Toyota Highlander

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Comments

  • aliminalimin Member Posts: 80
    If you're asking about the 2002 center console, it is probably the same as the Japanese Kluger V. My 2002 bluestone has, below the shift, a lighted ash tray - great for my cell phone - two cup holders large enough for the 2 coffee thermos we take every morning - and a deep storage box for cds, cell phone power cords, etc. Below the ash tray, a large open space for "stuff". All-in-all, I'm glad, when I ordered my HL earlier this year, it was scheduled as an 02 rather than 01 build.

    alimin 02 bluestone V-6, 4wd non-limited
  • highlander2002highlander2002 Member Posts: 5
    Got prices from 3 Bergen County, NJ dealers and accepted best offer of $32,328 ($800 over invoice) for 2002 V6 4wd Limited in Bluestone. TDA in that price is $490.
    Includes options LA BE VD HD EJ SR TO CF WL.
    Will hopefully arrive in 2-3 weeks.
  • michanthmichanth Member Posts: 38
    Has anyone tried this,

    Can a mountain bike be place in available cargo area of the highlander without removing the tires? There are times when I would like my mountain bike completely secure inside my vehicle. Of course for most situations a bike rack will do. Also, has anyone used the Toyota Bike rack attachment as shown on the Toyota Web site?

    Thanks In Advance

    Michael
  • bironbbironb Member Posts: 63
    I plan on purchasing a HL and would also like to carry our mountain bikes inside. I would imagine it would be possible by putting the bike(s) at an angle either upright or lying down instead of back to front in which case the front wheel would have to be removed. In Canada the interior bike rack cost $263, somewhat pricey although not as aesthetically pleasing one can built one for a lot less.
  • alsopalsop Member Posts: 38
    Re: Can a mountain bike be place in available cargo area of the highlander without removing the tires? (posting 3957 by michanth)? As I compose this, my Specialized bicycle is in my Highlander, complete with tires in place on the bike, with a bit of room to spare....this is with the back seats down, of course. As bironb somewhat touched on and surmises in posting 3958, the bike does have to lay down of course and it does have to be placed in the back of the HL at an angle (which is easy to do), but mine fits fine. As for the bike rack, I do not have one, however if I recall correctly, there are a number of postings here or on the "Accessories and Modifications" page of this site on various racks. I hope this helps.
  • edmundted1edmundted1 Member Posts: 22
    I've got the Toyota bike rack that fits well on the Hidden Hitch model 70777 hitch I bought. The bike rack is actually a Yakima (www.yakima.com)rack that holds up to 4 bikes. The rack goes on/off very easily and securely holds the bikes. Also locks the bikes onto the rack and to the hitch. First bike rack I've owned and I am very pleased with it. Got it at cost from my dealer (as part of the deal) and I've seen it I think at www.toyotaguys.com and www.toyota-parts.com. Oh yes, it also swings down so you can open the rear HL door and access your stuff.
  • ejay2ejay2 Member Posts: 20
    I have a tow hitch and a Thule bike rack, which holds and locks up to 4 bikes on it. The thule rack is model 993-994 Express. I chose this one because the arms fold down when not in use, which allows me to close my garage door. I looked at Yakimas, but none had this feature. The rear rack is a lot easier than a roof rack. Purchased it from REI and the hitch from bageco.com
  • highlander7highlander7 Member Posts: 177
    With no availability of a Toyota (factory) tow hitch until next year, does anyone has a reasonable alternative?

    toyotaguys.com offers a Reese hitch, is this what the dealers have installed as a Toyota hitch?

    Looking for options, appreciate suggestions.
  • emma625emma625 Member Posts: 2
    I've been following this site for months and about to buy the HL. However, I live in the Boston area and don't want all the options that the HL's come in. I would like to order mine but wonder if I can order options that normally you would have to get only in packages?
    Thanks.
  • gwkisergwkiser Member Posts: 326
    Many have recommended the Hidden Hitch round tube hitch. It's a simple bolt on installation using existing holes.

    http://www.bageco.com/hitchlistround.htm#TOYOTA TRUCKS AND CARS has it and I'm sure it's offered elsewhere as well.


    Also you might try http://www.hitch-web.com/ to locate alternatives.


    In the Gulf States Toyota distribution area (TX, LA, OK, AR), the current hitch is made by DrawTite.

