Toyota Highlander

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Comments

  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    Posting links to dealers for whatever reason isn't soliciting unless the poster is getting financial gain out of the post. Absent evidence that the poster is a shill, it's ok to tell the world where you got your deal on your ride, your warranty, your tires....

    From our no-soliciting form letter:

    "You agree that, except with Edmunds.com’s prior consent, you will not solicit or promote any products or services, nor self-promote (either in your Postings or in your profiles) for personal gain within Town Hall…You agree to not promote other auto forums that provide message boards or chats."

    Steve, Host
  • gwkisergwkiser Member Posts: 326
    I recommend cliffy1's dealership. I've never bought a thing from them (or him), nor stand to gain anything financial by it, but I know cliffy to be an upstanding guy and know that you'll be treated with respect. If interested, email ME.
    gwkiser@yahoo.com (not a dealer or affiliated with Toyota USA in any way, other than being an owner of a Highlander).
  • cliffy1cliffy1 Member Posts: 3,581
    LOL!!!
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    Yeah, but you two guys belong to the same club so why should I believe you? Next you'll be touting anchor lines made in San Antonio....

    Steve, Host
  • gwkisergwkiser Member Posts: 326
    "Next you'll be touting anchor lines made in San Antonio.."
    Well, it HAS been a wet season this year!!

    Oh, and if you wanna join "our club", give us a shout!! (<=== meant as a joke, not a REAL solicitation!!)
  • sirfilesirfile Member Posts: 42
    To phrosut / Message #6652:

    Toyota utilizes VVT-i [Variable Valve Timing - Intelligent] on most engine designs. It is described as "continually optimizing valve timing over a broad range of engine speeds. It increases torque at lower speeds and horsepower at higher speeds to improve engine performance and fuel economy, as well as help reduce emissions".

    The best technical source is the HL shop manual if you want a precise description of parts and design . . sorry I can't quote the page resource. Since valve timing is controlled by the camshaft, consider that in this case, the valve timing is controlled by the computer based on operating demands.

    Hope this helps!
  • sirfilesirfile Member Posts: 42
    To phrosut / Message #6652:


    I neglected to include another link to VVT-i information:


    http://www.toyota.ee/eng/i/i01.html


    Good luck!

  • brupopbrupop Member Posts: 63
    First off, sirfile thanks for the great link to the VVT-i information.
    Now do you or anyone with the shop manuals have the location of and torque spec for the driveshaft bolt that is to be checked every 5000? miles? TIA for any help.
    GregB
  • skeetyskeety Member Posts: 1
    I have been agonozing over a used SUV purchase. I almost bought a 1999 Infiniti QX4 yesterday but Town Hall discussions indicate major resale issues and this is a vehicle I plan to keep only few years (when I believe I will have to cave and buy a minivan for my now-toddlers and their future friends and equipment!) I like the HL a lot, but dismissed it because they are so hard to find used and I didnt' really like their appearance, or the shiny stripe interior or the lack of a middle console. But, I could get over all that I suppose. Does anyone have an opinion on resale value of Toyotas in general? or the Highlander in particular?
  • 03bluestone03bluestone Member Posts: 47
    Most Toyotas have excellent resale value. Please see Consumer's Reports magazines for their recommended used cars to buy. They also rate new cars on their depreciation too.
    You can go to nadaguides.com and punch in the 2001 or 2002 Highlander to get the retail value. When I did that - I found the value had only dropped about a grand the first year on a Highlander.

    (Personally, I totaled my 4 year old RAV4 and received 62% of what I had paid new for it (from the insurance company) - based on the NADA retail value.)

