Toyota Highlander

subzero206 · May 2002

u can try hids4less.com they are straight plug and play type but maybe a little pricey unless u get a groupbuy or something. many MDX owners get their h.i.d.s from there and are very satisfied.

cliffy1 · May 2002

I recently bought some super white bulbs for my Tundra. They are GE and they claim to be legal and are not that annoying blue color. They only last about a year but are cheap. I don't know if they are quite as good as a true HID but they are certainly an improvement over conventional halogens. Cost was something like $10 each and installation took 5 minutes.

karen_tn · May 2002

Where are you coming up with 10,000 difference in the Highlander and RX300? I considered both last fall. There was only $3,000 difference between the fully loaded versions. I liked the style, "feel" and warranty better in the RX300. The dealers weren't coming off sticker much at all on the HIghlander at that time. When I could get 3000-4000 off MSRP on the RX300 then the RX was the better deal.

dawgcar · May 2002

I have a 02 highlander v6 that I have had for over a month now. I find a smooth transition while accerlating and no engine vibration at all. I have been very happy with the car and what it can carry and haul.

bigorange30 · May 2002

I found the same when I bought my QX4. The difference between it and the Pathfinder LE fully loaded was only about $2500 and I got 2.9% financing on 5 years. I also looked at the Highlander but as you said they were not offering any good interest rate or cash back. The payment ended up being about the same so I went for the Luxury class and service. My wife just did not like the RX300 because it just looked like a tall station wagon to her.

gwkiser · May 2002

87 octane Regular.

ltw1 · May 2002

Just thought I would pass this along. I bought my HL LTD at Del and had an auto start put on it. I just had that upgraded and we found a problem with some of the others that may have been done. So if you bought your HL at Del and had an auto start added make sure that your lights work correctly.

hsvillage · May 2002

We looked at both vehicles and would have been very happy with either. The main difference was styling, options and dealership. The RX definitely has the edge in styling, it looks sporty and stands out in a crowd. But all the RXs we looked at were fully dressed out- sun roof,6 CD changer, leather etc. The HL came in numerous configurations, 4 cylinder, w/cloth, leather, 2 WD, 4 WD and so on. We didnt want a sunroof ( cuts down on headroom) or 6 CD changer (wipes out the glove box),leather or NAV system. While I think the RX is worth the money I dont think an oil change is worth $80, and that is what the only Lexus dealer in AR charges. Our 2001 Highlander is larger inside, but not as nicely appointed, has the options we wanted (4WD,6cy,16" wheels & cloth seats) and cost ~ $7K less than the RX300s. I still get a twinge when I see one go by because they do look so good, but I would make the same decision again because this is the best vehicle I've ever owned.

roadrunner70 · May 2002

i have been on this board since the begining and to howardb1, I posed a similar question on this board after I bought a 2002 hl ltd 2wd in dec. 01.

I have not driven an rx, but I am not impressed with the feel of the engine at idle nor upon acceleration. I have driven other hls, and find them to be about the same, some a little more, some a little less. My 94 intrepid with the 3.5 engine is much smoother.

When the car went in for its first, and hopefully only warranty work (the front end was out of alignment and the steering wheel was not centered from the time we took delivery) the vibration was looked at and npf,(no problem found). Forget about it and enjoy the car.

While on the board, some observations about the car after about 6 months. overall good, some small complaints - only prop rod for hood, no light under the hood, radio impossible to read during the day, paint job seems a little "thin", vehicle overpriced, even at invoice. My first Toyota, and maybe my last. Dealer service very good. Vehicle tows well within rated capacity. Hopefully, reliability is up to the Toyota reputation, as that will make it worth while.