  • baboonisbaboonis Member Posts: 4
    Hi, I live in Canada thus need the auto starter. :)

    Has anyone installed an auto starter? Any information to offer? I was wondering in they had any troubles installing it, since the Highlander is relatively new.

    Thanks.
  • tccmn1tccmn1 Member Posts: 278
    I've seen several here in the Twin Cities of MN. and they look real nice. Finish off the center area and blend in real well. Nothing like that jammed in looking thing in the 2001's!! These new one's have the nice smooth finish of the dash front with a cool dual door opening on top for stuff, two cup holders and storage on the side too. I'm waiting for a 2002 for sure.
  • ehl3ehl3 Member Posts: 30
    In addition to the huge upgrade in the console, we also got a much-needed rear seat armrest when our late-May ordered HL arrived as a 2002.

    One thing I wish the would have done, however, is offer a rear window that opens separate from the gate. That is the only, really minor complaint, after 1200 miles.

    Getting 16 mpg city, 22 highway V6, 2wd, thusfar.

    South Florida.
  • ehl3ehl3 Member Posts: 30
    Southeast Toyota's leather is $989 invoice, $1429 sticker. Most seem to believe it is of at least as high a quality as the factory, though I've never seen the factory leather, as it is not available here.

    The PIO also somes in grey, which I do not believe the factory does.
  • bikerjohnbikerjohn Member Posts: 52
    Michanth, I remember a post from someone who had bought the interior bike rack that was made for the Nissan Xterra. He said he had shopped around and found this to be the best one and fit well in his Highlander.
  • tccmn1tccmn1 Member Posts: 278
    I have test driven a 4cyl and 2 V6's. One with 4x2 and the other 4x4. While the V6 is awesome and smooth and a screamer off the line, I found the 4 banger to be very adequate. I kicked it down several times and wa pleased with the response up to 60mph. The gas mileage is a real plus to savings too. And saving $2K or more vs. a V6 setup is a nice deal too. Anyone else have an opinion on the 4 vs 6? They say that the 4 can tow up to 2500lbs without too much strain. I tow a 1750lb sailboat up and down a local ramp 15 times per year and think the 4 could handle that. Since a 4cyl Toyota (see most Camrys) typically is not like a 4 banger in a US car (=dog)in my oppinion, I don't think it will be a detriment to own.
  • haubjhaubj Member Posts: 4
    Just be sure to get the towing prep package 'TO'. Otherwise, the tow limit is 1500 lbs. rather than 3000 lbs., with that package.
  • rrmcdonaldrrmcdonald Member Posts: 29
    Chadhburke, I, too, would appreciate it if you would post your TSB; my dealer doesn't know of the cure (there have only been a few reported cases here, and all they have done is put additional seal around the windshield-I am waiting until we get a definitive answer).

    Thanks.

    Robert
  • svtcobraconvsvtcobraconv Member Posts: 85
    We came to the same conclusions you did in comparing the 4 and 6 after driving several Highlanders. For our needs, the 4 cyl. will be adequate, so that is what we ordered. As haubj suggests, get the towing prep package. It is reasonably priced for what you get in the package, whether you intend to tow or not. BTW, the FWD and AWD 4 cyl. HL's are geared quite differently. Obviously, make sure you drive and are happy with the setup you intend on purchasing.
  • mstregermstreger Member Posts: 1
    I took delivery of my 2002 HL V6 AWD with all options. It is everything I expected and more. The center console was a great addition for 02 as was the rear armrest. I previosly had an expedition and find this to be a better family vehicle. My primary use is driving my kids to Ice hockey which is never cancelled due to weather. The reclining rear seats are great as these are long trips where dad drives and the kids sleep.

    Things I wish it had:
    -Adjustable Heated Seats, they get very hot quickly
    -Coin Compartment with slots
    I will soon upgrade the headlights and foglights to brighter(higher wattage) piaa bulbs, has anyone done this.
  • cageymcageym Member Posts: 6
    Oct 09, 2001 (09:20 am)

    Your best bet is probably Hidden Hitch part #70777. At www.hiddenhitch.com you can see the hitch and print the installation instructions, but you can't order it from them. You can go to www.begeco.com and order it for about $110.

