Toyota Highlander

tweetynator · August 2001

Sorry wwest, I mis-read you again. You stated that you were "pointing out its shortcomings" (his SUV).

Either way, I still dont get it. This is a vehicle, not a measurement of one's manhood. I would have gladly accepted the help, but I guess that's just me.

gpaquette1 · August 2001

I haven't seen an answer on this site yet concerning the plastic popping noises in the Highlander. I have an appt scheduled with the dealer in early Sept. Their service dept. hasn't heard of this complaint. It definitely is coming from the sunroof area, as when we keep the visor closed there are no popping sounds, when we open it (just the visor, not the sunroof)after awhile the popping starts, almost always in hot weather. I'm concerned about not having an answer before I leave the vehicle as Service is telling me they may have to keep it several days to find the problem. I'm worried they'll tear the insides apart.

cricktrix · August 2001

Has anyone experienced a pinging or a wind chime type of sound coming from the engine when it gets up to around 60+ MPH? I noticed it first a couple of weeks ago, but then last week it didn't do it. It has 2700 miles and I use 87 or 89 octane fuel. Any input would be appreciated.

laboutj · August 2001

I sat in and test drove a Highlander and I just don't get it. It's just like a minivan. You've got to be kidding me if you think you can take this thing offroad. Why not just buy a 4wd Caravan, it's the same thing.

anthony921 · August 2001

The Highlander the same as a 4wd Caravan ? Someone please help this uninformed person !!

laboutj · August 2001

You are correct, sir. How dare I compare it to a Caravan. It's a 4 door Sienna. There's no "utility" in a Highlander. Maybe a little "sport" with the 6 cyl.

rrmcdonald · August 2001

tfuzz, what part did you say your dealer was obtaining? My dealer (Tallahassee) hasn't received any updates from Toyota for a fix, yet, and I've been waiting before I take it in for someone to have a fix that works. (I assume this is the infamous "reed like" whistling cross-wind noise and NOT the roll down the back window noise). Thanks.

brad_22 · August 2001

I've taken it offroad plenty of times, and couldn't be happier (well, some more ground clearance would be nice, but still...). Several SUV publications have given rave reviews about the Highlander, even when compared against more traditional truck-based SUVs. I could go on...

In short, do a little more research before spouting off about something you don't know about.

anthony921 · August 2001

You posted that you just purchased a 2001 Jeep GC and that you 'hope' you won't have problems. Don't you realize why you got it for $300 less then invoice, before the $2500 rebate? Because nobody wants to buy them because of all their headaches. The dealer lots are FULL of 2001 GC's. You went for price over quality.

I feel better now that you compared the Highlander to the Caravan and then purchased a Jeep as you certainly don't sound like Toyota material. We tend to have somewhat higher standards I believe. Haven't you been reading the Jeep GC posts? What good is this forum if you don't learn from them? The real problems with the Jeep GC started in 1999, after the re-design.

You are a very brave person spending $30,000 plus on a vehicle with such a poor history !! The Highlander is a great vehicle. As 95% of SUV owners don't go off road (I'm one of them) I purchased it for the commanding view of the road as well as for the snow. The resale value should be great, much better then the GC. By the way, I sold a 1998 Sienna to get the Highlander. Totally different feeling vehicles. Good luck !! I'm afraid you'll be needing it.....

tfuzz · August 2001

mmcdonald, Yes, this refers to the reedy noise. The dealer won't say (or doesn't know) what the part is, but my guess is that it will be new door seals or some modification of the door seals. This was first mentioned by a forum member who works for a dealer, and my efforts to stop the noise pretty much confirm it.

