Toyota Highlander

awchan13 · January 2003

Brad_22... looks like ecs is only selling 5mm, 15mm or 20mm spacers. Would 5mm offer the clearance if needed? Or would 15mm be better? Thanks.

gwkiser · January 2003

Here's another old posting about how to remove the front panels. Good luck.
mcurtin7 Mar 8, 2002 3:49pm

gwkiser · January 2003

Somebody wake me when we're back in THIS century....PLEASE!

stringfellowh · January 2003

This forum has been, for the most part, an excellent venue for the exchange of information and ideas on a great product-the Highlander. We are fortunate to have assembled here a competent cross section of folks from across the US and Canada who bring technical know-how, observations that others may have missed, questions and even humor. All of these attributes conspire to make this message board one of the best. I look forward to seeing whats new and what others have to say. What I, and many others in this forum, do object to are members who have become more of an 'occupying force' than an integral part of these discussions.The response to Cliffy1 from the host may have served more to alienate a valued member(who has helped countless HL owners)than to address the matter of relentless, aggressive diatribes from our Lexus/Porsche driving colleague which run counter to the intended spirit of this forum-and should be checked.Lets not let a few rogues ruin a good thing.

stringfellowh · January 2003

Thanks for the feedback on the Thule bike carriers. Have to get one soon-taking the the front tire off the bike everytime and loading it in the back is getting old.. fast.

wwest · January 2003

You said you weren't into "serious" AWD.

I said then stay at home.

Mother nature oftentimes controls when you need serious AWD capability, so the only solution I could see was for you to stay home and be nice and cosy by the fire.

I didn't say not to go skiing or take it into ski area parking lots, but I would sincerely advise you to take along a good set of snowchains if you do.

New Years Day of 2002 I took my daughter and my grand-children to the pass to play in the snow. The youngest got too cold so my wife and I volunteered to go back to the car and "babysit".

We had taken our company 94 AWD Aerostar simply because the RX didn't have enough seats. I had no problem at all in the Aerostar getting around in the parking lot, dropped evenyone off at the top level and then found a parking spot far down the lot.

I probably paid more attention to the Toyota's and Lexii trying to negotiate around in the ski area parking lot, but even so it seemed to me that they should have been doing better than they were.

Being somewhat bored to begin with I didn't hesitate to get out and help when I felt a little push would help things along a bit. That was fine until one fellow was clearly insulted that I felt he needed someone on foot to help him up the slight incline. So I went back to my nice warm and cosy Aerostar and watched when he finally gave up and backed down the incline.

You can search around here in edmunds for my post of that time if you really want to know what he was driving.

brad_22 · January 2003

5mm would probably do the job. Like I said, my original 235s didn't even rub until I rotated my tires, and then it was only one of them. Mighta been just a fluke.

15mm would look pretty sharp, though. : )

Maybe you should get the tires first and see how they fit. It could be easier to make a decision then.

cmcardle · January 2003

"The 944 doesn't have anything to keep the bikes from hitting each other - I just use a bungee cord thru the frames. Also, there is no chance of vehicle contact (with this setup, at least)."

By using strapping the bikes down to the lower arm (straps included, loops on arm), I'm able to keep the bikes fairly stable. I'm sure there are other ways to do it, but that's what I meant.

Regardless, I also have that same Hidden Hitch, and have been very happy with both.

runpanther · January 2003

Hello all - I'm looking for a good source to purchase a rubberized cargo mat. I did purchase one from my dealer (site unseen) thinking that it was genuine Toyota and didn't realize it was actually supplied by Husky. Nevertheless, my wife says it looks ugly and wants me to return it.

So, anyone have any suggestions on where I can find a "pretty" one? Thanks

cliffy1 · January 2003

Good luck. If she finds the Husky/Toyota mats objectionable, you will have a hard time finding one that she likes. My suggestion would be to talk her into leaving them during the wet months only. BTW, I had thought the Toyota mats were made by Cannon. For a source of other mats, check at www.cabelas.com. Many of their automotive accessories don't list the Highlander but if you call their number, you will find that most of the mats are available for this vehicle.

megawattblues · January 2003

Check out the Mac Neil Automotive site.

