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I generally keep my vehicles for 7 years or so and don't want to be kicking my tail after a couple years because I was too frugal and stubborn to pay over the magic $30K level.
Thanks for any insight anyone else has to share.
My wife and I liked the car-like ride of the Highlander. The Envoy, like most other SUVs, feels like a truck because that's what it is. The Highlander gives us the versatility of an SUV with the comfort of a car.
Living in Arizona I didn't see the need to purchase the AWD. I also found the 4 cyl to be very capable and have not once regretted it. You really need to drive a 4 cyl to believe it. I also like the better gas mileage that it offers. I'll post my actual mileage shortly.
I bought it from Tempe Toyota's fleet department for $100 over invoice which is better than what most people seem to be able to get based on what I've read here (I did have to pay the Toyota marketing fee). I paid $23,895 + tax, title, license, and doc fees (which are a complete rip-off). Options are FE, QO, HE, CF, DR, V5. I think the Highlander is a very good value for under $25K. I really wanted side air bags (which should be standard), but would have had to pay $3K more for a V6 model to get them or wait 3 months for a custom order.
In case you're wondering, no wind noise so far. I did test drive a different '02 that had the high pitched squeal on the highway. Make sure you check for this before buying.
I hope some of you find this info useful. I find these boards very helpful and wanted to give something back.
Now, I'm sure there are many happy 4cyl owners out there, and I don't know if it's due to California's extra smog stuff, but I found the 4 trying a little too hard to push the vehicle... ...especially when loaded(and isn't that why you buy an SUV?).... there's also the matter of resale... of course, not really a concern if you're gonna keep it for years...on the plus side, dealers seem to be eager to deal on a 4 over the 6, at least here, with demand higher for the six...
And hey, I've been in 4-banger Civics all my life, maybe I just yearn for more power...
By the way, scooter - pretty good deal!!
I purchased a HL in April. Had been in a Forester for 3 years and gave serious consideration to buying another (or an Outback). There are lots of pro's and con's for both vehicles.
Forester S comes with heated seats so that should not be a consideration. You can finally get leather seats in the Forester S (I was looking at 2001's). Don't know why it took Subaru so long to figure out how to do leather seats with side airbags.
I found the color selection in all Subaru models to be very limited and, frankly, ugly. Color selection is particularly limited if you opt for the S model to get some of the other goodies (such as heated seats). But, that's obviously a matter of taste. Both the Forester and HL get pretty good crash ratings. Toyota wins, of course, for reliability and resale value (and that's why we get "hosed" when we buy the HL). Forester has much better rear and side vision; I'm still concerned about blindspots with the HL even though I've added the blindspot mirrors. I prefer the high ride height of the HL. When all is said and done, the Forester just seems more like a station wagon than an SUV. HL has larger storage capacity. Subaru wins on gas mileage. Subaru wins on initial purchase price; also dealers are much more willing to negotiate.
Good luck in making your decision.
Don
Anyone have an opinion as to whether the rear spoiler helps mitigate this problem at all?
I asked the service manager for the TSB number, but he was unable to find it--may not even be out yet. He said something about an order number 671351, whatever that is.
My auto-start works great. No problems! One of the best thing to have since PA gets cold too!
I also have not heard of a TSB number yet. We will driving through the state of KS during the holidays, so I will have ample opportunity to drive under the right conditions to test the new seals.
Good luck
the July 2001 issue of trailer boats magazine did a test of the highlander, ford escape and suzui XL 7. the highlander's brakes were rated excellent. Weigh your boat, motor and trailer to find out if you are over the 3,500 lb limit for the vehicle. don't forget to include fuel and supplies. In Florida, any trailer over 3,000 lbs must have its own brakes which of course helps stop a towed load. i don't expect to have any trouble towing with the highlander.
Towing tips for SUVs
Steve
Host
SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
ehl3-- Refer to messages # 3931, 3933, 3935, 3936
Test drove a '01 HL and smelled the same smell. It's like burning rubber or something. Smelled it on the front side of the car too. Told the dealer and they said they'll look into it. Whatever. I'm glad my '02 doesn't do that!