    - new owner of 2003 bluestone metallic w fender flares and side air bags
  • m4ethm4eth Member Posts: 101
    Folks,

    I was driving in the HL with my wife and the door on the passenger side opened??? We were on a paved road with typical bumps, but nothing major to cause this. The door was closed but not locked and I had no indication of a door adjar (lights)????!!!! The HL is new with just 2400 miles on it...we did notice that the passenger side door is harder to shut and has been this way since day one. You must slam the door much harder than the others. I intend to take to the dealer and see what can be done. Hopefully its just a latch alignment issue and not the entire door. Any other similar experiences??...this is the 1st for me and a bad experience for a loyal and long time Toyota fan (this is my 5th Toyota over 30 years).
  • nippononlynippononly Member Posts: 12,555
    Highlander will hold its value as well as most Toyotas, which is to say, well.

    If you need that middle console, the 2002 had it standard, so skip over the '01 and look for an '02.

    2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)

  • ssillowssillow Member Posts: 3
    I need to get access through the fire wall to run an 8 guage power wire for an amplifier. Has anyone done this and where is the easy spot to go through??
  • brad_22brad_22 Member Posts: 154
    Nah, you shouldn't need spacers with the 235/70-16s.
  • landdriverlanddriver Member Posts: 607
    FYI all 2002 and later Highlanders have a center console that's integrated with the gear shift assembly; some 2001 Highlanders have a center console that's separate from the gear shift assembly or, if not, can be added for ~$200 parts plus labor. Good luck with your decision!
  • 03bluestone03bluestone Member Posts: 47
    Its fairly easy to use a screwdriver to move the edge of the rubber boot that is left of the steering wheel enough to get a wire passed through. It will go back in place too. Good luck !
  • randyr52randyr52 Member Posts: 19
    We just purchased a 2003 Highlander Limited with all options.(or so I thought). The wife has since seen a highlander with the "nerfbars" in stainless steel and wants them also. She also has found that she is missing the gentex rearview mirror she had in her Lexus RX300. Do I have to go back to the dealer for these items?? Or do you resourceful people know of some aftermarket places to get this done!!!
  • sirfilesirfile Member Posts: 42
    To brupop / Message #6663:

    The torque spec you requested for the [four] driveshaft bolts is 54 foot pounds. Hope this helps!

    Sirfile
  • 03bluestone03bluestone Member Posts: 47
    (1) performanceproducts.com has SmittyBilt Sure-Step Nerf Bars in stainless steel for $380 per pair. For additional info go to http://smittybilt.performanceproducts.com (They also come in black or chrome at lesser prices.)


    (2) What is Gentex mirror ? If these are the automatic adjusting ones they are available from Toyota or toyparts.net or toyotaparts4u.com


    Do you find the HL to be quicker than the RX300?

  • bigboy10bigboy10 Member Posts: 2
    I'm seriously thinking about getting a Highlander but was wondering what people are actually getting for gas mileage. EPA says 22 on highway.
    Does anybody actually get this or better?
    thanks,
    Bigboy10
  • skipper53skipper53 Member Posts: 12
    I just returned from an 1800 mile trip in our new Highlander. Yes, I did get 22 mpg... on one tank. The rest were consistently at 20 mpg. All interstate driving at 70-80 mph. I am hoping the mileage improves some over time, but this is about what I expected.
  • brupopbrupop Member Posts: 63
    It's our HL's one-year birthday!!
    V-6 4WD LTD, 10690 miles
    19.2 MPG average overall, with 50/50 mix city/hwy.
    On highway only trips, 70 mph, some mountains(we're in beautiful Oregon)I consistently get 22 or 23 MPG.
    Happy HLing to all.
    GregB
    PS. Thanks sirfile for the torque data.
  • tfuzztfuzz Member Posts: 93
    bigboy10: On 13 tanks of gas out of 122 fill-ups I topped 22 MPG. Average MPG over 30,269 miles is 19.105, but a few thousand of that is towing a Coleman tent trailer (including over 3 or 4 high mountain passes--the highest 10,947 feet). Lots of highway driving, not much stop and go. Lots of daily trips of 6 miles to and from work mostly at 65 MPH. This is with an '01 Limited V6 4x4 with Mobil 1 oil and using 87 octane gas normally, 91 when trailer towing. I tend to drive fast, but with easy stops and starts (but: my 18 year old son drove some of those miles and likes to goose it; my wife drove some and drives under the speed limit).

