001

IMO you were lucky u-haul didn't come through. They use a so-so looking hitch by Valley Industries which requires some extra holes to be drilled into your HL. The Hidden Hitch is a good looking (round tube), quality unit and bolts on using factory mounting holes in about 20 minutes. I found out about it on this HL forum and installed it on my RX300 which is the same as the HL inch for inch under the back end.

stever · August 2001

ted83 · August 2001

The owner's manual is a little vague on the octane level. For both engines it says use 87 octane "or higher." And then it says, "For improved vehicle performance, the use of premium unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 91 or higher is recommended."

I have only used regular 87 octane so far - just about 4 fill-ups. The HL seems to have done fine. I definitely have not heard any knocking.

alsop · August 2001

Regarding ctperson's question of what octane current owners are using, like ted83 I too use 87. No problems at all for me...performance is great. In fact, I am very pleased with the performance. I have about 2,600 miles on my V-6 non-limited.

gwkiser · August 2001

I've run both in our 2wd V6 Ltd. HL (4100 miles now!). I personally notice a little more "pep" when using premium but didn't notice any major improvement in mileage. No "ping" with either type. Usually I run regular and every now and then I'll switch to premium. The manually is a little vague on this but I do recall that it does not state "premium fuel REQUIRED". Since the total difference in the price of a tank of regular versus a tank of premium isn't more than about $4.00 (.20 x 20 gal. around here), I recommend that you try both and see what you prefer. Good luck.

scotth3 · August 2001

I'm considering the purchase of a Highlander and wonder about the need for the 4WD versus the 2 WD. I live in Southern New England (typical Boston weather - some snow but not usually severe and I do not plan to go off-road. I noticed there is quite a drop in rated mileage between the 2WD and 4WD. Any readers have any opinions or experience they would care to share ?
Thanks

jamiewinner1 · August 2001

My husband took my Highlander into the dealer on Friday to get the brakes fixed for the recall. They told him that we were fortunate because our HL had the correct parts on it (whatever these parts might be??). Anyway, they said that Toyota realized their mistake and started putting the right brake parts on and our HL was one of the ones produced after the problem was found. We picked our HL up on June 22. Anyone else found that their HL did not have this defect?

Toyota Highlander

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