Toyota Highlander

jdlaw2 · February 2001

agomez, it looks as if you are saying that the dealer is adding Hold back and Wholesale Reserve to the cost of the car. Is this right?

If so, don't let him fool you. Hold back and W.R. are built into his invoice price (and is built into the invoice pricing found on this site). So if he is adding it on to the price of the vehicle, then he is getting paid twice for it.

On a dealers printout (we normally don't get to see these) it is spelled out specifically that these charges are built in.

6% is better than what most people are saying that they are paying, but if you do some homework you can get a better deal. I ordered a V6 FAD limited for about 2% over invoice.

dichelle · February 2001

Do you have any suggestions for getting a good deal when ordering a HL from the dealer? Sounds like you did well. I've "done my homework." Does it help to just demonstrate that you're aware of what the invoice figures are? Did you order yours anywhere near the Midwest?

Thanks for any ideas you might have.

ahossa · February 2001

Jdlaw2 : In which State are you able to buy HL at 2% over invoice other than Dianne. In NYC it's MSRP and barely a test drive.I've been trying to get a 4X4 V6 limited at around 29+ but to no avail.There's no shortage of HLs here in NYC just the dealers are holding out for MSRP. Hate to pay 34K for a HL when MDx base is 34750.

capnkirk · February 2001

Well, I did it. Picked up my new Highlander Friday night. Had a local dealer pull a Toyota print-out to verify it was manufactured for the US market. I got he V-6 Limited AWD, with FE, SR, TO, UQ, LL, EJ, CF, HP, V2 and GN options. Pretty much the package I wanted. Drove it away for $30814, plus a tip for the Governor. I might have been able to get a better deal, but this is what the salesman offered on the phone, and was better that I could get at home. The kicker was when the salesman threw in free ski passes.
The roads in northern Washington and Idaho were frightful. Lots of ice, and drivers who seemed unprepared for the conditions. The state police were advising people to stay off the roads unless you absolutely had to go out.. We headed for the local ski mountain! I must admit, in a new car, my driving was a bit timid. But, handling on the snow and ice was solid. Cant say I even noticed what the road or wind noise was.
We drove roughly 600 miles home today. Had a chance to drive in more snow and ice, wet roads, dry roads, fog, hills, lots of passing opportunities. I have to say that I am impressed with the car and completely satisfied with the deal. The AWD was awesome. I am used to 4WD, but the AWD was just so smooth, passing on packed snow at 60-65 mph. Our roads are some of the worst in the lower 48, but the road noise was negligible, and the ride was very enjoyable. The seats and controls are comfortable and well thought out, with the exception of the rear wiper. Those headlights and fog lights really light the way nicely. The biggest problem was keeping it even close to the speed limit.
The only possible con at this point is that the stereo doesnt seem to want to play the 6th CD. I may have to read the manual.
I am a happy Toyota buyer!

bironb · February 2001

CanadianDriver review of the Highlander:

http://www.canadiandriver.com/roadtest/01highlander.htm

jdlaw2 · February 2001

dichelle and ahossa, honestly I do not believe that just showing the dealer that you know the invoice price helps very much. I will tell anyone that wants to know my suggestions for getting a good deal to do exactly what I did; go to fightingchance.com. I purchased a report from them for $24 that told me exactly how to approach the dealers.

I was a little apprehensive at first to pay for the report thinking that I could get the info for free other places; however, after getting the report I realized that I hadn't seen this info anywhere else. I know it seems like a cop-out for me to send you there without telling you exactly how I made my deal, but I could not possibley give you enough info here to prepare you properly. Even if I could it would take so long that I would want $24!!!

)

It took me about three days from the time that I contacted dealers until the time that I closed my deal. This included making a three hour round trip to one dealer with a check in hand to consider his "must sell today" vehicle (decided to order one with the exact options I wanted). After this three day experience I feel like I have a masters degree in auto buying, and I will never buy another car the old way again. The 2% was not one isolated dealer, I got offers from several dealers within $500 to $750 of that 2%.

I live in the south and have to pay the Southeast Dealer fees that some of you do not have to pay. Unfortuneatly for us, we are pretty much stuck with it. The Southeast dealer fee cost about $325 and is charged to the dealer and past on to us. We also have Toyogaurd (undercoating, paint sealant, VIN window etching) added to vehicles (unless ordered diffrently) that we have to pay for. Toyogaurd is also negotiable. I am almost certain that there final cost on Toyogaurd is about $150. I think thier invoice shows about $200, but there is a holdback involved with this invoice, bringing thier actual cost down to about $150. You may have a hard time getting dealers to admit this though. If you get to see thier invoice I think that you can figure it out in the fine print.