    If you will pull a trailer with lights and/or electric brakes then you need the wiring harness. Your best bet there is probably www.toyotaguys.com.
  • ltw1ltw1 Member Posts: 22
    I got a auto-starter installed by my dealer on my HL. Had them do it because I bought mine in April and thought it was way to early for after market intelligence on installing it. They did a good job and got to keep my original box but I think it cost almost $500 to do.
  • ci2ci2 Member Posts: 5
    I know that in previous posts there have been complaints of a rattling noise in or near the glove box. Currently, even if the glovebox is empty there is a rattling noise coming from that area whenever we his a bump. Has anyone had this problem repaired by the dealer? If so, how was it repaired? Other than this problem our HL has been perfect. Any input would be appreciated. Thanks.
  • ci2ci2 Member Posts: 5
    To eh13

    In august I purchased a non-limited v6 4wd HL with dealer installed leather. The dealer charged us $1000 for the leather. In total we paid $30,400 for the vehicle w/ Leather(dealer), V6, 4wd, electric roof, spoiler, privacy glass, mud guards and roof rack.

    We are happy with the quality of the leather however the one complaint is that they used vinyl for the arm rests.
  • sirfilesirfile Member Posts: 42
    To ci2 / Message #3978

    I also experienced what sounded like the infamous glovebox rattle. However, it turned out to be the plastic panel on the right side of the shifter pod. The panel is held in place by a single plastic fastener, and two slide-in tabs. To eliminate the rattle, I placed foam carpet padding behind the panel, and installed a single sheet metal screw at the bottom left corner to secure the panel. Be cautious when drilling, and good luck!
  • dniehusdniehus Member Posts: 83
    Has anyone yet gotten a "definitive" answer regarding the ability and cost of installing the "new" console in a 2001 HL. I paid the extra $200 (exorbitant price) for the poor excuse for the center console in my Limited HL. Frankly the lack of the console in the 2001 HL was a incredible mistake on Toyota's part. Frankly they should install the new console for FREE in 2001's which have the puny console. Goodness knows they have made a bundle on these vehicles. Those of us with 2001 HL's now have orphan vehicles which are much less attractive to future buyers. At least Toyota listened to the torrent of criticism from buyers and auto reviewers about the poor excuse for cupholders and the silly optional console. But, given that the Japanese version already had the more desirable center console Toyota's decision to not include it in the American version is totally inexplicable. Extra profit I guess.
  • ronthom1ronthom1 Member Posts: 10
    After many weeks of investigation, I took the big plunge today and bought a 2002 HL - V6 4WD non-limited with roof rack, heated outside mirrors sun roof side air bags tow prep. rear spoiler and the three groups, AG, CQ, and HE for $29050 (1050 over invoice) - the sticker is 31,318. After seeing so many reports on this message board, of sales at 500 - 800 over invoice, I must admit to some disappointment, but I console myself that in so.New England the market is in short supply and the dealers are tough to move. I do know that it is the best price in my area without traveling 200-300 miles.

    Chose V6 for the advantages of smoothness - drove the 4 and found it constantly downshifting and upshifting whenever I wanted to speed up. With 4WD, the difference in fuel consumption is not significant. Also the V6 gives me a margin of safety, when entering speeding traffic and to quickly avoid problems. Also note the popularity of V6's on resale - keeps the value of the car up too. This is supported by the much higher number of 6 cyl HL's produced by Toyota.
  • mechatronxmechatronx Member Posts: 7
    Just posting this for all of your thoughts.

    I heard from the dealer that the AWD isn't really AWD and he says the differential turns the right front wheel and the back left wheel. ???? I've always thought AWD means all four wheels are turned when you step on the gas. Acceleration is MUCH better with all wheels clawing at the road vs. 2. It will beat any comparable 2WD off the start. Since WINTER is coming soon, can anyone explain the AWD system. Thanks!
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    Toyota 4WD systems explained

    Steve
    Host
    Vans, SUVs and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards

