Toyota Highlander

svtcobraconv · August 2001

tbuchta,

Did you ask the shop to possibly by-pass the oil cooler until they are able to get one? I'm not sure on the Highlander specifically, but you might be able to do this to get your HL back on the road in the meantime. If this is the only back-ordered part, it might work out that they repair everything else, and install the oil cooler when it comes in.

cmcardle · August 2001

I'm in the Milwaukee area, have been scoping this vehicle out for about 6 months now, and would be in one right now if not for some cost overruns on our deck project. Don't ask... don't ask.

Anyway, it sounds like Rosemurgy Auto Mall sold you the vehicle, and you're happy with them. (Re-reading your post, it looks like you could have bought the vehicle at one dealer, then purchased the plan from the folks in Wausau.) Could you please confirm - I'm willing to drive a ways to get a good deal from a good dealership.

Thanks.

candyman85233 · August 2001

I would not recommend the jbl sound system. The only reason why i got it on mine, was that the car and options were perfect, other then the upgraded stereo system, so I got it. I am unimpressed with the speakers. Go to a audio sound system shop and get some nicer speakers with an amp.

bojack1 · August 2001

Does anybody have a recommendation for a good fit sunshade for the windshield ?
Thanks

awchan13 · August 2001

I don't know about you guys, but so far, I haven't had anything good to say about Toyota except for the quality of their vehicles. I called three different dealerships in my area, San Jose, CA to schedule the recall appointment. All three of them "do not perform warranty work on saturdays" and they will only shuttle me to work but expect me to find my own way back to the dealership (they said it would be too difficult to keep track of everybody, even if I called and specifically requested a pickup). One dealership even offered their rental car service for $30 bucks a day while the vehicle was being serviced (of course, $30 bucks out of my own pocket). I owned a Honda Accord before I bought my highlander, and I was given a loaner car to use while my vehicle was getting its 30k mileage work done (which only took a couple of hours)! This is the worst "customer service" that I've ever experienced. I've called the Corporate Customer Service, and the best they can do is send a message to one of the dealerships to work with me. I don't know how serious this brake problem is, but you'd think that if it involved the safety of their vehicles (and their customers) they'd take it a little more seriously.

tbuchta · August 2001

At crutchfield.com you can look up speakers that fit the HL, quite a few models, although buying from them you would have to arrange installation yourself......

awchan13 · August 2001

I don't know about you guys, but so far, I haven't had anything good to say about Toyota except for the quality of their vehicles. I called three different dealerships in my area, San Jose, CA to schedule the recall appointment. All three of them "do not perform warranty work on saturdays" and they will only shuttle me to work but expect me to find my own way back to the dealership (they said it would be too difficult to keep track of everybody, even if I called and specifically requested a pickup). One dealership even offered their rental car service for $30 bucks a day while the vehicle was being serviced (of course, $30 bucks out of my own pocket). I owned a Honda Accord before I bought my highlander, and I was given a loaner car to use while my vehicle was getting its 30k mileage work done (which only took a couple of hours)! This is the worst "customer service" that I've ever experienced. I've called the Corporate Customer Service, and the best they can do is send a message to one of the dealerships to work with me. I don't know how serious this brake problem is, but you'd think that if it involved the safety of their vehicles (and their customers) they'd take it a little more seriously.

jdlynch2 · August 2001

I thought I liked the red, til I realized it is more of an orange/copper look. Do you agree?

Now I am trying to decide between vintage gold and white. I haven't seen many in my area, so I am looking for opinions from others as to which color will have the most "head-turning" appeal.

Thanks

gwkiser · August 2001

Hey, me too! Other than the brake recall (and a poor port installed leather job I can't blame on Toyota US), we've been very pleased.

goldston · August 2001

Bo Jack,

Living here in Phoenix Az a sunshade for the front windshield is a must if you park your Highlander in the sun (or a pair of welders gloves so you can touch the steering wheel).

After picking up my Highlander in June my first stop was "AutoZone" to check out their Sunshades. No luck... nothing fit.

Then over to "Checker Auto" and discovered they carried the same brands in Sunshades.

On to K-Mart to check out anything they might have, but nothing really fit.

So I headed over to Wal-Mart and found a Sunshade that would fit the big windshield of the Highlander. The Sunshade has a brand name of "MAGIC SHADE" and it's one of those big round double ring silver fabric with metal edge type sunshades that folds up into a little 12" circle and pops open with enough force to take your head off if your not paying attention. :-))

I've looked for a model # or size on the one I have, but there's nothing... and the package that it came in is long gone. I do remember that it was the biggest size that "Magic Shade" had.

