Toyota Highlander

1…107108110112113…211

Comments

  • cliffy1cliffy1 Member Posts: 3,581
    Toyota makes class II receivers all come with 2" recievers. That applies to the trucks as well as Highlanders. You are right about the 1-1/4 though. I had thought it was a 1".
  • svtcobraconvsvtcobraconv Member Posts: 85
    We are picking up our V6 2WD non-limited (no leather) HL tonight. It is configured exactly like you specified, but no 8E. Price was $300 over invoice ($25,428) before tax and license. (TDA, included in invoice, in our region is $256.) The dealer knocked off $200 because we really didn't need/want the luggage rack. (I will likely be removing it, or at least the cross-bars. Since how to remove the cross-bars has been a common question, I will report how it goes...)
  • saluki89saluki89 Member Posts: 5
    I have a pretty well loaded Non-LTD. You can get the moonroof, btw on non-LTD's. Also, I believe side impact airbags, daytime running lights, and roof rack are std on the LTD, but are options on the Nons. About the only things you can't get on nons are fog lights and the auto climate control. Also, the auto climate control has the outside temp/fuel MPG/distance to empty readout on the climate control LCD display. For now, you cannot get this on nons, I'm not sure if they will ever offer it. Since I had this on my old vehicle, I really miss them.
  • kdubs1kdubs1 Member Posts: 21
    I too am used to true premium sound as an option and with the standard HL system am less than impressed I'm am getting use to it however and the mid range trick helps. For those upgraded systems out there, what investment brought the most improvement (Speakers? Head? Amp?) I would really like to invest in an amp and would hope that would significantly help, but would like to hear of some ones experience.
  • niel39niel39 Member Posts: 20
    OK, I have a 2000 Maxima that I love but I can't get much on the roof with my Thule rack. The cross bars are too close together and cause my 17' kayak to bend which distorts the hull. So I am looking at getting an HL because it is as close as I can come to the performance and features that I currently have in my Max. I have a couple of concerns and would like to hear from people with experience. One is that a dealer told me that the rack would support 110 lbs. Between one 65lb and another 55lb kayak and a 25lb bike I already exceed that. I have put all these on my Max. roof with Thule rack and it worked except for the problem mentioned.

    Also it appears that the roof slants downward from front to back. This would (seemingly) cause the rushing wind to push up on a kayak as you zipped down the road. To me it seems this could put undo strain on your rack and the kayak could possibly act sort of like a wing and cause loss of traction (am I too paranoid?). Lastly the cross bars are not straight and have an arch to them. That seems like it would be difficult to mount your kayak and bike holding options as they would not be totally horizontal but tilt to the side (hope I described that correctly).

    Anybody have experience with putting things up on the roof/rack system?

    Thanks, and if you don't mind can you also respond to my email in my profile.
  • nms37nms37 Member Posts: 2
    My new Highlander Limited 4WD has a rattle in the back end going through pot holes or
    over man hole covers.The dealer replaced parts of the rear gate lock, when that didn't help
    they replaced the rear struts, still didn't get rid of the rattle, they're scratching their heads and I'm losing my patience, any suggestions?
  • tccmn1tccmn1 Member Posts: 278
    There's nothing loose in the Spare Tire compartment is there? That little storage area might have something rolling around in it...just a thought. Maybe the spare is jiggling too...
  • sunshine60105sunshine60105 Member Posts: 129
    Does the Highlander have any transmission or Engine problems? For those of you that are Highlander owners, are you happy with your SUV?
    I am very impressed by the Highlander and I am going to test drive one soon...... Any imput would be appreciated.....
    Thank you.... :)
    Sunshine60105!
  • jmarousejmarouse Member Posts: 18
    Does anyone have the specs on the HL sound system ? Is there a difference between the Lmtd besides the 6 disk changer ? Where is the factory amp located . Thanks osoriob for the speaker advice !!!
  • svtcobraconvsvtcobraconv Member Posts: 85
    Just a quick note - we picked up our 6 cyl. 2WD HL last night - no surprises! The price was exactly as we agreed upon with no last minute changes. They didn't even try to push any of the useless protection packages. (We were almost a little shocked.) However, thanks to other postings on this board, I immediately checked the tire air pressure upon getting home. Sure enough, they were all still at the 48 psi "shipping" pressure. I am going to tell the dealer today they really need to set the proper tire pressure before delivery to the customer. All new HL owners should check this on their vehicles, as it seems to be something commonly overlooked by the dealers.
  • newhlownernewhlowner Member Posts: 1
    Like most people seem to recommend, I picked up the wiring harness from toyotaguys.com, and the 70777 hidden hitch. Got the hitch on, no problem. Wiring harness, no problem until the very end. For those with the same setup, where did you mount the end of the wiring - where the 4 prong unit sits?

