Toyota Highlander

lmacmil · April 2003

As an employee of a major independant brake system manufacturer, I can assure you that what we call DTV (disc thickness variation) is the bane of every caliper and rotor designer. No one knows exactly what causes it. Rotors leave the assembly plant with their wear surfaces machined parallel to well under .001" and still some vehicles will exhibit DTV enough to be noticeable in relatively low mileage. About the only thing a consumer can do is make sure those lug nuts are tightened to the factory specs with a torque wrench. Don't let anyone put your lug nuts on with an air wrench.

gwkiser · April 2003

I remember when we had our '90 Taurus, it required new rotors at about 35K (at least that's what the dealer said). The service tech said it was due to the bi-metallic construction (for weight savings?) and the fact that the two metals cool down at different rates. It sounds logical, but I wasn't about to shell out $400 for a brake job. I ended up going to a major independent shop and they were able to turn them back to true (or very close).

Still don't know to this day if there's any truth to it, but as I said, it made sense at the time.

williaday · April 2003

Hi--

Thanks paulek

I think that for my budget I should stick with the Santa Fe and Forester. Now if I can find an Enterprise car rental or someone else that I can rent from for a day to test drive both. The 15 min test drive with the dealers just wasn't enough.

Thanks again,
williaday

lj225 · April 2003

Well Just wondering how the 4 banger holds up on the Highlander? For those who have this model are your pleased? I am trying to make a comparison, but ALL reviews are just about the 6 CYL model. Not much on the 4 CYL.

Just looking for feedback before I test drive to see if the 4 is even worth my time. I wont be hauling stuff, just the family.

eenglish · April 2003

Once rotors are turned they are thinner and more prone to warping again. This seems to have happened to you again after 5,000 miles. Also, rear rotors warping in 30,000 miles is very unusual for anyone not doing heavy towing/braking.

Often rotors can't be legally turned a second time because they would be below the minimum thickness. I would ask for new rotors as they will almost surely warp again and it is unlikely that they will be able to be turned again. You'll get stuck for the replacement pads and rotors which will be several hundred dollars.

I hope rotors don't become a common Highlander problem. Having problems with Jeep rotors was a main reason that I dumped the Jeep and got a Highlander.

Eddie

ryzac · April 2003

I'm looking at the 4 cyl HL and am curious if anyone has added leather or navigation to the HL?

I test drove the V4 and V6 today and for the number of days I need to tow (maybe 10 all year) I just can't see getting the V6. But no leather in the V4 and no Nav in ANY of the models.

Thanks

tommyg12 · April 2003

My port installed leather is made by Classic Soft Trim.... I would not recommend it. The front seat cover started cracking open with only 23k miles. The dealer is going to replace it without question as soon as the new cover arrives. My service rep told me that the dealership pretty much keeps a local trim shop in business with port-installed/warranty work. Now I'm worried about the durability after the warranty is up. I don't know if Classic makes the PIO kits for all regions though. My region is the southeast.

Maybe somebody else has used another aftermarket vendor and can provide you with some positive feedback. Good luck.

brad_22 · April 2003

I had an aftermarket Alpine navigation system installed with an in-dash LCD screen headunit. A great improvement on the sound as well, although I still need to install new speakers.

wdr2 · April 2003

I've owned my 2002 4 cyl 2WD for over a year now and have been very happy with it. I'm a conservative driver and live on the West Coast without snow or ice. Also, I don't tow anything.

The only time I notice the smaller engine is on the freeway when I want to pass. For me, it serves as a sort of "mechanical restraint" from doing stupid things (e.g. dodging in and out of freeway traffic at high speeds).

And I love the mileage... 24 mpg with mostly city driving and a wopping 27 when I hit the freeway!

In terms of durability, that remains to be seen. But when I compared the numbers before buying the Highlander, I found lots of 4 cylinder sedans with smaller engines than the 2.8 liter that weighed MORE than the Highlander does.

Your personal driving style and driving needs can pretty much steer you toward the right engine.

Good luck!

wdr2 · April 2003

When I compared the numbers before buying the Highlander, I found lots of 4 cylinder sedans (with smaller engines that the 2.4 liter) that weighed MORE than the HIghlander does.

rmui1 · April 2003

I have a 4 cyc 2-wheel driver highlander with 3k miles now. Have only averaged around 21-22 mpg with mixed driving, even with conservative driving to get mileage high as possible. I got 29mpg in my 2.2 Accord that was rated 22mpg/city, and under more aggressive driving. I've seen a few other posts with similar low mileage. Also, it seemed to me the 6 cyclinder is smoother on road and at idle, and quieter (but my experience was very limited with the 6 cylinder). You may want to try both vehicles back-to-back and on the same roads to see for yourself.

spindoctor1 · April 2003

Just ordered a 4 cyc/2WD HL in bluestone metallic with some options (side air bags, roof rack, keyless entry). Dealer didn't have any HLs on the lot. How long does it typically take a dealer to deliver vehicle? I had the dealer specify a
two-week turnaround in the contract or my deposit would be refunded.

cliffy1 · April 2003

It depends on how rare the variant is you want. Every month, we are given a report on what Toyota is sending to each region. If the one you want happens to be one that Toyota only sent 12 of to your region and only 2 of those is in your color choice, expect to wait for several allocation cycles (2 weeks per cycle). If the one you want is fairly common, two or three days should do the trick.

srivatsan · April 2003

I had a 4 Cylinder for 9 months.