My dealer called Toyota a couple of months ago and was told they would have the parts in six to eight weeks, if I remember correctly. My dealer called me back Monday to say that he called Toyota to follow up and they now expect to have parts in 30 days. I was happy that the dealer is staying on top of the problem, but a little disappointed in Toyota for taking so long to fix this rather serious problem. In the meantime I have found I can stop the noise by closing the door on a wash cloth toward the front of the door to depress the seal--works on either side.

olivemarie · August 2001

I am considering the Highlander for my next vehicle. Can you get away with running regular no-lead with the 6 cyl? Test drove both the 4 and 6 cyl and was pleased with both, but the pep of the 6 cyl makes it a real stand out. Have decided to go with a 4x4 so I will be losing some mpg there.
I am going from a small gas sipping car to something bigger and I'm sure the difference at the gas pump will make me take notice, don't want to have to buy premium on top of it.
All responses would be welcome.

Olivemarie

jetscreamer1 · August 2001

Folks, don't take the statements of the Highlander's detractors to heart. There will always be a contingent of 4wd enthusiasts out there that don't believe a true off-road vehicle can exist without; a ladder frame, JT body lifts, Rancho suspension, solid/hypoid axles and a gaggle of other boulevard build-up items. Dodge Ram guys often like to point out the Highlander doesnt have a 318 cid V-8, solid axles or a light bar. Expedition guys like to point out the absence of chrome that seems to adorn some 25 square feet of the nose of their trucks. The laments go on and on. The other day, while floating effortlessly across the loamy sands of Fire Island in the Highlander I came across one of those Dodge Ram guys who managed to get his $40,000 rig high sided on a berm-despite the extra 6" of lift and MT tires. Citing his expertise as a 4wd drive club member and too proud to accept my offer to pull him out, he anxiously looked around for a place to mount his winch stake. As I rolled away, I saw the
winch stake come out of the sand and head over the dune while our exasperated Ram driver hurled curse after curse at the disabled truck. So much for ladder frames and solid axles..I'll stick with my Carav-er, I mean Highlander.

shl72953 · August 2001

Gayle,
According to my service manager, Lexus bulletin #B0004-99 covers the popping sound on the HL which was first discovered on the Lexus back in 99. They have a very detailed plan for fixing the noise. If your service manager doesn't have access to the Lexus bulletins, he can call the Toyota engineers and they are very familiar with the problem and can give him the fix via the internet.
Wally

frutiger · August 2001

we're looking at the 4 cyl HL for gas mileage reasons.
i'm wondering what people's actual mpg has been with both the 4cyl and v6 in normal driving conditions ( not towing or off-roading)
thanks.

kdubs1 · August 2001

I have/had my heart set on a HL since my first test drive. Recent comments indicate some "New Model" issues with glove boxes, wind noise, etc.. Any flawless HL's? Anyone heard news on revisions to the 2002 version?

alsop · August 2001

Olivemarie, from this and other forums, as well as personal experience and the experience of a co-worker, it seems to me most Highlander owners use 87 octane (regular) fuel and the HLs are just fine with that, including mine (which is a V-6). The owner's manual states the type 2AZ-FE engine (4 cylinder) fuel type as Octane Rating 87 (Reseach Octane Number 91) or higher. For the type 1MZ-FE engine (6 cylinder) the manual states "Unleaded gasoline, Octane Rating 87 (Research Octane Number 91) or higher. For improved vehicle performance, the use of premium unleaded gasoline with an Octane Rating of 91 (Research Octane Number 96) or higher is recommended." Again, though, my non-limited with a V-6, and with 3,100 miles on it, runs just fine with 87 (regular).

rkuehn · August 2001

I think I missed the beginning of this but did someone say they bought a JGC? Did this person do ANY research on it???

Look at Edmunds forums, look at the new Consumer Reports, look just about anywhere. The vehicle is a dog and is costing DCX plenty in terms of share and margins.