    One of these days I'll split out my gas records by local driving, out of town trips, and trailer towing and see how it averages out for each. Just off hand I'd guess I get around 21 on the highway and around 17 city (maybe 16 with the trailer?), but that is just a guess. Of course, as EPA says, your mileage may vary!

    Would I buy a Highlander again? Absolutely, although I am probably going to sell it and buy one of the new 4Runners.
  • gwleonggwleong Member Posts: 36
    I've never had the door suddenly "pop open", but I do notice the last door to be closed is always more difficult than the others due to a near air-tight condition in the H/L. Closing doors 1,2 and 3 close super easy.

    Maybe the H/L can drive under water?

    Gary
    2001 H/L V6 2WD Millennium Silver
  • pdalpsherpdalpsher Member Posts: 136
    I've been getting 21-23 mpg in mixed driving. This includes commuting (with some congestion) and errands in town. When I have more highway driving I average higher but I don't have a full tank on highway-only (not yet anyway).

    I have a 2001 V6 FWD. I'd buy it again and I've had no problems with it at all.
  • randyr52randyr52 Member Posts: 19
    Yes the gentex mirrors are the photochromatic(however it is called!?!) They darken automatically. Helps at night. As for the performance compared to the RX300.....
    I find the highlander has a faster takeoff than the RX300. It also has lighter steering(which I don't like, she does). In all, I think the highlander is 90% of the Lexus RX300 at a savings of $8000.00 to $9000.00, depending upon options.
    The ride seems very little changed and the noise level is very close to the Lexus.....Glad we decided to switch....The Lexus maintenance schedule is obscenely EXPENSIVE!!! She is VERY happy to be in the highlander group. I also have a 2002 Camry and love that car too....
    Looks like Toyota forever!! Thank you for the info. By the way, has anybody installed these "nerfbars" themselves?? Or should I let the dealer do it. From what little I have read, it is supposed to just bolt on with no drilling...Anyway, I am rambling.....Thanks
  • wwestwwest Member Posts: 10,706
    The HL needs HID.
  • lexus_addictedlexus_addicted Member Posts: 24
    Some reviews that I've read say that the new Camry platform (the 2002 redesign) in fact first appeared on the HL.
    But some other reviews say that the HL is using the old pre-2002 redesign Camry platform, just like the Lexus RX300.

    Which is correct?
  • robert_carobert_ca Member Posts: 34
    I want to replace the Integrity's on my Toyota Highlander that are less than stellar in normal conditions let alone wintry ones. My main concern is for an all-season tire that will perform well in city wintry conditions (snow, slush, ice) and will provide a quiet ride.

    I've narrowed it down to 3 choices.

    Michelin Cross Terrains
    Michelin LTX MS
    Toyo Open Country A/T

    Comments on these two brands would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

    Also, do I have to replace the Integrity spare or can it still be used in an emergency even though it would have a different tread pattern?
  • randyr52randyr52 Member Posts: 19
    The Highlander is built on the the NEW platform that the 2002 Camry rides on. It was the first to use the new platform. Then the 2002 Lexus ES300 came out on the NEW platform and then the 2002 Camry. The next RX300 will be built on an elongated version of this platform also. Coming out midyear 2003. And on it goes.............
  • lexus_addictedlexus_addicted Member Posts: 24
    IMO, Micheling CrossTerrain is the best among the choices that you've listed.
    The CrossTerrain is a breed of 4 season tires developed by Micheling specifically for SUV use.
    The Honda Pilot and Acura MDX come standard with the CrossTerrains.

    As for me, I live in Ottawa and travel to Montreal quite a lot so I've bought a genuine set of winter tires, the Michelin Arctic Alpin. Since I only got my Highlander not too long ago, I am planning to use the Integrity strictly for summer driving and let the Arctic Alpin do the winter driving work. And when the Integritys get worn down, I am planning to get a set of CrossTerrains myself.

