Toyota Highlander

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Comments

  • wwestwwest Member Posts: 10,706
    I don't have ALL the answers.
  • mike368mike368 Member Posts: 5
    any ideas: i have a 2001 HL WITH 5000 MILES I AM NOTICING CUPPING OR SCALLPING ON THE FRONT OUTSIDS OF THE TIRES IS THIS NORMAL WEAR OR BAD ALIGNMENT HL DRIVES A GOOD STRAIGHT LINE NO PULLING LEFT OR RIGHT THANKS
  • wwestwwest Member Posts: 10,706
    balance or alignment but I would get it paid attention to regardless.
  • gwkisergwkiser Member Posts: 326
    I also would recommend taking the vehicle to a retail tire store that sells your brand. Have them take a look at it. Try to get a prorated replacement if you can. In fact, you probably should replace a pair at to same time. I don't know if it's necessary, but that's what I've always been told. Don't forget, the warranty on the tires is from the tire manufacturer and not Toyota. You might also take a look at the warranty info for the tires that came with the owner's manual.
    Good luck.
  • gwkisergwkiser Member Posts: 326
    Before I take wwest's advice, I would make a few phone calls to the Lexus dealer. I'm not convinced that the visors ARE an exact fit. I know that the '02 base model RX300 has lighted ones (don't know whether or not the non-Ltd HL does). Additionally, I'm not sure you can get them in a color that will coordinate with the HL interior. Most importantly, you might want to verify that the mounting points are in the exact same location on both vehicles. On a side note, my brother-in-law just got his '02 RX and my wife and I both thought they were less impressive in terms of material than the HL limited ones we have.
    Other than those MINOR details, I'm sure they'll fit right up, per wwest.
  • wwestwwest Member Posts: 10,706
    I didn't say they would fit..

    But what I would do is go and buy one and if it didn't fit I would return it. Or you could take one of yours off and take it into the parts department to confirm it will, or will not, fit.

    I have found that the Lexus parts department staff is the friendliest and most helpful of teh entire lot.

    Or you might want to check the visors for the LX470, the Landcruiser, the 4runner, the Sequoia, ect.

    But I really do doubt that the toyota motor company would go to the expense of having two serparate visor "mounts" for these two extremely simuliar vehicles.

    Color matching, function or beauty, my beautiful cinnamon leather 911 interior has BLACK visors and roofliner and I know Lexus has THAT color.
  • tccmn1tccmn1 Member Posts: 278
    I have tested both the V6 and 4 cyl. The 4 is fairly peppy...not a screamer though. But it is very adequate for driving around town. It cruised nice at 70 too....just took a little longer to get there over the 6. Towing would be the other concern. The V6 with TO package can tow around 3500 lbs. and the 4cyl. with TO around 2500 max. (Or so they say).

    I have a question on the radio "trick" someone mentioned earlier to get better sound out of these Toyota radios; what is this "trick"?
  • xcarnutxcarnut Member Posts: 81
    When the stereo is on, press and hold (~10 seconds) the tuning button (the one on right) until you hear beep tone. Then let go and step through the adjustment for bass, and now a new option "mid" and make adjustment to the desired level. It helps a little but not a lot. Be sure to turn the stereo off prior to turning off the ignition. Otheriwse it will be lost.
    Good Luck.
  • RicksterRickster Member Posts: 40
    Anyone have any advice on installing child seats in the HL? I am having a hard time getting a tight fit on the sides, and am finding it impossible in the center.
  • pdalpsherpdalpsher Member Posts: 136
    I just got back from giving my 2001 HL our first experience in the snow. I have a V6 non-ltd, FWD and this is the first vehicle I've had with ABS.

    The FWD was just as sure-footed in the snow as my '90 Camry and the brakes on the HL are awesome.

    I stayed home from work to play in the snow and I'm happy I did. I know my HL better and missed all the action on the Interstates this morning. The news was full of state police warning SUV drivers to GET REAL about driving in the snow. So many wrecks, most involving SUVs going too fast.

    I have no regrets about passing on the AWD. This is the first accumulating snow in almost 2 years and I don't live in the country. The FWD meets my needs and handles great.