I have also driven the V6 extensively.

The mpg gain is only 2 mpg or so, not 5 as advertised.

My advice: Go for the V6. It's MUCH better. It's quite an engine! If you turn the A/C on or climb hills you will really see the difference.

Believe me, when I owned the four for a while, I wished I had bought the V6. You'd rather not be in that situation, I'm sure.

lj225 · April 2003

On the 4 cyl / 6cyl info. I just tried them both. The four felt ok but the 6 just felt better. If I get one Im getting the 6. Nice to hear the mpg is not much of a benefit.

To me it's a bigger car and I feel the 6 is right for it. But driving both models was very helpfull.

butchy03 · April 2003

Bought a 4cyl base Highlander about 5 months ago and currently have 6,000 miles on the car. I feel that the gas mileage is great. I'm getting about 23mpg combined city and highway. I'm sure that driving habits have a lot to do with mpg. As far as performance - I'm really pleased with the pick up of the "4 banger". No complaints. If I lived in a hilly area (San Francisco), planned on towing a boat, or went with the AWD version of the Highlander, I probably would have opted for the 6 cyl. Driving here in Chicago (midwest flatlands) the "4 banger" has a lot of zip. Also the price was right, paid $23,300 for the base Highlander.

ekistic · April 2003

I'm finally ready to replace the OEM Goodyear "Gumball" Integrity tires with something better. The tires have lasted pretty well (33K miles)and almost all on paved roads but with an occasional gravel road here in the N/E. Most of the comments I've read here recommend the Michelin cross terrains as the tire to get. The cost of these in my area are around $ 150. each so the replacement is fairly pricy. Does anyone have another tire suggestion or experience for an all season tire (that quiet for highway driving) and less costly than the cross terrains? Thanks for any comments and help with this decision.

mzopinionated · April 2003

The last time I had to buy tires, for a Camry, I bought my Michelin's at Costco for around $300.00 bucks. You might want to try them if you have one in your area.

spindoctor1 · April 2003

Is the $23,300 before or after tax? Also, did it come with any options?

rmui1 · April 2003

Tirerack.com has several tires in the Highlander size, with user opinions that may be helpful. Of course user opinions are not scientific, and some may not be offered by real users, but can help in pointing out common problems in a tire.

dmuzyka · April 2003

We recently bought the 4 cyl. after a long comparison of it and the 6 cyl. ... we liked the feel of the 4 better - it didn't seem as heavy in the front...more nimble. It doesn't have the passing power of the 6, but we haven't had a problem yet, and we both are 'lead-footed'. Had the leather installed...they did a great job. Nailed a new set of RX300 rims on EBay for $300. BTW, our sales experience was awesome, the first time ever I've been impressed by a Toyota dealer (besides selling quality cars...), and I visit dealerships often helping staff members (mostly female) not get screwed on buying a car. Jeff Haas Toyota (Tomball, Texas) gave me a firm but very reasonable price, a decent trade, and NO GAMES. As a consumer, I appreciate that attitude.

In regards to waiting for a 4 cyl. with side airbags, they did a search for one for us about 6 weeks ago and there wasn't a single one in the US...we would have had to wait 3-4 months for one to come from Japan. Sadly, we needed the car sooner so we went without the bags.

butchy03 · April 2003

As I mentioned, I paid $23,300 for a base 4cyl Highlander (with the minimum option package)in December 2002. The MSRP was $25,574 and the car included floor mats, roof rack, quick order package (keyless entry, tonneau cover, rear privacy glass), mud guards, running lights, & heated mirrors. I actually got the car for $23,000, but the dealer added on an additional $300 for local adverizing fees or something like that. So my total was $23,300 without taxes.

toys · April 2003

What are you using for a wax or sealant, glaze etc.? There appears to be two distinct schools of thought. One says that only use carnauba wax for deep gloss, lack of build up and lack of spider webbing. The other states that a sealant is the only way to go because of ease of application and long lasting. I have a new Sundown Pearl Red Highlander, live in CA and it is garaged. I anticipate that I will be hand washing.