Certainly these car-based crossover SUVs are not for everybody but for God's sake by a new GM or Ford before the JGC.

alsop · August 2001

kdubs1, please keep in mind the nature of the comments here on this Highlander Club, especially when compared with the comments on the message boards of so many other types of SUVs as well as other vehicles...the Highlander issues are relatively minor. To answer your question, though, I consider my V-6 non-limited to be great. Great in this case includes no rattles, however I do experience the moon roof "popping" noises on occasion, but I do not have a problem with that - seems to be just plastic or other material contracting and not a true problem...please note that this is also an issue on the Lexus RX300 message board, so in my opinion that does not make it a new model issue, as you mentioned in your posting that some of these issues might be. I do have the wind noise with only the rear windows down, but that is something I happen to accept. My Highlander, with about 3,100 miles on it, handles very well, is fun to drive, comfortable, and I am counting on it continuing to be reliable. If you are thinking of getting a V-6, remember that is a proven engine, having been used in the RX300 and - I think - also in the Camry, although I'd need to check on the Camry to be sure. Of course, there was the brake filler cap problem, but I had that taken care of and all the new Highlanders should no longer have that problem. To summarize, I would buy my HL all over again, without even thinking about it! Or, if something happened to it, I would replace it with another one without hesitation! A final point to help answer your question is that I have not returned it to the dealer with any complaints, and my one visit to the service department was for the brake cap service/replacement and a regular servicing. Bottom line, my ownership experience has been, in my opinion, good news! Good luck with the rest of your research! I hope this info has helped you at least a bit.

xcarnut · August 2001

kdubs1 - To look for a flawless is probably unlikely but HL is as close to it as you'll probably ever see. Mine is a V6 running great so far with only 2K of miles on it. I have a Camry V6 with exact same engine with 65K on it and has been running excellent (never had a single hiccup). I bought Camry that was previously stolen from whoever was the original owner so you could imagine the abuse the engine must've gone through when the theif/theives stole it. The V6 is a workhorse of an engine in terms of reliability cause its the same engine (1MZ-FE) used in the Lexus line of ES300, RX300 and Toyota Camry since the '96 model year.
As far as the problems go, so far this board and Yahoo board has listed more or less the same problems. The Brake-recall for pre-5/01 built HL, moon-roof popping noise, the wind thing, the small number of glove box rattles.
Compare this against others i.e. Jeep GC, Explorer, GM.
Good Luck in your purchase of an SUV.

dan1555 · August 2001

I actually have not experienced a single one of the problems discussed in this forum. I have a v6 2wd limited. I never got the sunroof popping, wind noise, or glovebox rattle. It is flawless as near as I can tell. I think this is funny because I probably push my car the most out of all the people in here as far as driving goes. I use premium gasoline, but that is just because I like the extra kick it gives when you hit the gas. I got my HL back in the beginning of March (b-day present from my parents), so I doubt my good luck has anything to do with Toyota changing something with the vehicles. One of my teachers actually got a HL recently too (from the same dealer in fact), and she said she had not had any problems with it. I think there are probably a lot of other people out there with perfect cars, but not posting here because they have no problems and therefore no reason to say anything.

rrmcdonald · August 2001

Thanks for the information, tfuzz. I'll pass it on to my dealer today.

Robert

jak51 · August 2001

Got my Highlander back a couple of days ago, I took it in an they did the recall and looked at my glove box rattle. Have noticed that pedal travel much improved and pedal feel is noticeably firmer. Regarding the glove box rattle the dealer found that was a type of bracket that came loose and was rattling and causing the glove box to jam when you tried to close it. Per the response of the mechanic on my copy of the service invoice: COM AC AIR CLEANER FELL OUT AND WAS RATTLING.

laboutj · August 2001

Anthony,

I was just trying to tweak you. Bad day at work and I saw a Highlander in the parking lot. I wish you and others good luck with your Highlanders. I've only owned one Toyota, a 94 Camry LE (4cyl). I know Toyota makes a good product, but my Camry was terrible. It had similar problems to the current JGC's. I had the thing aligned, balanced, rotors cut, brake pads replaced, tires replaced, and the front end would shake at highway speeds and especially when braking. Couldn't solve the problem, so I dumped it. That's the great thing about Toyota's, I got great resale value for it. So say I'm a sucker for punishment, but after my last Jeep that had no problems, I'll try it again. And if it gives me a headache, I'll dump it and move on to something else (GMC Envoy?). Sorry to get you irritated.

