Toyota Highlander

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Comments

  • xcarnutxcarnut Member Posts: 81
    marsbar - I have gone only once to the beach on the lake with the HL past summer, from my experience the AWD does the job well, but I would recommend tires with more aggressive biting tread in the sand than the Bridgestones OEM with the HL if you plan to go regularly. Bridgestones work fine for everyday and occasional but I needed to work the throttle from spinning the tires and were struggling for grip in the sand. Though I didn't deflate when going off road. Next time I'll give it a try and post my findings.
    Good Luck,.
  • steeph123steeph123 Member Posts: 21
    Iceguys
    I had my driver side mirror replaced and it did cut down on the wind noise.
    The service tech noticed a small gap on the origional mirror which caught the wind causing a problem. He tried to tighten the old mirror but could not tighten it. So he replaced it.
    The paint looks perfect on the new mirror. If your concerned about a match maybe they'll give you the old one.
  • marsbarmarsbar Member Posts: 2
    zcarnut..thanks for the info. I think lowering the pressure to about 15psi will do the trick. Looking forwared to your next update on this matter. Thanks again!
  • normp1normp1 Member Posts: 25
    I was told by a local dealer here in british columbia that Toyota Canada would be following the Saturn lead with no dicker stickers by the summer of 2002. Has anyone heard this as well ?
    I'm hoping to purchase a highlander this spring and I want to avoid this. Any comments would be appreciated !!
  • john_lisejohn_lise Member Posts: 22
    I was able to negotiate a price using CarcostCanada.com. Tell the dealer what he paid for the car and then offer him something (I got it at 5% over cost). If he says no, at least you are dealing with all the cards on the table.

    For the Americans buying in Canada...your best bet is to check with your local Customs office and find out what requirements are needed to import a vehicle. Probably some duty and tariff to be paid, changing of speedometer/odometer to miles from KM and some paper work. By the way, although we have high sales taxes in Canada, anything being exported is elligible for a tax refund!!! The sales tax is a consumption tax and you ain't consuming in Canada!

    In regards to a previous post on Roadside Assistance....at least in Canada all new Toyotas come with 3 year or 80000km roadside assistance. No extra charge!!!

    seeya!!!
  • wcpwcp Member Posts: 40
    Western Canada Toyota dealers are using so called 'Access Price', which is similar to Saturn's non-negotiable price. Dealers claim they are not allowed to offer any 'free' accessaries or options either. You can go to http://www.accesstoyota.ca to calculate the price. It is exactly the same page my dealer used for my purchase.


    I just bought my Gold V6 LTD this weekend. We are very very happy with the vehicle.

  • wcpwcp Member Posts: 40
    I feel the stock 35W H3 bulbs of the fog lights are not that bright. I'd like to upgrade to Philips BlueVision 55W bulbs. Has anybody tried to change the fog light bulbs? The owner's manual says you can DIY to change headlight bulbs, but need to ask Toyota technicians to change the fog light bulbs. Is is really that difficult? How do you get access to the fog light bulbs?
    Thanks!
  • brupopbrupop Member Posts: 63
    We know our Highlanders are great, and SKI Magazine thinks so too: "The Toyota Highlander, which came to market last year and is The Green Book's 2001 medium-size SUV champ"

    See this link for the full story http://skimag.com/article/feature.cfm?alias_id=8567

    GregB
  • robnaorobnao Member Posts: 29
    Thanks kdubs, even though these questions are holding up a probable sale the sales people just are not willing to do any research into this, or they just don't answer my questions. I am military stationed in Japan right now and that makes things even more difficult for me. Just a little trivia, the Kluger (Japanese Highlander) is a more expensive vehicle than the Harrier (Japanese Lexus RX 300) over here. Thought that was pretty funny.
  • scooter1scooter1 Member Posts: 3
    Has anyone tried removing the excessive number of stickers on the sun visors? One of them isn't even written in English! It doesn't look like they will come off easily.