trdgt · April 2003

To Toys,
I own(or should say maintain for my wife)a '02 black H/L.
I have been VERY pleased with products from Griots Garage(www.griotsgarage.com)I wax the H/L 3 or 4 times a year.The most outstanding product from these folks is "Speed Shine", a liquid that is applied after waxing or washing that looks like the vehicle was just waxed.
My wife and I both have had many comments on how nice the H/L looks.It also makes the Liquid Silver on my '02 Celica shine brightly too.
P.S. your color is the favorite of my wife.
Good luck

bill8627 · April 2003

May 2003 Motor Trend states that "an all-new second-generation Highlander makes its debut for the '04 model year". I have heard that a third-row seat may be offered as well as a bump in horsepower to the 3.3 liter. Anyone have any insight?

nippononly · April 2003

about adding the third row seat, but I thought in the end they cancelled the idea?

It would be logical to put the 3.3L in the next generation HL, since its "sibling" the RX already has it.

grenedy · May 2003

I too am very satisfied with the 4 cyl. It took an adjustment coming out of a 6cyl Explorer. Once acclimated, I greatly appreciate the efficientcy of the FWD 4 banger. (Actually used Explorer 4WD twice in 6+ years). Paid $23,756 incl. frt. (plus tax,tags and $289 "processing fee") with QO,AW,DR,HE,HP,MG,SR and Z1. Very satisfied with deal and dealer. Love the black/gray cloth interior combo. Have ordered black rear spoiler - $240 from toyotaparts4U - which dealer will install. Anyone else have the spoiler installed? Like the look but don't know if there are "issues" with the install. Had a '90 Maxima spoiler rust out where attached to trunk lid. Thanks.

express1 · May 2003

I was moving some large items recently (now I wish I had access to a pickup truck) and accidently punctured/gouged the headliner near the back. It actually severed the fabric for a good 3-4 inches. Now I've already called several dealers to get a quote for a new one, it's in the $1000-1100 range (OUCH!). I called a car upholstery shop in my area, they claim they can take the existing headliner board and re-fabric over it for about $160. Does anyone have any experience having the existing one repaired? An expensive lesson learned, to say the least! Thanks.

runpanther · May 2003

Just had my 01 Highlander (30k miles) serviced due to a severe vibration in the steering wheel while braking. The problem was diagnosed with "Distorted Rotors" and there was no problem for the fix to be taken care of under Warranty.

What I'm disturbed about is the dealer tried to sell me a front end alignment and new tires (???). Upon my own visual inspection, the tires are fine (easily passes the Lincoln Penny test), and the vehicle does not pull to one side or another. I believe the dealership was just looking for a paycheck. Lesson learned - be wary when having warranty work done.

tlb4 · May 2003

I'm a new member and owner of a 03 HL 4WD 6CYL with the tow prep option....

I've read every message on hitches, but still have a question.

I'm looking for a "ROUND TUBE" hitch without the "U" shaped bracket over the tailpipe.

I've seen them on a few HL's on the road but there is no Mfg. markings on the hitch.

The round tube is formed/bent the same on both sides of the 2" receiver, thus allowing for the tailpipe. Is this a Toyota factory hitch?
All the 03 HL's at my dealer all have the "U" bracket.

easymav · May 2003

Grenedy:I had the dealer install the Spoiler where I purchased my 03 HL, It's only been on a month,but no problems and I think it looks great

grenedy · May 2003

Thanks easymav! Did the dealer warranty the install?

rmui1 · May 2003

In addition, looks like that dealer didn't go to bat for you. Someone posted here before about getting his rotors replaced under warranty. This is a gray area and rotors can be deformed by abuse, but can also be caused by improper assembly or out of spec rotor.

easymav · May 2003

This dealer has someone else install it at the dealers place. The installer then supplied me with a written warranty.

landdriver · May 2003

I did some perusing of the Motor Trend website, and their predictions as to whether there will be any changes for the Highlander for 2004 seem to be contradictory.

The May 2003 Motor Trend article Multitaskers: 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor XLS, 2003 Nissan Murano SL AWD, and 2003 Toyota Highlander states "When an all-new second-generation Highlander makes its debut for the '04 model year..." This implies that the Highlander will be completely re-designed for 2004. However, its 2004 Future Vehicle Forecast web page doesn't list any changes for the Highlander for 2004.

However again, Motor Trend's 2005 Future Vehicle Forecast web page states that for 2005 the Highlander's "V-6 power increases," and Consumer Guide's 2003 Toyota Highlander Review states that "Highlander will swap its 3.0 V6 for the 3.3-liter version of its just-updated Lexus cousin, the '04 RX 330. Sources say the switch occurs for 2005 as part of a "mid-cycle" sprucing that should also include moderate styling changes and a few new features. No word yet on the timing or nature of a full redesign, but we wouldn't expect it before 2008."