gpaquette1 · August 2001

Thanks for Lexus input about sunroof. I'll take info with me to dealer. Other than this one problem with my Highlander, I absolutely love it. The mileage is better than my minivan got. I'm getting 18-19 city and 21-23 highway with regular gas. My husband & I have done the calcs manually just to doublecheck the computer.

bojo1 · August 2001

I am considering the purchase of a Highlander with 4WD. Not for off-road, but for snow conditions. My primary concern is that this vehicle has a full-time 4WD, which "provides driving force to all wheels at all times" according to the brochure. I would think this eats considerably into the gas mileage as well as puts wear & tear on the front end and tires, especially when turning. I'm thinking of a pickup I used to own. I know other vehicles are front wheel drive, but kick in 4WD when the front slips. Can anyone tell me if I'm off base or missing something here? I'd like some feedback on what other 4WD HL folks think. Thanks for your help.

drew_ · August 2001

Since the Highlander's permanent AWD system has a centre differential, going around turns won't result in binding like your pickup's part-time slippery surfaces only 4WD system. Fuel economy should differ much since the system is designed for full-time use. Vehicles with full-time AWD (which are FWD until slippage) or full-time part time AWD are not as good since the systems are reactive. This means that you have to lose traction in order to gain traction.

You may want to check out the 4WD and AWD systems explained discussion topic:

/direct/view/.eea4ead/2

Drew
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Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket & Accessories message boards

impe · August 2001

I have over 5000 miles on my Limited V6 2WD HL, and I use 87 octane gasoline. I have had no problems what-so-ever with this low octane; I will eventually try a couple of tanks of high octane to see if the performance and/or mileage increases as has been reported by some persons in this forum. But even if there is an improvement with the high octane, I am sure that I will go back to regular since I am a tightwad.

I live just outside of a little town in the north Georgia mountains so I do not have any city driving, just backroads at about 35 to 50 mph, and highway at 65 to 75 mph; at altitudes between 1000 ft (Atlanta), and 4100 ft (Highlands, NC).

I regularly average 22 to 23 mpg which I consider good mileage for a vehicle of this type.

This car has been exceptional thusfar, and the few of my snooty friends, (MB, Lexus, and Acura types), who have driven it have been very impressed.

Thanks,

Impe

gwkiser · August 2001

I have been monitoring a discussion in the Sequoia forum about payloads from various vehicles as compared to the Sequoia. In the discussion, the Highlander came up. I looked up in the owner's manual and saw where it states that for our 2wd V6 has a payload / cargo capacity of 920 lbs.
The Toyota web page ( http://www.toyota.com/html/shop/vehicles/highlander/specs/highlander_specs.html ) states 1325 lbs. for this model. With a difference of over 400 lbs., I thought I would investigate the matter further and contact Toyota. Here's their response:

"At 08/16/2001 06:54 AM we wrote - Thank you for contacting Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

We are very sorry about the conflicting information coming from our website and your Owner's Manual.

We have researched your inquiry and found the information listed on our website is the correct specification for payload. For your vehicle with the V6 engine, the correct payload is 1,325 pounds. We are sorry for any confusion and inconvenience this may have caused. Thank you for bringing this to our attention.

We have documented your comments at our National Headquarters under file #200108160056.

National Customer Relations"

Just thought those that own a 2wd V6 model would like to know.

olivemarie · August 2001

Thanks to all who responded to my question on regular vs premium fuel use in the HL. Your input has been really helpful. I am quite sure that I will be negotiating on a HL next week and have been trying to decide on the 4 or 6 cyl. The type of fuel used was one issue effecting my decision. I like the mpg of the 4 cyl, but can't get over the giddy-up of the 6 cyl. I'm not a speed freak, but I have been driving an under powered vehicle for far too long and I don't want to make the same mistake again.

The HL rides like a dream, has plenty of room, and the Toyota name speaks for itself.
Have read many complaints of wind noise with the rear windows open in the HL, but I have a 97 Mazda Protege the just roars with the rear windows open, so I know that this isn't a HL only issue. I have test driven several (4) HL's and all of the test drives have been rattle free.