I hope this helps.

Best regards,
Philip

dean2sm1 · August 2001

We love our red one. Are you basing your opinion on color swatch on web site or brochure? It is a good warm shade of red, slightly less on the blue side than my Acura Legend. (We call our garage the fire department).

ejay2 · August 2001

I purchased my sunshade from costco. It is the fan type with gold reflective material on one side. The manufacture I think is axius. I purchased the regular size. It is also for sale at Target.

This is the cheapest investment for your vehicle. It keeps the temperature down and covers the interior from the sun. An absolute no-brainer for less than $15.

jblaze13 · August 2001

The few white HLs I've seen were beautiful, especially with the appearance package. Gold is definitely a more common color (in my area anyway). If you want more appeal, go with the white.

djw479 · August 2001

Responding to #3506 - cmcardle.

Yes, purchased HL at Rosemurgy Int'l Auto Mall in Wausau. I visited dealership in Rhinelander also and many in Chicagoland area. Rosemurgy had best price of all by $900 plus verse Rhinelander, over $2000 less that Chicago dealerships; and good communication during sales process. They located the vehicle at another dealership and obtained for me.

Call Greg Allar at 800-325-2123(Rosemurgy); he is good to work with.

xcarnut · August 2001

awchan13 - I don't know where you bought your HL from but the dealer I bought it from called me up before the recall notice I recieved in mail from Toyota and their service manager scheduled for a Sat with a free car wash to top it off as their way of saying sorry for the inconvenience.
I have been pleased with the level of service I have received from them. The only problem with them is the dealership is too damn far. Its Tracy Toyota in Tracy. I had just came back from a camping trip and had made it really dirty by going off-road and well it was just plain in deep need of wash with the bugs splatters and I got a reason to go for a drive and help break in the HL motor slowly. Give them a try. Good Luck

jmkmlk · August 2001

Does anyone know if future (2002) HL will have third row seats?

cliffy1 · August 2001

Don't bet on it with the HL. The new 4Runner coming this winter will have one available though.

tms4 · August 2001

We are looking to buy HL 2001 V6 2WD not limited in Philadelphia suburbs. Two dealers that we have talked to claims that they have to charge about $400 in advertisement fees. Does somebody have an experience with this?
The best quote we have gotten so far is about $900 over invoice + $400 advertisement fee. Is this a good price?

svtcobraconv · August 2001

Color is such a personal thing. Highlanders look good in all of them. Everyone has different tastes, an example is we really like the Sundown Red for the very reason you don't! (orange/copper look)

Just for fun, our list of color preference...

1. Sundown Red
2. Bluestone
3. Indigo Ink
4. White
5. Black
6. Silver
7. Gold
8. Green

shelby101999 · August 2001

Could someone please tell me any information about the brake recall?

cliffy1 · August 2001

The cap on the brake fluid gets replaced because some developed leaks that reduced braking pressure.

venicebeach · August 2001

My "check" light on the dashboard illuminated when I started my Highlander today....
I just hit 7000 miles...the dealer said to bring it in...they would have to investigate...it may be something minor.
Has anyone else experienced this?

tbuchta · August 2001

The gas filler door not closing a spring loaded contact can cause that, its explained in the owners manual I believe....might be something you can check, particularly if it happened after a fillup or some very rough off road type use

ltw1 · August 2001

tms4,

I bought my HL at Del Toyota and paid about $32,000. They made about 6% or $2000 above invoice off of me and unfortunately, I bought mine when they were very hard to find and keep which made buying a chore. I checked ALL the dealerships in the area from Lancaster to New Castle, Del. and found it was almost impossible to get a good deal because demand was so high. All the owners I know paid about the same as I did who bought the Limited ver. The vehicle is just too high in demand to get a good deal until next year.

rfhou · August 2001

With 6,500 miles on it, my 2 wheel drive V6 HL has developed a thump / slight movement in the steering wheel. This happens when accelerating from a dead stop, when applying the brakes and sometimes when going over gentle dips in the road. Has any one else experienced this and or have any ideas? I'll have the dealership check it out next month when it's time for an oil change.

awchan13 · August 2001

Thanks for the info. Unfortunately, Tracy Toyota is about 60 miles from my place, that's about a 2hour drive in bay area traffic

. I did hear back from Stevens Creek Toyota. They received my complaint from Corporate Customer Service and reluctantly, and I really mean reluctantly offered to schedule me on a Saturday "for this one-time ONLY." Of course, it sounds like they might take half or all the day to do a 2-3 hour job.

