Toyota Highlander

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Comments

  • hmamontovhmamontov Member Posts: 10
    Hello

    I'm not very good in understanding of mechanical and engineering aspects but why Toyota don't use 5-speed transmission in Highlander, for example? They don't even use it for sedans. I cannot understand why. Is there any reason for that except the price?
  • wwestwwest Member Posts: 10,706
    The narrower the peak torque band is for a given engine determines the need for more gear selections. With all of the modern technology applied most engines have a very wide torque band and that along with our US low speed limits dictates a low number of gear selections.
  • pdalpsherpdalpsher Member Posts: 136
    after the hood deflector is installed, the gasket can be reinstalled as not all the holes where it attaches are used by the deflector
  • dkynordkynor Member Posts: 8
    Hi,

    I am interested in getting a Limited Edition Highlander without leather or the sun roof. A dealer in the New England region told me that all Limited Highlanders come with leather and the sunroof. He mentioned that I could special order, but it could take up to 4 months and Toyota could decide not to build the ordered car at any time and cancel the order.

    Has anyone had experience with this?

    -Dave
  • 93fsu193fsu1 Member Posts: 97
    They come without the leather and sunroof. he's just trying to unload a loaded one on you.
  • brad_22brad_22 Member Posts: 154
    Anyone try to put some larger (eg. wider) tires on yet? With my fender flares, the already small OEM tires look even more undersized.
  • nimrod99nimrod99 Member Posts: 343
    I wish we could get the following in the US


    Dark grey interior....

    http://www.toyota.co.jp/Showroom/All_toyota_lineup/KlugerV/interior/images/int02_xga.jpg


    and in-dash Navigation

    http://www.toyota.co.jp/Showroom/All_toyota_lineup/KlugerV/audio_navi/images/audio07.jpg

  • jrawlinsonjrawlinson Member Posts: 11
    They DO come without leather and sunroof..alot are made with these two options, but I have seen several without them..Go to buyatoyota.com..build your dream Highlander..then Hit the Find button..see what comes up in your area..Good Luck!
  • cliffy1cliffy1 Member Posts: 3,581
    This question comes up frequently. Because the car is built in Japan, factory orders are difficult. Three to four months is not uncommon. There is also the problem in that Toyota just is not set up to handle these well. There is almost no communication between the factory and the dealership until a couple of weeks before it arrives. Because of this, customers usually loose patience after 4 weeks and compromise, which leaves the dealer with an "odd ball" car three months later. This is why most dealers discourage orders from Japan.
  • ront02769ront02769 Member Posts: 9
    hi all. I got a 2002 HL w/roof rack in sept. that I've been handwashing up until now. but it is now officially winter in RI and the carwash that comes 'free' with a fill-up is very tempting.

    of course, the sign on the wash says "no roof-racks, bicycle racks, loose items in bed..." etc. my camry with roof rack went through this was for 4 years without problem but HL is taller.

    anything to be worried about here? I'd LIKE to have it rinsed of salt at least weekly and my garden hoses are now all officially froze for the winter.