Drove a Subaru Forester, but the seats were as hard as a cloth covered 2x4. The soon to be released revamped Honda CRV has been a consideration with it's rumored increase in size and power, but I really need something now, not in a month or two.

Hopefully my next post will be my discription of my very own HL...what a great addition to the family!

Thanks again,
Olivemarie

skyreb · August 2001

Yesterday, I had the brake recall work performed. I cannot detect any difference .... but on the other hand, I had no complaint about the brakes prior to the work.
While there, I talked to the Service Manager about the paint. I told him a bit about the discussion on this forum re paint quality. It was noisy, and I did not understand all he said, but basically, he said the paint is a bit "soft." He explained the sheetmetal is is treated with a finish that retards rust. He said the HL's sheetmetal will not rust. The old paint would not chemically adhere to the treatment, thus the paint formula had to be changed.
I have no idea if this is accurate .... just passing along what I was told.
He made a strong suggestion that I put a coat of wax on ASAP. He said this is the best protection.
Happy HL'ing to all.

rkuehn · August 2001

OK, I need to vent here. If the book says use premium for an engine then use it. Why buy a refined engine and cut corners on fuel? If the book says to just use regular then don't use premium.

The back-of-the-envelope math: 20 gallons x 3 fill-ups monthly x 12 months x $.25 price difference = $180 annually. If that is significant then perhaps one should buy a Kia?

alsop · August 2001

Posting 3370 has info on what the "book" reads....which is either/both for the V-6, so it is not as simple as if the book says one or the other, use it. By far not being an expert on the subject, I cannot go into technical detail, however there are occasions premium may be useful, yet for most uses of the HL, my understanding is - and my experience and others has been - that regular 87 is fine - my HL does indeed do just fine with 87 octane gasoline. Also, while $180 (with my mileage of about 18,000 miles per year it would actually be about $204 for me) or so may or may not be significant, since my HL runs just fine on 87, I'll use my $204 elsewhere...like a few dollars for Feed the Children and/or other good causes where $204 would help a whole lot, making a whole lot of those phone calls one can get for $1, and many other uses...or perhaps keeping the money in my pocket. So, it is not a simple matter of what the book says...it is an indivdual use issue. Good thought, though!

auntk · August 2001

This topic may have already been discussed and if so, please refer me to the posting. The service booklet states oil change and service every 5,000 miles. My salesman suggested oil changes every 3,000 miles, which is what I have always done with previous vehicles. What to do? I would appreciate any insight from you knowledgeable mechanic folks.

Would you believe I'm approaching 8,000 miles with no problems since purchasing my Highlander in April...knock on wood!

edsam · August 2001

Toyota Canada just released the 2002 pricing. It went up by a whopping $90 across the model line. In case you were holding out for the third row seat, I think you'd be disappointed.

gwkiser · August 2001

Well, we are fortunate that the dealer threw in free oil changes on our deal. If he hadn't, I would just go with whichever maintenance schedule applies to your use (normal or heavy). After all, this is the criterion that any warranty claim would be compared against. Having said that, I had our first oil change done at 2500 (approx) and the dealer put a sticker inside the windshield stating the next should be done at 5500. No doubt that we can agree that the cleaner the oil, generally, the longer the engine will last. BTW, I'm no mechanic so take my advice for what it's worth!

suvshopper4 · August 2001

I think the outfits that make money off them are the ones who benefit most from the 3,000 mile oil changes. They are the ones who promoted them in the first place, kind of like Hershey's and others taking their candy bars up-size not too long ago. It is overkill, in my opinion.

For my Toyota (RAV4), the manual says 7,500 miles. Because it is a young engine (10,000 miles), currently I do 5,000 mile intervals (and get the tires rotated at the same time). But I'll probably switch to 7,500 mile changes when I hit 30,000 miles total.

And it is not just the money. I have learned not to trust quick-lube shops, and I take my vehicle to the dealership, which I do trust. Since I can only go on Saturdays due to my work schedule, I have to make an appointment, then take the 1/2 hour ride, etc. Convenience figures heavily into my equation.