  • wardley99wardley99 Member Posts: 5
    Hi all, I am a potential HL buyer. Not sure if it is OK to use regular grade (87 octane in Canada)for 2002 HL V6. Does TOYOTA recommends to use premium grade (91 octane in Canada) for V6 ?
  • katok1katok1 Member Posts: 3
    I've ordered mudguards for my highlander. The front set were easy to install by using the existing screws. There are no holes in the rear wheel wells. There are three indentations that match up to the holes in the mudguards. It looks like you have to drill out the holes and screw in the mudguards. What do you do to prevent the holes from rusting?
  • tfuzztfuzz Member Posts: 93
    My dealer called today to say that the part to fix the wind noise problem is being released on November 14. He left a message since I wasn't home, so I don't know any other details.
  • ranellranell Member Posts: 12
    I have two questions.
    #1 I am getting ready to make a HL purchase within the next two months. Has anyone bought their HL through CarsDirect.com? They appear to be offering $700 over invoice.
    #2 Does the Bluestone tend to show dirt/dust more readily? Haven't seen this color on the car lots.
  • troyy2ktroyy2k Member Posts: 91
    I find it odd that Toyota offers a GPS Navigation System as an option in the upcoming $20,000 Matrix, but excludes it as an option in a $32,000 Highlander. How easy would it be, and how much would it cost, to have a GPS Navigation System installed?
  • haubjhaubj Member Posts: 4
    ranell, pehaps it is my location (Northern New England), by Edmunds shows only about $300 under MSRP, for my area. I will travel well outside New England to get a fair price.
  • svtcobraconvsvtcobraconv Member Posts: 85
    ranell,

    Bluestone is my favorite color. My wife prefers Sundown Red. (One guess as to which color we ordered...) Anyway,at least we agreed that Bluestone does not show dust very readily. When we looked at them on dealer lots, they always looked clean, but as we got close to some they were actually quite dusty. Bluestone would be a good choice for you if this is a concern. Good luck!!! (I'll get used to Red, I suppose...)
  • ehl3ehl3 Member Posts: 30
    I don't have the manual in front of me, but the recommendation is for 87 octane (U.S.). We have had our 2002 V6 2wd for nearly four weeks and it has run fine on 87 octane, getting 16 mpg city and 22-23 highway.

    Several weeks/months back there were some postings indicating anecodotal eveidence of better fuel economy using higher grade of fuel as well as a discussed of the HL's variable timing that allows for better performance with higher grades as well.

    No point in investing the extra $$ in my book, nor in the official Toyota manual.
  • gwleonggwleong Member Posts: 36
    I've seen some postings on this subject but have not seen this issue addressed. I have a Millennium Silver HL and want to install a deflector on the leading edge of my hood, mostly to deflect gravel, etc. from the paint to avoid chips. Most of the deflectors sold are dark smoke plexiglass. However, on some other cars, I've seen clear plex. Does anyone know where to buy a clear deflector for the HL?

    Please advise. Thanks for all the great information!

    Gary
  • brad_22brad_22 Member Posts: 154
    There aren't any clear plastic deflectors on the market right now. In fact, I can't recall ever seeing a clear one...they've always been dark.

    I've got a silver HL with a dark hood deflector...it doesn't look bad. I've also heard about some 3M 'tape' that can be used. Some earlier posts referenced it, I believe.
  • ronthom1ronthom1 Member Posts: 10
    ranell - In so.New England (where I live), carsdirect quotes close to sticker. I also checked Pittsburgh,and it's also the same. Baltimore is about 1600 over invoice. so it depends on where you live. Note they also call it target price. I don't know what this means and have no direct experience with Cars Direct. I just used CAR BARGAINS and for $190. they got me 6 quotes, one as low as 1000 over invoice. I found the low bidder not able to get me the car I wanted but the next lowest (1400) got me the car I wanted from a convenient local dealer and I was able to negotiate an additional 350 off, which ends up at 1050 over invoice, Plus the 190 fee of course. That's the best I could do in my area where dealers are starting at sticker if you come in off the street. Watch out that they are quoting on 2002 and the model 4 or 6 cyl, fwd or awd, you want and can get the color/options you want. I personally prefer to deal with a real person, Does carsdirect deliver thru a dealer?

    I got a silver for the very reason that it does not show the dirt and scratches. As a general rule the darker the color, the more obvious are scratches and dirt. I don't know bluestone, but I've always been happy with silver and the HL is gorgeous in silver (but this is of course a matter of personal taste). Note also that silver seems to be produced in greater quantities by Toyota, and this allows you with silver to more likely get the options or model you want and the price will be more competetive.
  • ranellranell Member Posts: 12
    svtcobra-thanks for the info on color.
    haubj- check Carsdirect.com site using an Arizona 86023 zip code for pricing to compare with your area.
    ronthom1- thanks for the information. Carsdirect either directs you to a dealer or has a go-between to negotiate. Silver is indeed a striking color.