    Thanks!
  • cliffy1cliffy1 Member Posts: 3,581
    Don't do it. If you ever sell it and somebody is hurt, they will sue you for removing safety information.
  • cliffy1cliffy1 Member Posts: 3,581
    I just wouldn't do it. You're asking for trouble because we do live in such a litigious society.
  • ppeter2ppeter2 Member Posts: 3
    Picked up my Highlander V6 AWD Limited about 3 weeks ago and after 500 miles like it a lot. I used this site extensively before buying and found it very helpful. Since so many people on this site seem to be interested in pricing, I'll say that my sticker was $35,154 and I paid $32,304 including everything except sales tax and license to a St. Paul, MN dealer. My question: has anyone bought the auto dimming mirror accessory and installed it themselves? Is it difficult? The parts guy at a dealer told me the service techs at the dealership said it wasn't real straightforward, but the info on the mirror on the Toyotaguys.com web site said it comes with easy to follow instructions, implying it was an easy do-it-yourself job. Has anyone bought one for less than the $235 that Toyotaguys gets for it? Second, what is the nicest looking trailer hitch to put on the Highlander and who sells it for the best price? Thanks to whomever can help.
  • gwkisergwkiser Member Posts: 326
    You might want to try these guys for the mirror: http://www.donnelly.com/shopdonnelly/default.asp#ectmirror . I haven't but I've heard they're good, although the price isn't any better than what you've seen elsewhere.


    And here's a site you might check out for the hitch: http://www.bageco.com/hitchlistround.htm . Again, I haven't bought from these guys, but several here have and you can see some photos of one installed on a HL in the Yahoo Highlander Club. The word on the street is that they mount up in existing holes...no drilling required.


    Good luck.

  • tfuzztfuzz Member Posts: 93
    ppeter2--I purchased one of the mirrors from Toyotaguys (with compass and temp) for my wife's Sienna. My 16 year old son installed it with only minor problems. It took him a couple of hours. The instructions that came with it were pretty good. The most difficult part was running the temp sensor wire to the front bumper. Since you have a limited you won't need the temp. The worst problem was that the little plastic channel that covers the wire from the mirror up to the headliner was too short. We had to use black tape to extend it. I intend to write the manufacturer to see if I can get a longer piece.

    If installation on the HL is similar to the Sienna I would say it would be moderately easy if you are handy at all and can follow printed step by step instructions. Without the temp sensor, the most difficult part would probably be running the wire from the mirror to the fuse block under the dash and tapping onto the appropriate wire there. From our experience I would say it should be easy for a service tech to install one, without temp, in an hour or so. I'm sure my 16 year old, for a small consideration, would show them how!

    I intend to buy one of the mirrors with compass only for my HL one of these days. However, I haven't decided between the Toyota version and the Donnelly version. I tend toward the latter because it has driver and passenger map lights--something Toyota incredibly left off the HL.

    I saw a vehicle last weekend with the LED turn signal arrows in the side mirrors. I may go for those first. They appear to be a great safety feature.
  • maxintoshmaxintosh Member Posts: 39
    I didn't have the "pleasure" of signing the papers on this one, so I have no idea how much it cost. It was reported to be "fair". We got about $17K on our Durango.

    Still LOVING this car! What a welcome change.
  • marsha7marsha7 Member Posts: 3,703
    excuse me, did somebody call for a lawyer??? have we found someone to sue because it rained today when they predicted sun??? Lemme at 'em...
  • scwt47scwt47 Member Posts: 13
    Don't hold your breath on them designing in a 3rd seat for HL. Toyota has the SUV field covered from tiny to extra large. If you want a rig with a 3rd seat then just move up a notch or two in size or move to minivans. The HL is just a bit too short behind the 2nd row to make this feasible. Extra structure and legroom would probably not fit. If and when they go to redesign the Camry/RX300/Avalon/HL chassis in another 3 or 4 years who knows? But I would guess a 3rd row seat would only come out in a newly designed crossover vehicle with the size of a Rendezvous.