Has anyone removed the plastic & installed lights on the bottom of their HL's? Info would be nice.
I and my HL ended up spending the whole night alone together watching the Leonids, which were very, very impressive (my wife and teenager wouldn't go with me). Mostly I stood outside, but when I got cold I got in the HL and opened the moon roof, leaned the seat back, turned on the seat heater and watched the meteors in comfort. Does that make it a "meteor roof"?
This was the first time I have really been able to enjoy my HL on a longer trip. All my other trips I had at some wind noise--sometimes constant. Now I REALLY like my HL!
We had a '92 Typhone that didn't have a rear spoiler, and the rear window was always filthy. That vehicle was based on the old S-10, and sinces there was a spoiler for the Chevy, I decided to get the direct bolt on, installed it, and the problem was solved.
Look at the rear glasses of vehicles not equipped with a rear spoiler and notice how many of them are really dirty.
Thanks in advance, David
Good luck.
dniehus is correct. Toyota brochures make it sound like you can choose almost any configuration, but when it comes time to shop, you'll find you don't have very much flexibilty. We were being forced towards getting a non-Limited V6 simply because we didn't want to pay the extra $$$ for leather. And although it's an option, it's virtually impossible to find a Limited without leather. Personally, I don't think one even exists! The same is true for many other configurations. You just have to decide what is most important to you. We ultimately bit the bullet and purchased the Limited, and I must say, the vehicle is by far the nicest we've ever owned. My only problem is I can't seem to get it away from my wife long enough for me to drive it!
Thanks to you all for the excellent discussion on the HL. Just got mine last week and absolutely love the vehicle.
Purchased mine off the Internet in Wisconsin( I live in Chicago about 80 miles away) and had a wonderful experience. For reference, I got email addresses of toyota dealers in a 100 mile radius and BCC'd each a list of specs and my best price which I made about $1000 over invoice. I emailed 50 dealers and most said no way. There were three who made very competitive bids and JACK SAFRO TOYOTA IN WISCONSIN had the best price. I ordered over the phone with Todd Hansen with a $1000 dollar deposit for the order, truck came in in under 3 weeks ( he had stated 4 weeks) and I absolutely luv this truck.
Here are the options I got on my truck for reference:
2002 HL Limited V6
VSC, leather, heated power front seats, tow prep, stereo upgrade to 6 CD with jbl speakers, side airbags and power moonroof, floor mats
Price $31,200+ taxes. (MSRP 35200)
Anyway, hope it helps to other perspective buyers. Feel free to email me if you all have any questions. sdhillon@bigfoot.com
Negotiated a deal of $1000 over invoice (incl. TDA) at Glen Toyota, NJ last Monday, put down $500 deposit, and the truck arrived last Satuday. It is a gold V6/AWD fully-loaded nonlimited. Sansone Automall on Route 1 NJ also offered the similar deal. You may cut a better deal for a 2-wheel drive HL. Hope this helps potential buyers.
Hackensack Toyota had a better deal of 32,490 (990 over invoice). That was their 1st offer but wouldn't go lower.
I went to Parkway Toyota and put down a deposit 3 weeks ago for $800 over invoice and drove it home yesterday.
I went to Parkway Toyota last August and they only agreed to discount $500-700 from the sticker for 2002 HL. How much has changed since then! People should avoid Prestige Toyota who still sells HL close to sticker.
I'm picking up my new HL tonight and hopefully can provide as much benefit as I've received. In addition to this website, I'm curious if anyone is aware of other HL sites that one can pick up useful information.
Appreciate the help - have a good thanksgiving !
This is the plan I used to purchase my new Highlander from Jack Safro Toyota in the Milwaukee area.
