Toyota Highlander

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Comments

  • paulekpaulek Member Posts: 16
    When I first approached a Toyota dealer about a Hl, they said they come pre-configured according to popular demand determined by the local Toyoto Dealer Association. However he did say if I wanted to add or delete options it would become a factory order and would take up to 4-5 months for delivery, instead of 1-2 months. Kelly blue Book site has all the options for each model listed ,also their pre-requirements -if any. My dealer(Baltimore area) is willing to submit this order, but other may may not depending on sales volume.
  • paulekpaulek Member Posts: 16
    Your picture of your Hl is not available at PhotoPoint. Do you have any others?
  • ranellranell Member Posts: 12
    alimin, thanks so much for this encouraging information. Sounds like it is possible to get the HL with the wanted options for a fair price after all.
  • mollysalsamollysalsa Member Posts: 5
    Recently had installed a roof rack and spoiler on
    our new HL,,It came without them,,upon leaving the
    dealer I found a loud howling wind noise from the rear of the car that started at about 50mph. I have moved the cross bars on the rack fore and aft
    but still the noise persists. Thank You in advance
    for any solutions anyone may have.
  • aliminalimin Member Posts: 80
    Ranell - thanks for your note. What worked for me was patience and open options. Obviously, there are many factors that are part of a customer/dealer relationship; in my case I have purchased or recommended purchase over a dozen vehicles from the Toyota dealership and have always done service work there, too. However, I also told them that this time I used various internet sites, like Edmunds, for research and pricing - maybe I caught them at the time when they didn't want to lose another sale that way. And it was a custom order, so they knew that the vehicle would not be on their lot at all.
    BTW - I ordered the HL as an '01 in May, however build wasn't scheduled until late August early September, so I took delivery in early October on an '02. I'm glad that worked the way it did - the '02's center console, cabin air filter and rear seat arm rest are all improvements.

    alimin
  • gwkisergwkiser Member Posts: 326
    Oops, sorry about that. I forgot that I chose not to subscribe to photopoint when they started charging for the posts.

    I have a single photo of our HL here on THIS site. Click on "Toyota Highlander Owners" at the top of THIS page. Then click on "Toyota Highlander Owners : Photo Gallery." It's posting #5.

    Also, I have a few on the Yahoo site: http://clubs.yahoo.com/clubs/toyotahighlanderclub
    You have to join (free) and then go to the PHOTOS section. Ours is under "My GST Bluestone Ltd." There are other bluestones (and other colors) there as well.


    Good luck.

  • sartosarto Member Posts: 13
    I've been following this board since March '01 EVERYDAY. I got my gold 4cyl HL in April. Put in 12Kmiles after 3 oil changes using synthetic oil. No rattles or the infamous reed or howl or whistling noise. Drove through Palm Springs in every point of the compass along the electric generator windmills (winds so strong that the tranny was downshifting on cruise control running 70 mi on a downgrade) I just could not make that "noise" to occur. I still have that new car fever even after almost 6 months. My Family just loves that puppy. Since Ive been reading your posts for some time now, HERE'S MY QUESTION! When are you getting yours???????
  • paulekpaulek Member Posts: 16
    Do you have a 2wd, if so what kind of mpg are you getting? Have you ever wished you got the V6?
  • sartosarto Member Posts: 13
    I have a 2wd. I have no regrets since I got what I could afford. Don't get me wrong the 4cyl can easily pass semis on the interstate. It may downshift every now and then specially on a full load going uphill. It's an everyday driver (14mi one way plus side trips). I hit no lower than 250 miles at half a tank, on long trips at 285miles at the half tank mark (achieved this only once). It has a 19.8gallon fuel tank capacity so worst mileage is about 25mi/gal. I drive on relatively flat terrain with mostly mild weather (so.California). If I have the means and budget to splurge I would've bought the v6. So it all falls back on budget and need.
  • chadhburkechadhburke Member Posts: 27
    The repair made to the door seals was covered by warranty. I will post the TSB number when I hear back from Toyota.
  • svtcobraconvsvtcobraconv Member Posts: 85
    Hey sarto,

    We ordered the HL first week of September. The dealer thought it could take up to 6 months to arrive, so we have an anticipated delivery date of March 15 on the order. (Hope that doesn't mean beware the ides of March...) We actually didn't want it until after winter, anyway. BTW, those wind turbines sure are some ugly things.
  • jhswartzjhswartz Member Posts: 3
    2002 Highlander Limited, leather, Millenium silver two-tone, fender flares, towing and hitch, 6 CD changer. Just over 30K. MSRP was $32.8K. Also didn't have to pay the $600 in dealer fees. I highly recommend Internet buying at King Toyota in Pompano Beach FL.