    Happy HL'ing everyone!
  • voldersvolders Member Posts: 1
    After doing much research on the internet (including this site) and visiting dealerships, I bought a new Highlander today. Dealers in the Seattle area quoted me MSRP (or a few hundred under). I got a Ltd. model with just the extra features I wanted for 2k under the MSRP. I used a buyer broker (Terry at 425Motors), who found me the car in Oregon and had it shipped up here (his fee and shipping incl in price). The unexpected 10 day wait was annoying, but the savings were substantial. Plus, I didn't have to deal with the salesmen, whom I found to be condescending. Thx to all who wrote in saying that you don't have to settle for MSRP -- you were right.
  • kf4dxbkf4dxb Member Posts: 1
    Hi, I just purchased my first Toyota(HL). Seems like a great ride, but do have crackling noise when I rest my arm on the door panel next to the window. Seems as though some plastic part may be cracked and moving. Dealer says (of course) new panels will not fix the problem. Has anyone else experienced this?
  • dmoyerdmoyer Member Posts: 27
    Since this is the tire on my new HL, can anyone in the snow belt evaluate their performance. What can I expect under various winter conditions. Thanks for any input.
  • wayne_kremerwayne_kremer Member Posts: 4
    I know I'm probably jumping the gun here, but was wondering if anyone had any information on the 2003 Highlander. What changes have been made? About when it is expected to arrive? Thx!
  • edmundted1edmundted1 Member Posts: 22
    Does anybody have the TSB number for the door seal fix on the 01 HL? I went to www.nhtsa.com web site and it's not there yet. I'd like to have the number to take to my dealer because they probably don't know anything about the door seal problem. Thanks.
  • gwkisergwkiser Member Posts: 326
    Here's the post for the TSB:
    hlltd "Toyota Highlander Owners: Problems & Solutions" Dec 11, 2001 9:41pm

    Don't know how accurate the info is, so you might want to call the dealer first to make sure they have the info from Toyota.

    Take care.
  • gwkisergwkiser Member Posts: 326
    Well, I happen to have a page bookmarked, so take a look here:

    http://www.autonews.com/page.cms?pageId=114

    Evidently, there's not going to be anything major for the HL for a few years (at least for now). OTOH, I thought I heard somewhere that they may come out with a hybrid version....
  • purcatpurcat Member Posts: 13
    Please excuse my "confusion", but which is better to drive in the snow, FWD, or AWD ? I have a 2001HL Limited, actually not sure which mine is!
    I think it is AWD. Thanks for any answers.
    Happy New Year!!!!
  • svtcobraconvsvtcobraconv Member Posts: 85
    Thanks for the report!

    We are waiting for our FWD HL to arrive. We also did not opt for AWD. Supposed to be here in March.

    Do you have the Goodyear Integrity tires as are on most FWD HL's?

    I agree with you on the SUV's in winter. Here in Wisconsin, it seems like way too many of the vehicles you see in the ditch during bad weather are SUV's. Many people are overconfident in them and don't know their vehicle's limits.
  • wwestwwest Member Posts: 10,706
    Is it okay if I replace "snow" with low-traction surfaces, "LTS", which will include snow?

    RWD torque biased AWD is better on LTS, no exceptions. And even FWD biased AWD (RX, HL, MDX, etc) will be better on LTS than FWD.

    Actually RWD is likely better on LTS, overall, than FWD.

    The problem you are seeing with SUVs, AWD, 4WD, etc, over-driving, is also very common to FWD vehicles. They GO better in LTS than will a RWD, but when you get to the LIMIT you have no backup, you're suddenly and surprisingly relying on only two sets of contact patches to control lateral and longitudial directional stability.
  • wwestwwest Member Posts: 10,706
    I will lay odds it will have HID as standard or at least as an option.
  • pdalpsherpdalpsher Member Posts: 136
    Yes, my tires are the standard Goodyear ones.
  • lbags48lbags48 Member Posts: 17
    I'm in the market for a Highlander, and I want to thank everyone who posts to this board for their valuable information.

