Toyota Highlander

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Comments

  • sunshine60105sunshine60105 Member Posts: 129
    Nicely Said and very true! :-)
  • bojack1bojack1 Member Posts: 23
    I was reading your post (5469) and wanted to see if there was any further updates to the wiring harness & location of where to mount the plug.
    Our Highlander is without the "TO" package as well.
    Thanks
    Bo
  • nsfdbcnsfdbc Member Posts: 8
    Why doesn't the message number you enter come up. Example, if I enter 1000 I get message 963 and if I enter message 2000 I get message 1904. Is there something I'am missing or not doing right?
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    It's just the way the software works. More details here:

    pat "Lost in the Town Hall? Ask the Sedans Host for directions!" Nov 13, 2001 1:49pm

    Steve
    Host
    SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
  • sunshine60105sunshine60105 Member Posts: 129
    I want a Highlander, I want the base Highlander or perhaps you'd call it the Entry Level Highlander....
    Really all I want is leather interior and a CD.... In your opinion, do you think I can find a Highlander like this or do I have to order it the way I want it?
    I am getting a Highlander, now the only thing now is getting a good price and getting the Highlander how I want it..... Any imput will be appreciated....
    Thank you....
  • rlambertingarlambertinga Member Posts: 17
    Since this board seems busier, please allow me to post a question about pricing here also. As state earlier, we are trying to get a 2wd limited with just leather ( we can wait). It has occured to me that we could purchase in Chattanooga and possiblly avoid the extra southeast charges that apply here in GA. For those who have bought in Tennessee: are there other charges besides the destination charge. Please be specific. Is there a specific dealer that you enjoyed working with in the Chattanooga area? Are there negatives for buying in Tennessee when we live in GA that I have not thought of?
  • cliffy1cliffy1 Member Posts: 3,581
    Your dealer just topped off the brake fluid? Did they bother to check the codes? The VSC light is tied into your check engine light and a quick check by them will tell them where to look. It could be anything from a faulty sensor to a broken spark plug (I witnessed this one once). Take it back and have them actually look at it before doing something stupid like adding brake fluid.
  • rapriderraprider Member Posts: 42
    that is an interesting question...
    is the extra charge posted by the dealer? or a regional network? i wonder...
    i also wonder what is the significance of the charge itself? is it applied to cover additional shipping costs?
    it may be worth investigating your options in both states, and possibly using info as leverage against the GA dealer to absorb some of that cost.

    rap

    p.s. Tidester - Yes, I was only expressing my opinion earlier, and you know what they say about opinions ;)
  • sybelesybele Member Posts: 42
    The new Honda Pilot, due in a few months, will sit 8 people for under 30K. It will be interesting to see if Toyota decides to do anything about it.
  • cliffy1cliffy1 Member Posts: 3,581
    At about the same time, the new 4Runner will be out. It will do everything you just described plus will have a V8 engine and will actually tow larger trailers due to its frame.
  • rlambertingarlambertinga Member Posts: 17
    My understanding is in the Southeast region (GA, FL,ALA,NC, SC) there is an additional delivery charge of 535.00 added and an administration charge of 565.00 added to the cost of the invoice price (per KBB). Since Tennessee is not in the Southeastern Toyota region, I thought I could avoid these regional charges and save 1000.00. Is this possible?
  • dkynordkynor Member Posts: 8
    Hi,

    I am considering special ordering a Limited version Highlander with *cloth seats*, skid control, and side airbags. Does anyone on the board know how long this might take? I have heard a wide range of estimates from dealers.

    Thanks,

    -Dave
  • sunshine60105sunshine60105 Member Posts: 129
    Is AWD and 4 wheel Drive the same thing or is it different?
    Thanks :)
  • niel39niel39 Member Posts: 20
    I've been wanting a Highlander for several months now. Have taken 3 test drives. Toyota is not making many deals on this vehicle. Now along comes the Pilot. I read all about it. It has more horsepower and more seating and cargo room than HL with same gas milelage. Also has MDX AWD system. This is not the same as 4Runner. 4Runner is basically Rear Wheel drive just like the Pathfinder. It's only 4WD when you manually select it and so you really can't use that when driving on the highway at speeds greater than 50MPH. This is not good for people who basically drive on changing road conditions where you need a full-time AWD. 4Runner drives like a truck and is better suited for off-road then for people who want a comfortable ride and want to stay on road with medium off road capabilities. So 4Runner does not compete with the Pilot or MDX or Highlander. It seems to me the Pilot could kick some Highlander butt - and I really like the HL too. Maybe when the Pilot comes out then Toyota will be more willing to deal.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    4WD and AWD are different. Check out the Toyota 4WD systems explained discussion linked on the left (under Helpful Links).