    The wiring instructions reference a mounting point on the hitch, which should have 2 holes about 1.5" apart, but it doesn't appear to be for this particular model. I don't see any such holes in the tube, the chain plate or the receiver of the 70777.

    Am I missing something, or is this improv. time? If it's the latter, how did you take care it?

    Thanks.
  • dmitry9999dmitry9999 Member Posts: 12
    Hello,
    I apologize for the long post, but a future HL owner is asking for you help and opinions. Currently I am looking to replace my 150K miles Corolla with V6 HL AWD within the next 3 months. Using Priceline, I configured HL as follows:

    VIP RS 3200 PLUS ALARM SYSTEM (V5)
    CONVENIENCE PKG (CQ) (incl keyless entry and cargo tonneau cover)
    HOOD PROTECTOR (HP)
    5-PIECE CARPETED FLOOR MAT SET (CF)
    CARGO NET (GN)
    ALL-WEATHER FLOOR MATS (2Q)
    AUTO-DIMMING REARVIEW MIRROR (N1)
    ALLOY WHEEL LOCKS (WL)
    REAR SPOILER (RF)
    APPEARANCE PKG (AG) (incl (5) ALUMINUM WHEELS (AW) COLOR-KEYED MUDGUARDS (MG), PRIVACY GLASS (PG))
    ROOF RACK SYSTEM (DR)
    VEHICLE SKID CONTROL (VD)
    ALARM SYSTEM PRE-WIRING (UZ)
    SIDE-IMPACT AIRBAGS (BE)
    HEATED PWR MIRRORS (EH)
    TOWING PREP PKG (TO)

    Total before TDA and destination is $25,590 invoice and $29,364 MSRP.

    Now I need to run this configuration through the reality check. Toyota web site doesn't offer any help, since both "popular" combinations are virtually identical (except for DRL) and include Preferred (by whom???) Package, which I do not need.

    Would you please, help me with the following:

    1. How real is it to get the HL in the above configuration?

    2. What options from the above list can be easily purchased after market? This will give me at least some flexibility in my search. Maybe some aftermarket items are of better quality than Toyota ones. Floor mats come to mind.

    3. What additional options will I most likely be forced to buy because of the way HLs are built?

    4. Does the security system include the glass breakage sensor, remote startup, and trunk opener? If not, how can I add them? Maybe it makes sense not to buy V5 all together and get an aftermarket alarm with all those features?

    5. I will make an OTD offer probably like invoice + $5-700 + TDA + TTL. Will I get thrown out of the dealership in NY tri-state area? How much is TDA? Priceline lists it at approximately $400.

    6. I live in Northern New Jersey, but will travel reasonably. Do you have any information on which dealerships I should or should NOT visit? There are about 50 dealerships in 50 miles radius from my home. Hopefully I’ll be able to find the one that will meet my price.

    Thank you so much for your help. If you believe that the response will clutter the topic, please, reply to e-mail below.
    Dmitry
    dmitry9999 @ yahoo . com
  • llofgrenllofgren Member Posts: 129
    I have been agonizing over what hitch to get for awhile. I also finally ended up with the Hidden Hitch #70777 and am expecting it soon from etrailer.com. Here is a link to their website that includes some brackets that go on with a hose clamp around the round hitch tube:


    http://www.etrailer.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=E&Category_Code=BRACKET

