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Comments
Would you pay more money for less vehicle?
You do realize that the more expensive RX300 is actually smaller, and has a shorter wheelbase to boot?
It is my understanding that the Lexus is still being built on the "old" platform, whereas all Highlanders are the first Toyotas built on the "new" and supposedly better platform.
Food for thought?
Drive both, and then decide.
Derrel
A few oddities I noticed.
1. A "tinny sound" in the very back, perhaps the back door that is loose?
2. Rattling near the glove compartment
3. A funny faint burning rubber smell only detectable from OUTSIDE the car. Was hoping it would go away after a few miles, but after finishing tonight's 150 miles, even my girlfriend said she could smell it. Checked the engine compartment and other rubber items and nothing seems wrong.
Anyone seen any of these items on their Highlander? (And yes, I plan on bringing it back to the dealer next week....)
Bud Hinckley
My wife and I just purchased an HL, with 72 km's on it. I can smell it, but it is not nearly as strong as it was with the Pathy, probably due to the 72k's already on it. We now have close to 400kms on it (240 miles or so) and no smell.
Thanks again!
I did an email blitz to about 30 dealerships in the Bay Area from Sacramento to Monterey. I stated what I was willing to pay over invoice and TDA, that I was looking to purchase immediately, and that I wouldn't shop between dealers. I listed all my required options and desired colors.
Here's the lowdown (with invoice prices)
2002 AWD Limited HL ($27405)
LA (856)
SR (720)
VD (559)
HD (352)
BE (215)
EJ (150)
TO (128)
CF (109)
V2 (88)
WL (34)
Destination (510)
TDA (536)
Over Invoice (800)
Grand Total $32,462 (MSRP=$35,356)
I think my offer was in the right range since I received about 12 responses total and only 3 were agreeing to my price. We chose based on color which meant I had to drive my butt up to Sacto.
We ended up buying from Allen Read of Florin Road Toyota (internet sales manager). I emailed the dealers on late Tuesday night. He emailed me back Wednesday morning agreeing to the price. I had to let a couple of days pass just to see what other offers I might get. I went up on Friday morning and had the paper work done in a couple of hours. Allen was great. I highly recommend him.
Funny side note. During the financing stage (btw I got 6.25% from Toyota), the finance guy was so busy trying to sell me rust protection, permacote, extended warranty, etc, that he forgot to get my $12,000 deposit! I only realized it a few hours later.
Well, the fantasy of getting $12,000 off a car price didn't last long as there was a message waiting for me at home. So I'll have to mail a check...........or do I????????.....hmmmmm....anyone know if I have a leg to stand on here?
Sorry it's so long (the post),
Ted
P.S. If anyone wants a copy of my blitz email, just email me at tedreyes@yahoo.com and I'll forward it to you.
Struck a nerve, did I?
Ted
I highly recommend the HL to anybody, but for me used is a great way reduce depreciation and get a car that has been out for a few years. I was able to get 5.9% for 60 from my credit union and Lexus is offering 4.9 for up to 66 months on a certified RX with an extended warranty included until December 31, 2001.
It may be worth your time to check around.
Selling cars is not easy, especially with the quantity of information now available. Your purchase method of sending the fax is like fingernails on a blackboard to any dealership, although it can be effective if price is your only consideration. You found a dealership that dealt honestly with you and backed up all their commitments. There is nothing more that one could ask. The nerve you struck was that you finished your missive with a comment that seemed to be searching for some way to hurt, or at least inconvenience honest people.
I'm done ranting. Congratulations on the purchase. Your price is something that wouldn't be considered on a Limited model in this region. You did well. I hope you enjoy it. (no sarcasm included)
I only had to wait a few hours before Autofair Toyota in Manchester, NH actually beat my offer of 4% above invoice. I spoke to Michael Maher, one of the internet sales guys there and I was truly impressed with him. Their philosophy is to get vehicles out the door, and they move a lot of cars from what he was saying.
My final price was $22739 invoice + $325 TDA + $550 profit + $99 doc fees. Much less than I was expecting to pay. That's for pretty much every Highlander they sell, as I inquired about pricing on the V6 too!
How come none of the 4 cylinder owners are talking about their satisfaction with it and if they wish they had bought the V-6?
Cliffy1: Sorry about grating my fingernails on the blackboard!
Where I am, Toyota has a new program called "Access Pricing". It isn't everywhere in Canada, only in a few regions. They offer a 'best' price right off the top, which is only about $600 to $1500 less than MSRP (depending on the vehicle and if it is a 2001 or 2002). I consider it 'price fixing'. I tried every dealer in the area, even out of town, and used my favorite line "why should I travel 'x' km's to buy from you". Not one dealer moved a penny from the Access price. So, we bought our highlander for about $2000.00 below MSRP (the dealers had a $1000.00 incentive on 2001 models)from a dealer just down the street from us.
I have yet to send a message to any of the other dealers yet, but maybe some of them are reading this board. If so, my comment to you is your becoming your own worst enemy. If your going to treat your vehicles like Milk and Bread, well, I sure as h*ll am not going to travel across a city to buy a loaf of bread, so why would I do it for a car. And don't give the service BS, because ALL the dealers claim to have the 'BEST' service. I can easily go from one to another to find the best service if I don't like what I'm seeing from the dealer where I bought.