Last year I bought the Weathertech. Looks nice, works great.

runpanther · January 2003

I could've sworn I saw a authentic Toyota Cargo Liner at one time that even had the "Highlander" logo imprinted on it. Am I making this up or has anyone else seen?

wdr2 · January 2003

I agree with a previous post that, if the most we have to complain about with the Highlander is a rattle here and there, we must have bought good cars. Still, after a year of owning mine I'm noticing a new, low-pitched rattle in the speedometer area of the dashboard at about 1200 rpm's when accelerating after a stop or a slowdown. Anyone else have this? Anything that can be tightened to fix it?

al63017 · January 2003

Hear that is coming in the fall of 2003. Like the Pirus/Prius hope that is spelled correctly at least one of those times. Found the article doing a web search and will try to find it again. Some sort of hybrid is in California now for testing using Highlander, Escape and several more. Some government agency is trying them out.

brupop · January 2003

We've got the CargoLogic Mat. It is a rubber mat with a carpeted/fleece-type surface. It comes with Velcro-like cargo holding blocks. Very handy.
toyotaguys.com has them. They are an exact fit for the Highlander.
GregB

jwfjwf · January 2003

Give us the spkr brand & specs and a listening review after you get them installed. I have the base radio and plan to start my upgrade with better speakers. A couple of owners on this board report significant improvement with speaker-only upgrades.

sportsterer · January 2003

anyone out there feel like seconding my commendation of tidester, our honorable host, for showing restraint in limiting our, the participants, free expression? cliffy dared to show an emotional response and he should not be scolded for it. may our commendable host possess continued wisdom in excercising restraint, and even encourage mixing it up once in a while! by the way, have you come accross the web site where it is revealed how to convert the 4wd/awd to no wheel drive? yes indeed, seems there is available a device, i kid you not, wherein it is possible to harness the awesome power of hot air and levitate your highlander into no wheel drive mode. honest.
i understand the hard part is when you finally shut up.

cliffy1 · January 2003

Don't worry about me. I've developed a thick skin and have figured out when to stop. I do appreciate the kind words though.

Some may have noticed that I have not been as active lately. I am still here and answer questions from time to time, but now that I've been in F&I for over a year, I am not as in-tune with the product as I once was. I'm actually quite happy to see Toyotaken participating here. He seems to be able to answer a lot of thing I used to in a clear and honest manner.

toyotaken · January 2003

Thank you for the feedback. I try to be as impartial as I can. Hopefully I'm adding some information that is relatively clear and concise.

Ken

vinod_s3 · January 2003

Check out this site:
http://www.new-cars.com/news/020701-toyota-SUV-hybrid.html
It's a pretty old article, but if you haven't seen this yet, you might want to check it out.

nimrod99 · January 2003

I wonder if the relatively spongy pedal feel on the highlander is due to the electronic brake-force distibution.

In conventional cars - when the brake pads are in contact with the disk(s), the hydraulic brake fluid is incompressible, thus the brake pedal feels like it has hit a solid stop. The only flex in the system is mechanical deflection of the pedal components etc. In the case of the HL - the pedal seems to move a lot more than I am used too.
Just curious

wyeast · January 2003

We've been an HL owners for about 6 weeks. I love everything about it so far but have also wondered about the spongy feel of the brakes. At first I attributed it to vehichle weight but am now wondering if it is the design. Thanks to anyone out there who might be able to explain.

al63017 · January 2003

Thinking about buying a Nissan Murano rather than wait for the Highlander Hybrid. They will probably charge way over sticker and it would take you 5 years to make that up with the gas you would save.

wwest · January 2003

Why not the 4 cylinder HL then?

desertdawg · January 2003

As a new 2003 HL Limited owner (and my first post), I have found this forum to be very informative and interesting! I started at msg #5000 and read through to the latest postings.