I cannot stress enough that I would suggest getting the fightingchance info before I made any deals. Hope this helps.

lfd440 · February 2001

For the backyard mechanics could any owners tell me if changing the oil filter on a V6 is a "major task"?
Can it be reached by crawling underneath and reaching without too much trouble.
Also,is 'regular' unleaded fuel ( 87 octane) recommended for the HL or premium ( 93) ?
Thanks...

alex_huynh · February 2001

Hi, I just purchase a HighLander with options - roof rack, 8 ways power driver seat, tow prep, appearance package, privacy glass and the total was $25,000 + tax and title. Could someone tell me if this is a good deal?

Appreciated
Alex

msu79gt82 · February 2001

Need more info.
Did you get 4-cyl or 6?
Did you get 2wd or 4wd?

zemmy1 · February 2001

Anyone have an opinion as to which is better(acceptable) having AWD with the limited slip differential or the 2WD with skid + traction control?

My wife and I really like the HL but we feel the prices are too high right now. We are looking to lease and after talking to the dealer you can get a better deal on the RX300. I hope this changes in the future.

alex_huynh · February 2001

Hi, I just purchase a HighLander (V6 2WD) with options - roof rack, 8 ways power driver seat, tow prep, appearance package, privacy glass and the total was $25,000 + tax and title. Could someone tell me if this is a good deal?

Appreciated
Alex

khoaitay · February 2001

Alex. Seems like you got a very good deal for your HL. Can you share with us where and how you
negotiated to get that 25,000 figure for a V6 ?

drew_ · February 2001

You may want to read the posts in the 4WD systems vs AWD systems topic. You should be able to find the answer to your question (and more) in that topic.

Drew
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uncleoscar · February 2001

No 4x2 available in Pacific Northwest.
Where do I have to go to get one?

odalager · February 2001

Actually, that's great. I purchase one similar two weeks ago for $26,800 ($1200 off MSRP). That was the lowest the dealer would go and considered to be pretty good deal (some dealers wouldn't go below sticker). I wish I could have walked away with a V6 for $25,000.

A comment to those saying that you're better off buying an MDX. Well, yeah, give me $10,000 more and I'll be happy to get one. That's like saying if you're going to spend that much on a MDX, you might as well get a base X5. For the price, the HL is much better than the Pathfinder, Explorer, Montero Sport.

cliffy1 · February 2001

I just received an e-mail from a participant of this forum and tried to respond. It seems that AOL thinks my e-mail server is a bulk mail server and will not let me reply. This e-mail didn't include the person's name so, whoever that was, either disable the bulk mail protection or send me another e-mail with a different return address.

Barring that, I will tell you that you are getting a pretty decent deal but you may want to check with Dianne at Carson Toyota before you sign. She is in California so it should be easy to work with her.

gpolt · February 2001

I'm 6'3" and find it awkward to reach the steering wheel and controls after I've adjusted the electric seat for sufficient leg room. Also find that the front passenger seat cushion is angled forward too much (sensation that one is sliding forward off the cushion). Also find the rear seat height is uncomfortably low for anyone other than a child. Any readers share the same views?

enrfowler · February 2001

Looking to purchase Highlander in the Southeast or Gulf South region. Seems that Pensacola, FL dealer has a pretty good deal. Where can I go?

baddestbob1 · February 2001

With destination charge and equipment you noted I come up with an invoice of$24,140. Are you serious? If so I have a check in hand (Cliffy, Diane please note). What has happened to Edmunds pricing on this vehicle? Nothing on V6 2WD and no base pricing on 4WD. Drew, any info?

hutch7 · February 2001

I am considering going form a '97 Outback to a 2001.5 Passat 4Motion and am wondering what the drive is like in the Highlander. Is it really as car-like as Edmund's reviewer says? If so it would meet my needs perfectly. Plus I get the Toyota V6 which I love in my wife's Sienna.

macmac · February 2001

Odalager you said you purchased a HL 2 weeeks ago What options did you have odalager and where did you purchase your HL?

Does anybody know what the ECT is?

grplavloff · February 2001

tonychris opines: "So what's your point?"

The point is that letting a vehicle manufacturer dictate to you what tire pressure to use can be dangerous.

brian121 · February 2001

I finally got to drive both back to back last Saturday. I had been waiting anxiously to get behind the wheel of the HL and had convinced myself that this was going to be THE car. Both my wife and I could not have been more disappointed with the HL (AWD, 6 cyl, Limited). There was considerably more road noise, the interior looked very cheap (this is the worst job of fake wood I have ever seen). It just did not seem well thought through. Perhaps part of that is the lack of standard console and side air bags. The ride IS considerably better than the 4-Runner.