By the way, I recently test drove the Toyota Sequia, and the tranmission shifts were not smooth, and overall I didn't like the way the vehicle felt. I have test driven Tahoes and Surbubans, and like them much better.

dniehus · May 2002

I also preferred the styling of the RX300, but bought the HL instead for 3 reasons: (1) a few thousand less (I bought a Limited with all options), (2) larger, particularly the cargo area which has a more functional layout (the curves are visually nice on the HL but make it more difficult to haul stuff), and (3) most importantly, the prices for service at the Lexus dealer are highway robbery! I strongly advise potential buyers to look at lifetime ownership costs. It's not just the difference in oil changes as hsvillage, but also HUGE differences in routine service costs (e.g., I hope my memory is correct, but generally in this ballpark -- 30,000 service: HL $400, RX $1200; unless I'm missing something, basically doing the same work but charging 3 times as much. What is the rationale for this other than they think they can get away with it?)

Don

jimxo · May 2002

Purchase our 01 pre-driven 4x2 in Dec of 01. I was ready to buy the HL, but my wife really wanted the RX and so did I but we could not afford the RX at 40k. Luckily I found our RX on Autotrader.com that had every option we wanted. Not easy to get a used car with all the equipment you wish for. Only draw back was I had to fly to Oklahoma city to pick it up and drive it 12 hours back to Chicago. So $140.00 one way ticket and a day off work was worth it.

I paid $31,500 for a car that was in mint condition and custom order White/Black leather, wood leather steering wheel, HID, premium package plus and heated seats w/memory with 14,000 miles.

The HL is not any less of a car and I would have been greatful to own one, but sometimes the better deal can be had when you cross shop the HL and RX (pre-driven).

The car now has 20k miles and rides smooth as glass. Oil changes at Lexus run $35.00 and you cant beat the great Lexus experience.

If I were looking for a new suv today I would most likely wait for the redesign Toyota 4Runner (03) Yeah baby!

Go Toyota

robert_ca · May 2002

"Paint job seems a little "thin". My bluestone paint is extremely thin; after a few months of use I already have a number of paint chips on the front part of the hood, so I can only imagine what it will look like after a few years. Overall I am pleased with the vehicle except for the poor paint treatment.

dcms1 · May 2002

OK, now that I have solved my hitch dilemma, how about recommendations for a hitch-mounted bike rack. There are SO many options out there and I'm not at all certain what I ought to be looking for in terms of features. I know you all will have some opinions!

lott42 · May 2002

I bought a 2" Thule Expressway Hitch rack. I paid 230 over the internet. It works fine so far(I've had 3 months). No problems so far. Probable not the best rack but it does the job for me.

Larry

kazoo3 · May 2002

I did a lot of research on hitch racks and ended up purchasing a Sportworks Mod Series rack. You can check them out at www.sportworks.com. They are rock solid racks and very easy to use - takes about 1 minute to load two bikes. The Mod Series lets you haul 1, 2, or 3 bikes. The original TranSport Series rack is good for 2 or 4 bikes. Bicycling Magazine gave it their highest rating as did www.mtbreview.com. The hitch pin threads into the rack and keeps it very rigid. Cost for a two bike setup is between $250-$300 depending on what and where you purchase it. Definately worth checking out!

svtcobraconv · May 2002

I also wanted to put a Class II receiver on our HL. My reason would be that the Class II would be less obtrusive and weigh less than the Class III. I know the Hidden Hitch Class III is a round tube unit and looks decent, but if the 90647, even as square tube unit, is not as obvious I would rather install that one.

axelsenus, are you happy with the way the 90647 looks? Do you think it is less noticeable than the 70777?

svtcobraconv · May 2002

We have about 1200 miles on our V6 2wd HL. The V6 has been smooth as glass.

A little dissapointed with the MPG, but not unexpected per posts here. First checked fill was 20 MPG, second 21 MPG, third 21.25 MPG. This is strictly highway driving. I hope it continues to improve.

I think the HL is geared too low, even the V6 2WD which is the highest ratio of the four combos. Really no need to turn the RPM's it is at highway speeds. Toyota could have geared them a bit higher yet at least on the 2WD units.

silverhlltd · May 2002

I agree. Even with my 5 percent larger wheels, it is revving way to much at highway speeds.