    ront
  • ded3283ded3283 Member Posts: 1
    Have been a long time fan of this board and finally bought a highlander in early Jan. of this year. Made a deposit on a white limited, fully loaded, highlander and was told that there were none in my area (chicago) or surrounding states. Since I was in no hurry, I told dealer I would wait the quoted 12 to 16 weeks for one to come over from the factory. In mid march when I called to get an update, I was told it would be another 4 weeks and was given a "temporary vin" number. Now, I receive a call that my car is in, however it came in without the UQ option (tow hitch and converter) but they would install factory parts, but ALSO, that THE CAR HAS 350 MILES on it; because my salesperson was sent up to get it and drove it seven hours to bring it back.
    The vin doesn't come close to matching the earlier number I was given.
    Is something wrong with this picture? Other cars I have purchased from factories have come with 10 to 20 miles on them (Subaru, Chevy, Dodge). Where is Toyota's regional DC? Does Toyota do something different, has anyone had a similiar experience?
  • cmunizcmuniz Member Posts: 604
    The Limited I bought from dealer stock does not have a sunroof or leather, therefore, they ARE available. The dealer that said otherwise may not order theirs that way, but they are available. I would suggest going to another dealer that is better informed and doesn't lie.
  • ssufldhckyssufldhcky Member Posts: 16
    ded3283, I would also wonder if the salesperson complied with the break-in guidelines. 350 miles is a lot of miles on a new car. I think they should have taken a little more off the price for you.
  • kdubs1kdubs1 Member Posts: 21
    Sounds and smells fishy ded3283.
    I am no expert, but the HL we purchased came in through Portland, via Chicago, into a Milwaukee dealer, then to another Milwaukee dealer. Had 9 miles on it when we picked it up.
    This being my first Toyota, as impressed as I am with the vehicle itself, I am very disappointed with the service I have received.
    We "ordered" as well. Many changing stories throughout the wait such as option packages changing, order status unknown, no confirmation (for us to view anyway). Then upon delivery an entire additional set of disappointments that I'll document another day. Sounds like my experience with Dealers is not entirely unique unfortunately.
  • cliffy1cliffy1 Member Posts: 3,581
    A locate is where a dealership buys a car from another dealership. They generally drive them between stores. An order is one that is specifically built in a non-typical configuration.

    Here are the catches to all of this. There are 13 different regional distributors across the country. Each one is responsible for ordering the car for the dealers in that region. A common configuration in one region may be totally unavailable in another. If the car is domestically built, orders are quick and easy. In fact, we now have a system that allows us to divert a car bound for one region to be sent to another. An ordered car that is built in the US takes a maximum of 6 weeks and a minimum of 2. Japanese built cars can't be diverted from one region to another because they are already on a boat when allocated.
  • dkynordkynor Member Posts: 8
    Thanks for the info. I tried buyatoyota.com and found that the site implied that the Limited version is not available without leather (leather was included in the list of mandatory options).

    It not appears that Limited versions without are a regional thing and probably hard to get in New England. Does anyone know of neighboring regions where they might be available? I've called several local dealers and none of them have been very knowledgable.

    Thanks.

    -Dave
  • llofgrenllofgren Member Posts: 129
    That is not a new Highlander...it is used. I have never heard of any factory order being done like that. My advice would be to get out of it and if you have put a deposit down, ask for it back.....if that doesn't work (for the deposit), bring them to small claims court.
  • cliffy1cliffy1 Member Posts: 3,581
    Actually, it technically is not used. To be a used car, a title must have been issued on it. In some states like Maryland, it becomes used when it has 5000 miles even if no title has been issued. That doesn't detract from the fact that the deal was misrepresented. The lack of the UQ is enough to back out of it.

    A dealer can't compel you to finish the transaction. They can try to make things difficult but in the end, you can back out. It will be much easier if you made the deposit by credit card.

    Before you back out, just make sure that this is really what you want to do. If you are committed to this color and equipment combination and it really will take 12 weeks to get another one, you may want to go ahead and take it. By protesting, you may be able to get them to drop a few hundred dollars in the process.
  • sobright1sobright1 Member Posts: 78
    Though I live in Memphis I decided to drive down to Jackson MS to get pricing on a Highlander yesterday. (To be fair, I was also considering a new Infiniti G35 as well). I stood right next to a Green Highlander without either a sunroof or leather. This dealer is Hallbrook Toyota at 1-601-9696 and I recommend KC as a sales person. This dealer seems to be an invoice + type of dealer and, without revealing the price I negotiated, it is much closer to invoice than it is to sticker. In my case KC told me that he would do a search for the type vehicle I wanted and deliver it to my door, over 200 miles away. I went down there to have him evaluate my trade-in. To be fair, his offer on my trade-in was lower than some dealers had offered but certainly not the lowest offer of the day. I am only on the web right now to choose the exact options I want on my new Highlander before I call him back and, unless there is some misunderstanding, to do the deal.

