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silver fwd HL limited and most of the bells and whistles. The special order is for dark gray or black leather seats. What I need to know is how can I work the best price with a special order HL. Do I have to do the email bidding first and then tell them I want a special order HL. Or do I tell them upfront. I have never special ordered before. And what is the code for differant color leather seats? And how long will it take to get it. Has anyone done this before.
Thanks Marcasoo.
post our reaction to the first HL experience.
First, thanks for the response. I have my overdrive "on" at all times. Is this recommended, even if most of my driving is city driving? Or should I just leave it "on" all the time. Taking your bicycle example, as a cyclist, I shift gears to meet the road conditions. Should I do the same for my HL overdrive.
Thanks!!
When you turn overdrive on, you are giving your transmission the "option" of using 4th gear. When you turn off overdrive, you are taking away that option, presumably because you know better than the transmission does whether or not to use 4th gear. My best advice is to leave overdrive on 99-100% of the time except in the conditions that the owners manual describes.
Hope that helps.
Question number 1 goes for anybody- I'm interested in hearing anyone's experiences with special ordering the 2002 HL V6 w/o ltd package- i.e. how long, hassle, extra costs, etc.
I hope this helps.
After looking at 2001 Highlanders since they came out in January, it seemed to be the vehicle for us. However, our color and option preferences were just not to be found on any lot. After getting quotes from dozens of dealers to get a feel for a price, 2.5% over invoice was the best we could find in the three states around us. After pricing one last March at our local dealer who at that time wouldn't budge from list, we eliminated them from potential dealers to purchase our Highlander. Anyway, last month we went in again to the dealer to look at a 2001 that was close to what we wanted. After briefly considering settling for the 2001 HL, we decided instead to order a 2002 exactly to our specifications. The dealer then offered to meet (or beat) quotes we had from the other dealers on 2001's. In the end, we settled on 2% over invoice for this order out 2002. However, they said it probably won't be in until March, but we think it is worth the wait to get the vehicle exactly the way we want it. I guess when you are spending $25,000+, you want to be totally happy with what you get, not settle for "something close".
Thanks for asking about our 2002 Bluestone HL order. We ordered a 2001 in mid-May but by the time the order was accepted and scheduled by Toyota, it was a 2002 build. Not that I mind, though. The center console and air filter will be nice additions. As far as pricing, I worked with my local Toyota dealer (over the years, I've purchased or leased 5 Toyotas from him and have them do all service work) and an internet fleet dealer 100 miles away. Took the internet price to the local dealer, and he matched it. So while the price I will be paying is not the lowest I've seen, neither is it near MSRP. And, though my custom order does count toward the dealer's Highlander allotment, because I will take it off his inventory as soon as it arrives, he won't have the costs associated with keeping it on the lot either. My advice to those who do custom order Highlanders (beyond the standard regional builds) is to have patience and be prepared to wait 4 or 5 months. Judging from the posts to this board and others, I anticipate the wait will be more than worth it. Thanks!
or (781)826-8333. They also have a website at www.mcgeetoyota.com
The salesman I had is Steve Hines. I found him very accommodating and helpful. I bought a non-limited 4wd, 6 cyl w/ everything but these because I didn't want them: sun roof, leather, fancy sound system and factory alarm system. I paid a flat $28,000 and got my metallic emerald green color choice after they searched around for me and excellent trade in value for a 12 y.o. car that was not worth what I was given for it. I must say that I did not know what a dealer with good service was until I started here.
I also got in June a 6 3/4%, 60 month financing from a credit union - may be lower now
considering events - but they are your best bet I think.
I work in a large gov't office bldg. Steve told me that if I sent people to him from where I work that he guaranteed to me that he would match my deal for them. So if it's worth it to you, call him and say that you know me, Bernice. Good luck.
I now have about 2950 mi on my HL and I feel as thrilled as the first day I drove it. I love this car. So do others who ride in it.
We ordered on 5/29 and it arrived as a 2002 model today; the dealer just faxed me the sticker. They're 40 miles away, though, so I won't get it until Saturday.
I echo virtually all that has been said before and am pleased with the console upgrade. Interestingly, we had ordered it with the 2001 optional center console, so with the reduction in base and that elimination, it appears that the dealer invoice is now about $300 less than the 2001 with the packages we ordered (Non-Lmtd, Silver, V6, 2wd, roof rack, tow prep, port leather, mats, daytime lights, step bars). We'll see how THAT discussion goes...