But I think Toyota did it that way for several reasons, among them to give it the feeling of having more power and responsiveness when in overdrive at higher speeds. I think mine will go faster in third gear than in overdrive.

nhnewbie · May 2002

I am going to be buying a 2002 Highlander and live in the hills of NH. For winter driving, since I can only pick one, LSD and VSC, which one should I get?

ateixeira · May 2002

I'd choose VSC, because it manages both axles, not to mention it includes stability control on top of the traction control.

The LSD manages only one axle.

-juice

axelsenus · May 2002

Hey svtcobraconv, the answer to your questions are yes & yes Less visible and comes with everything. Hitch pin,Tow Bar and hitch cover. The only thing you need to buy is 2" ball. The only thing I tow is a 18' boat and the class 2 works out just fine. I don't have a bicycle so I guess thats why I don't need a class 3. Just thought I would pull a chain or two. Gene in Martinez, CA.

foghorn48 · May 2002

I agree w/ ateixeira. No question about it, go w/ the VSC/TRAC option. Actually what you are really interested is LSD vs the TRAC traction control system. The VSC counters over/understeer thru directional/speed sensors and selective brake application. The TRAC system selectively applies the brakes to spinning wheels in a limited traction situation(as in mud/snow/ice etc..), which sends power, otherwise lost, to wheels that still have traction. This is much better than a LSD.

cca651 · May 2002

Just returned from the dealership where I put down a deposit on a non-limited Highlander (which should come in next week). Anyway, I feel like I've been spun in a centrifuge then shot out of a cannon. The next decision is whether to add the 'paint sealant' for $189 and the fabric guard for $129.

I think the cloth seats on the Highlander require some kind of protection but have no idea if the dealer protection is any better than what I could do myself with some Scotchguard.

As for the pain sealant (er, *paint* sealant), it seems like a good idea in theory (my Highlander will be 'Indigo Ink' in color if that makes a difference)...but is the price quoted reasonable?

Sorry about the mundane questions. Oh, is dealer rustproofing *ever* worth it? The nice blonde woman they sent out after the salesguy was finished with me thought it quite essential.

Thanks for any input!

ray98 · May 2002

Why does toyota even offer a LSD option if VSC is superior?

howardb1 · May 2002

Thanks for your input roadrunner70, I'm taking it to the dealer for roadtest with the shop foreman.
It should prove interesting as my experience tells me it may be a motor mount. Granted, these vehicles use electronic motor mounts that adjust with RPM; one could be defective. I hope for the best. Also, I read one of your early comments and am surprised that no other owner has experienced this, as I have test driven 3 other HLs at different dealers only to find that 2 of them had the same harshness. Ridiculous for $30K and up.

skyreb · May 2002

I am grateful to say that I have driven my HL with my most critical attention directed towards "roughness." None!! it is perfectly smooth .... even smoother than my Acura (it is a 1992 model).

I certainly hope the dealer can resolve the problem for you. The HL is the quitest, smoothest vehicle I have even driven, and everyone should enjoy that feeling.

Happy HL'ing to all.

roadrunner70 · May 2002

to howardb1,
following up, i don't think its the engine,but it might be a bad motor mount. I have noticed that it varies somewhat, from almost not discernable to noticable at idle. It also depends if the a/c is on or not. To me, its most noticable upon acceleration. Also, several test reports on the hl mentioned the exhaust "growl", which could be adding to the feel upon acceleration.

please post the outcome of your service visit, as i would like to know if perhaps your dealer agrees its there, and what the fix is.