    For whatever it is worth, there are definately differences between regions. Even the window stickers seemed different in Jackson, MS from those in Memphis, TN. There are only three dealers in Memphis. Two have little inventory and are located in areas of town that are best described as in decline. The other dealer has a huge inventory but was recently fined in a plea agreement by the state for unethical (illegal?) activities. The Memphis dealers are largely indifferent to their customers (kind of a take it or leave it attitude) and have never offered to find me what I wanted.
  • pasqualpasqual Member Posts: 22
    Has anyone purchased a maintenance manual for the highlander?
  • barkasy1barkasy1 Member Posts: 44
    Hi All,

    This question is probably redundant, but...Does the '02 HL require Premium Fuel? I mean, is that what it is supposed to use (I'm not trying to use a lesser grade of fuel and be a chiseler I just want to know what Toyo reccomends)? I know the '01 was supposed to use premium.

    Thx, Dave
  • bbartman02bbartman02 Member Posts: 6
    I have a 2002 HL Limited V6. Has anyone else noticed a noise when the key is put in the
    ignition BEFORE you turn it to start it? It is a noise from the engine compartment, not sure
    if it is the starter or something ignition related. If I put the key in the ignition without starting the
    HL, it will make the noise for about 1 minute, then stop.

    For those that have had paint chips towards the front of the vehicle, are they mostly on the leading
    edge of the hood (metal), or are they on the plastic bumper panel? I am trying to decide how much
    I should cover with the 3M kit (invinca-shield.com), and am wondering which surface people have
    had problems with.

    Has anyone else seen the USA today article from April 4th talking about sludge? It is at:

    http://www.usatoday.com/money/autos/2002/04/04/toyota-sludge.htm

    This bothers me since I thought the 2002's were already "fixed" and not as prone to the problem.
    I know there are other discussion boards for the sludge issues, but wanted people on this board
    to see it as well.
  • ranellranell Member Posts: 12
    To: heatmiser1
    Only two car seats will fit in the back seat. You may want to look at the Sequoia for the room needed. The anchors for the car seats are excellent.
  • sfrederick1sfrederick1 Member Posts: 1
    we had a long wait finding a silver Highlander - finally drove 3 hrs to Dallas to look at one on a lot - came home and made a deal by telephone to dealership a little closer - salesman drove 90 miles to deliver it to us- quite difficult to find the few options I wanted on a V6 - finally able to buy one with more options than desired but for the price I wanted to pay - very pleased so far - have driven 2 Camry's previously, still own one
  • banner1banner1 Member Posts: 14
    noise in the V-6 engine. I know it has been discussed before but now I started to hear it on my new Highlander with 100 miles on it.

    I also hear what sounds like a whine from a bearing (does not seem to be coming from the alternator but is that type of sound)

    Any information on these noises would be appreciated. Thanks.
  • gwkisergwkiser Member Posts: 326
    Dave,
    Niether the '01 or the '02 require premium fuel. Recommended in the owner's manual for either model year is 87 octane (regular unleaded).
  • fergdfergd Member Posts: 2
    Will the 2003 Highlander offer a 3rd seat option? Any changes happening for '03?
  • cmunizcmuniz Member Posts: 604
    The key date for the sludge problem appears to be July 2001. Engines built after that date have the fix mentioned in the USA Today article. Not sure what built date shown on the vehicle corresponds to the new, modified engine. Mine was built 11/01 and I am assuming that it has the new engine.