    One dealer in the area had a $4,000 Market Adjustment charge that was added on top of MSRP.
  • anthonycanthonyc Member Posts: 21
    Does anyone know where I can find the 0-60mph time and the braking distance from 60mph or 70mph for the 4 cylinders 4wd HL? Can any owners of the 4 cylinders 4wd HLs comment on the performance when their HLs are loaded with 4 or 5 passengers? I am trying to decide if I really want to spend the extra cash on the V6 model, since most of the V6s 4wd I have seen around here are loaded limited model which I don't really care for. So far have only seen one 2001 V6 without the limited package. All the 2002 V6s on the lots are with the limited package.

    Thanks

    Anthony
  • edmundted1edmundted1 Member Posts: 22
    Have always changed my own oil and filter until a few years ago when I found it difficult to get under the Camry to remove the filter.

    Now with my V6 HL I'm thinking about changing my own oil and filter. Seems the filter is fairly easy to get to. Besides, my dealer recently went up to $29 for an oil and filter change. Figure I can buy my filters at toyotaguys.com and Valvoline 5/30 at Wal Mart and save a lot in the process (and know it was done properly).

    Anybody out there changing their own oil? If so, is it as easy as it looks to get to the filter?
  • cattmancattman Member Posts: 31
    anthonyC -

    Don't know facts and figures, but we loaded up both the 4 and 6 cyl 4wd models with 4 close friends on test drive day, and there's really no comparison... seems to me a 4 banger is great for a Rav4 - sized vehicle, but just ain't got the gusto for a suv the size of a HL... especially loaded. As for availability, don't know where you're at, but here in SoCal, there are lots of 6's w/o Limited pack, verrry few 4cyl's(especially w/ 4wd... just don't sell here) much to my chagrin, as I'm looking for a 6cyl, 4wd Limited without leather... now, that's gonna take a 6 month wait...
    But as for your dilemna... hell yeah, spend the cash!!
  • peterb9peterb9 Member Posts: 5
    Just got my V-6 2002 Limited last week and everything is perfect. Reading over the manuel, it says " the timing belt needs to be changed at 90,000 miles( except the Highlander)". First off I heard that the 4 cylinder doesn't have a belt but the 6 cylinder does. Is this correct?? If so when does it need to be changed? My service dept. says that if it has a belt, then 60,000 miles. The person I spoke with didn't even know if they had timing belts. Does anyone know the correct information?
  • ted83ted83 Member Posts: 21
    I too have always done my own oil changes and I did my V6 HL's first one a couple of weeks ago. It was easy. With the HL up on ramps the oil filter is almost too high to remove by hand but it was not a problem with an oil filter wrench. It was quite a bit easier than some other cars I've owned.

    I figure I can do it for about $8. Of course that does not take my time into account, but it only took about 30 minutes and if you are as cheap as me, it's worth it.
  • sartosarto Member Posts: 13
    The HL 4cyl does not have a timing belt. It has a timing chain. The chain lasts longer than a belt but is a pain to replace since it is harder to access and quite messy. One has to make sure that the engine oil is changed and/or topped off regularly to add protection to the chain. The engine oil lubricates the chain.
  • ltw1ltw1 Member Posts: 22
    Did you do it from the top or bottom? The way it's angled I thought manybe its easier from the top and did you need a special wrench?
  • lisafrsandiegolisafrsandiego Member Posts: 12
    I was seriously considering doing this with the Pathfinder and saving about $3-4K. Does anyone here have experience purchasing in Canada? May I assume that I could purchase the Highlander just as i was going to purchase the Pathy?