    Are there other Highlander message/discussion boards out there besides Edmund's?
  • wwestwwest Member Posts: 10,706
    But you can probably learn a lot more about the HL by browsing the competitions boards.
  • trevor57trevor57 Member Posts: 18
    Has anyone bought an HL in Canada and if so, what kind of deal did you get? I understand the deals on Pathfinders are awesome, given the exchange rate. Wondered if anyone had a decent Canadian buying expeience.

    Thank you.

    Bob
  • trevor57trevor57 Member Posts: 18
    Sorry if I am duping this message but has anyone had a decent Canadian buying experience on a Highlander? If so, can you suggest a dealer in Toronto area? I understand Pathfinder LEs are going for $27.5 (U.S.$)fully loaded after all Canadian taxes are rebated. Close to $4000 under U.S. prices. Anyone experience same on HL?

    Thanks and Happy New Year.

    Bob
  • gwkisergwkiser Member Posts: 326
    Email me please.
    gwkiser@yahoo.com
  • wwestwwest Member Posts: 10,706
    Not available in Canada
  • flavolvoflavolvo Member Posts: 8
    I would like some comments on the power of the 4 cyl. engine with automatic. Is it adequate? Thanks!
  • llofgrenllofgren Member Posts: 129
    Anyone attach a Yakima roof rack to the HL factory
    rack? Looks as if there are two tower choices....."Low Rider" and "DoubleCross". Anyone have experience with these or care to comment? Thanks!
  • veekay1veekay1 Member Posts: 180
    Hi Folks!
    Just took delivery of my new HL V6 AWD limited, Sundown Red/Ivory leather!!
    No ticking/rattle/thump so far....(fingers crossed!).
    It drives like a dream.
    I have a question: Anybody know of a good price(installed) for the Auto-dimming mirror in Central NY/NJ area???

    Any advice is appreciated!

    Happy HLanding!
  • hlltdhlltd Member Posts: 61
    Regarding the accuracy of TSB NV 012-01, it is exactly as I have posted it previously. I have seen that TSB in the service managers loose-leaf binder where he places all TSBs that the dealership receives.

    There are those among us here that doubt what I say.

    Do you people think that I would post something here without first verifying it and being positive about what is fact? That is why I took the time and trouble to actually check into this matter before I posted that information for everyone.

    388
  • maj7maj7 Member Posts: 1
    We just bought a front drive 4 cylinder. It seems to have adequate power is quietand will run all day at 75mph. When you come to a good incline it simply shifts out of overdrive and continues on its way, although it does get a bit buzzy. Have not run it with the air yet. It gets great gas mileage, and a Toyota mechanic told me it is cheaper to maintain than the V6.
  • wwestwwest Member Posts: 10,706
    Toyota? Cheaper? Maintain?

    I4 should be easier on gas than the V6 but I can't imagine, given Toyota's legendary reliability, any other "maintainance" costs.
  • kdubs1kdubs1 Member Posts: 21
    I ordered an HL without floor mats. I thought toyotaguys or another after market option would be cheaper and maybe better.
    Any shared experience on floor mats would be appreciated.
    Should I just order them from a Toyota dealership?
  • gord2gogord2go Member Posts: 2
    I recently had experience with the Highlander VSC on a trip through white-out snow. I turned onto Hwy 169 near Orillia Ont. and was met immediately with 2ft. snow dirft and several oncoming cars. I took my foot off the accelerator and steered (and prayed). The VSC kicked in and it was almost boring the way I tracked through that drift.

    The disconcerting part was that at this time of high stress the VSC emitted a high Beeping alarm. I did not need that distraction.

    So - be prepared for the BEEP when you start a sideways trip.

    Gord
  • gord2gogord2go Member Posts: 2
    When I purchased my 2001 Highlander, I had the Toyota front air deflector installed by the dealer. I was pleasantly surprised when they charged only for the part - no installation charge. Likewise with a block heater.

    My problem is that the doggone thing keeps coming loose at the outside edges where it is held in place by two plastic clips at each end. The clips keep sliding of the hood. Luckily the device is mainly held by the several mounting screws under the leading edge of the hood.