    I was thinking about the Michelin Arctic Alpin or the Bridgestone Winter Dueler. I finally settled on the Michelin because www.tirerack.com said that the Arctic Alpin is designed for winter driving on dry pavement.

    Also I've also bought a set of genuine Toyota-made Highlander steel rims to mount the Arctic Alpins. I got those rims at a very reasonable price, 75 $CAN each plus taxes. The Toyota steel rims do not require any wheel covers because the rim is already stylized with a silver finish.
  • nippononlynippononly Member Posts: 12,555
    are quieter and more comfortable than LTX, which are cheaper to buy, and more of a truck tire for mixed surfaces and such.

    The Toyos are the most inexpensive of the bunch - I have had Toyos in the past and know they make good tires, but have not had the open country tires.

    2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)

  • 03bluestone03bluestone Member Posts: 47
    You can purchase PIAA'sExtreme White Plus bulbs from autosupermart.com They are nearly as white as the HIDs. You can also add fender flares, bull bars, nerf bars etc to sporten up a Highlander.
  • osoriobosoriob Member Posts: 44
    I have the same problem, I'm trying to decide between Pirelli scorpion S/T and the Michelin Cross terrains and Toyo Open country's

    Has anyone gone with a lower profile?
    65's or 60'S
  • m4ethm4eth Member Posts: 101
    I just replaced the Goodyear Integrities (only 2400miles) with the Michelin Cross Terrains. The Cross Terrains are a little harsher ride than the Integrities which seem to absorb the bumpes in the road and produce a more car-like ride. Have not had the opportunity to check in rain and snow yet. This is why I switched to Michelin because of the excellant report by Tire-Rack.com. to handle rain, snow and ice and dry payment...Goodyear's were rated average and I don't need to bet the vehicle nor the riders any additional trouble even though its a 4WD.
  • brad_22brad_22 Member Posts: 154
    I installed WAAG nerf bars (side steps) on my HL. They also claimed to require no drilling, but they did come with two "self-drilling" screws. : )

    It's tough to get leverage with a powerdrill while underneath the HL, but manageable if you're motivated.
  • navigator3740navigator3740 Member Posts: 279
    I've never owned a Toyota, only because they rarely appealed to me asthetically. The Highlander is different. I think it's beautiful. Must have hired a stylist from America? It's for sure it wasn't the same person who designed the Sequoia (barf).
  • rphillips2rphillips2 Member Posts: 40
    I would get the Cross Terrains. They made a huge difference in handling on my Highlander. I used to do alot of autocross, so I drive the Highlander like it is a race car. The Goodyears were terrible in dry handling and wet traction. I would hate to try and avoid an accident with the Goodyears. I can't comment on snow, since I live in the south. Pay the extra $$$$, you won't be disappointed.
  • robert_carobert_ca Member Posts: 34
    The NHTSA Highlander crash test ratings are somewhat disappointing. You would think that Toyota could have done better in the area of safety.

    Frontal
    Driver ****
    Passenger ****

    Side
    Front Seat ****
    Rear Seat *****

    Rollover ***

    As a side note, the new Honda Pilot received 5 stars across the board and I would imagine the IIHS score will be the same as the MDX best pick overall. Now there&#146;s a company that takes safety seriously.
  • wwestwwest Member Posts: 10,706
    I tried several versions of the HID lookalikes but none of them matched the outward looking visual performance of the litronics on my 996. Sylvania xenarcs come closest, they are actual HID, but don't have self-leveling nor bi-level.
  • cfu000cfu000 Member Posts: 10
    OK, I am a little bit confused about the invoice price after reading about
    ad. fee, fin. reserve, etc...... :)

    In my mind, I have break down the price to four components
    [1] the amout factory charged dealer (base + options)
    [2] regional advertise fee
    [3] financial reserve (should not this be part of the dealer holdback?)
    [4] dealer/sales profit (not include dealer holdback)

    So what is included in the "invoice price" quoted on Edmund?