    Even if they could manage to squeeze a 3rd row seat in this thing there is not much incentive to do so as they are running their single HL factory flat out and seem to be able to sell every single one without resorting to rebates or below-market loan rates. Getting more market share with better option packages hardly looks like a top priority.

    On that note I wonder if anybody knows whether Toyota plans to open a second HL production line in Japan or North America. This could only help those of us standing on the sidelines waiting for a better supply/demand situation for this vehicle.
  • ehl3ehl3 Member Posts: 30
    Everything has been as good, if not better than expectations, with the following exceptions:

    CITY Fuel mileage (V6, 2wd) has been disappointing. The EPA test cycle is obviously NOT in Miami. To date, 16 city, 22-23 highway (decent at 85 mph w/the AC on, actually).

    Does anyone but me have a tendency to wash the rear window every time you want to run the rear wiper? I do understand how it works, but my right hand just seems to have been trained to twist the other way...

    Should have ordered the rear spoiler. Rear window gets ungodly dirty without it. It is a PIO option -- anyone know if it can be ordered and dealer installed? Meanwhile, I'm expeimenting with roof rack cross rail positioning. Any sucess stories?

    Also, oddly, SE Florida Toyota has been running full page ads for the last couple months for HLs with a 220hp 3.4L engine...Oops (or we all got shorted about 25 CID...)

    Nothing but really minor compliants, in all reality. Thus far, no wind noise at all, no glove box rattle, the paint (Sliver) is perfect and stays cleaner looking than the black or indigo we nearly ordered, the new console is a huge upgrade and the rear seat armrest is also a nice upgrade, seemingly pulled straight from a 300RX. It was worth waiting for a 2002.

    Thanks to all of the informative posts on this board since March. Our SoFla dealer has remained outstanding and still will order at less than $500 over invoice. Post if you want the referral again.
  • bikerjohnbikerjohn Member Posts: 52
    I read somewhere, maybe Autoweek, that the Highlander & RX300 would be assemblied in Canada for 2003 model year. At that point the RX would be built on the same platform as the Highlander. The RX is currently built on the old Camry platform, while the Highlander is built on the new Camry platform.

    I don't know what the volume of vehicles will be coming from the Canadian plant vs the current plant in Japan.
  • mike342mike342 Member Posts: 15
    I'm looking for accessories to protect the front bumper and hood on my 02'LTD. Would appreciate feedback on the vendor offering the best hood deflector. Also, would like to find some type of protection for the painted front bumper. Thanks.
    P.S. Converted 2 Explorer and 1 Mountaineer owner. Really like HL
  • llofgrenllofgren Member Posts: 129
    Hey People,
    I know the manual states first oil change at 5000 miles but I am a little uneasy with that. What has everyone else done? 1000? 1500? 3000?
    Also, I have noticed a clicking coming from the back of the engine compartment....sounds like a valve that needs adjusting. It is very faint and just on the "back bank" of the V6. Anyone else hear anything like this? I am going to be taking it to the dealer to have them check it out.
  • dardson1dardson1 Member Posts: 696
    Same Camry based platform, engine and drivetrain (essentially). Same MPG numbers, leather, and sound systems. The Highlander has available AWD but the Sienna is bigger inside and out with room in the back for a third seat. It's interesting to read all the car mags and reviews. The Highlander consistently gets a thumbs up for being the mid-sized SUV of choice while the Sienna gets a "fine car but" review, complaining about it's appliance-like feel and boring driving manner. I see no real difference in the two cars other than the visual profile and a few inches of ground clearance.
  • gasman1gasman1 Member Posts: 321
    I understand that today's engines are better and that they don't come with "break-in" oil.

    However, I still get my first change early (1-2K miles). Then it's at 5K and every 5K after that. So far the dealership has performed all three of my oil changes. They keep giving them to me FREE since they always seem to delay the time it's suppose to be finished.;-)

    That's my 2-cents worth. However, you're probably fine waiting until 3-5K.
  • jblaze13jblaze13 Member Posts: 152
    I waited 5000 miles for my first oil change. When I took it in the service supervisor asked why I waited, when I told him it said 5000 in the owner's manual he looked at me as if I were from another planet. I go in 3000 mile intervals now but I'm not sure what the heck I should be doing.
  • brad_22brad_22 Member Posts: 154
    I get my oil changed every 5000 mi.