Bottom-line, pleased to have eliminated the cost of unneeded options (power seats that have the same adjustment knobs manually, tinted windows when I'll install better film, ToyoGuard, etc.).
It was worth the wait, but the next two days will be hell waiting.
I'll post the dealer's and rep's name next week if it all works out as it was a very close to straight invoice deal.
SVTCOBRACONV -- noticed your obvious ID -- My other car is a '98 SVT Cobra Hardtop. Should make for a nice mix, though it's hard to get my wife to drive the Cobra. She says it scares the neighborhood kids... not sure if its her driving or the Flowmasters :-)
Many thanks.
Congratulations on your new Highlander! Waiting patiently to get ours is going to be a real challenge...
I know what you mean by the wife driving the Cobra. She has this funny habit of doing burnouts on our driveway in our '99 Rio red/parchment droptop after getting groceries. Somehow I don't think she will be doing this in our nice new Highlander when it comes in!!!
If anyone else has suggestions, let me know.
The overdrive is the button to the right of my gear shift, right? I was told this was to be used in snow, that's all. But if I hear you correctly, that button should be on all the time, except steep hills. Does this improve gas mileage??? In suspense!!!!!!!
"The overdrive is the button to the right of my gear shift, right?"
Nope. The Overdrive-Off button is on the shift knob, left side, clicks in and out to the right to shut off OD. A light comes on in the dash next to the gear indicator to tell you when you have OD off.
Can't remember the name of the one you describe - ECT maybe?
I purchased a JVC refurbished CD/Radio/Cassette on line from "overstock.com" for $257.00. I bought this JVC model because it is almost an exact fit dimensionally to the Toyota factory radio which as you know sounds terrible. I am very happy with this replacement.
So far so good. I am from Chicago, IL and had everything installed at ABT Appliances. They have a very professional and experienced installation center.
Good Luck,
Tony
For more on the add-on factory fog lights, go to the Accessories and Modifications section of the forum here. There's some discussion going on about adding the facory ones to non-Limited models.
Regarding the seat cushion, you have to roll the rubber edge against the leather and then push the slot of the rubber onto the metal flange of the underside of the seat. Be very careful when doing this as the metal has a sharp edge and can cut your finger! I have a photo posted at ofoto.com. E-mail me and I'll "invite" you to the site. Have to do it this way as the site here won't let me post a "word" , i.e. "address" longer than 115 characters.
Seemomgo, I'll have you know that I am now waiting for my THIRD set of door panels as three of the four replacements which came in on our last attempt did not even meet the standards of the Service department General Manager. [I told him that at this rate, we should have this problem resolved by next spring!!] He has last informed me that they have ordered a third set of plain panels (COMPLETE) and are going to ship them directly to the "man who designed the procedure for installing the leather onto the panels", who will do the leather install "correctly". I'll post here when they get done. Like you, we are really enjoying our HL and just returned today from a 2000 mile round trip to Memphis and back. Haven't even gassed up yet to determine the average MPG.
Don't forget Freeway trivia tomorrow - missed you last week! (I thought I had nailed it but came in second once again).
Steve
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I'll try to make it tomorrow, but we're still "on vacation" so don't know if I'll be around or "out and about".
Too bad about the mailbox vs. your HL hatch and glass. If the white streak is mailbox paint then try 0000 (finest gauge) steel wool and a bit of alcohol to rub it out. Try it in a corner first to be sure you will not scratch the glass.
If the white streak is a scratch in the glass and you can feel it with your fingernail, then you are out of luck. New glass or live with it. And if you decide to live with it be aware that a deep scratch in tempered glass like that found on all car glass (except windshields) can weaken the glass significantly such that it may spontaneously fail some hot or cold day when you least expect it. Pile of glass pebbles will be in the cargo area and the window will be gone.
If it is a glass scratch that you cannot feel then you can get a glass shop to rub out the scratch with a special compound. Glass is not weakened.
And don't worry about damaging the "privacy" tint in the glass. It goes all the way through the glass and is not a coating.
Good luck.
After waiting since mid-May, we now are proud HL owners! Signed on the dotted line this afternoon, now have almost 60 miles. What a terrific vehicle! (This was the first bluestone HL even our Toyota dealer had seen and, at least for him [and alas for me], not the last. In a few months, when his other orders arrive, I will no longer be the unique bluestone V6 Toyota HL in this part of the Mississippi River valley here in southeastern Minnesota! Oh well...)
Everything I've read on this board since we decided to order our HL in May is correct - from driving position, ride, interior noise (what noise?), power, 4WD and traction control, fit/finish, even discussion about the standard audio system (as posted here - does needs improvement) is right on target. But I can't wait for tomorrow to drive it again.