  • jrawlinsonjrawlinson Member Posts: 11
    Make sure the cap which holds down the spare tire is tight..mine was loose and when I test drove it..experienced the same noice..it was loose..I tightned it and now no more noise..Also, make sure if you put a license plate cover on the back.it might rattle also..hope this helps
  • svtcobraconvsvtcobraconv Member Posts: 85
    As we have only had our HL about 36 hours, I don't know vehicle inside and out yet, but I did do a quick preliminary investigation on the trailer wiring. We originally ordered our HL with the TO package, but regretably ended up with one without TO. (A very long and sad story, not a good first experience with Toyota.) Anyway, there is a black plastic cover about 18" X 10" underneath the vehicle below the spare tire well. It is easily removed, held in place by 4 nuts. I think I used 10 mm socket on them. Once the cover was removed, I found a four pin connector coming off a larger wire loom. I SUSPECT this is the trailer wire connector. However, when I checked them for voltage for tailights, etc., all four pins were dead. I again SUSPECT this would work if the vehicle was equipped with TO. Then, inside the spare tire well, I found a ten pin connector. I SUSPECT this is where the converter plugs in, which is provided with the TO package. I am going to take a look at another HL this weekend at our local dealer that has TO to attempt to verify this. As with any electrical activity, it is important to understand for sure what one is doing before connecting anything, even if it is something as simple as trailer wiring.
  • svtcobraconvsvtcobraconv Member Posts: 85
    One other thing... My wife and I were both highly impressed with the fit, finish, and attention to detail on our HL. Everything seemed perfectly in place, right down to plugs and grommets UNDERNEATH the vehicle. Gives you confidence in the way it was manufactured.
  • cmcardlecmcardle Member Posts: 71
    As I understand it, if you have the 4 pin connector underneath, you have the tow prep. That's where the harness connects. For some reason, Toyota doesn't provide the fuse that "activates" the trailer wiring. Check the fuse box under the hood, and you'll find that you need to provide the fuse (my wiring harness came with a 20).
  • raddboy41raddboy41 Member Posts: 249
    When you get the wiring harness from ToyotaGuys, you'll notice a small blade fuse that inserts into the main fusebox in the engine compartment. I believe it is identified as "TOW". This will provide 12VDC to the wiring connector.
  • svtcobraconvsvtcobraconv Member Posts: 85
    Thanks for the tips. Will check out the fusebox.
    BTW, I definitely do not have TO (tow prep). As it is more cost-effective to have just one harness assembly for all applications, my guess is that all Highlanders have the same harness, and probably the connector.
  • pdalpsherpdalpsher Member Posts: 136
    Last weekend I took my first real highway trip since purchasing my HL late last summer (V6 FWD). I ventured into the D.C. metro area from central Virginia (I-95 & I-495). I averaged 23 mpg in a mix of driving. I had 2 miles on the tank when I left and bought gas first thing after I returned home.

    On the open road I traveled between 65-70 but due to accidents and road construction it wasn't a 'pure' highway experience in either direction. Also included a trip from Tyson's corner to Silver Spring at 5 pm. Once I had arrived, I was driving for most of our numerous shopping and dining excursions (3-4 adults) around D.C.

    I figure on vacation later this summer I'll get a bit better than 23 on less busy interstates. I've been getting 20-22 in mixed driving at home and my HL is rated at 19/23 so I'm right on the money.
  • dkynordkynor Member Posts: 8
    Hi,

    I'm afraid that you will have trouble finding a non-Limited Highlander with VSC and the side airbags. They are around, but very rare. I have just been through a similar search and am preparing to place a special order with Toyota.

    I am in New England so there could be regional differences, but I doubt it.
  • sunshine60105sunshine60105 Member Posts: 129
    I am going to test drive the Highlander probably tomorrow and was looking at the safety feature page for the Highlander....
    It's says that the side airbag is optional and the other airbag is depowered? What does that mean exactly... Do they activate when you purchase the truck? Aren't all airbags activated at all times or no? Could someone please explain this to me? Any explanation will be appreciated...
    Thanks!
    Sunshine60105 :)
  • retropiaretropia Member Posts: 41
    When airbags were originally developed, the government insisted they be designed to protect an average-sized adult male who wasn't wearing a seat belt. These were so powerful, that they could (and did) decapitate children and small adults.

    If I remember right, the govt. now allows manufacturers to reduce the explosive charge of airbags (hence "depowered") to make them safer for smaller folk. Some manufacturers have weight sensors in the seat that automatically adjust the level of charge.