    Even cars should be able to last longer than 3000 mi. between changes. I think that's only for heavy city driving. Jiffy Lube makes a fortune on this preconception.
  • bikerjohnbikerjohn Member Posts: 52
    In the past I changed my oil every 3,500 miles. After reading an extensive article in Consumer Reports, I've been changing my oil at 7,500 miles on my 91 Honda Accord, per the owners manual.

    The dealer that I bought my Highlander from included a free oil change at 3,500 miles, so thats when I will change it the first time. After that I will follow the manual. I thought the manual on the Highlander said 7,500 or 5,000 under extreme driving conditions? I guess I'll check it again.
  • tommyg12tommyg12 Member Posts: 158
    I have the same tick. Sounds like it's coming from the rear of the engine, more to the passenger side. I made a service appointment for it and of course the dealer said that it is normal (some sort of solenoid??). I didn't have time to try and compare with another one on the lot. Can anyone raise the hood with the engine running and hear this? Does sound just like a ticking lifter but I don't think it's coming from the valve train.
  • kullenbergkullenberg Member Posts: 283
    Have someone vary the RPM while you listen for the ticking sound. If it varies with RPM, it could be a lifter, if not look elsewhere.
  • skipcoskipco Member Posts: 1
    I'm thinking about purchasing a Highlander and I'm wondering if anyone has any suggestions about good dealerships in Colorado. I'm trying to find the best price and I'm willing to travel to another state if necessary.
  • llofgrenllofgren Member Posts: 129
    Thats it exactly. Very faint and towards the rear of the engine compartment, passenger side. I DID raise the hood and at first I could not hear it, then I did seem to hear it. Seems to be more noticeable at certain times, but I have only noticed it in a quiet setting with the transmission in neutral or Park. It is hard to say if it varies with RPM, because as soon as the revs increase, the regular noise from the engine obscures the tick. Sounds like the tick of a lifter but I am reassured that someone else has it besides me. It is probably normal. I am bringing mine to the dealer on Wednesday....I will let you know what they say.
  • tommyg12tommyg12 Member Posts: 158
    You have described it exactly. We had our 'Lander about a month before we noticed it. Only then it was when I pulled into my garage and for some reason had the radio muted. This car is so quiet and smooth, you happen to notice the slightest noise. Don't worry, I don't think that it is engine related because it does not seem to worsen with acceleration. It will be very interesting to compare what our dealers have to say. Keep me posted. Tommy
  • roadrunner70roadrunner70 Member Posts: 241
    just took delivery last evening on a 2002 2 wheel drive hl ltd with vsc, and side airbags. so far very pleased. one question, does any one else hear the humming/electrical sound from under hood when the car is parked. I lifted the hood and it sounds like it is coming from the middle of the engine compartment, but its very hard to pinpoint it. the sound did not stop after being parked all night. has anyone else noticed this sound?
    thanks for any input. harold.
  • gwkisergwkiser Member Posts: 326
    Yes, I have that sound too. Don't have any idea what it is. It's always been there and hasn't become worse over time, so I've assumed it's normal.
    Gerald
    '01 Highlander 2wd V6 Ltd., almost 10k miles
  • wwestwwest Member Posts: 10,706
    My 2001 RX300 AWD has about 10K miles.

    Last week I happened to notice that the high beam lamps/bulbs seemed to be cloudy, a smoky grey film on the interior of the glass. So I bought replacement bulbs yesterday.

    On removing the OEM bulbs I confirmed the interior of the bulb's glass enclosure is heavily covered with what appears to be soot, most likely from the bulbs operation at the low DRL voltage. In addition, there was a definite "bubble" in the glass immediately above the filament, likely due to heat buildup that the glass was not designed to withstand.