    I think maybe they installed this deflector incorrectly. Has anyone else had this problem?
  • wwestwwest Member Posts: 10,706
    I think, not sure, if the VSC continues to beep for about 25 yards after the experience its telling you that's its hydraulic pump motor could not keep up with the extreme or extended volume demand.
  • trdgttrdgt Member Posts: 5
    We have a 4cyl fwd H/L and it is just fine for the running around we do (mostly city).I will be interested when it comes time for our annual West Virginia trip next Thanksgiving considering the hills and all.But for now our H/L is just fine pick up and merging onto to the freeway is just fine.
  • seeadler290seeadler290 Member Posts: 7
    Check to make sure the tension bolts are in place in their holes on the outer two brackets. I am currently installing the Toyota deflector and there should be a 3/8" bolt through a "U-nut" that presses the hood against the neoprene pad that should be present on the other face of the bracket. You should also have an oval metal "backing plate" held in place by urethane tape to prevent the bolt from marring the hoods finish.
  • vinceburlappvinceburlapp Member Posts: 64
    http://www.thehollywoodextra.com

    go to the car page link anf click on the Honda Pilot.

    Though times for the Highlander...
  • james122james122 Member Posts: 2
    The correct Yakima to use is the DoubleCross Towers. It is recommended by Yakima and works perfectly. I have mounts for two Kayaks on mine.
  • llofgrenllofgren Member Posts: 129
    Thanks James. Do you leave the rack on or take it off each time? Does it make much noise? Do you use a ferring? I am going to be carrying a canoe....
  • svtcobraconvsvtcobraconv Member Posts: 85
    In postings a couple months ago, the topic of "zero clearance" or interference valves came up when talking about a timing (valve train) belt failure event in either the I4 or V6. I seem to remember someone knowledgable on Toyota motors said the V6 uses a belt system and the I4 has a chain. If true, perhaps this might be a maintenance difference that a Toyota mechanic mentioned to maj7, as belt replacement is a scheduled maintenance service.
  • hlltdhlltd Member Posts: 61
    Looking in the FSM, we have timing chains, NOT timing belts on both HL engines.

    388
  • spektrespektre Member Posts: 80
    Picked up my 4cyl 2wd on Saturday - I'm absolutely amazed at the level of refinement. It's no speed demon, but it's got very good power for a vehicle of its size and weight - quiet and smooth, too.

    IMHO, if you're not towing or hauling a full load around, go with the 4.
  • gwkisergwkiser Member Posts: 326
    "There are those among us here that doubt what I say."

    Uh, Darrel, I said what I said because MY dealer isn't as perfect as yours! I ALWAYS call them before I waste time driving to them to get something done. I was simply advising the member to do the same. If you interpreted my comment as anything else, you're incorrect.

    I could have ignored their post altogether and not posted a reference to yours. However, that's not my nature. Just as I was looking for help some months ago when I was considering the HL, I'm sure others here appreciate what the rest of us post here (yes, even YOU :-) ).
  • james122james122 Member Posts: 2
    I leave the roof rack on all summer. It is not easy to take off. The noise is not bad with the moon roof closed, but it is noisy with it open.

    I could not use the ferring because the bar has to be mounted too far back. If you have the rear wind deflector, put a towel or something to protect it when putting your canoe on top.
  • cliffy1cliffy1 Member Posts: 3,581
    The 4cylinder comes with a timing chain, while the V6 has a timing belt. The belt needs replaced at 90K miles (according to the book, others say 60K). The chain needs inspected at 120K miles and replaced only when it starts making noise. Timing chains are more costly to replace though.

    Both engines are "non-interference" meaning no valve damage if the break.
  • gwkisergwkiser Member Posts: 326
    Well, to quote your site:

    "Looks like Honda didn't work too much on that design, it just looks like an overgrown CRV."
    "At least, the interior seems to be a little more original. But that dorky column shifter is a throw back to the 70's."

    Even you didn't give it such a rave review. I wonder if it's coming off the same line as the MDX.
    You DO realize that the HL comes from the same facility (in Japan) as the Lexus RX300, right?

    "Though [tough?] times for the Highlander... "

    Nah, we're not worried. Conpetition is healthy for the industry and the consumers both. It keeps everybody on the edge of their seats!
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