We went immediately to the Lexus dealer and drove the RX 300...night and day. Interior is much more classy and the ride and noise level are much better. Of course, it is more money but I keep my cars 10+ years so I try to get what I really like.

I really tried to like the HL (and the salesman is a neighbor) but I just could not. I had hoped to buy my third Toyota (my 92 Camry AL with 160K is still going great) but it will not happen with the HL. Looks like I will be looking toward my second Lexus instead.

svec7186 · February 2001

whats the deal with HL prices. about 3 weeks ago dealer at best were pricing the HL in the NY, NJ, CT area at $500 under MSRP. this week i have 1 dealer giving me $1500 over invoice and another giving me $2000 over invoice.

these prices are for a 4wd v6.

edmunds.com prices for the HL are N/A but kbb.com still has prices.

is toyota redoing prices????
are the HL not selling as well as dealers claim???

thanks

bironb · February 2001

How can a company that planned and developed a vehicle over a few years not have accessories available for the vehicle upon its release? Should the accessories not be manufactured in the same time frame?

No one at Toyota Canada has a clue as to the availability/pricing of a tonneau cover for the Cnd Highlander V6 AWD. So far it is only available as standard equipment with the Limited PKG. Unbelievable.

odalager · February 2001

See post #656 for full details.

grplavloff · February 2001

"It just did not seem well thought through. ....We went immediately to the Lexus dealer and drove the RX 300...night and day."

I think that the main thing that may have not been thought through is the pricing, but with the high dealer margin on this vehicle, there is a fair amount of slack in that area.

dianne4toyota · February 2001

...we get plenty of the 2WDs here. I posted my available Highlanders on my dealership website

http://carsontoyota.com/master_suv.html

so ya'll could see photos and equipment levels of the Highlanders, as well as the CA MSRP pricing with those features.

My cars here in SoCal do not get "VD" or "LD" at all unless I build them special, and wait 3-4 months for one. These cars are Japan-built, meaning it's a lot longer wait for a car's inception and arrival.

Dianne

dianne@earthlink.net

alex_huynh · February 2001

Yes, I did got the V6 2WD HL (metallic green) with all the options listed for $25K. The sticker price was about $28K which included options, handling fees and Toyota Guard Protection. On top of that they wanted to charge me $495 for dealership fees which I told them was [non-permissible content removed] and got them to waive it. So the total price was $25K plus tax and $99 tag transfer. If it seems like a good deal was b/c I did my homework and got lucky too. I stood my ground during the negotiation and was willing to leave if the price was not what I wanted. One thing to note and it worked for me was that tell them the maximum price you are willing to pay for the car which is $1000 less than what is really your maximum price. When everything is all said and done, you will come out less than or at most equal to what you think is a fair price you are willing to pay for the vehicle. Last thing, pick a day when sales is slow ... it really helps *** Don't negotiate price - just give them a figure ($1000 less than your real figure) and don't yield to all their trash talk ... be willing to walk away b/c at another dealership or another day you might get that figure you are asking for.

svec7186 · February 2001

i'm confused about invoice pricing. i got 2 faxs from 2 dealers showing their invoice/msrp prices.
both of them match kbb.com invoice/msrp prices.
the fee i have a problem with the "DEALER ADVERTISING".
both dealerships list it at $422 and they consider it as part of the invoice. what ever price i pay above that is considered the price over invoice. for anyone who purchased a new toyota, was "DEALER ADVERTISING" part of your invoice price?

thanks

hislander · February 2001

Alex, You haven't disclosed where and what Toyota dealer you bought your vehicle from. Name of the saleman would be helpful too...Thanks.

tonychrys · February 2001

grplavloff Feb 12, 2001 8:43pm

"The point is that letting a vehicle manufacturer dictate to you what tire pressure to use can be dangerous."

What was I thinking?! It's all clear to me now... the manufacturer designs the car and matches the tire to it that will be sold with it. So why should they know anything about the suspension dynamics and designed tire pressure for the vehicle.

And those red numbers on the tachometer... it's just decoration!

I knew all those years of engineering school were a waste, oh well.

macmac · February 2001

In your post #656 you got a 4x2 V6 with option AG,HE.With those options it does not compute the the MSRP you said. Any other option with the HL?

Alex on your post #716
What are the letter option you got (eg.AG, TO, etc...)?

Thanks

odalager · February 2001

Letter options: DR,TO,AG,CQ,HE,CF in Vintage Gold
Purchased for $26,780 from Longo Toyota (CA)
Hope this helps.

grplavloff · February 2001

"I knew all those years of engineering school were a waste, oh well."