    I went ahead and replaced the bulbs but at the same time I disconnected the DRL resistor under the battery on the chance that was the source of the "sooting" problem.
  • roadrunner70roadrunner70 Member Posts: 241
    THANKS FOR YOUR POST. YOU CAN'T HEAR IT OUTDOORS,BUT ITS VERY NOTICABLE IN THE GARAGE. I DON'T INTEND TO BOTHER WITH IT, BUT I WILL POINT IT OUT WHEN IT GOES IN FOR ITS FIRST OIL CHANGE. ALSO, THE CAR WAS DELIVERD WITHOUT A GLOVE BOX LIGHT, WHICH IS NOT LIKE TOYOTA!

    FINALLY, IT TAKE A BIT OF CRANKING TO START THE CAR, WHICH IS ALSO NOT LIKE A TOYOTA, ALTHOUGH I HAVE HEARD SOME PEOPLE SAY THAT THAT IS NORMAL TOO.
    HAROLD.
  • 95gtp95gtp Member Posts: 3
    I've been looking for a new car/suv for a while now, and decided to go to the Toyota dealership to take a look at the new Camry. While there, the salesman told me they also had a 2001 Highlander FWD 4cyl demo with 18000km. I would like to have the V6 4wd but the price is considerably higher. After taking the FWD out for a drive I was really impressed. I found the power to be sufficient and 4WD isn't all that necessary. Does anyone know if $29900 cdn is a good price? I have tried using the Canadian Black Book web site which returned a value of Low:$22,575.00 High: $24,825.00. This is a lot less than what they want but they also offered me $7500 for my trade in which the Black book web site said was worth Low: $3,250.00 High: $5,500.00. Does this sound like a good deal? Also is there any differences between the 2001 and 2002?
  • tommyg12tommyg12 Member Posts: 158
    I noticed in the maintenance schedule that only under the "special conditions" should the Tranny fluid get changed. In the owner's manual, it also says that generally you should not have to change the fluid. This is my first Toyota, so is this typical? I've never seen recommendation like this. Most recommend 15K for severe and 30K for normal driving.
  • wwestwwest Member Posts: 10,706
    Tranny fluid should NEVER need to be changed.

    Canadian FWD. Be aware that you CANNOT install chains on the rear, chains only on the front make for a very hazardous driving experience.
  • jwfjwfjwfjwf Member Posts: 21
    Harold, regarding the glove box light, I also thought it wasn't there on my Saturday HL purchase (Vintage Gold V6 Non-Ltd 2WD). I believe I had to turn on the headlights to get the glove box light to come on. -Jerry
  • xcarnutxcarnut Member Posts: 81
    I have had some occasional need to crank the engine more than the norm I'm use to for Toyota's in general. I have the 1MZ-FE (V6)engine in my '96 Camry and the '01 HL but HL seems more sensitive to this phenomenan than in the Camry. Camry has over 70k miles on it and well.....not pampered like the HL and still has no need for more than a single crank to turn over and fire up. I'm curious others have experienced the same or am I one of the few who doesn't believe in buying super unleaded or expensive gas and this is the cause and effect ?

    Regarding the humming noise and clicking noises, after almost 8K (as gwkiser mentioned as well) one thing I'm learning about the HL is it is extremely quite and seem to hear more noises which I've accepted as normal noises from functioning various parts. So, those with very few miles will find this will take a bit getting use to, at least it is for me.
    Regarding the glove box light, it is connected to the headlight turning on and off. When the headlights are turned on the glove box lights are on.
    Happy HL'ing
  • hsvillagehsvillage Member Posts: 36
    I have a 2001 AWD,6 cyl HL and one of the first things I noticed was the longer cranking time to start the engine.We have 2 Camrys ('89 & 95) and all they need is a very brief (?) turn of the key and they are ready to go.When I say longer I'm talking about milliseconds.Both are 4 cyl and I thought that may be the reason.I also have trouble hearing the engine so I've got into the habit of timing the lenght of cranking.There is some noisy electrical/electronic testing going on too when I first put the key in.With ABS,airbags,security system and who knows what else, there is a lot going on.Maybe Cliffy could enlighten us to what all is happening.I've also experimented with various octanes and I cant see any difference.Today I filled up with 89 octane - the tripmeter read 246.8 miles and I put in 10.11 gals.I'm happy with the gas mileage altho it doesnt compare to the 33-36 mpg of the Camrys.I am more than happy with the HL,it gives me the higher driving position,like my old F150,and is a real pleasure to drive.
  • petlpetl Member Posts: 610
    The Black book is what a dealer might be willing to give for a vehicle on a trade. It is not what they will be selling it for. It's actual worth will be based on the mileage, options, condition, etc.