    The main reason for adjustable gas and brake pedals (available on a number of Fords) is so that small drivers can move their seat back further, so that they're not right on top of the airbag.
  • robnaorobnao Member Posts: 29
    I just picked up (3 days ago) my new Limited with no sun roof, which is impossible to find here in SoCal. To get exactly what I wanted I did a factory order, it took 4 months which seems to be the norm from what I have read on this board. You might want to look at this option, but also from reading this board there seems to be a lot of dealers not willing to go through the time/trouble of doing this. As far as price, it seems to depend on your area, but $1000 over invoice is reasonable, I can't remember seeing any posts on this board for more than $1500 over invoice.
  • sunshine60105sunshine60105 Member Posts: 129
    Thank you for explaining this to me.... From what you said, all toyota did with the Airbag is adjust the charge of the airbag so small adults and children wont be hurt by the airbag. Furthermore, some manufactures have weight sensors in the seat that
    determines the weight of the person ;then, that determines the force of the airbag! Am I correct?

    Again, thanks for explaining this too me, I didn't understand this at all till you explained...
    Sunshine60105! :)
  • LDegrelleLDegrelle Member Posts: 74
    Here is my situation. Wife and I are looking for a vehicle that will tote us and soon-to-be children around. Not excited with any of the minivans except the Honda and that is too pricey. Want to stay under $25k and dont need all the fancy interior and geegaws -- its going to be a family car.

    What are my chance of finding the 2WD 4-cylinder model at any of the Toyota lots? I did a brief look around (Philadelphia, PA area) and they all leaning towards higher-end models.

    Any thoughts out there?

    Thanks!
  • john_austinjohn_austin Member Posts: 5
    Howdy yall,

    What a terrible morning!!

    I just squeezed my 1 year old Highlander's front bumper on a metal pipe
    sticking out from the sidewalk.

    Man, it looks ugly.

    Fortunately, only the right corner side of the cover was squeezed and it seems
    nothing else but the bumper cover is damaged.

    Before going to the body shop or the dealer service center,
    can anybody give me a estimated price for replacing the bumper cover including parts and labor?

    And also which will be better, a good body shop or the dealer service center?

    I hope it doesn't cost me a fortune.

    Thanks in advance.

    John.
  • retropiaretropia Member Posts: 41
    You might check out Fitzgerald Auto Mall:


    http://www.fitzmall.com/


    They have Toyota dealers in Chambersburg PA and Gaithersburg MD, both about 2-3 hours from Philly. They list all of their stock with fixed prices on their website. The MD store has a 4x2, 4-cyl. in Vintage Gold at a "delivered internet price" of $24,320, and it's decently equipped for a base model. It's got the "Quick Order" pkg, side airbags, alloys, mats and roof rack.


    Dealers prefer to sell the higher-end models, but there are more 4-cyl. 4x2s around than when they were first introduced. It may require more looking.


    When I was shopping a year ago, the Chambersburg store was willing to "preference" (an attempt to nab one that was already built but not yet delivered to any specific dealer) a Highlander at the same markup over invoice as existing models they had on their lot.

  • robsfhlrobsfhl Member Posts: 12
    Last summer someone backed into me in a parking garage and put a fist-size dent in the front bumper under the fog light. The entire front bumper cover had to be replaced and cost $1,228 ($750 for the parts alone). I just took it to a body shop my mechanic reccomended and made sure my insurance company was ok with it.
  • rapriderraprider Member Posts: 42
    please state your source, if you're gonna make a statement like this...



    btw, sunshine,


    my 2k accord exv6 has this feature...the sensor will also determine if the passenger is improperly positioned, say leaning forward or against the door (which would be in the way of the airbag, which is in the side bolster), to prohibit safe operation of the s.a.b.

    rap
  • sunshine60105sunshine60105 Member Posts: 129
    Yes, I think you are correct.... :-)
  • john_austinjohn_austin Member Posts: 5
    Thank you for the informations.

    It definitely worth a fortune for me.