That's your problem right there: they should have spent some time on marketing :-)

lfd440 · February 2001

To all subscribers looking to purchase a Toyota in southern CA. I have nothing but praise and admiration for her total expertise and attention that she gives to her clients that have seeked information related to purchasing a new vehicle.
She's demonstrated outright that she's the best and most highly qualified in her field.
Thank You.... Dianne!

D.L.

drew_ · February 2001

FYI, a tire manufacturer works with a vehicle manufacturer to develop a tire to match the new vehicle's specs. For example, the Firestone built the Wilderness tires to Ford's budget and specifications. It was because of stability (rollover) concerns, and the fact that Ford did not want to spend any money to change the Explorer's design to rectify the issue, that tires were inflated to 26psi as a compromise.

But, I digress...

Drew
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perque · February 2001

I purchased a highlander today via autobytel at king Toyota . Larry Caplan was great(Toyotavip@aol.com) and the price was very fair. I had done all of the research, and sure they made a few dollars , but I got a very fair and pleasant deal. I walked out of there this afternoon very happy , with no haggling, etc.. we discussed everything by phone prior, and I showed up to sign papers and pick up the vehicle. And NO, Larry did not ask me to write this post...I should be sleeping by now, as I am getting up at 530am, unfortunately, the wife is driving the highlander...I just paid for it!

Earl

grplavloff · February 2001

Drew, it looks like you and I read the same articles. I didn't see anything in them that said that a lbs inflation was part of Ford's "specifications." If that were something that was commonly done, all of us who went out to buy aftermarket tires down the road would have to worry about that along with diameter & width. But we don't. Further, I do *not* believe that the Ford Explorer is the only instance of a vehicle manufacturer manipulating tire pressure irrespective of the tire manufacturer's own parameters.

ldorman7 · February 2001

I bought a Highlander Limited last week-end at Cramer Toyota--Venice, Florida. The V-6 engine is quite strong and the car drives like a dream. The MSRP was a little over $32K, and I paid a couple of thousand less than MSRP.

skyreb · February 2001

I ordered an Ford Escape on Nov 1 after months of research. From then until a week ago, I became more and more concerned about the quality of the Escape. In addition, Ford never acknowledged the order. Finally, I called it quits. I re opened by search, and came upon the Highlander. Today I committed to purchase (the dealer must locate one here is New England where they are very popular). Tonight I read that Ford has suspended production of the up scale Escape, and I am feeling pretty good about my decision to get out of the deal. I have owned Toyota's before and know the quality.

dianne4toyota · February 2001

Good for you! I have sold a few Highlanders to others "waiting" for Escape and concerned with problems and recalls. You made a very good decision, for both resale and reliability!

Di

macmac · February 2001

Are there any other fourms out there like this?

drew_ · February 2001

Absolutely! Look at the upper left hand corner of this page. You'll see a "Select topic" list there. Click on it and you'll see the whole list of topics (ex. Sedans, Vans, SUVs, etc.). This Highlander topic is only one among hundreds of topics that we have here in Townhall.

Happy reading!

Drew
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sobright1 · February 2001

Does anyone out there know of a site that lists the dealer costs since, for reason unknown, Edmunds has removed them from their Highlander site?

drew_ · February 2001

Edmunds.com has not removed them from their site, AFAIK. It's just that since the Highlander is a very new model, not all of the information may be up yet.

Good luck

Drew
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Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket and Accessories message boards

sobright1 · February 2001

Cliffy or Dianne (by the way thanks for all of your input), perhaps I am a minority but I find the color selection nearly across the entire Toyota product line BUTT UGLY - those earth tones just have to go!. My question is this, is it possible to special order a Highlander or even an Avalon for that matter in a color other than the standard colors. Lets say I wanted the red as on the Echo or the Yellow as on the MR2 (actually the pastels on the new Tbird would be great but no such luck). Can these vehicles be so equipped?

Thanks!

wmquan · February 2001

CarPoint has Highlander invoice pricing: carpoint.msn.com

Click here for their Highlander page. Or here for their informational sheet. They have a very good online configurator as well, so long as you download a small control into your browser.

hislander · February 2001

Edmunds used to list 4 items: 4cy 2ws, 4cy 4wd, V6 2wd, V6 4wd. Now I only see 4cy 2wd and V64wd. Can you explain that what happened to the other two items?

msu79gt82 · February 2001

drew, Edmund's used to have all the HL model and now they don't. How can what used to be there, be gone if they were not removed?

Toyota Highlander

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