Again, i wouldn't be surprised if there is an offending motor mount. But, i clearly felt the same thing in other hls which i test drove, as recently as three weeks ago.

thanks.

ssufldhcky · May 2002

My thoughts... I don't know about the paint sealant. The fabric guard you can do yourself with Scotchguard. Everything you read about dealer rust proofing says it's just a money maker for the dealer.

svtcobraconv · May 2002

IMO, both of these are a waste of money. I never opt for these when buying a new car. No matter if I've owned the vehicle for short or long term, I've never regreted not buying any type of dealer-installed protection.

foghorn48 · May 2002

I don't work for Toyota, but my guess would be money. The LSD is cheaper and much simpler. While the VSC/TRAC system is vastly superior a LSD does offer a little traction help when there is slippage.

stuartc · May 2002

Hi:

Just wondering if any of you considered the VW Passat Wagon while considering your Highlander.

I was pretty set in my mind to go with the Highlander when I saw a Passat Wagon on the road.
I did some internet research and it looks like it might meet my needs better than the Highlander, though it seems to cost a bit more. My petite wife likes the lower-to-the ground stance of the VW in particular. (I wish Toyota made an AWD station wagon! I'm a Toyota loyalist, but they don't seem to make the one niche vehicle we're interested in.)

Anyway, while I'm still doing my homework on the Passat Wagon, I was wondering if any of you had taken a close look at it vs. the Highlander and what your take is.

Thanks for any input.

- Stuart

cca651 · May 2002

Thanks for the responses regarding the dealer add-ons!

Stuart, I too cross-shopped the Passat. I think it's a great car but I ended up going for the Highlander in the hopes that it will win in the reliability dept. The Passat was great fun to drive and I would be happy with either vehicle, but I'm banking on Toyota quality...

brupop · May 2002

I was pretty much set on the Passat Wagon when I checked out the HL. Test driving the Passat was great; I started getting second thoughts after researching via discussion groups on VWVortex and ClubB5. The quality problems were real(not just buffeting sound from rear windows) and numerous(tie rods, windshields, electrical,etc). I knew I didn't want a typical SUV. Long story short, got the HL LTD AWD last Oct. and love it.
Greg

silverhlltd · May 2002

We left the VW dealer when they lowballed us by about 4 grand on our 750iL trade-in, and only went to check out the HL for my wife's soon to be son-in-law. I didn't know squat about the HL, in fact hadn't even heard of them, but guess what? Went home that night with our SilverHLLTD . . that's how impressed we were. And I've not been sorry since.

I don't think the VW can compare to the HL in any way. Stick with the big 'T' and you'll not be sorry either.

dniehus · May 2002

I cross shopped the spring of 2001. At that time VW was offering a rather pathetic 24 month warranty program. When I found out about that, I totally lost interest in VW products. I figured if they wouldn't stand behind their product why should I buy it? I made it clear to the dealer that's why I wouldn't buy a VW. He admitted that they lost tons of sales because of that. I understand that VW has finally come to their senses and is now offering a more standard 36 month warranty. Otherwise I might have given the Passat more consideration. However, I agree that the vehicle was over priced (aren't most VW's and Audi's a bit aggressively priced?). I've been very happy with the HL. You're probably aware that VW is coming out with an SUV "soon". (Fall??) You may want to check that out if your timeframe permits.

csholst03 · May 2002

Purchased a 2002 Highlander limited 2wd about a month ago. Wife is the main driver and she loves it, and has no issues. I think it is pretty good too, but the tires are out of balance when we picked it up, of course she doesn't notice it. That is about the only gripe that needs attention.

Other points of interest, I bought it at invoice, according to Kelley Blue Book, the dealer kept the holdback. I looked a lot for a class II trailer hitch, dealer has a class III, and found the best deal at etrailer.com for about $90. It is draw tight brand and installed OK. The bolt holes were about one third of a hold diameter off from the frame but was able to flex it into place with out much trouble. It is low and well tucked under the bumper so it is not intrusive at all.