    I might have to find a way to pull the squeezed part out and buy a front nose cover. ^_^

    Have a nice weekend.
  • wayne_kremerwayne_kremer Member Posts: 4
    This board is driving me crazy! I'm trying to look for all the messages about floor mats and the search just shows which board it is in...which is useless if I have to search through 5000 messages. Can anyone help out? Sorry about being off-topic....
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    Our search engine leaves a bit to be desired. Probably best to just ask about mats and someone should be able to help. Apologies....(yeah, a new search tool is on our to-do list).

    Steve
    Host
    SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
  • pdalpsherpdalpsher Member Posts: 136
    Any time-frame for the search capability?
    LOL I've seen we're working on it a few times before
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    lol, I was afraid some of you old-timers would call me on that. I quit making promises about 9 months ago.

    But really, any day now :-)

    (seriously, it has moved way up on the list since most of the other bugs from the change over to the new software have been swatted).

    Steve
    Host
    SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
  • tidestertidester Member Posts: 10,059
    Retropita is quite correct in his statements regarding the type of extremely violent injuries sustained by children caused by airbags. I recall hearing about cases in the news and a quick Google search will turn up quite a few references.



    Here's an excerpt from a medical students website:

    While they have saved lives, deaths, particularly in front-seat child pas­sengers, have been reported. These were related to inad­vertent inflation in slow-speed impacts with inflation velocity sufficient in some cases to decapitate.

    tidester
    Host
    SUVs

  • retropiaretropia Member Posts: 41
    This story was all over the news a few years back. Here are a few clips from the web.

    http://www.gwu.edu/~english/ccsc/mercogliano.htm

    From the George Washington University website: “The crash tests showed decapitation and fatality risks to children in the scenarios during which the air bag deployed. The high speed at which the air bag deployed, and the strength of the bag are a deadly combination to a child. A child whose head barely reaches the dashboard faces the bag straight on as it deploys. Decapitation is a serious possibility once the bag deploys.”

    http://www.dps.state.mn.us/trafsafe/beltsairbags/

    From the Minnesota Department of Public Safety: “Because air bags have been blamed for 146 deaths - mainly of young, unrestrained children and some shorter adults - be sure to always have children under the age of 13 ride in the back seat.”

    http://archivesearch.wtnh.com/news/ct/ct031797.html

    From WTNH/Channel 8 News in Connecticut: “Airbags . . . have contributed to death in fact . . . by way of decapitation. It’s 200-mile an hour force at explosion has proven to be too much for someone under twelve.”

    http://www.wtfd.net/pedsems.html

    From an article reprinted from EMS Village: “Children or small adults who ride in the front seat, unbelted, improperly belted or sitting too close to the dashboard are at serious risk of air bag injury. Air bag trauma is associated with facial trauma, upper extremity trauma, intra-abdominal injury, abrasions, chemical irritation of the skin or eyes, cervical spine injury, and partial or complete decapitation.”
  • niel39niel39 Member Posts: 20
    Has anyone carried a kayak on top of their HL. I have a 17' kayak and wondered what you need in addition to the stock roof rack. ie - do you have to get flat load bars and if so who makes them and how difficult to install.

    Tx
  • brad_22brad_22 Member Posts: 154
    Check out the WAAG website for their pics of the Highlander with guards. Looks great!


    They put new tires on it too.

    WAAG.COM

  • emmaemma Member Posts: 5
    I called Toyota and asked the maximum weight that could be carried on the HL roof and was told 150 lbs.
  • vadar75vadar75 Member Posts: 5
    There's a "Fuel Tank Door" indicator on the instrument panel, and is this supposed to be seen in white color if I turn on the headlight?

    I didn't notice this until today, but after I let the fuel door opened while engine is running, I didn't notice any change, so I assumed seeing the sign in white color is fine. Anyway, I just wanna check whether I'm ok with this.

