Toyota Highlander

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Comments

  • gwkisergwkiser Member Posts: 326
    The autonet.ca story you have referenced is dated October 16 but actually refers to the original recall issued July 13 of this year. The recalled affected '01 models only and involved replacement of a faulty resevoir cap which was not sealing the system. If you would like to see the actual report go here: http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/problems/recalls/index.cfm , select "Vehicle", then Toyota Truck, then Highlander, and fill in the necessary info. To determine whether or not your vehicle is part of the recall, call the dealer from which you bought your HL and give them the VIN so they can look it up. Additionally, you should have received a notice from TOYOTA US already should your HL be included.


    Good luck.

  • dichelledichelle Member Posts: 25
    I had something very similar happen. I was exiting a store parking lot and was stopped behind someone, waiting to pull on to a major road. The guy ahead started to go forward, and so I started to move out, too, while looking to my left at approaching traffic. There were no cars coming in the lane we would enter, but for some reason, the guy got cold feet and suddenly stopped. I stomped on the brake pedal, but, even though I wasn't going very fast, I didn't stop in time. Like with you, the reason seemed to be that the pedal traveled so far before the braking action began.

    maxintosh: There was no sense of the emergency brake assist kicking in or the pedal being "sucked to the floor." Again, it seemed as though the brakes just didn't grab soon enough. Maybe I was closer to the guy in front than I thought and didn't notice I needed to stop in enough time, but I was very surprised when I bumped into him. He made an insurance claim for a dented bumper on his van. Good news was that there was absolutely no damage done to my Highlander. I have a 2001 and have had the brake recall service performed. Supposedly the brakes were bled; the dealer is very reputable and I tend to trust them.

    Anyone else having this sense of excessive brake pedal travel? Once the brakes take hold, they're great, but....
  • infrequentbyerinfrequentbyer Member Posts: 2
    Tom and Judy - I live in the Omaha area, and I, too have a 2002 6 cyl AWD Indigo Ink HL. I don't suppose you want your vanity plate to say JANINES? :)
  • rphillips2rphillips2 Member Posts: 40
    Has anyone out there upgraded their radio or speakers? I have the standard radio/cd/cassette unit and while the sound is ok, I really want better clarity and base. I really like the functionality of the head unit and wonder if I upgrade the speakers if it would make a dramatic difference.
  • llofgrenllofgren Member Posts: 129
    Have you tried the "radio trick" on your standard system to allow adjustment of mid-range? For me it made a huge difference in clarity and sound quality on the standard stereo. I'm sure not to audiophile levels of sound quality, but it was good for me.
  • robnaorobnao Member Posts: 29
    As a former mechanic (although it has been several years since I worked in the field) I would not rotate your spare tire either. The tires that are on the ground are wearing down and developing wear patterns even if you can not see it, by putting the spare on the ground with 3 "broken in" tires you could actually create a problem such as a pull to one side. Since the spare has different mileage it is possible that this problem would not go away, it is also possible that when you rotate the tires again and put the second spare back on the ground you could recreate this same problem. I would stick with the 4 that were on the ground when you bought the truck unless there is some real reason that you need to put the spare on. As for the front to back rather than across rotation of the tires, some tires are directional and the across rotation is impossible with these tires. I would look for information from the tire manufacturer before I would follow Toyota's recommendation on this. The issue of the uneven torque is a real problem, when I did this type of work I always torqued the lugs by hand, but most shops do not do this, they depend on the impact wrench. Now I always insist that they do it by hand and I make them let me watch from a safe distance as they do it, some may not like it, but it is the only way to know it is done correctly. An experienced tech or service manager should respect your request on this, although you may have to stand outside and watch from a distance due to insurance concerns. It actually sounds like the person that torqued your lugs just went around the circle, not in a star pattern as they should have, this would explain the progressive loosening of each lug.
    Hope this helps.
  • cliffy1cliffy1 Member Posts: 3,581
    I have a question about this. Does your advise regarding the use of the spare apply if you are rotating every 5000 miles? It would seem that the difference in wear over such a short time would reduce the chance of having uneven tread wear. Further, you would reduce the overall tread wear because each tire would be in use 25% less.
  • rphillips2rphillips2 Member Posts: 40
    Yes I have tried the "radio trick" and it did make a difference, but not enough. My wife has a 98 Camry with the stock am/fm-cd and it just blows away the Highlander's system.
  • budhinckleybudhinckley Member Posts: 25
    Just returned from the dealer - they checked my brakes and my ABS and found nothing wrong. Hmmmmm.....
  • budhinckleybudhinckley Member Posts: 25
    So when I asked the dealer to perform an oil change at 1,300 miles with my Amsoil oil and filter, he told me it is not recommended until 10,000 miles (!) even though the Toyota webpage FAQ recommends not using synthetic engine oil "until the first scheduled oil change".