Now, my only fear is that this 'Access' price might start to happen elsewhere. Saturn has always been like that and it hasn't hurt them. I guess the only good thing about 'Access' is you can rest assured that no one will get a better deal than you (assuming they are buying around the same time as you that is).
What does everyone else think of this 'Access' price.
P.S. I love the Highlander, and it is worth the money we paid - at least in terms of what else we could have purchased.
Something that is not clear to me, and perhaps others here also, is WHO gets that TDA money?
Is this fee going to the dealer as in the case of that NorCal deal ($536!) or does it go to the dealer as profit for the dealer?
And IF that fee is supposed to be only 1 1/2 percent, how can the charged fee on a car that the agreed upon price is $32,462 be $536?
Strange that everything up North is so much higher. My wife just returned from the Bay area last night and told me that the least expensive gasoline she saw was $1.299 for Arco, with one Chevron station posting at $1.699!
In SoCal, there are all kinds of Arco stations postings well below a dollar a gallon, with Price Club in Torrance at $.899.
Also, the TDA in the SoCal region is supposed to be limited to a maximum of $300.
1. Television commercials for Toyota (non-dealer specific)
2. Newspaper advertising (again, non-dealer specific)
3. Sporting venues (for instance, the Toyota logo on the score board at a hockey rink)
4. Rebate programs
5. Special finance programs such as the 0% financing on Corollas right now.
The higher the TDA, the more money can be spent on rebates and incentives and advertising in that region. Each region decides what level the TDA will be set at. You are correct that Southern CA limits it to $300 (my memory of $250 was wrong) but other regions don't do this.
None of the money goes back to the dealerships in a direct manner. Dealers do not get paid from this or any other fee for their own dealership advertising programs.
I don't understand your final question about how it is charged to the customer. This fee is a dealer fee and it should never be added to a buyer's order, unless a customer wants to see it itemized in relation to how a dealer came up with its price. Note that I said it is not added to the buyer's order and didn't say it is not added to invoice. It IS added to the invoice, but as I have pointed out, invoice is only used as a point of reference from the customer's perspective.
Thanks for the explanation. Really throws a different light on the subject.
I was referring to the itemized listing of prices Ted listed in message number 4311.
Most invoices that I've seen already have the TDA added to the invoice price side of the pricing paper . So Ted was saying that he paid $800 over that figure, I guess?
But unless one actually see their paperwork?
One point that I'm not clear on:
IF that fee for the TDA is supposed to be only 1 1/2 percent, how can that TDA fee be $536 for any HL?
Also, as I've considered getting the Limited to get these key safety-oriented options, it's high price has me asking why I don't consider the Lexus RX300, new or used. Anyone else consider a new or used RX300?
Thanks.
Anyway, we opted for the Limited because I really couldn't wait, my company car lease was up. We are so glad we got the Highlander with the Limited Package and everything but leather. Worth every penny we paid, $1,000 over invoice in Oregon.
As was posted above, the HL is built on the new Camry platform with longer wheelbase and more room. I also believe it is a better value than the RX300, although I love Lexus's styling.
Peace,
GregB
Dealer here in Portland, OR is advertising all 2002 Avalons in stock at $4121 off MSRP so I bought his only XLS. He kept telling me it was a loss leader, maybe it was. What is the Portland area TDA for the Avalon and the Highlander? I presume they are different.
I will retire soon and will turn in my company car and buy a V6 Limited Highlander. From the posts here it looks like the demand is outstripping the supply so should I expect to pay $800 to $1000 over the Kbb invoice that does not include the TDA adder. That about right?
Avalon markups had been so high here that I was planning to order our Avalon from Carson Toyota in LA. Probably have to do that for the Highlander.
Tankfrank
Thanks!
Seriously, as I noted on the Passt v. Highlander board, what may sway my decision is availability vs. price. All things being equal, I think we would go for the HL because of its reliability, but since Highlanders in my area (Boston) are extremely hard to come by, and since Toyota forces you to get the fully loaded version in order to get traction control and side airbags, I'm still on the fence.
I can't see us getting the Limited; more likely if we go for the HL, we will special order.
Does anyone have any opinions on shopping multiple dealers when special ordering? Thanks!
I wanted AWD, but expected to not like the HL because I'm not used to driving big vehicles. I cursed SUV drivers that pull up so far at stoplights that a Protege driver can't see if safe to turn right on red!
Yesterday drove a Limited HL with skid control, leather, moonroof, upgraded sound, and loved the handling. It had been driven by the sales manager, so had 1200 miles. I told them I'd researched (he asked if Edmunds), and would buy right then for $750 over invoice (his invoice matched Edmunds) due to the miles.
It looks wonderful in the driveway! Of course, now I wonder if I could have offered less. Any opinions about offer or the number of miles on the car?