    Are there different options available in Canada?
  • ted83ted83 Member Posts: 21
    Itw1, I tried removing the oil filter from the top but it was easier from below. I used the type of oil filter wrench that has a plastic coated band that tightens around the filter when you apply torque. You may have noticed, there is a little "ramp/slide" below the filter that causes any oil to drain down and away and miss everything below the filter. That is a nice touch.
  • ltw1ltw1 Member Posts: 22
    Thanks ted83, my husband has normally done our oil changes but not sure how messy it would get and there's nothing like doing you own thing and know its done right.
  • chefschefs Member Posts: 16
    I have been following this forum for sometime already , and I think everyone here is very kind to share the experiences they have encountered and also give best advices for someone who is planning to purchase one. Can anyone tell me the towing prep package and converter means ? ( Would this mean having a bigger radiator compared to the original one ?) Is it necessary to purchase this option even though you plan to buy the limited edition V6 AWD. In addition, will this help the performance and longer the life span of the engine. The reason for asking because I plan to keep the car for a long time. THANK YOU IN ADVANCE TO ALL.
  • johntorontojohntoronto Member Posts: 1
    We have installed a rear-facing infant car seat in the middle of the back seat. The seat is held in place by threading the seat belt through the car seat. When the car seat is installed the seat covers the buckle for one of the side seats, so we can only have one other child in the back seat. This problem occurs because the receiving buckle for the side seat is positioned to the inside of the buckle for the middle seat. Once the car seat is installed, it naturally covers that receiving buckle. Has anyone figured out how to install a car seat in the middle seat and still have use of both side seat belts?
  • gwkisergwkiser Member Posts: 326
    According to the '01 Highlander catalog I saved when we got ours 2wd V6 Limited with the Tow Prep Package, "all models include upgraded radiator, transmission oil cooler, 130-amp alternator, and trailer prewiring;......V6 models add: 3,500-lb. towing capacity, 80-watt fan couplling and power steering oil cooler." The converter is actually a small box which contains everything necessary to simply "plug in" the trailer wiring when you want. However, depending upon the connector on the particular trailer you are using, the shape of the plug may be different that the one it's supposed to match up to on the HL, so you may want to buy a "adapter harness" (very reasonably priced at about $25-$30) from either the dealer or such aftermarket sources as Toyotaguys ( http://www.toyotaguys.com/higrechitpig.html ). For a hitch, some have recommended Bageco, who sells a Hidden Hitch brand round tube hitch ( http://www.bageco.com/hitchlistround.htm#TOYOTA TRUCKS AND CARS ).


    For the price of that option, we chose to get it eventhough we may never tow (have not bought a hitch yet). South Texas can get very hot in the summers and we thought that it was cheap "insurance" for the conditions here. Personally, I would highly recommend it to everyone as it doesn't add much weight at all and yet yeilds nothing but benefits. BTW, in my opinion, if the V6 AWD configuration you are looking at DOES offer that option, then I would think it safe to assume that it doesn't have ALL of the features included in the option, if any at all.


    Good luck.

  • chefschefs Member Posts: 16
    gwkiser- THANK YOU VERY MUCH for sharing your information with regards to the package. However, since they upgraded the radiator, alternator, and transmission oil cooler. Is the performance much better than the V6 AWD? May be I should consider the 2WD V6 with the towing prep package instead of V6 AWD.
  • gwkisergwkiser Member Posts: 326
    chefs,
    I can't say that there's any difference in PERFORMANCE of the V6 2WD versus the V6 AWD that can be ATTRIBUTED TO THE TOW PREP OPTION. This option just improves the cooling of the critical components of the HL under heavier duty conditions, such as towing. Hopefully, this would lead to longer life of those components due to the reduced heat buildup, but this is independent of the choice of 2WD or AWD. Personally, we didn't get the AWD version as, again, we didn't consider it necessary in our part of the world. There's no doubt handling and maneuverability are improved in the AWD, but we have been driving FWD vehicles for quite a while and accept the limitations of them. OTOH, if you live in an area that presents severe driving conditions such as frequent rain or harsh/snowy winters, I would definitely get the AWD. Just my thoughts.....

    Good luck.
  • quangtranquangtran Member Posts: 8
    I put down a deposit for a typical standard HL (4x4 v6 and standard option) and the dealer said "it will be about 2-3 weeks, but he can't promise it". Should I have something in writing, a Vin # , or something to confirm my HL that they order for me. It seems like they wait for the car coming and they trade with other dealer for the car and the color that I want. Is that how they do it? Thanks in advance
  • roadrunner70roadrunner70 Member Posts: 241
    does anyone know if the front driver and passenger airbags are depowered, next generation or dual stage. the 2002 brochure doesn't mention any of these things, and its surprising that with so much new technology in the 2002 hl, it would still have the old style too strong air bag. thanks for the information.
  • gwkisergwkiser Member Posts: 326
    The way it worked for us was that we told our dealer what we wanted. He then went to a computer which listed all HLs in the region (maybe even in the whole distributor's area, not sure), and he was able to see what was on the various dealer lots. Additionally, he was able to see what was coming into port and approximately when. Our first vehicle was on the boat when he found it for us, but it was deemed damaged at the port, so we had to wait for another. The one we ended up with was exactly as we wanted with the exception of having a single play CD instead of the 6 disk changer. They switched them out for us.