1. Test drove the truck at my neighborhood Toyota dealer.
2. Went to toyota.com and got email addresses of every toyota dealer within a 100 mile radius of my house in Chicago.
3. Made an email with the exact options and color I wanted. Decided the most I was willing to pay for the truck (Which was about $1000 over dealer cost). Also noted I was very motivated and would buy from the best price and am willing to wait if the truck needs to be ordered.( this is key because these models are in short supply and because inventory is low most dealers are not willing to deal aggressively). Blind carbon copied to 49 dealers.
Started getting replies the next day. Over a 3 day period, most of the replies were that the price was too low and they would not be able to do better. There were 4 dealers who came in below my quoted price. Now I just went with the lowest bidder. WHich was this guy, Todd Hansen at Jack Safro. Called on the phone, gave him a $1000 deposit and he ordered the truck. He had mentioned it would be about 4 weeks but the truck came in earlier. Drove down to Milwaukee and picked up the HL which was flawlessly prepped and ready to go. Wonderful overall no haggle experience.
Now, I could have gone back and forth between the 4 low bidders and tried to lower the price even more. I just didn't want the hassle for another 100 bucks.
By the way, used people first Internet financing and the dealership took the check wihtout any problems.
Hope this helps,
sdhillon
for the past 3 months. After 4 local dealers would not come close to accepting my $600.00 over invoice offer, I decided to wait until January when the Toyota tow hitch receiver will be available and then pay possibly more for a AWD vehicle in the winter??. ............... I waited too long, my Honda died this past week so I had to find something sooner than I had planned. Local dealers are asking more for HL's now than 2 weeks ago, the demand must be increasing.
So I test drove a 4 Runner Sport Edition in metalic Red, M.S.R.P. $33,900.00.
The 4 Runners have a 3 year 0% interest plan until December. So I bought the Runner at 500.00 over invoice on Wednesday and have no regrets, one of the most outstanding vehicles I have ever owned.
The problem now is my wife still wants a Highlander. So probably in the Spring she will trade in her low mileage Acura Legend for a Highlander.
It been great following the threads on this post
the past few months, have learned much from the owners. This is my first Toyota, I really believe that they make the best cars in the world.
Either choice I made either a Highlander or a 4Runner was a win/win. And 0% for a Toyota may never happen again. Will log back on this post this Spring and hope Toyota has enough HL's on their lots to satisfy demand. And $600.00 over should not be a problem by then.
Ross Meyer at Maplewood Toyota in St. Paul.
The vehicle is amazing....I just love it. But then my point of reference is my '91 (low ground clerance) 1X4 Previa
Congratulations and welcome to owning another Toyota - the best of the bunch, IMO. What color? I'm also located in MN - 100 miles down the Mississippi from St. Paul - and got my non Ltd '02 bluestone in early October - V6 4WD, etc. Mine is due for the 3500 mile oil change, etc. in a few days. I can't believe how quickly those miles went by - lots of very comfortable highway miles (Fargo, North Dakota and back) and some great city journeys too. (Don't you just love it when you close any door and there's that solid "thunk" sound?) Of course, the first significant test for the Highlander will come during the initial "real" Minnesota snow storm predicted next week. I'm actually looking forward to it instead of dreading driving on snowy roads, icy driveways, slippery hills, etc. Might even dust off those cross-country skis that are now gathering dust in the garage... So, as so many have said: "Happy HLing"!
alimin
The noise in mine was directly related to travel speed and occurred in F or R. It was like a whining noise and then became a creaking noise as I came to a stop. I isolated it to the left rear wheel or axle. I could not find anything rubbing or any obvious cause. It was not related to the brakes since application of the service brakes or parking brakes did not affect it.
I took it to the dealer and the first time it did not make the noise when I was there. I went back later and the mechanic heard it. He looked it over and did not see any obious cause either. They ordered a complete set of new rear axle seals, bearings and CV joint. Their plan was to replace things one at a time until it went away but I think they replaced everything. It's been quite since.
It's interesting to hear someone else may have something similar.
Still waiting to get one, but I wanted a Limited with cloth. I don't think that's happening. What are some of the other main differences between Limited and Non?
thx