    The dealer's service department told me that Toyota is printing new owners manuals for those of us that have already purchased vehicles that will show a shorten oil change interval so that their verbal recommendations agree with the written ones.
  • lbags48lbags48 Member Posts: 17
    Where did you hear that July 2001 was the date that engine modifications were made?
  • cmunizcmuniz Member Posts: 604
    I can't recall at the moment, but I have read it at least twice. I believe that I clicked on some websites recommended by some of the previous posts on the subject. I think one was a car magazine article. I remember the date because I was concerned my Highlander might be affected. I'll see if I can find it.
  • cmunizcmuniz Member Posts: 604
    One of the links providing info is:


    http://www.autonews.com/news.cms?newsId=1534


    Also see posts 4852, 4857, 5164, 5165, 5167, and 5220 among others for more info. There is also a whole board devoted to this subject that starts out"Toyota sludge problem...) I am pretty sure there are several articles indicating the time frame for the problem. Hope this helps.

    Found one more link with the info you want: http://www.autonews.com/article.cms?articleId=38921

  • cliffy1cliffy1 Member Posts: 3,581
    Toyota announced last week that they have added an 8 year, unlimited mileage warranty against sluding. There was a minor modification to the engine's PCV system, but the old one will still not sludge if proper maintenance is done. The problem only happens with extended oil change intervals. The affected engines are fairly intolerant of poor maintenance practices. The new part makes it less so.
  • sin21856sin21856 Member Posts: 14
    I have a 2001 Highlander Limited V6 that I bought in July 01. According to that article posted by cmuniz Toyota owners were suppose to get a letter in the mail regarding a new repair policy. That article was posted in October and as of today i have yet to recieve a letter regarding the issue from Toyota. I have just recently begun reading posts here and have been unaware of the sludge problem...should I be worried about it? I've been getting my oil changed regularly and haven't had any problems with suv. Please let me know....thanks!
  • cliffy1cliffy1 Member Posts: 3,581
    No, you shouldn't worry. I didn't read the article but if it said a letter went out last year, it is wrong. A letter did go out in February, but they went out in stages. Before they were all sent (about 1 million went out but there were 3.3 million owners) a new policy was introduced. You will eventually get the new letter.

    This topic isn't really the place to learn about the sludge issue. In the Maintenance and Repair forum, there is a topic entitled "Engine Sludge/Oil Gelling--Toyota's Customer Response." That should answer all your questions.
  • zm101zm101 Member Posts: 6
    My Highlander V6 has a tire pressure of 38 psi. Is this okay? The manual and door sticker recommend a pressure of 30 psi.
  • sin21856sin21856 Member Posts: 14
    (phew!) thanks for the advice cliffy1 :)
  • lbags48lbags48 Member Posts: 17
    Thanks for the info.
  • hylndr61hylndr61 Member Posts: 51
    It is my understanding that these vehicles are shipped from Japan with over-inflated tires to prevent flat spots from forming while in transit. The dealer is supposed to adjust it to the recommended 30 psi before delivery to the customer.
  • bbartman02bbartman02 Member Posts: 6
    I wanted to clarify a question I asked a few days ago.

    I have a 2002 Highlander Limited V6 4wd with a build date of Jan 2002 (on the drivers door sticker). When I put the key in the ignition, but BEFORE I start the engine, there is a noise from the engine compartment that starts immediately upon the key being put into the ignition, but I do not have to turn the key at all to get the noise to start. If you don't turn the key, in about 1 minute there is distinct click (probably a relay), and then the noise stops. If I take the key out and put it back in, the noise will start again and will do the same thing (run about 50 seconds to 1 minute, then turn off).

    Can anyone else with a 02 HL Limited V6 4wd (or any other models) check to see if yours does this as well? I'm trying to determine if it is something I need to worry about. Things seem normal other than the noise and I'd like to know what it is. Note the noise is with the engine not running. It might be there once the engine starts, but I can't tell. Not sure if it matters, but I have VSC also.