Southeast Toyota tends to put on what they call Toyo gaurd on most of their vehichles, at least the higher trim lines. This consists of paint sealant, interior sealant, undercoating and VIN etching in the glass. They charge just over $600 for this, Just under $200 from Gulf States Toyota. I think 600 is too much but may go for it at 200 as I feel the undercoating does reduce some of the interior noise from outside. Otherwise it is a lot of money for wax and scotchgaurd.

I feel the airconditioner vent on the drivers side of center is positioned so that it hits the steering wheel better than me. It seems to be slightly different in the RX300. However the air is very cold so it's not a big issue either. The passenger side front seat feels as if it is dumping you out on the floor, I wish the seat bottom was adjusted with the front portion up more. Has anyone thought of shimming with washers under the front two seat bolts in an attempt to tilt it back more??

And finally I have a 96 Avalon that I purchased new with the "1mz" engine, have changed the oil every 5000 miles and have no sludge problems. I know the HL has vvt but does that make any difference with the sludge problem? The dealer was sure to suggest about three times that I change the oil at 3000 miles because of this issue. We drive interstate miles about 15 each way to work. Anybody have comments on this??

Thanks.

paul172 · May 2002

Does anyone know if the HL 4 Cyl engine has the balance shafts design like the new CRV 4 engine?

thanks

emachine · May 2002

My wife has driven a 99 Passat wagon for the past 3 years. It is coming off lease in a few months, and we bouught a HL to replace it.

I like the passat, it has been a good car. Here are a few pros and cons compared to HL

Passat pros:

-Sporty ride, handles well. Good brakes too.
-Good visability
-gas mileage

Cons:
-Power. We had a V4. Would have DEFINITELY gone with the V6 had we gotten another pasat
-Cheapo cupholders, tire jack.
-Hard seats become uncomfortable on long trips

Highlander

Pros:

-Smooth ride for and SUV
-cargo space
-Height. This was the deciding factor for us. It is much easier to get a child into the HL because it sits up higher. Putting a kid in the Passat with its low profile was hard on my wifes back.
-better seats

Cons:

-a few blind spots
-heavier car, longer brake time

Both are good cars. We bought the Passat in 1999 because we wanted the carrying capacity of and SUV but did not want the ride of a truck. Now with the emergence of the HL and other "crossovers", we can have the SUV without the truck-like ride.

lasrer · May 2002

hi gang,

we have a 2002 hl limited with heated seats. In the cool weather we are having in the NE, i used the heating on a long trip.

I noticed that it stays on for only a few minutes and shuts off for about 10 min, at which point it comes back on.

Is this normal? Is the duty cycle adjustable by the dealer?

BTW, HL is a fantastic vehicle.

thanks!

wain · May 2002

"Granted, these vehicles use electronic motor mounts that adjust with RPM; one could be defective. "

Whats that about?????? electronic motor mounts?
True?

pdalpsher · May 2002

I have a 2001 Highlander (v6, FWD) and had an oil analysis performed with my last oil change. I posted the results in message #721 on the (now archived) Engine Sludge/Oil Gelling, Toyotas Customer Response Board. Look in Maintenance & Repair, you need to be logged in to see boards that have been archived.

My driving is similar to yours I have a 24-27 mile round trip commute that isn't stop and go unless there is something major going on. The bulk oil (Pennzoil 10-30) that the dealer used was totally shot at 2400 miles. Several knowledgeable folks commented on the results.

I'd recommend doing an oil analysis on your engine to make sure your oil is holding up for the service interval you are using. Based on the analysis I had done, I'm going to change the brand of oil and provide my own in bottles at the next change. Then I'm going to gradually lengthen the change interval based on oil analysis results. Right now I wouldn't trust the combination of this engine and the dealer's choice of bulk oil for anything over 3k miles.

I'm glad I know what my engine is doing. The dealer actually did this analysis at no charge but the cost is minimal ($25-30) to get the information I need to make sure I've got the right oil for the engine.