Also, I know someone who has an aging Toyota; she has neither the money nor the interest for proper maintenance. And that Corolla of hers keeps on chuggin' reliably, at well over 100k. So I don't think I am taking any risk at 5,000 or 7,500 mile oil changes.

ejp

ppeter2 · August 2001

I am planning on purchasing a Highlander, perhaps via the internet from a California dealer. I don't live in California, and my question for anyone who can help, is whether or not I should be concerned about getting a vehicle that complies with California emissions requirements. Will my local dealer have trouble fixing any problems which may arise with the emissions system? Is the vehicle's performance diminished by the California emissions system (gas mileage, acceleration, etc.)? Can a California dealer obtain and sell a vehicle that is not to be registered in that state without the California emissions system? Thanks for your help.

tommy38 · August 2001

Could you tell me where (web site)you got the info from? Any option change for the 02?

wcp · August 2001

My salesman called me yesterday. He said there is no price increase for 2002 Canadian Highlanders. 2002 LTD now gets center console and side airbag at no additional cost. 2002 SR5 has leather as an option. He said the new models will be shipping in September. I am going to order mine this weekend.

edsam · August 2001

For 2001, it was 36100 last year. Here is 2002

http://www.autonet.ca/Newcars/AutoNetGuideModels.cfm?Language=7&VehicleID=1181&Province=ON

ted83 · August 2001

I was in the auto parts store today to get a couple of oil filters for 1995 Saturn. I looked in the Purolator book to see if they had Highlander filters listed yet. They did and I was amazed to see the same oil filter number for my V6 HL as for my Saturn. I asked the counter guy about it and he said he was not surprised. He said lots of GM and Toyota cars share parts. That was a big surprise to me. He checked his computer and it showed the same part numbers also. FYI, it is Purolator #L10241. For what it's worth...

rkuehn · August 2001

OK, need to vent again. If you are buying an advanced engine like this V6 please use factory or high-quality oil filters. Its worth the extra cost, there really is a difference.

gwkiser · August 2001

Just for fun I went to the link you posted. I couldn't help but chuckle at the fact that they list wheelbase, etc. in MMs. I know it's a very simple conversion, but why not CMs at least. BTW, I am on your side regarding which standard to use....I wish we would go metric all the way!

gwkiser · August 2001

I couldn't agree more (even though the dealer does our oil changes). Last time I was there, they had a floor stand with a sample Toyota filter and a sample "generic" filter, along with a board stating the differences between the two. I was impressed.

bojack1 · August 2001

Purolator #L10241.

Thats the same number I use on my snapper ztr lawn mower, with a kohler 14 hp.Purolator is good but, I'll stay with the Toyota filter. Take a look at this site for Toyota filters.

http://www.toyotaguys.com/oilfilgasbrt5.html

ltw1 · August 2001

Does anyone know if the 6 month cure on new car paint pertains to the HL also? American car dealer say not to wax new cars for 6 months to let the paint cure but it doesn't say anything in the HL manual about it???

rrmcdonald · August 2001

There is a good discussion on the Car Maintenance board about waxing cars. I think everyone there will tell you to wax the car immediately, and that new paints do not need the 6 month cure. I am not a car detailer or paint expert, but that board has some. You can also look at http://www.autopia-carcare.com/index.html

drew_ · August 2001

Heh, I was wondering if anyone would comment on the Canadian site. The millimetres is just to confuse you ;-)

Drew
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Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket & Accessories message boards

retropia · August 2001

If I remember correctly, the Highlander is a 50-states emission vehicle, i.e., every Highlander is the same. This would mean all are built to pass the toughest emissions test.

retropia · August 2001

Speaking of oil filters, I slap a magnet on the end of mine. A mechanic friend convinced me it would catch and hold metal particles within the oil filter. (It wouldn't catch aluminum particles, I suppose!) Then when I change the oil and filter, I move the magnet from the old filter to the new one.

It's may be more myth than fact, but it makes me feel better. I'll probably continue doing it even when engines are made from ceramics or plastic!

Toyota Highlander

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