    When we first started looking at HLs, we were told that Toyota doesn't allow special orders, or at least that's not what it's called. They prefer to use the term "preferencing" as you may not get exactly what you requested. Personally, based on what I have read here and elsewhere since, special orders are allowed but take months to arrive, whereas "preferenced" vehicles are those that have already been scheduled for production, in production, or out of production already and en route to a port or dealer.

    Since your dealer told you it could be 2 to 3 weeks (approximately), I would think that the vehicle equipped the way you want it is probably en route to another dealer in your region. I agree with you that I believe that your dealer is hoping to swap for your HL. This was another option our dealer tried for us but the vehicle at the other dealer was a pre-sold one.

    Perhaps cliffy1 or someone else can shed more light on this for you....

    Good luck.
  • chefschefs Member Posts: 16
    Did anyone here install integrated fog lamps and 6-disc in -dash changer without ordering limited edition. I have notice in the brochure that only limited edition can get the additional options. In addition, Can someone post a pictures of highlander with side color keyed fender flares and color keyed running boards. When to several dealer here ( windy city ), but could not find one. THANKS IN ADVICE.
  • peter02peter02 Member Posts: 1
    Lisafrsandiego was wondering about purchasing in Canada. I recently purchased in Canada, actually haven't taken delivery yet...should be here next week. Anyway, options are pretty much the same, although heavy duty battery and altenator are std. Savings are substantial, my '02 limited was approx $28,500 including the changed speedometer. There is a 2% (of US funds) import fee, but the warranty transfers just fine.

    Hope this helps.
  • mgbcab22mgbcab22 Member Posts: 5
    Has anyone found a center console for the 2001 Highlanders?
    I definilty want one but it's tough to find that exact size....
    need help...
  • shl72953shl72953 Member Posts: 53
    My service manager called a couple of weeks ago and said he could now order a center console and was doing so as I had paid for one back in February. I have heard nothing since. He also didn't indicate whether this was something new from Toyota or was the same one that was available for the 2001. I suspected it might have an improved cupholder but didn't ask. When it comes in, I will add further details.
    Wally
  • whatever1whatever1 Member Posts: 7
    I live in Wa. state. No one in Wa. or Or. will go below 1000 over invoice. Seems King Toyota, of Florida mentioned a little earlier, will not do me any better, and I would have to go down to get it. It's hard for me to justify that amount of $ over invoice. Guess it depends how bad you want it. I may have to keep my money here in the U.S., cause I don't know if I can do that. And it's a no way jose for ordering one here. If that was your choice, what would you do, let it go?
  • whatever1whatever1 Member Posts: 7
    About my above post, I should have stated that this also maybe the best from what I have read, but I have a new Durango, 500 over invoice, ordered with just what I wanted.
  • deatricedeatrice Member Posts: 6
    I have been pondering back in forth with the purchasing a SUV and the type. I now have chosen the the Highlander. Question: Does the center console make a difference in the convenience of the Highlander? I have only test driven the Highlander once and I can not remember if I had a armrest, or the console in the middle. I would like to purchase the 2001 model, but if the center console adds convenience I may want to wait to take test drive of the 2002.
  • dichelledichelle Member Posts: 25
    You will have an armrest whether you get a center console or not--each front seat has a small arm attached to the seatback which folds up and down. I was skeptical of these at first, but they work fine and are also found in the Siena van. People who did NOT get the 2001 console and ended up liking it that way seemed to have a reason--either they wanted room to stash a briefcase, or they wanted to be able to access the back seat easily, to reach children. Otherwise, the storage in the console is nice. I have the 2001 console--it's a place to put CDs, although they don't fit very well. It does not connect to the shift pod and there is room for me to stick my purse on the floor in front of it, which I like. The 2002 console seems to look nicer (in photos) and does connect. Some folks are trying to find out if this console can be ordered and put into a 2001 model--don't think anyone has any promises about this yet.
  • sartosarto Member Posts: 13
    catt,
    I guess you don't drive in the rush hour L.A. freeway parking lot traffic everyday.
  • tccmn1tccmn1 Member Posts: 278
    I have test driven two vehicles of each type. The 4 seems very smooth and adequate on acceleration. The 6 is a screamer and would have more load/tow strength-obviously. I took the 4 up hills and punched it numerous times. It makes a little more noise, but cruises real nice. We have a 98 Camry with the little 133 HP 4 and it responds just fine. Now, the towing deal. I tow a 1800 sail boat up and down a ramp 15 times a year...and thats all; I cannot locate a 4 with the 'TO' package in Minnesota, much less a 4x4 4banger. The local dealers laugh at me when I mention the internet and specifically this site. They say Toyota shows all the options, but good luck finding them for real. Is that 'TO' package that necessary for my kind of towing. Honestly, I don't haul campers around...more family type of vacations with lighter loads. For the $2K+ diff., the 4 seems smooth as silk to me plus the mileage to boot. Any comments? Thanks!
  • svtcobraconvsvtcobraconv Member Posts: 85
    We ended up ordering our HL because we just couldn't find one configured the way we wanted. We ordered a 2WD 4 cyl. with TO as one of the options. I haven't checked to see what is out there lately, but you certainly could order a 4WD 4 cyl. with TO. If you are willing to wait the 5-6 months for your factory order to come in, it might be your best bet. However, all other things being equal, I believe the invoice price between the 4 and V6 is only $1407. If we would have found a V6 with all the other things we wanted, we certainly would have taken it. In addition, I suspect the real world difference in MPG between a comparably equipped 4cyl. and V6 is not going to be that much in normal driving conditions. In other words, if you find a HL that is configured the way you want except the V6 instead of a 4, I would suggest going for it. BTW, if the dealers are laughing at you for educating yourself, laugh at them when you head for the door to take you business to a dealer that treats you with respect.
  • jmikerjmiker Member Posts: 21
    Quick question. I know that on that RX300, the dealers are able to customize many "features" of the vehicle, such as the key fob operation, etc. Is this possible in the Highlander? I can't recall everything that can be changed on the RX, but you can determine whether or not all 4 doors unlock with the key fob, whether the horn sounds, such as that. I am just curious if that feature is present on the Highlands.