One topic of interest that I have not read anything about is tune-ups. The owners manual shows the first Iridium plug replacement at 120K. Wow, that is a long time for plugs, but at $13 each, they should last a long time. Has anybody had to change them sooner than that? With the first model year of 2001, maybe it is still too soon.

Another question has to do with the built in antennae. I plan on adding window tinting and the manual indicates the radio reception may be affected. Yes, I have the privacy glass, but it is not quite dark enough for me and the front driver/passenger windows are not tinted at all.

lennx · January 2003

I took a 4 cyl FWD Highlander out today. It had plenty of power and a reasonable ride - somewhat stiffer than my Camry.

I was comfortable but the steering wheel seemed too close to the dash.

Fog/driving lights do not appear to be available on the lower end models.

The limited had the fake wood on the dash (plood?) On the lower end models it was replaced with a silvery plastic that looked odd.

junepug · January 2003

Took possession of a 2003 Highlander, non Ltd, 3 months ago in silver. It is the best auto I have ever owned and my second favorite of all cars I have had. The only car that can top it was a 1969 Volvo 1800. Of course, I was 40 years younger and could fit my 6 ft frame into it.

I have seen a lot of discussion about the soft breaks. They feel the same to me as my previous two cars, both were Jeeps. I remember when I got my first Jeep, the breaks did feel soft as compared to the Ford Bronco II that I traded.

My only complaints are the location of the panel light dimming knob and the lack of lighting on the arm rest window and door controls.

megawattblues · January 2003

Has anyone installed the spoiler on their HL?

If so, has it lessened the station wagon effect - causing the rear window to dirty-up so quick on even damp roads?

Right now, with the fridgid temperatures keeping snow-melt off the roads, the back window stays nice and clear. That'll end soon enough though, I'm afraid.

I think the HL looks fine either with or without the spoiler. But I won't be adding one unless there is some functional benefit.

So - please tell me, do they work?
Thanks
Glen

wwest · January 2003

Haven't owned an RX without one, but if a consistently clear rear window is any testiment to their value neither of my two RX (00/01) rear windows has/was ever been dirty enough to be a problem.

maxxed_out · January 2003

I wuold like advice from recent buyers of highlander: How much did you pay?

We are thinking of getting it, but the price is our main concern for a limited AWD. We would like to know if we buy it, will we get a fair deal.
The Model is a limited AWD with sunroof and upgraded Audio system. We have gotten a quote of $29,607. Is this a razzle dazzle price or are we getting ripped off. TMV helped but I really want to hear the buyers' inputs

thanks for replies in advance

stuartc · January 2003

My wife just took delivery of her Limited AWD a few days ago.

We did a lot of shopping with local dealers over the internet. A few would sell at $500 over the invoice and a few others would sell at $300 (these I had to haggle with the most). I found one dealer who we bought from who sold it to us at invoice with no haggling. We bought ours as part of the year-end sale, so maybe that's why we got it at invoice. However, I think car sales are slow in general, so you should be able to buy at or near invoice.

Toyota has lots of options. Just make sure you know what options are on the car you are pricing so that you can figure out what the invoice price is.

Good luck.

stuartc · January 2003

Just wondering if anyone had photos of a Highlander with wider tires. Or maybe know of a web link where I can find these photos ?

I think wider tires would give the Highlander a much more rugged look (which I would prefer).

I saw a lot of past posts about tires, spacers, etc, but could someone give me a quick summation about wider tires and the Highlander. Is it possible ? What has to be done ? Any recommended wider tire sizes/brands ? What are the drawbacks ?

Thanks.

wyeast · January 2003

Based on our recent purchase, I agree with stuartc - you should be able to buy at invoice or slightly above. Much of it depends on your local economy but car sales, in general, are slow right now making it a good time to buy. I would not be optimistic about getting it below invoice and the advice about knowing what options are on the car is really important.

wyeast · January 2003

Take a look at the photo gallery. By the sound of the notes, it sounds like there are some pictures of HL's with wider tires. There are also some threads in the HL Accessories area but I don't think there are any pictures..

wwest · January 2003

Over at clublexus RX300 gallery under wwest you will find a picture of my monotone 01 AWD RX300. Acknowledge it's not an HL but maybe it will give you some idea anyway, had to add 30mm spacers to fit the 17x8 wheels since the rear suspension clearance is lacking.