    It sounds like they are giving you top dollar for your vehicle. Plus, rather than discounting the Highlander, they are adding $2,000.00 to the value of your vehicle (trade value $5,500.00 plus discount on purchase $2,000.00 = $7,500.00). Either way you will only be paying taxes on the difference.

    Based on the information provided and not knowing more about the vehicle you are trading in, it is difficult to say if this is a good deal. However, based on the information that is provided it appears to be reasonable. Only you can decide if this is a good deal.

    The only feature added to the 2002 model is a back seat armrest. The 2002 MSRP price was increased by $90.00. (The colour white is not available for 2002.)

    Hope this helps. Good luck.
  • tjrplctjrplc Member Posts: 1
    Is anyone with a 4 cylinder towing a boat? With the tow package the tow rating for the 4 is 3,000 pounds. I have a 2,300 pound boat I'd like to tow occasionally and would like the good mileage when using the Highlander to commute. The 4 cylinder seems pretty peppy when I test drive it. I also would like to skip the AWD if it can pull the boat out of a lake without it. Anyone with some experience listening?
  • georged98georged98 Member Posts: 34
    I have read in Consumer Guide magazine that the HL V6 requires premium fuel. Has anyone found the need for using premium fuel or is regular 87 Octane gasoline O.K.??
  • cliffy1cliffy1 Member Posts: 3,581
    All Toyotas require a bit of extra crank time. It is a built in feature. I have heard two theories on this and I don't know that either one is correct, but this is a feature, not a flaw.

    Theory one holds that ignition is retarded in order to allow the oil pump to begin the flow of oil prior to heat being introduced.

    Theory number two is that it is retarded to allow various emissions components to ready themselves.

    Both seem plausible. I have found that it takes longer to start when it is hot, rather than cold.
  • personna1personna1 Member Posts: 10
    Canadian FWD. Be aware that you CANNOT install chains on the rear, chains only on the front make for a very hazardous driving experience.

    I saw the above statement posted here and a bit confused. First, I own a 2001 Limited Highlander with traction control, etc. I drive over mountain passes from time to time and I believe I have the need to carry chains. (The state patrol sometimes says that "chains are required" to go over the passes when there is a lot of snow on the roadway.) Should I purchase chains for the front AND back since the vehicle is AWD? My interpretation of the above statement is that this is not possible. What happens to the traction control system if I only put chains on the front? Does it (TCS) effectively disable the use of the rear tires for stability when chains are installed?

    =-Personna1->
  • wwestwwest Member Posts: 10,706
    Check the clearance above the rear tire, if its the same as the RX300 then there is no room for chains on the rear.

    Extreme traction disparity toward the front vs the rear can potentially lead to very hazardous driving circumstances.

    Lexus recommends really good high traction (snow) tires over the use of chains, since chains can only be used on the front.
  • ci2ci2 Member Posts: 5
    Curious if anyone has had any experience or info as to whether the HL can accommodate three (3) child car seats in the rear bench? I know that the HL has only 2 tether anchors. THANKS for any input.
  • xcarnutxcarnut Member Posts: 81
    Thanks Cliffy for the insight. I'll keep an eye out if it warm start that is harder or not.

    georged - Fuel recommendation for V6 is regular unleaded. There have been many conversations regarding the regular and super unleaded. I personally have not been able to tell the difference in performance or mileage, but some on this board have noticed increase in performance and mileage. So.......
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