    Steve
    Host
    SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
  • lbags48lbags48 Member Posts: 17
    dkynor,

    Where do you live? We live in the SF Bay Area. We special ordered a HL at the end of January. We've been told that our HL arrived in the US last week and is now sitting at the port in Long Beach (Southern CA). Should be trucked up to the Bay Area in the next couple of days. If this is true, we would have waited about 90 days. If you live on the East Coast, your wait may be a little longer.
  • sunshine60105sunshine60105 Member Posts: 129
    Thank you :)
  • cmunizcmuniz Member Posts: 604
    I bought my Highlander in NC from a Southeast dealer. I paid the $535 delivery, processing and handling charge, but there was no other admistrative charge. The $565 administrative charge you mentioned must be dealer specific, not region specific in the Southeast.
  • robnaorobnao Member Posts: 29
    # 5510 I don't know if they still do this or not, but in Georgia a few years ago they tried to charge me an "import tax" (I can't remember what it was actually called) when I brought in a car that was registered in another state. I was bringing in a car from Fl. and changing the registration to Ga., but because I was military I was exempt. As I remember this tax was about $300 at the time. I would call the local registration office to make sure there are no surprises waiting for you in Ga. if you go out of state to buy.
    #5516 I just recieved my factory ordered HL in about 3 1/2 months. Most of the posts I have seen here seem to run between 3-4 months. Hope these posts help.
  • sybelesybele Member Posts: 42
    I am not trying to put down the HL. On the contrary, I think it is a terrific vehicle. I own an RX300 and have enjoyed it very much. But now my needs have changed and I need a 7 seater.

    While the 4R will have all the virtues you described above, it is in a different category. Toyota needs to add a third seat to the HL and/or redesigned RX to be competitive.
  • sbell4sbell4 Member Posts: 446
    All Toyota vehicles in the United States will have destination and some form of TDA or advertising charge added to the vehicle's invoice.

    Southeast Toyota and Gulf states Toyota has a $25.00 additional freight charge (not an additional $535.00).

    The SET admin fee is legitimate and it is $565.00 but no other advertising fees or such is added on top of that figure. Members on this board will tell you that their region will add fees to their invoice and it will equal if not exceed $565.00

    "Port installed Options" are OPTIONS and are OPTIONAL!! If you do not want any added accessories it is really no big deal at all. If you like, there are many OPTIONS available to choose from that the rest of the country does not have a choice about.

    If you like, base your decision off of the "out the door price" alone. It shouldn't matter if a fee is called "admin","advertising" or anything else.
  • cliffy1cliffy1 Member Posts: 3,581
    I think both of you may misunderstand the Runner's 4WD system. It is NOT a conventional part time system and can be left engaged all the time. Take a look at the topic "Toyota 4WD Systems Explained" and you will see what I mean. The Highlander will continue to have a niche for drivers who don't want a minivan but want more utility than a car. The new Runner (as opposed to the current one) will address those who want 7 passenger seating but not the size of a Sequoia.

    Aint America great? All these choices!
  • ssufldhckyssufldhcky Member Posts: 16
    Niel39.. I can guarantee that you won't be able to get the Honda Pilot for under the sticker price when it comes out. I just went through this with the new Honda CRV. Most dealers
    were selling them for over MSRP for the first 3/4 months. They forced me to the Highlander.
    I'm glad they did.
  • sybelesybele Member Posts: 42
    The 4WD system of the 4R is a different issue than the one at hand. Please correct me if I am wrong but I believe the 4R will continue to be a truck, and as such, it won't be as attractive to the people looking for a car based SUV. Assuming that this is true, Toyota doesn't have a car-based SUV capable of carrying 7 people. This is dissapointing since I would much rather buy a Toyota/Lexus than a Honda.
  • dkynordkynor Member Posts: 8
    I live in New England. 90 days doesn't sound too bad.
  • niel39niel39 Member Posts: 20
    sybele - it sounds like the next gen 4R will be bigger than the current one which is a truck and drives like one. So it seems the next gen will also be a truck or at least handle like one. I did test drive an MDX. It drove very nicely but I think I like the Highlander better. Also I parked next to an MDX today and it is huge. The Pilot is supposed to be even bigger so who can imagine that. As to why the MDX and Highlander feel more like a car even though they are bigger than the 4R I think is because they have less ground clearance and the chasis sits lower.