    My research, plus knowing how I broke in the engine, assures me I won't have a problem switching to synthetic at 1,300 miles. (I'll soon see if my trust in my research is warranted!)

    The Toyota FAQ information is below:

    "Synthetic Oil

    Question: Can I use synthetic oil in my Toyota?

    Answer:
    All Toyota vehicles come from the factory with natural petroleum-based engine oil. Toyota is currently recommending American Petroleum Institute (API) grade SJ petroleum-based engine oil. In moderate climates, this oil should have a Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) viscosity rating of 5W-30. In our high mileage tests with preventative maintenance performed at the recommended intervals, the recommended natural petroleum-based oil has provided excellent service.

    If you decide to use synthetic oil for the engine, it is best not to switch until the first scheduled oil change. Synthetic oil should meet or exceed the above specifications. Even if synthetic oil is used, we do not recommend a longer oil change interval. Also, once synthetic oil is used, you should keep using it and not switch back and forth with natural petroleum-based oil

    If the engine oil that you use, whether natural or synthetic, does not meet the above specifications or is defective, any resulting damage to the engine will not be covered by the Toyota New Vehicle Limited Warranty. You can protect yourself against this possibility by having your maintenance performed by a factory-authorized Toyota dealer."
  • cliffy1cliffy1 Member Posts: 3,581
    You will also note from your manual, that you are not yet at the first reccomended. oil change interval. Add to this that many dealers will have different views on the benefits of synthetic and when to add it, and you have your answer.
  • kdubs1kdubs1 Member Posts: 21
    I've been in the town hall and shopping for an SUV since Aug-01. We just ordered our AWD V6 with several options for $550 over invoice. The vehicle is expected in about 3 months. This town hall has been very helpful. I look forward to delivery and future posts.
  • kdubs1kdubs1 Member Posts: 21
    I know several folks are disappointed with the standard sound package. Has anyone tried installing an amplifier? The 100W amp that came factory installed on our American car produces great sound with clarity and phenomenal bass. I appreciate a good sound system and too am looking for the least elaborate way to improve the quality.
  • kdubs1kdubs1 Member Posts: 21
    Has anyone found after market floor mats that they are satisfied with for the HL? I've seen posts that even the mats from toyotaguys do not fit right.
  • berstjiberstji Member Posts: 6
    Awhile back someone mentioned here that they'd found a car wash mit with a rubber liner, perfect for washing the car in the Iowa winter (at the car wash, not outside!!). I believe they found in at Sam's Club. My Sam's never heard of it. Anybody know where?? Happy Holidays!!!!!!
  • veekay1veekay1 Member Posts: 180
    Hi folks! I have been following this Board loosely for a while. What do you think about this deal for $800 over invoice in NY?
    2002 Toyota HL V6 AWD
    Options: FE, DR, EH, SR, BE, TO, AG, CQ, HE, CF,RF
    No other fees mentioned on the agreement.
    Thanks for any input!
  • kmhkmh Member Posts: 143
    If you asking about a bracket that would go between the bumper and plate, you might try inquiring about the one that fit's on the Lexus RX300. The bracket serves as a buffer between the plate and bumper.
  • tommyg12tommyg12 Member Posts: 158
    in the glovebox? It's a sealed bag that reads:

    To pre-delivery inspector
    Insert these rubber plugs into the holes of the center floor side member extensions