    Thanks,
    Mike (Anxiously awaiting my 02 HL AWD Limited - Factory ordered in Sept)
  • ehl3ehl3 Member Posts: 30
    I have posted several times and have been a loyal reader of this thread since May. We ordered our V6, 2wd - non Ltd as a 2001 in late May and received it as a 2002 in early Oct, a bit later than projected due to the model year changeover. It has been perfect, no wind pillar noise, no glovebox rattle, 2002 console and rear seat armrest upgrades, etc.

    For reference, and if you are willing to wait, we paid $177 over invoice, about $25,300 pre-tax including PIO leather and a few other options (fully agree with prior post on tow prep, as well - bought it with no intent to tow anything just for the power upgrades for hot weather).

    For those willing to shop and/or drive, the rep and dealer was:

    Israel Washington
    Internet and Fleet Manager
    Toyota of Hollywood (Florida)
    800.842.4699 ext. 4944

    I have since also signed a rock-bottom lease for a company car from them as well. No "typical" dealer tactics; they even accepted a personal check for downpayment and final payment.

    Best of luck, all.
  • tfuzztfuzz Member Posts: 93
    Finally got the reedy wind noise problem on my HL fixed yesterday. My dealer replaced the door seals and also took care of the brake recall. On my 60 mile drive back home it was pretty windy, but no wind noise! I'm still holding my breath and waiting for a really windy day to give it a good test. So far so good, though!
  • personna1personna1 Member Posts: 10
    Whatever1 - I bought my Highlander (Limited - Fullly loaded) in Washington (state) for $480 over invoice. I used a fax attack that went out to all 27 dealers in the state. I also had 8 other vehicles come in at $800 over invoice. Check out these two sites... www.fightingchance.com and www.carbuyingtips.com for more info.

    =-Personna1->
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    Edmunds.com has had an article about Blast Fax Car Buying for a while, but "blast email" seems to be the way to go now. Faxes are ancient history :-)

    Steve
    Host
    SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
  • mgbcab22mgbcab22 Member Posts: 5
    I found a place in Texas that has a "console"

    $180 for console and $80 for "hook up kit"

    going to try because I haven't found anything that will fit in there...

    http://www.toyota-parts.com/ this is the site, they do not have it on the site but they can get it...
  • cattmancattman Member Posts: 31
    Huh?
  • gwkisergwkiser Member Posts: 326
    You might want to check out these guys also.


    http://www.toyotaworld.com/accessories/center_console_box.htm


    I haven't had any experience with them but it looks like the one that's in our '01 HL Ltd.


    Good luck.

  • osoriobosoriob Member Posts: 44
    Can someone please post the TSB for the reedy wind noise problem on the HL door seals, and may be part numbers from the receipt the dealer gave to you after the fix?

    thanks
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