    cliffy - I'll take a look at the topic but if the 4R is like the Pathfinder auto mode than it operates as a Rear-wheel drive until the system senses slip. In my mind you could already be in the ditch by the time it is able to react. Rear-wheel drive is clearly the worst for snowy slippery road conditions and I believe there are many people who buy these vehicles thinking they are going to get better on-road capabilities when they are really getting worse than plain old front wheel drive. What they really need is full-time AWD. I believe the full-time 4WD are best for off-road. Just my 2 cents. Thanks,
  • tfierro1tfierro1 Member Posts: 5
    I'm currently shopping a highlander and have been to a few dealers. I noticed that the invoice which is given on the edmunds site does not match that which dealers are showing me. Is this due to TDA? IN addition, when people are saying that they are paying $800 over invoice, which of the two invoices are they referring to. Also, has anyone added the Wood dash kit from Superior Dash to a non-limited highlander? I'm wondering how it looks in comparison to the one on the limited. Thanks very much!
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    The invoice should be base plus destination charge ($510) and then advertising charges (usually 1 to 3%) are added to that. That should be "the" invoice. Then add options and whatever the dealer sticks on for taxes, title & license fees or other fees (regional charges or the infamous ADM - additional dealer markup).

    Sound about right to you Cliffy1, Sbell4? I must have missed something :-)

    btw, I always find it more helpful if folks just say what they paid for the car - $100 under MSRP or $100 over invoice covers a lot of variables.

    Steve
    Host
    SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
  • paulekpaulek Member Posts: 16
    I live just north Of Baltimore Md and I placed my factory order on Novenber 28, 2001.The order was accepted by the Mid Atlantic Toyota Assn. on 12/15/2001. It arrived at the Port of Baltimore on 4/1/2002, my dealer received it on 4/09/2002. I picked it up from the dealer on 4/11/2002. I think to expect delivery in 90 days is too optimistic. Add at least another 45 days, depending on the number of port instaled options to be added, and how far your order has to trucked from your local port of entry.
  • paulekpaulek Member Posts: 16
    I just picked my Highlander up and paid $750 over KBB invoice which DOES NOT include any TDA charges, but did include freight charges. The TDA charges and profit margin equaled $750.
  • juan9juan9 Member Posts: 3
    I agree with the others..why report $300 over invoice etc...why not just tell us what you paid..otherwise the info is not so helpful..If you don't want to share the info OK..but why should we play games on here..this is for information to be shared..my 3 cents..thanks all..I am currently looking for a highlander but may wait until next year..2003 any different?
  • cmunizcmuniz Member Posts: 604
    Re your post 5525: I have my wiindow sticker in front of me and it show the following:

    Mfr suggested retail price = $30,795
    Optional equipment = $360
    Delivery, processing & handling fee = $535

    Total for the left side of the sticker = $31,609

    Added to that on the right side of the sticker are:

    Distributor's installed options = $1,083
    Destination fuel charge =$2.25

    Grand total = $32,775.25

    On the bill of sale they added tax & license to the above price. Where is the advertising fee listed? Is it part of the mfr suggested price? If not, it is not listed on any documents that I got and I didn't pay it.
  • andrec8513andrec8513 Member Posts: 16
    Dont want to burst your bubble, but the mdx and pilot only have a reactive awd system. Most of the time, these vehicles only drive via the front wheels, and the awd system only reacts to poor conditions. Also, they are not offered with VSC or traction control. The highlanders awd system is 50% to the front wheels and 50% percent to the rears, unless conditions dictate otherwise. Hope this helps...
  • emmaemma Member Posts: 5
    wwest- where on the roof rack does it state the weight limit on the lexus? I looked on the HL and couldn't find anything. Thanks.
  • locomolocomo Member Posts: 29
    ssufldhcky,
    Your right about the Pilot not being available for under sticker price. But I did put down $500(w/ credit card) for one at sticker, with all dealer add ons at invoice. When it comes in(mid June?) I hope the Highlander comes down in price, then hopefully decide which of these vehicles to get.
    The Honda doesn't have traction control but has somewhat of a limited slip with the REAR wheels. With msjhop's problems with the VSC (and the dealer's so=called remedy) and the oil sludge deal I'm leaning towards the Pilot. Maybe it it is time to start a "Highlander vs Pilot" discussion (If one hasn't started already).
  • sbell4sbell4 Member Posts: 446
    Yes sir, you are absolutely correct about your window sticker. Advertising, TDA fees, admin fees etc. will be listed on the invoice not on the window sticker. I see you live in NC so it may also list FP40 (which is the inspection or PDI) and UF60 which says full tank of gas no charge. The inspection has a cost of 27.00 and the 6 gallons of gas that is in the vehcile when it arrives at the dealer costs 12.27 plus the fuel surcharge of 2.25 (you must have bought yours a few months ago when gas prices where higher than now. The surcharge is 1.15 now).
  • wwestwwest Member Posts: 10,706
    My RX300 roof rack weight limit label was on the top of the rear crossbar on the driver's side end.
  • rapriderraprider Member Posts: 42


    according to kbb.com, there is a regional fee, in some cases, and appears to be in addition to dest (fixed at 510), and tda (which will vary)...



    this is true, per the Pilot board...fwiw...



    i thought it was 55/45, but no biggie...

    rap
  • wwestwwest Member Posts: 10,706
    The HL uses exactly the same AWD setup as the RX300 and the RX300 normal torque distribution is about 90/10 F/R and in the worse traction condition only rises to about 75/25 F/R. As measured via shade tree techniques and then verified on a 4 wheel dyno.

    That's why the torque steer in an accelerating tight turn is so horrid in these vehicles.

    Oh, it likely is 50/50 as long as both front and rear have equal traction coefficients (in which case no one gives a damn), that's the way three open diff'l will work.
  • niel39niel39 Member Posts: 20
    According to everything I've read the Highlander splits the torque 50/50 from front to rear or 25% each tire. I"ve seen this in several different places including the following.

    I quote from Edmund's review
    "The Highlander comes in both two-wheel- and four-wheel-drive
    configurations. Similar to the RAV4's and Lexus RX 300's, the 4WD
    system applies a 50/50 torque split between the front and rear
    wheels on a full-time basis. In the event of tire slippage, torque is
    automatically applied to whichever wheel needs traction."

    So your statement contradicts what is being written in the trade rags.
  • wwestwwest Member Posts: 10,706
    If traction is equal on all wheels/tires then each will get 25% of the available torque. This will be true even if on hard slick ice and all four wheels spin freely. Equal traction, equal torque, all three diff'l are of the open type.

    There is a viscous coupling mounted across the two output drive shafts of the center diff'l. With disparate turning rates of these two shafts, unequal traction F/R, the viscous coupling will evenually stiffen (after hundreds of milliseconds) and partially "lock" the center diff'l.

    Even then, if, say, the front wheels are on ice and those wheels are spinning freely, that limits the level of torque that can be delivered to the rear wheels, and vice versa.

    Lexus is free to say, quite truthfully, that the torque split is 50/50 F/R, because that is absolutely true as long as both ends have equal roadbed traction.

    But we all buy and own SUVs, at least most of us, for circumstances wherein equal traction is not available, and that is exactly where the RX and the HL fails us.

    I don't know enough about the mechanical aspects of either to be able to tell you why the RX and HL systems come out to be 90/10 F/R in the "short" term, and only 75/25 F/R with unequal traction, but I have proven that to my own satisfaction using home grown techniques and because many on the RX thread questioned my results I took the vehicle to a 4 wheel dyno shop and confirmed these ratios.
  • camrycoupecamrycoupe Member Posts: 8
    I am looking at purchasing an AWD Highlander for improved safety in winter weather conditions. I will be driving in snow (Northeast winter storms) and some ice. Would I do better to get the LSD or the VSC? I drive on twisty country roads with some moderate hills. I don't do off road four wheel driving so the AWD is just to help cope with the snow.
    Thanks
  • wwestwwest Member Posts: 10,706
    Neither the HL nor the RX is the type of AWD SUV I would be willing to trust driving any distance in low traction conditions.