    Thanks in advance.
  • dshepherd3dshepherd3 Member Posts: 194
    I can"t see walking into a Toyo showroom with 28k in your pocket and not being able to get a vehicle of your equipment and color choice without vague promises and warnings of it may not be available, what is that?
  • banner1banner1 Member Posts: 14
    Has any cause been found for the ticking coming out of the 6 cyl. engine? I recall this subject being mentioned in the past. Is this normal or something that needs to be repaired?
  • paulekpaulek Member Posts: 16
    If you have the LIMITED you have an engine immobilizer circuit as a part of the anti-theft package. The ticking might be the circuitry sensing the transponder in the key to allow the engine to start when the key is turned. If no action is taken the circuit shuts off and wAits for another try.
  • tccmn1tccmn1 Member Posts: 278
    I ordered a non-ltd HL from Japan back in March from a local dealer. I was told and understand that it will be up to 4 months before I would see the vehicle. I am in no rush. In fact, if they can give me a month 'warning' that it is coming, that would be great since I am selling my current vehicle myself and don't want to be without a vehicle...timing is everything. I also did the $500 DP with a credit card. Not sure why that would be 'better' than a check....as someone stated earlier? I did it out of convenience.
    If it doesn't come with what I requested on the order, I will squabble and not take the vehicle unless there is substantial reduction in costs; more than just the missing item(s) to make me happy. They told me I'd lose the $500 if I didn't take the vehicle when it arrived - nothing said about missing items. They just didn't want to be hung out on a vehicle that was special ordered.
    I will confirm with them tomorrow on this issue. I read over my fine print and didn't see anything like that stated on the order. I have bought two previous Toy's from this person with no problems....but they weren't special orders, so we'll see. I have a handful of must have items = reason I specially ordered it. If it were to come without them, I wouldn't have ordered the darn thing. (TO, UQ, VD, BE-Side bags, UZ-V5 alarm) are key to why I ordered.

    Someone asked if the '03 will have a 3rd row seat; answer is 'no'. I asked the same thing of several Toy reps. No noticeable changes on the HL until '04 at earliest. '02 will look just like '03.
  • kc571kc571 Member Posts: 6
    Hi All,

    I ordered a Limited with Char cloth interior. I live in NJ, and ordered in VA. All of my local dealers told me no. Ordered in Jan, and I was told late May. We'll see.

    kc571
  • jrawlinsonjrawlinson Member Posts: 11
    Kelly Blue Book website gives you the capability to look at all the dealers by state and what they have on their site and what they have orderd..There are all kinds of Limiteds out there without leather..below is the website..just go to a Toyota dealer website and it will show you every Highlander on their lot..and what it has on it..good luck


    http://www.kbb.com/kb/ki.dll/kw.kc.sp?kbb&&428&dealer

  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    Actually it's not all the dealers -- probably just those who paid to be listed. Many of the new car dealers in my town aren't in there.

    You also may be interested in this article:

    What is the "Kelley Blue Book" Price?

    Steve
    Host
    SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
  • cliffy1cliffy1 Member Posts: 3,581
    The reason I suggested using a credit card is that you can challenge the charges. Dealers can't keep your money, but they will try to make you think they can. A simple call to your credit card company will quickly get the charges revered. I'm just telling you this from experience. I work in a pretty good dealership right now, but I have worked in others. If the customer put the deposit was on a credit card, we knew that we had limited ability to strong-arm people into taking the car. FYI, I wouldn't work in one of those stores again.
  • raddboy41raddboy41 Member Posts: 249
    I've got an RX300 that makes the same noise just from inserting the key! You can hear it clearly when it's in the garage. I have no idea what it's coming from and it really doesn't bother me.
  • ekisticekistic Member Posts: 7
    Anyone purchased a cover for their beloved HL? What kind of vehicle covers are best for protection from tree and bird droppings? or does it matter? What manufactures can you recommend?
  • tfierro1tfierro1 Member Posts: 5
    I'm in the market to purchase a limited highlander, and just came back from a dealer in my area. When I told him about the invoice price I had from the edmunds site, he mentioned a "toyota dealer advertizing fee"(tda) which needed to be added to this.

    Is this legit or totally bogus? I've never heard of it, and I was wondering if anyone else had. IN addition, I was wondering what people thought was a reasonable deal, in terms of how many dollars over invoice should one pay for a highlander. I'm new to this discussion and appreciate any input . Thanks
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