    Any ideas? thanks
  • toertel9toertel9 Member Posts: 1
    Im Mass. prospect for HL in mid 2002 and would like to see that list you built to blitz, and the email that went with it if you will share. I will edit and customize for my wife's preferences.
    Pls email to: Toertel9@aol.com
    TIA. May end up using Autofair if they are still offering best deal in the area.
  • jtzimjtzim Member Posts: 3
    To respond to your question, I do have 4WD but don't have VSC. I never had an opportunity to test the Goodyear stock tires on snow before I switched to the Michelins, but it seemed obvious to me that the GY's weren't suitable for Canadian winters. Over Christmas we took a trip to our cabin, and I was easily able to plow through about a foot of snow along our access road without any problems whatsoever. Again, the HL with the Cross Terrains seems like a deadly combo for snow.
  • xcarnutxcarnut Member Posts: 81
    The brakes on my HL '01 AWD were mushy as well but with the miles and time the mushyness has reduced. I did take mine in for the recall but that didn't change anything. It felt mushy from day one and until recently always felt it did not feel as strong as it does now. Unless I am now use to the mushy and have learned to accept it. Hmmmm....... Maybe its time to see that dealer again.
    The ticking sound heard from my HL is also noticeable sometimes and not other times. But I've been told that it is normal by many mechanics (not specifically to HL) and it is the Fuel Injector / Solenoid. Nothing to be concerned about is the common response. So, I just accept it as a mechanical products make noise of sorts and go on with life. Hope it helps.
    Good luck to all and Happy Hew Year.!
  • gwkisergwkiser Member Posts: 326
    Sorry, I haven't a clue. But, were I you, I would head back to the dealership and make them do whatever is required. Additionally, I would make sure that they did everything else that is on the dealer "pre-delivery inspection" list.
    Perhaps someone else here can help with details???
  • veekay1veekay1 Member Posts: 180
    Hi folks! Due to a lack of response so far, I am re-posting this message:

    I have been following this Board loosely for a while. What do you think about this deal for $800 over invoice in NY?
    2002 Toyota HL V6 AWD
    Options: FE, DR, EH, SR, BE, TO, AG, CQ, HE, CF,RF
    No other fees mentioned on the agreement.
    IS THE TDA (AD FEE) ABSOLUTELY UNAVOIDABLE??
    Thanks for any input!
  • jhall7jhall7 Member Posts: 33
    I was just made an offer by my local Toyota dealer,(Lexington,KY), on a 2002 base Highlander, 4 cylnder. The only option was spoiler.

    According to dealer, 4 cylnders are not selling too well.

    If I purchase before end of year, Tuesday, he will reduce price by 6%. This would be taxes he would pay going into 2002 anyway.

    He further told me that he would sell at invoice. Total result is 6% below invoice.

    This brings the price to $21,853. I do not want to rush into this deal if this price is not excellent and perhaps will not be matched, near future. Could anyone help me?

    Cliff 1, I greatly enjoy my 2001 Echo. Added cruise, tint and shield. Have 13,400 miles without any problems. Love the car. Now it's time to trade the Olds in on the Highlander.

    As you helped me on the Echo, some time ago, could you offer a suggestion on the Highlander?

    It would be appreciated.

    Thanks,
    Jack
  • tfuzztfuzz Member Posts: 93
    tommyg12: I also found these plugs in my glove box. They are very easy to install in holes in the frame. I believe the holes were just in front of the rear wheels, if I remember correctly. Took me only a minute or two. IMHO it is not worth taking to the dealer unless you can't/don't want to crawl under the edge of the vehicle. OTOH, like gwkiser, I wonder what else the dealership didn't do on the pre-delivery list. I also found my tire pressures set too high.

    My dealer spent considerable time going over stuff with me like how to turn on the lights, HVAC, radio, meet the service manager, meet the customer service rep, etc. etc. Frankly, I had not much interest in all that, but would have preferred that they spend their time making sure everything was set perfectly on the HL (I also think my headlights may be aimed a tad high).
  • tms4tms4 Member Posts: 3
    We would like to add ski rack (ski holders) to our 2002 Highlander that already has Toyota's roof rack.
    Does anybody know which ski rack other than the one Toyota sells (Yakima, etc.) can be used or we have to buy the one from Toyota?
  • digitalmacdigitalmac Member Posts: 2
    I have been looking too. I think this model is the best buy for a quality rack. I have owned Yakima in the past and they are great.


    http://store.yahoo.com/truckstuffusa/bigpowskisno.html


    I found this link while checking auctions on ebay. I do not know if the price is the best deal you can find, but it does show an illustration of a factory rack. Should just be a bolt on. ( if all you want is ski mounts)