    It would help tremendously if one could use snowchains in these conditions but becuase of the VERY tight suspension/tire clearance rear chains cannot be used and while T/L recommeds chains ONLY on the front they readily admit that in low traction circumstances more traction on the front versus the rear can be extremely hazardous.

    IMMHO the X5 is the very best of this lot and the ML320 comes in second.
  • rlambertingarlambertinga Member Posts: 17
    As stated on an earlier post, could some of you outside of the Southeast Toyota region and Gulf state region, please give me a breakdown of your purchase cost including destination (510.00 ?) and any other administrative, advertisting fee, or others fees. I am trying to see if it is worth buying in Tennessee rather than GA. Thank you so much for the input on these boards, I have really learned a lot.
  • lbags48lbags48 Member Posts: 17
    We live in CA, but here's a breakdown on what we're paying for our V6 non-limited:

    Base - $22,658.00
    Dest. 510.00
    TDA 438.00

    AG 728.00
    CQ 256.00
    DR 176.00
    UZ 0.00
    CF 109.00
    VD 559.00
    WL 34.00
    Gasoline 6.00
    Total 25,474.00

    We special ordered our HL, and we're paying $1000.00 over the above amount, plus tax, title and license.
  • ctyrseckctyrseck Member Posts: 1
    I am ordering a Limited w/o the leather and moon-roof.

    The dealer took out a loaded HL Limited invoice and we worked backwards to agree on a price and then factory order.

    I saw that when listing the various gauges on the invoice, it mentioned "O/S temp". I looked up the Toyota site and others and couldn't find any reference to an outside temp gauge.

    Since I can not find any HL limited's in stock around my area of Connecticut, I was hoping a limited owner can shed some light on this.

    Thx......
  • gwkisergwkiser Member Posts: 326
    This function is one of several that are on the digital display for the a/c control (located top/center of the dash). Other functions include avg mph, active mpg, avg mpg, and auto a/c temp set.

    Good luck.
  • cmcardlecmcardle Member Posts: 71
    From what I have heard, the VSC is more beneficial to bad road conditions, and LSD is more beneficial to NO road conditions (off road).

    I'm in Wisconsin, and went from a 94 Civic sedan to an AWD Limited HL with VSC on February 1... a world of difference. My guess is that you'll have the same, very pleased reaction that I did.

    There are more hardcore trucks out there, but for crappy on-road conditions, the HL is very good and a HUGE improvement over your Camry, or my Civic.
  • wwestwwest Member Posts: 10,706
    Toyota's version of VSC includes a "virtual" LSD (once called TRAC), which IMMHO is much better than a real, mechanical, LSD. VSC will apply the brakes to an opposite side spinning wheel forcing the available torque on that axle to be more evenly distributed.

    When LSD was first introduced, in volume, in the early sixties those of us living in Montana, or Montana-like winter climates, considered it a godsend.

    Granted, the HL, or the RX, is a HUGE improvement over any 2WD vehicle. But then the ML320 is a GIANT (how high can you see?) improvement over a predominately FWD HL or RX that is marketed as AWD. And if you can afford it the X5 3.0 is the very best of the lot.

    Maybe next year we can put snowchains on the rear?
  • llofgrenllofgren Member Posts: 129
    I have a "bare bones" HL V6 AWD.....no VSC. I live in central Minnesota and have had ample opportunity this past winter (and spring!) to use the AWD function of the HL. It is amazing. I could not get the vehicle stuck or to hang up even when purposely driving into 2 foot drifts. I just have the stock tires. The only traction problem I noticed was acclerating while turning....then I would get some fishtail. But if you just turned normally it was fine. I think the AWD version would serve well for what you describe....icey roads, hills and turns (just be sane). My big concern was the ground clearance and traction, but in real world driving in poor conditions, it is an outstanding vehicle. My $.02
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