3" wider stance, shorter sidewall, more contact patch, more stability, more traction, and less prone to rollover.

brad_22 · January 2003

I've got the same set-up as wwest except on a highlander (30mm spacers, wider tires). No pics yet, but check out WAAG.com. Follow the links to the Highlander Showroom page. Their vehicle has wide tires like mine.

maxxed_out · January 2003

thank you for the responses suartc and wyeast, appreciate it.

What you are basically saying is that i ma able to get this for lower price? I know the options on it, and am aware of what they cost. I just wanted to know if i should push any further

thanks again

wyeast · January 2003

What we found is that the TMV was very accurate. If you are at that price or lower, I doubt you will see much more movement from the dealer. Around here (Northern Oregon) the dealers know they will eventually sell every HL they receive so they hold their line but that could be different where you are. Good luck.

sin21856 · January 2003

Just called the dealership...they want $300 for to do a 30k tune up. I'm not too familiar with how much a 30k service usually costs, but I thought that the price was a bit much. Looking at the service manual it didn't seem like there was that much work that needed to be done, not enough to justify the $300. I'll probably call around to the quick lube places and check their prices. Any other suggestions? To anyone who's had this service done, how much did you pay? Thanks!

stever · January 2003

The Edmunds Maintenance Guide estimates what we think your next service should cost.

Steve, Host

al63017 · January 2003

That makes sense to me just buy a 4 cyl Highlander and not worry about a Hybrid which will be over priced for a long, long time.
But something about that Murano that keeps me coming back. Drove it twice and it has way out looks but looking at everything coming out it looks like much of the new SUV's. QX4 replacement and Lexus look like Murano. Do not really need AWD so may go with the FWD and save 1500 dollars. www.carmax.com has great prices on Murano or Highlander.

hawkeye70 · January 2003

We bought our HL without a spoiler and it was added several weeks later. There was a noticeable difference between having a spoiler and not having one. The spoiler keeps loose dust/dirt from sticking to the rear window. Without it, that window was a magnet for dust.

hlron · January 2003

My dealer's cost for 30,000 mile service on an HL, which I will have done soon, is $315. As for the dealer's 30k service verses what is in the owner's or other manuals, I tend to be overly cautious with my $29,000 "investment" and thus go with the dealer service list. /Ron

03bluestone · January 2003

Is it just my 'puter or has the text size been reduced by about 50% on this site? - or maybe I'm just going blind !

tidester · January 2003

While adjustments are being made, you can incease the size of the text in your browser with the "zoom" feature of your browser - works great!

tidester, host

brad_22 · January 2003

Looks the same to me. I like the appearance of the new site.

cmuniz · January 2003

The text got smaller and the page got wider on my computer..

charliecar · January 2003

On mine, the "page" actually got narrower, in the sense that the web page material no longer fills the width of my browser window. There are vertical gray bars filling the space on both sides. I generally like the new site design, but not this particular aspect.

But we should get back to Highlanders. Question to host: is there a discussion to discuss the new site design?

sparky1015 · January 2003

HI, I've gotten conflicting info on the octane requirements for my 2003 AWD V6 HL. The manual calls for "regular" 87 octane. While, the salesman and other people have encourged me to use 93 octane. Any opinions out there?? Any FACTS out there??

thanks.

toyotaken · January 2003

Follow the instructions in your owner's manual. Your engine will run fine on 87 octane fuel, but using premium MAY give you a little boost in efficiency as well as power. Whether the costs are worth the benefits are up for debate, but you don't NEED to use premium fuel for your Highlander.

Hope this helps.

Ken

Toyota Highlander

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