    Also are there any HL owners in S.F. Bay area who recently purchased
    a V6, 2WD, NonLTD with the following (or close) options:
    AG, CQ, HE, DR, RL, BE, TO, VD, RF (most likely VD is not in your combinations),
    care to share your experience?

    Thanks.
  • cliffy1cliffy1 Member Posts: 3,581
    The Edmunds invoice includes everything except the regional advertising fee. The WFR is already included.
  • cfu000cfu000 Member Posts: 10
    Thanks.

    Any idea what the ad. fee is in NorCal & SouCal?

    I think I saw a post mentioning it is $300 in SouCal, did not see anything
    about NorCal.
  • cliffy1cliffy1 Member Posts: 3,581
    Northern CA is the highest in the country at 2.3% of invoice less holdback. Southern CA is one of the lowest in the country at 1.5% (I think) and is capped at $300.
  • scannerscanner Member Posts: 295
    Any examples of what a regional ad looks like for a HL?
  • ajsystajsyst Member Posts: 1
    I was wondering if anyone has had to deal with the rear power windows coming off the tracks?

    I own a 2001 Limited V6 AWD, 32,000 miles. Maybe two months ago, the left rear power window seized up. The switch and motor tried to work, but the window would not move (other tahn occasionally dropping 4 - 5 inches on its own while I was driving).

    A trip to the dealer indicated some of the clips had failed, causing the window to come off the track. After the parts were ordered and installed, the window has worked well.

    The last few days, I heard the right window catching on something just before it closed. Last night, bang! The right rear window is now seized up. I'll be back at the dealer Friday (I already had an appointment for the door seal problem). Because I've changed jobs, I'm at a new dealer, so he won't order parts without inspecting the window, so I'll be back again next week.

    Otherwise, I've had no problems with this vehicle in 18 months of hard driving, other than the mileage. Oh, not the gas mileage, 19.5 mpg overall according to the info center, but the fact I can't seem to stop putting miles on it!
  • wwestwwest Member Posts: 10,706
    [QUOTE]Originally posted by willwest:
    [QB]Porsche doesn't get it.

    Yes, the whole SUV craze started with the jeep, four doors, good turning radius, sit high above most traffic, sensible cargo capacity, and yes, a damn good AWD/4WD system. Off-road or on-road.

    Women were buying minivans. Men didn't like driving a minivan with a soccer mom image.

    Compromise time, a Jeep, with more of a Macho image.

    Two of the hottest sellers in this segment today, the Toyota HL and the Lexus RX, don't even have a reasonable level of on-road AWD/4WD capability for true wintertime conditions.

    The Chrysler AWD T&C is a much more capable "SUV"
    than either of these.

    Do those owners care? No, hell, most of them don't even have a clue.

    So here we have a Cayenne with true off-road capability and absolutely TREMENDOUS mud-slinging capability, just in case.

    So who cares?

    NOBODY!

    Now, give me a Cayenne with more finesse, weighing less than 2 tons, open diff'ls front and rear, the 03 4runner center torsen diff'l, PSM & A-Trac, and a nice V8 with about 240HP (or something on the order of the HL or RX V6) and I'd be one of the first ones in line to buy a Porsche SUV at their price.[/QB][/QUOTE]
  • sagmansagman Member Posts: 11
    I'm sure this has been addressed previously but I've been off the board for eight months, so I could use some help.

    Any feedback on choice of floormats for the 2002: fit, price, appearance, etc.?
  • nippononlynippononly Member Posts: 12,555
    how much "mud slinging" you gonna do with those 35-series tires on that that Cayenne?

    2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)

  • gklatvgklatv Member Posts: 35
    Husky's Floor Liners, not mats, seem to have a better fit and offer more protection. Same goes for the Cargo Liner - either Husky's or WeatherTech.
    Front Liners $70
    Rear Liners $70
    Cargo Liner $85 - $100
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