So, "thanks a million" for everyone's input!
p.s After 2500 miles in my 01 HL V6 4WD absolutely no problems and love driving it!!!!!
Steve
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Vans, SUVs and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
This summer, as I was waiting for the vehicle to be built, I saved a "hint" posted earlier about adjusting the mid-range frequencies on the standard HL radio/cd/cassette unit. Tried it today and it works - lessens a bit the "boominess" of the unit - but doesn't dramatically change the sound all that much.
For those that missed it, here's what you do: With the radio on, push the audio control button (the one for bass, treble, fade, balance)and hold it down for 10 seconds. While you are holding it down, the radio display will reappear after 5 seconds, but keep the button down. You will hear a "beep". Now, let off on the button and press it down again. First, you'll see the setting for the bass adjustment. Hit it again and you'll see a new setting for mid range. You can fine tune this setting like the bass and treble to improve the sound quality - I adjusted mine to a -3.
Oh, I also experienced the "horrible noise with the back windows rolled down". Kinda cool if you want to annoy your passengers or don't want to talk to them...
And the homelink system setup was easy - at least with my garage door opener.
The HL experience gets better every day!
alimin
1) can we add a center console preferably the center console for the 2002 model. The dealer stated it could not be done. But I read a post earlier about this but noone ever mentioned whether it was done or not.
2) The dealer also stated he could not add the 2001 console because the place where the console goes is where the fuel line runs. The installation of the console would rupture the fuel line. Has anyone had a center console added after the fact?
Thanks for all of the great advice so far and I can't wait until tomorrow to drive more.
No response from the two dealers I have emailed thus far.
You ask about the CC. I know we all have our likes and dislikes, and you may have a special need for a CC, but mine does not have a CC, and now, I would not want one. I like the open feeling and the ability to use the space between the seats. It makes teh front seat "feel" much more roomy. We bought a small plastic carton that now rest behind the drivers seat. We keep all loose things (like CD's) there. I also drive an Acura with a CC. It makes the vehicle seem cramped.
Try not to anguish over not having a CC, and give it some time. Several forum members have said they now prefer not having a CC.
Good HL'ing to all.
As a 2002 owner, I like the "Kluger V-style" center console but I would not have been disappointed with the 2001 style either. HL is just that good!
BTW - my hint on the standard radio (mid-range adjustment) negelected to mention that to save that mid-range setting, the audio unit has to be turned off first before the engine.
Alimin
And, have you upgraded anything w/your system (still trying to get tips on removing the door panels to get to the speakers.)
Thanks in advance!
Gary
As far as the rear A/C is concerned, you shouldn't worry about it. This past summer I went camping with the extreme heat (110 deg)and it cooled it off in no time. In fact on the drive home the A/C fan speed was set at slowest. There was never a need to go to high except when I had the car filled with 5 full size guys and then we had it set to high.
Good Luck.!
spfotey: I did the majority of my research via the web on as many car sites, discussions, manufacturers, etc., as I could find. What I found really helpful were those that allowed vehicle to vehicle comparisons - standard features, options, specifications. Did some dealer searching, read faithfully Consumer Reports, and made my offer. I've owned a half dozen Toyotas over the years and haven't been disappointed. Unlike my experience in the early 1980's when I bought a certain domestic model sedan with (IMO) the worst 3.0 liter V-6 engine ever made. As far as the HL: third row seating wasn't important - rather have the room; and rear a/c wasn't a concern because I live in Minnesota...(just kidding - we really do get into the 90's for a few days...) This is my first SUV - and I'm sorta looking forward to that first 4 - 5 inch snowfall!
Alimin
up that option, it is always available.
Sam
alimin
Some things to think about:
Did you continue to drive your HL for 20 minutes (at freeway speeds) with the oil light on?
- If you only drove it for a short time after the light came on, there is a good chance there was no long-term damage done to the engine.
Are you sure it was completely out of oil?
- The oil pressure light will come on when you are low on oil pressure, not only after your pressure drops all the way to zero.
Is there any evidence now of engine damage when you drive it?
If this happened to me, at this point I would take the extended warranty. Consider trading the vehicle in before the end of the warranty. I would be real leary of allowing a dealer to tear down an engine that has its "Master Mechanics" do oil changes, and also claiming to have "forgotten" to put oil in cars altogether! Obviously, document your conversations with the dealer, and keep every note and written record of this incident.