My conclusion: no changes for 2004; enhancements for 2005 which will include an upgrade to the RX 330's 3.3 liter V6.

lexus_addicted · May 2003

A 3 year product-cycle for the first gen Highlander? Not likely.

Highlanders have been out since the 2001 model-year and scrapping the current design after the 2003 model-year would be a waste in terms of recouping product research and development costs.
Furthermore, Toyota has never had a 3-year product cycle and won't ever have one either.
I agree with the rumors of a 2005 model-year refreshening, but I won't be surprised if the 3.3 liter V6 will come for model-year 2004 and more extensive interior/exterior updates to come in 2005.

nippononly · May 2003

product cycles run five years or so, so it would not be surprising to see the "freshening" coming for the '04 model year, with an all-new vehicle for the '06 model year.

osoriob · May 2003

Has anyone out there experience a problem with the rear tailgate wiper, Mine quit working without notice. I hardly ever use it; and yesterday after getting muddy on a backroad, I intended to use it and the thing was just dead, I checked the 15Amp fuse and it was fine.
I don't hear any movement inside the door, so my guess the motor burned out.
I will have toyota check it tomorrow.

choosymom · May 2003

I am researching Highlander inventory online at various area dealers. I am running into the following two packages on included in the price of models I would otherwise make an offer on.
One is the "Vehicle Shield Pack", which is a seemingly unnecessary grouping of sealant, sealant cleaner, a sound shield (whatever that is) and rental car assistance. I have found no information on these items, which have a combined MSRP of $349. During negotiations, can I insist that this package be deleted, or will this mystery sealant/ sound shield have been already installed?
The other package is the "Extra Mile Option Package C4" which carries a MSRP of $1,102. A few of the items included are maybe OK, like floor/cargo mats and maybe the night vision mirror, but I do not want the rest of it at all -(for example, among the more ridiculous, Toyota includes fabric guard in this package, and the models I am considering have leather seats!) Is this a package that can be removed, or can I at least pick and choose from it what I want? Thanks in advance for any help you can give me.

lmacmil · May 2003

I these are dealer add-ons (i.e., high profit items for the dealer) that they add as soon as the car hits the lot. You probably can't delete them.

nippononly · May 2003

choosymom is in the areas covered by Gulf States or Southeast Toyota distibutorship. It must suck having to pay for all the extra crap added to Toyotas down there.

junepug · May 2003

In the southeast, we have what is known as Toyoguard. Sounds a lot like what you are talking about. All the the "enhancements" are applied at the port or domestic plant prior to arrival at the dealer. We were lucky in finding a 2002 Camry without it. We did pay for all these "enhancements" on the Highlander though.

choosymom · May 2003

Thanks for the info on the rip-off option packs I inquired about. (Yes, I live in the southeast, and luckily in a city that has many dealerships to choose from.) Upon more online research into available inventory, I have found dealers that do not have these offensive add-on packages listed on their Highlander offerings. So I will target those guys, and ignore the others. (I thought Toyota was a higher class of dealership, and above those tricks - I'll certainly make sure that none of that junk is tacked on after negotiation!)

bigdad · May 2003

if you don't really want to....most will just overlook them if you are serious about buying. I got the Toyoguard crap for free, just told them that it wasn't part of the deal...either drop it or find a car without it...they dropped it immediately....it really is valueless anyway...don't pay for anything you don't want or need...this is just a profit item for the suckers...(the way they look at it).....stand firm.

gpolt · May 2003

Although Toyota reps at NY Auto Show would neither confirm nor deny, rumors I've heard suggest a mild freshening to the front and rear lights and the addition of the 5 speed automatic with V6 as in the current Camry. Increase to the 3.3 is unlikely as that would decrease sales of the new RX 330. Solara and Sienna get the 3.3 but neither of these vehicles compete against anything on the Lexus side. Highlander could certainly use improvement in Highway EPA ratings. 2004 Sienna gets 27 mpg verses Highlander's poor 22 mpg rating despite Sienna's 500 pound weight disadvantage! [V6 fwd]

nippononly · May 2003

in the auto trans probably has a lot to do with that...

wwest · May 2003

Highlander and Rx have always BEEN competing products. My guess is that in the fall of the year you will see as much commonality in the HL & RX as can be mustered, engine, AWD system, etc. Manufacturers costs aspects.

nimrod99 · May 2003

Does anyone have an instruction sheet on how to disable Day time running lights on the Highlander, and if someone has done this, does the automatic headlight on feature still work.

thanks

wwest · May 2003

On the RX300 there is a voltage dropping resister under the battery support plate that if disconnected disableds the DRLs.

Maybe worth a looksee.

lj225 · May 2003

Just wondering Folks. Knowing what you know now about the Rear window noise in the cabin that is tuff to deal with. Would you still buy a highlander?

Also I was just wondering why #8172 would want to disable the DTRL?

Toyota Highlander

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