  • wwestwwest Member Posts: 10,706
    I have friends in nearby Danville and it is their opinion that an SUV purchased for your area should have, will often need, AWD. If I read the ads correctly the HL 4-cyl. does not.
  • little_pogilittle_pogi Member Posts: 149
    Sounds like one of those classic sales talk. My advise, do your homework. Know exactly what the invoice price is. Ever heard about "holdbacks" dealers wanted to get at the end of every quarter. Edmunds.com has a lot of info about buying a new car.
  • kdubs1kdubs1 Member Posts: 21
    $800 seems consistent with "good" deals posted on this site and other sources. Seems like several folks have gotten the over invoice number to around $600. That ad fee is not negotiable similar to destination. I just paid $550 over invoice in the midwest on an order that will take about 3 months.
  • davidgardendavidgarden Member Posts: 5
    Rubytuesday: Regarding your irritating "Seat Creaking Noise," I have also been dealing with this for the last few months. In my case I determined that the noise comes from the seat belt latching mechanism. Try and see if your noise goes away when you unlatch your seat belt. It's a difficult noise to nail down, I've been in to my service department three times and couldn't prove it to the technicians until the third time. They are going to look into fixing it in January. For some reason the plastic inside the seat belt latch creaks and is amplified into your ear by the horn shape of the outer plastic shell. Good luck with your situation and let us know if this fixes your "Creak." I also have an early, March, Limited model.
  • cliffy1cliffy1 Member Posts: 3,581
    The deal they are offering you is excellent. If you are sure that this is the model you want, I would probably jump on it. Today is THE day to make a decision because we are all desperate to close the year strong. Don't be pressured if you are still deciding on the car though.

    As usual, wwest has his facts wrong. The 4 cylinder is available in AWD, but at your price, I assume it is a front wheel drive model. Again, if this is the one you want, I would jump on it.
  • hlltdhlltd Member Posts: 61
    Steven R.,

    Our headlights are also adjusted way too high from the factory. Oncoming cars flash their high beams at us all the time. Our lights are so high that there isn't any need to use the high beams even when out in the country. We were told by the service manager at our (now) dealership that the adjustment will be corrected gratis, as ALL adjustments are free for three years or 36,000 miles.

    We plan on having the headlights lowered a little when our HL is in for the TSB replacement of the front door seals, and it's second oil change. We won't be taking it in until the odometer reaches 9000 miles, as that is when Blackstone said to sample the oil for the second analysis. That will not take long, as we are leaving in a couple of hours for Lost Wages for New Year's Eve, and the odometer shows exactly 8000 miles now.

    It's nice to have a dealership that really cares, and seems to bend over backwards to fix these little problems.

    Haven't checked underneath yet to see IF the delivering dealer installed those two rubber plugs that were mentioned. They were not in the glove box, so we'll have to check and see if they were installed or simply deep sixed. Where do they belong anyway? Anyone know?

    When first delivered, our tires were NOT at the correct pressure also. Forty-four PSI all around IF memory serves.

    Have a Happy and Prosperous New Year!

    388
  • jhall7jhall7 Member Posts: 33
    I appreciate everyone's feedback.

    Coming initially from NY. I don't feel the winters here merit a AWD.

    I checked Edmund's and found this was a very good deal.

    Cliffy 1, your assumption was correct. This Highlander has no AWD capabilities.

    I have an appointment with the dealer today at 4:15. Hopefully, and if things go as planned, I will own a Highlander shortly.

    Thanks again!
    Jack
  • wwestwwest Member Posts: 10,706
    Sorry, cliffy is right, I was remembering the info from the Canadian HL brochure.

    If you're a recent transplant to KY you might want to ask around of your neighbors about the need for AWD. Personally I would have initially agreed with you, lexington seems for enough south that it wouldn't be required.
  • tfuzztfuzz Member Posts: 93
    Derrel,

    Sounds like your HL must have come down the line right after (or just before) mine. I rarely get back to my dealer (60 miles away), so I'll probably aim the headlights myself next time I change the oil.

    I just crawled under my HL and looked--the plugs are in the frame just forward of the rear wheels. I wonder why they don't come installed--other plugs were installed further forward. Maybe they use those holes to hook a tie-down on the ship?