I still love my Highlander and appreciate Toyota developing the special policy regarding sludge/gelling. But I do recommend adjusting you service interval based on the condition of the oil as there appear to be a number of factors that may contribute to sludge in this engine.

oldstuff · May 2002

Is there anyone out there that has the 4 cylinder 2 wheel drive Highlander??? I am wondering if it would be adequate? We do not plan to tow or haul but would take it on road trips driving 70 mph freeway speeds for 500 -700 miles a couple times a year. We just cant afford a decked out Highlander and want to stick to the entry level model. any thoughts?

jrborne1 · May 2002

does anyone know if there are going to be any significant changes to 2003 highlander. is the sludge problem done with...thanks.

pdalpsher · May 2002

The board I referenced in msg 5745 had some information about some minor changes but I don't remember the specifics. The company's position is that if you follow the maintenance recommendations (and most folks fall under 'severe' conditions) you'll be OK. The change that was made was already put into production so it won't correspond with the model year but a mfg after date.

I was just trying to make the point that you've got to use a quality oil and the stuff the dealer provides, purchased in bulk barrels, probably isn't protecting this engine for the 'normal' interval. My oil's base grade (30 wt.) had dropped to 20 wt by 2400 miles. Most of those miles were not 'severe' conditions. I don't think that oil would be protecting my engine over 3k miles so I'm switching oil. The only way you are going to be able to determine your status (your oil & your driving conditions) is by doing an oil analysis. Without doing the analyisis, I'd recommend following the often repeated advice of 3k changes.

csholst03 · May 2002

Thanks for the input, I'll look into it. I'm glad you mentioned the dealer using bulk Penzoil, I would have thought they would use their Toyota Motor Oil (Does Pennzoil manufacture it for the Toyota label?)

For the record I have been using Valvoline 5w/30 with a fram filter in the 96 Avalon (now 72,000 miles). I mentioned to the dealer when I purchased the HL that I had the 1MZ engine in the Avalon too and that so far I was good with 5000 mile changes. They suggested that the 96 1MZ was not all aluminum as it is now (2002) and that is why in needs more frequent oil changes as it runs hotter. I'm not sure I buy that story as it was a sales person making the statement, but, I have not checked into it any further with a technical person.

seemomgo · May 2002

The PIO leather seat cover on the rear passenger's side has come untucked twice in 8 months. My 6 year old son sits there, but he is in a booster seat and doesn't move around.

Has anyone else had this problem, and how did you fix it? The dealer told me to take it to a leather shop they use and see if they can fix it. I really hate to let somebody mess with it without knowing what really needs to be done to solve the problem.

I'd appreciate any replies.

foghorn48 · May 2002

At 8 mos is it still under warranty? If it is then stick to your guns and get Toyota to live up to it's reputation for reliability. If it's not, well then, I suppose they have the right to send you elsewhere. Sorry if that's no help. For your next vehicle purchase, maybe there is something to the extended warranties that are available.

svtcobraconv · May 2002

We actually were going to go with a 4 cyl., but due to circumstances ended up with a V6. Anyway, a lot of people describe the 4 as "adequate", which is how we found it to be. If you are not towing or hauling much, don't live in a hilly region, and don't need to accelerate quickly frequently, the 4 cylinder should fit you needs. Just make sure you test drive both the 4 cyl. and V6 sufficiently before you decide.

spektre · May 2002

If the leather was truly PIO, it's covered by Toyota's 3/36 warranty. Make them fix it to your satisfaction!

I bought the 4cyl/2wd, and while it's no screamer, the acceleration is not much different than a typical 4cyl sedan eg. the Accord. I'm very happy with the 4, esp. for the great price I got.

gwleong · May 2002

Any suggestions as to the best / easiest way to remove the door panels on the H/L? I want to replace the speakers and eventually the head unit. I don't want to break anything and am looking for details.

Thanks in advance!

Toyota Highlander

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