    Thank you.
  • cmunizcmuniz Member Posts: 604
    It just indicates that the fuel door is on the left side of the car with that arrow in front of it. It doesn't light up if the fuel door is left opened.
  • wwestwwest Member Posts: 10,706
    Washed my RX yesterday and while washing the top I notice the roof rack is plainly labelled "75 lbs evenly distributed only". Might want to check your HL for that same label.
  • rlambertingarlambertinga Member Posts: 17
    Here's my situation:

    I am trying to get a 2WD limited V6 with leather. Here is the invoice breakdown

    BASE 26,159
    Destination 510
    additional freight
    charges, Southeast 25
    Administration charge
    Southeast Toyota 565

    LA-Leather 856
    -----
    Total invoice 28,115

    I have talked to someone from Autobytel who located a car that he can get with just leather, but he quoted 28,400 (Different from above figures - WHY?) for the invoice price and said he could sell it for 28,900. Given that we are willing to wait and factory order, is it unreasonable to think that we could bet the above car for invoice or 1% over given the holdback. Is the southeast toyo administrative charge of 565.00 legit or negotiable? Anyone else in GA with a breakdown of their purchase and suggested dealers please email Richellel@alltel.net
  • sin21856sin21856 Member Posts: 14
    Hey, I was wondering if anyone has ever tried putting a sub in the trunk space right next to the spare tire. I've been trying to find ways to upgrade my HL sound system and would like to put a sub or two in, but don't want to lose the trunk space. I was looking at the little section in the trunk right next to the spare tire (where they store the jack), and it looks like there's enough space to maybe drop a bazooka tube in there. Has anyone ever done this or something similar to it? Also, has anyone ever installed one of those subs that fit in the round area of the spare tire? That was another possibility that I came up with after looking at the space in the back. Please let me know, along with any other audio system upgrades anyone else might have done...thanks!
  • rapriderraprider Member Posts: 42
    rlambertinga:

    <<Different from above figures - WHY?)>>
    Probably better to ask Autobytel...

    <<is it unreasonable to think that we could get the above car for invoice or 1% over given the holdback.>>
    Yes, "for invoice" is unreasonable. If you look at the 'what did you pay' folder, you'll notice most folks are paying $700-1500 over invoice...supply and demand, man, it's the law!

    <<Is the southeast toyo administrative charge of 565.00 legit or negotiable?>>
    Per kbb.com, which has more comprehensive pricing info than Edmunds (sorry, but it's true):

    Southeast Toyota Administration Charge 565.00
    (Req'd in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina & South Carolina) (Cost Will Be Automatically Included in Dealer Invoice Model Price)

    I imagine if you look in the other discussion, you'll find more price-related info (noticed after posting this - oh, wait, you posted your message there, too!)

    BTW, I wish people wouldn't come in, post to this board, and then ask "please email your response to me at ...". If your question doesn't warrant answering in the forum, then it doesn't warrant asking. Just my $.02.

    Rap
  • rlambertingarlambertinga Member Posts: 17
    Thanks for your opinions. I have noticed what people have paid over invoice. I was just wondering if I factory ordered and waited 4 months if invoice price or a little over was reasonable given that the car would not sit on the lot at all. Here in my area, the highlander do sit on the lot some. As for the "please email at ....." I feel some people MAY prefer to email specifics about their purchase in GA that they would rather not display over the boards. I would rather read it on the boards: however, for those that may prefer the other way . . . thus, the email address. Again, just an explanation for my format. Again, thank you and if others want to contribute to my questions in the post #5499, please do so.
  • msjhopmsjhop Member Posts: 2
    I purchased my 2001 Highlander LTd last August, and it now has approximately 15,000 miles. Although it made me have to go to the more expensive LTD model, I felt that VSC was an important safety feature and worth the extra cost.
    This weekend while driving, the VSC, TRAC and engine warning lights came on. My local dealer simply topped off brake fluid level today, thinking that would solve the problem, but a few minutes ago the lights came on again.
    Has anyone else had this problem? Any suggestions??? I'm beginning to rethink my insistence on VSC, since this could be another sophisticated system in which numerous things could go wrong, thus necessitating untold hours spent waiting at the dealer's service dept.
  • tidestertidester Member Posts: 10,059
    If your question doesn't warrant answering in the forum, then it doesn't warrant asking

    This is not an Edmund's position - strictly personal - but I agree! If someone is too busy to interact with us, then I am just too busy to email them! :-)

    tidester
    Host
    SUVs
Sign In or Register to comment.

Helpful Tools

Most popular vehicles

Your Privacy

By accessing this website, you acknowledge that Edmunds and its third party business partners may use cookies, pixels, and similar technologies to collect information about you and your interactions with the website as described in our Privacy Statement, and you agree that your use of the website is subject to our Visitor Agreement.