    Good luck in Lost Wages.
  • cliffy1cliffy1 Member Posts: 3,581
    They are there so that dealers who still offer "rust proofing" can do so without drilling holes.
  • jmikerjmiker Member Posts: 21
    I am considering adding this option to my 02 HL order and wanted the advice of others who may have it. What kind of features does this add to the Limited? From what I can read, it would appear to add the ability to auto lock and unlock the doors at a certain speed, turn cabin lights on while disarming, etc. But I just can't find a whole lot mentioned about it.

    Any help on this matter would be greatly appreciated.

    I also wanted to take the time to wish everyone a Happy 2002!! May everyone's year be wonderful!

    Mike Roberts
  • gwkisergwkiser Member Posts: 326
    I'm not sure that "the ability to auto lock and unlock the doors at a certain speed" IS included in the alarm system. On our '01 Limited, it is not (or at least it doesn't do so now). Also, again on our model, the glass breakage sensor was a separate option.
    Good luck and Happy New Year to all.
  • veekay1veekay1 Member Posts: 180
    Hi folks:
    Just wondering how does this deal sound to you :

    2002 HL V6 AWD Limited with VSC
    Fully loaded(sunroof,leather,etc.)

    @ $32,211.00 in NY

    Any comments are welcome!
  • bobg16bobg16 Member Posts: 4
    I am close to decision to buy new Highlander but am puzzled by need for AWD. I dont live in snow zone and don't go off road so what would be the advantage of AWD. Is there any difference in handling on normal driving. I would also be interested in comments on the 4cyl, is the milage really about 5 MPG better that V6 and is power acceptable?

    Thanks for any reply BobG
  • guinvereguinvere Member Posts: 8
    Is it possible to order a Camry station wagon from Australia? Toyota sells THREE DIFFERENT MODELS of Camry wagon there!! I DETEST SUVs and don't want a Highlander - I want a Camry wagon. Does anyone know if it's possible to get one from Australia to Massachusetts? Any help would be appreciated! guinvere@hotmail.com
  • hlronhlron Member Posts: 113
    Ah, one more Highlander still one the market for those of us that do like them :)

    Anyway, I THINK there are actually four Camry wagons available in Australia - Conquest, CSX, CSi, and Touring series. As for the possibility of purchasing one and getting it from Australia to Massachusetts, I imagine if you are willing to pay enough and find the right resources to make it happen, you probably can...presuming that would be legal in both Massachusetts and Australia.

    As a humble suggestion, how about starting with the Toyota Australia Web site and make an inqury there, and then and/or perhaps an Internet search for international vehicle traders? The Australia Toyota Web site is http://www.toyota.com.au Just a thought.


    Good luck, and Happy New Year! /Ron

  • wwestwwest Member Posts: 10,706
    drives on the OTHER side of the road, are you really sure you want to drive a "right hand drive" in the US?
  • wcpwcp Member Posts: 40
    I can't find if this question was asked/answered before. My keyless entry is factory programmed to open the driver's door with one press of the unlock button. I'd like to change it to one press open all doors. Does anyone know how to do this?

    Thanks!
  • tfuzztfuzz Member Posts: 93
    cliffy1, that makes sense, but seems to me it would be better for Toyota to install them at the factory, then let the rustproofer pop them out if necessary. Apparently it is not uncommon for dealers to forget to put the plugs in. That might increase the likelihood of rust if salty water gets inside because the holes were never plugged. Why don't you pick up your red phone to Tokyo and let them know? ;>
  • cliffy1cliffy1 Member Posts: 3,581
    I wish I had such a phone. It would make life a lot easier.
  • emmaemma Member Posts: 5
    We bought our 2002 HL after following this discussion board for many months and want to thank everyone for helping us to make this decision. I love the car but I'm puzzled by the really cheap looking visor and mirrors. The mirrors are so small. (Our 97 camry has such a nice visor and good sized mirror). Our HL is a non-limited. Is there an aftermarket fix?
  • wwestwwest Member Posts: 10,706
    Go to Lexus and buy a set of RX300 visors.
  • gwkisergwkiser Member Posts: 326
    "Go to Lexus and buy a set of RX300 visors."

    So they're a direct fit? (No mods / wiring required?)
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