Well, if they do, you know who I'll call. Thanks for your help. I don't want to seem like a a**hole, but I don't see how people can put up with this kind of service in this area. I'm originally from Washington state and have also shopped for cars in Utah and Arizona, and I've never been treated this badly. Maybe people here think it's normal or something.

rkuehn · August 2001

My guess is that a third row will come for MY2003:
Why not before? Because the new Lexus RX with a third row comes for MY2003. No way Toyota could put a 3rd row in the HL before the RX. Lexus dealers are concerned about losing sales to the HL as it is.
Why not leave it out? Because Honda's MDX version comes for MY2003 with a 3rd row, price rumors are $27-30k. HL needs it to remain competitve.

runpanther · August 2001

Don't fall for the dealer adding it onto your writeup sheet after you've already agreed to a deal (I had one dealer try to sneak in $900!!!). They'll try to sing and dance and try to explain that it is standard Toyota practice. My advice to you is ask to see their invoice sheet and ask them to explain the TDA (ad fee is already included in the invoice price). It's an absolute crime that buying a Toyota (or any car for that matter can be such a horrifying experience. . .

scwt47 · August 2001

Per the cars.com '02 preview section we see that in '02 the HL will come standard with the center console, a pollen filter, and a fold-down center armrest in the rear seat.

As for missing features, does anyone out there miss having a split-hatch rear window on this thing? As on Grand Cherokee or Explorer or even the Escape, it is real handy to be able to just lift the glass instead of the entire liftgate sometimes. Like for small items. Or when you are close to a trailer, wall, or garage door and have less clearance. Also useful for carrying long items short distances with gate closed, glass open. Why did Toyota cheap out and not compete on this?

gwkiser · August 2001

You think they're really going to put a 3rd seat in the HL?? Man oh man, there goes that great storage area in the back. I guess that will also decrease the remaining payload for the luggage. Hmmm, does this mean "carry-on baggage only"???!!

norm949 · August 2001

Recently had my 01 Forester S totaled by a red-light running driver (escaped with minor injuries), and spouse is "encouraging" me to consider a larger SUV. After doing some research, I have narrowed it down to the HL and the Forester. My primary considerations are reliability, handling (car-like, not truck like), safety, comfort, and total cost of ownership (gas, insurance, maintenance). Would probably look at the non-limited V6 4WD (loved the Forester AWD when we went skiing at Mammoth this past winter) but am a little concerned about buying a first-year model, even a Toyota. I could wait till the 02s come out, but I probably need to act soon when the insurance company settles. Both vehicles have their pros and cons, and I'm really undecided right now. Any HL-owners (esp. those that have driven the Subaru) out there want to help me decide? If I do decide on the HL, any buying advice? Thanks.

jblaze13 · August 2001

I agree. I miss that feature. It would be even better if they included the back window as a power window like they've done with the 4runner and Seqouia. I always thought that was an excellent stand-out feature for Toyota.

rkuehn · August 2001

I'll think they'll need some kind of third row, small, fold-away jump seats, etc. Otherwise HL will be priced about the same as the upcoming Honda but missing this significant feature. Apparently RX sales slowed considerably when the MDX hit, with a third row for the same money.

And for MY2003 the new Honda plant will open up in Alabama for minivan production, which means 160k Honda & Acura SUVs will come from the Canadian plant. Right now the plant makes 40k Acura's; perhaps 100k Honda & 60k Acura SUV's will be the mix? Who knows. But with that kind of volume Lexus/Toyota will need the third row to compete. Otherwise it will be all over.

Unless your in Detroit. Then its already all over regardless of what Toyota does.

skyreb · August 2001

I have not driven a Forester, but while in Alaska in June, our rental vehicle was a Subaru sedan. I was MOST impressed. It deliver great mileage, was comfortable quiet and well finished.

I own an unlimited HL (V6, AWD) and I am equally MOST impressed. My HL consistently delivers 22-25 mpg; it is quiet, comfortable, roomy, and personally, I like the looks significantly better than the Forester, but looks are a matter of personal taste. You said you were interested in reliability, safety, comfort, and maintenance costs .... you cannot go wrong with the HL (and I suspect the Forester too).

I am unconcerned about the fact that I bought a "first year" HL. Toyota seems to have it's "act" together, and I have complete confidence in the manufacturer and my HL.

So, there is no way anyone can steer you one way or another. Both seem to be very fine vehicles. Drive them both, and make a decision. Good luck.

Happy HL'ing to all.

oldbulldog · August 2001

Cliffy1 - with respect to msg 3525 --replace the cap - or the seal inside the cap ---when I had mine done it looks like I ended up with the same cap with a mark of white paint on it, indicating the work had been done but I am pretty sure it was the same cap since I scratched it before going to the dealer just for that purpose.

tonyred2 · August 2001

Have any owners had a remote vehicle starter installed on their Highlander?