BTW, know I'm preaching to choir, but I didn't have to listen to undercoating, extended-warranty, etc. offers. He knew I'd done the research, asked if they were options, I said no, and he decided to take the offer (after checking with the "boss"!!). While waiting, I listened to a lot of unprepared shoppers/buyers. Not everyone takes a year of thinking and researching to take the plunge like I did, but I appreciate the info that edmunds.com provides.
No serious concerns. I do wish the power seat had a straight up option. Raising the seat lifts the back of the seat cushion, cancelling the tilt position and forcing an upright posture when seeking the highest driving position.
My HL mats came in Friday from Toyotaguys, and the oak looks good with my ivory interior. The raised area of carpet near the console is bypassed by the scalloped corner of the passenger mat--as noted by others--but the design looks intentional to me, not the product of a sleepy designer. I'm glad there are alternatives for those with different opinions, but mine are definitely keepers. -Jerry
A few have mentioned a glovebox rattle - Most have been easily resolved by the dealer;
A few have complained about a cross wind "reed" sound - There is a TSB out, but it appears the sound applies only to older HL's; (it was a door seal)
Some have complained about air compression when the rear windows are rolled down - That is true, but it is true in many cars ... it is more a matter of physics;
Some hear "ticking" which I think is expansion and contraction of the sheet metal shrouds;
A few have complained about "popping" in the moon roof - more common in hot climates;
There have been compaints about the quality of the unlimited sound system - It isn't the best;
What else? There was a recall to replace the brake cap (early production)
Others may supplemet the list, but all in all, I think you will discover this is a remarkable vehicle. It is manufactured on the same assembly line as the Lexus ... using the same engine, transmission and drive line. The fit, finish, power, and economy, are all outstanding. The crash test have been very favorable; and car magazines have all rated the HL very high.
I bought early, and paid close to MSRP, but dealers are now working with purchasers better. So, my only complaint was that mine was a bit "pricy."
Good Luck, and happy HL'ing to all.
Except for the sound.. dealer says it's only available with the LTD...Can it be ordered separately? Anyone?
While HLs may be in limited supply around Boston, there's no way you'll do better than contacting Michael Maher at Autofair Toyota in Manchester. $550 over invoice! I'm in the middle of the buying process right now. Trust me, call him, he's a great guy. I live in the Boston area too, email me at ken_in_austin@hotmail.com if you want talk.
I don't think we have anything to worry about with this vibration, as our HL also has a very slight vibration that I noticed for the first time just the other day. It was in the morning when I first started ours up, to move it out into the street so she wouldn't hit anything while backing out of the garage. In order to see the odometer, I switched on the parking lights to light up the odometer to be able to better see them while inside the garage where it wasn't as light as outside, and just the slightly increased load on the engine caused the idling speed to change enough (it slowed ever so little), and that very slight vibration was gone. Try varying the idle speed by various means such as the A/C, turning the steering wheel, operating lights, cigarette lighter, etc., and see at what RPM this vibration occurs. It has to be occurring in a very narrow RPM range, or I surely would have noticed it before. Sorry, ours is not here now, but I will pay more attention to this vibration when our HL is available.
Some motors have a tendency to vibrate ever so slightly at certain RPMs, and I think that is what we are feeling. I don't think we have to be concerned.
Please email me privately if you wish to compare notes.
Derrel
Just curious - are you in the Boston area or are you in Austin?
tidester
Host
SUVs
Happy HL'ing to all
As well can anyone who has purchased one in Canada tell me exactly what is included in the $1275 fee which is obviously freight $ 475 and what ?? many thanks !
I used a printout with their figure to leverage our dealer to match their price. Although better than list, I doubt it is the dealer cost. Just an FYI.
BTW, I'm not a big fan of extended warranties, but as the HL is a brand new model, I decided to take a more conservative route on this purchase.
Good luck.
Someone mentioned it was the fuel injectors. Its more pronounced in colder weather. Any solutions for quieting this noise?
The Yahoo club also posted this problem. My drivers' seat has developed a creaking noise which is IRRITATING beyond words. It is a Limited model. Once you play around with the lumbar and seat position settings it goes away briefly. I only noticed this problem when I took it to Toyota and a person heavier than me sat in the seat. Other folks on Yahoo report that those with the same problem weigh around 195-240. Anyone else with this problem??
Cliffy, Diane - has anyone asked you about this? I want a new seat! Toyota checked on my first complaint and said the sled mount is fine.
Tom & Judy Miller
Omaha, NE
As I have posted previously, just bought the 2002HL and initially refused the extended warranty. The dealer was will to sell 7 yrs/100,000mile platinum for around $1050.
When I got home, had second thoughts and looked up toyotawarranty.com and their platinum warranty is for 7 yrs/75,000miles. I spoke to the sales man who sold me the car and asked him to match the warranty from the other web site. He not only matched the warranty price but gave me the original 7/100,000 deal for the same price.
I pays to just ask and go in equipped with information. Also, if you have had a good experience, it doesn't hurt to tell the salesman you will be referring your friends to him. Any subsequent issues, like the warranty for me then are solved much more smoothly.
Waiting for snow in Chicago to test out the new HL.
Merry Christmas and happy holidays to all,
sdhillon