    Still would like to know other's experiences in negotiating on internet vs local dealers. According to the newspapers, in California, sales tax may be dropped temporarily after Nov 23 to promote the economy. That might be a good time for purchasing the HL.
  • aliminalimin Member Posts: 80
    My comments on the current discussion: I contacted an internet dealer after researching exactly the Highlander configuration I wanted, using many on-line sites including Edmunds. He priced it, I took his price to my local dealer, and the local dealer matched it. Took delivery last month on a 2002 V6 4WD Bluestone non-limited; couldn't be any happier (well, the audio system could use improvement)! Rain does, indeed, make the vehicle look a bit "dusty" - nothing that a run through a touchless car wash can't eliminate. Considering financing, I got a 60 month, 6% loan through a credit union. See if you qualify - most folks, I'm told, do.

    Good luck - HLs are terrific!

    alimin
  • tidestertidester Member Posts: 10,059
    alimin,

    I contacted an internet dealer after researching exactly the Highlander configuration I wanted, using many on-line sites including Edmunds. He priced it, I took his price to my local dealer, and the local dealer matched it.

    I love to hear success stories!

    tidester
    Host
    SUVs
  • chadhburkechadhburke Member Posts: 27
    I had the HL in three days ago for the repair to fix the infamous reed noise. At this time the dealer was not able to give me a TSB # (they said one has not been assigned yet), but the repair only involved new door seals on the front two doors. The new seals are visibly thicker (at least I think so).

    One day later we had strong winds here in Kansas City, and I was able to drive under situations which in the past would create the noise. Under these conditions I am happy to report the noise did not occur. Granted this is one day under the right conditions, but it appears the new door seals have solved the problem. I will know more with time.

    If you are having this problem, do like I did and call the Toyota 800 customer service number (and select option 3 I think) to open a trouble ticket. Inform them that this is a recurring problem, at conditions difficult to duplicate by the dealer. I found the whole process to be quite easy.

    Good luck.
  • daveb01daveb01 Member Posts: 6
    I have searched for the previous posting regarding the "little known secret" for adjusting the mid range sound quality. No luck finding it, does anyone know the msg # or could someone repost some advice...Thanks
  • paulekpaulek Member Posts: 16
    I would appreciate responses on mpg with v6 2wd and I4 2wd HL's. There are no HL's on dealers lots to look at colors only their official color swatches. Can anyone testify to accuracy of these paint samples to the actual colors. I am especially interesred in M Siver and Bluestone Metallic. I have test driven the I4 with and without AWD and have found the AWD too much of a drag on the I4. Otherwise power is ok not great, noisy on hard accelerating, especially up hills. The V6 was awesome in both versions. Your input is appreciated, I have to get my order in soon. The dealer estimates a 160 day wait for a custom order. Thanks again.
    paul
  • gwkisergwkiser Member Posts: 326
    We have a V6 2wd Limited and get a consistent 18-19mpg in town with the a/c on. Regarding actual highway mileage, after logging 1938.9 miles round trip to Memphis from San Antonio about a month ago, I calculated 20.84 mpg with the a/c on and averaging about 75-80 mph on the highway. Had I not been so lead-footed, the mpg would have been higher.

    If you want to see several different colors of Highlanders (including our Bluestone Metallic), go to Toyota Highlander Owners / Photo Gallery section of this board.

    Good luck.
  • ronthom1ronthom1 Member Posts: 10
    daveb01 - The "secret" setting is described in Msg. # 3784 dated Oct 6, 2001.
  • little_pogilittle_pogi Member Posts: 149
    Chadhburke,
    I hope this wind noise problem you have is forever gone. I haven't experience yet this type of problem with my HL. Maybe it's the weather here in So. Cal. The strong winds (Santa Ana's as they are called here) only only happens between Nov. and Jan. So there's not a lot of opportunity to get real world duplication of this noise problem here. I am considering getting the door seal replaced anyway rather than have to wait before this problem happens to me.

    One question I have for you. Were you able to get this door seal replace under warranty? My local dealer have no idea regarding a fix for this problem. Maybe your work order may have a part number replacement that you can share. If not, appreciate it it you can post the TSB# once you have it. Thank you.
  • emma625emma625 Member Posts: 2
    Paulek-Could you explain what you mean by "custom order"? I was told by Toyota, that there is no such thing as an order on the HL.
    Thanks.
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