If so, could you reccomend a brand or advise for or against it.

gwleong · August 2001

Has anyone removed the door panels on the HL to upgrade the speakers? It appears that the grilles are removable, but they're probably one piece with the panel.

How do you remove the panels? I'd hate to break anything....

thanks

tbuchta · August 2001

It would be interesting to see a poll on a third row seat. For most folks who would buy a HL I think the storage is much more desirable and useful than a third row seat. Might be ok if they make it an option...

As for the RX300, IMHO simply an older design now that isnt as competitive with a number of vehicles, BMW, Mercedes, Sequoia, not to mention HL...

svtcobraconv · August 2001

Now that our kids are both in college (yippie!!!) we no longer need a third row seat to haul kids around. We would probably not want it if it became an available option. However, (not to compare apples to oranges) the Sable wagon we are currently driving has a rear-facing third row seat as well as a volumous storage area under it when folded down. It is very well designed, and extremely convenient. If I had the choice, I would rather have a space-saver spare located in a side panel, like in the Sable, and use the area where the full-size spare is located in the HL for additional storage. In order to accomodate a third-row seat, Toyota may possibly need to relocate the spare.

steeph123 · August 2001

I just got an estimate for installing new speakers. I dont plan on changing the radio but according to the folks who would do the install they suggest adding an amplifier for more power. There is plenty of room under the back seat to mount the amplifier. The cost of the job would run about $475.00. That also includes tweeters.

purcat · August 2001

I took my HL in for the master cylinder cap recall and also had tires rotated,(they did not use the spare), 7,000 miles. Afterward, I noticed when coming to the end of braking I hear a tic-tic-ticing sound. Dealer says brake drums need this "special" break grease to correct it. They said it happens to alot of other makes of Toyota. Any input would be appreciated.

dfitz1 · August 2001

With school age kids, the third row is a must. I agree that to stay competitive Toyota must include it in future Highlander models. We will take a close look at the Honda SUV which will likely have a roominess advantage over the Highlander, especially if it's like the MDX. One Honda dealer I know said the new Honda SUV would not have a third row. Guess he didn't have the right information but it does make you wonder why Honda would put the 3rd row in the new SUV, possibly cannibalizing MDX sales. Maybe the Honda SUV will be more mid-range priced??

fiery1 · August 2001

I found some good crash photos of Foresters that were really whacked good right here:

http://irvinesubaru.com/news.htm

(there are two cars in their site -- one is a green one, one is a red one that hit a brick wall at 70mph!)

and that may help you see how safety might matter, but I also think that crash tests for the Highlanders are very impressive as well. There are not as many crashed as it's been out for a scant 6 months now where you might be able to gauge the crashworthiness of the HL by the Lexus RX300.

ltw1 · August 2001

I had my dealer install my remote starter. Works real well but I don't use the entire package so I could keep my original remote. I don't like the little tiny buttons on the remote that they try to give you. Pretty happy with it but was alittle expensive.

jblaze13 · August 2001

How much was the remote starter?

fiery1 · August 2001

This is the crashed Forester link:

http://irvinesubaru.com/interests/news.html

I apologize. Their servers are messed up with a transtion but it's at both places, it depends on your service provider for internet connection.

norm949 · August 2001

Thanks for the link. I've unfortunately had the first-hand experience of seeing how well the Forester protects in a severe collision (that's why I'm looking for a new car!), but as you say, the crash-worthiness of the RX300 (which is actually better overall than the Forester) would lead me to believe that the HL should excel in that area as well, even though the IIHS has not yet tested it.

wiledmuns1 · August 2001

I am about to get a HL. With the colder climate in Canada, does anyone have any thoughts on undercoating? Is it necessary for rustproofing and/or noise reduction for the current generation of car/suv?
One of the messages mentioned something about spray insulation, is it the same as undercoating?
thanks

jaymarc · August 2001

I have had my HL since May, and it is a limited so it has the better radio with CD changer, but I think the speakers are horrible, as they provide very little clarity. I took mine to a auto sound shop and was told that the head unit had plenty of power but the speakers sucked, and advised me to put some good 3 way speakers in..I chose Infinity Kappa 6 1/2" 3 ways. I am also wondering if you need to take the door panel off the replace them.

norwesterner · August 2001

I have no real first hand knowledge but read somewhere on one of these threads that undercoating 1. wasn't necessary on today's cars and 2. could plug up weep holes that were necessary to drain water....something to consider. Again it's just what I read.

Toyota Highlander

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