Toyota Highlander

jackmick · May 2003

Is any one out there using K&N for their HL? I took a look at my stock filter today and was surprised to see something that resembled the bottom part of a Huggie diaper in place of a real air filter. It is scarry to think that this air filter is going to protect the engine on a $35,000 SUV. I checked the K&N web site and they offer an air filter, part# 33-2219. Will not Jeopardize the warranty. 2003 HL 2,000 miles.

wwest · May 2003

increases airflow "efficiency" by having less filtering capability than the factory filter.

K&N's stated "advantage" is lower pumping losses, not more, or even equal, filtering efficiency.

K&N filters are quite a bit more expensive than OEM, but cost is supposed to be offset by extending the usage period. YOU will be in charge of cleaning and re-oiling the K&N in order to take advantage of the extended use. Get the oiling procedure wrong, over-oiled, just one time and you will then incur the cost of disassembling the intake system in order to clean or replace the mass airflow sensor.

But then you could always be careful to under-oil, those results are much longer term. K&N relies on the oil to partially make up for the lack of base filtering capability of the OEM filters.

Whatever advantage there is only occurs at WOT throttle, poor airflow efficiency filters only become a "choke-point" at or near maximum engine air flow. somewhat appropriate for racing but for "our" use, does not compute.

jackmick · May 2003

Thanks for your input WWEST. You are right, over or under oil and you are SOL, and there goes the warranty. Think I'll keep the stocker. Thanks.

sportsterer · May 2003

does anybody know if daytime running lights can be added to a 2001 HL?

wwest · May 2003

I disabled the DRLs on my 01 RX300 because operating the halogen HB bulbs at lower DRL voltage reduces their usage life dramatically.

If you have fog lights you can use them as DRLs, and fully functional fogs lights, by adding a relay that is energized by any circuit that is only active with the ignition on. Seat heating circuit for instance.

Wire one end of the relay coil to the 12 volt side of the high beams and the other end to the seat heating 12 source at the fuse block. Find the high side of the seating heating fuse.

With the HB bulbs on the fog lights will go off.

With the high beams off their low resistance to ground will provide a current flow path to energize the relay.

sportsterer · May 2003

how about using the existing headlights, as on a stock HL...can the dealer install/restore this function? what would he charge to do it?

jackmick · June 2003

Any high mileage Highlanders on the road, and if so, have you had any major problems?

brad_22 · June 2003

40,000+ miles. Mileage seems to have dropped, but that's about it.

drcr · June 2003

I was wondering where you purchased in the Atl area. I purchased a BMW in '01 and went to Macon and got great service and price(1hr out of Atlanta for others). Not impressed w/ Atl dealers. My wife is interested in the Highlander need to get into the research.

Thanks

Brad

murrayoperi · June 2003

I have a Limited HL and was wondering what is the safest way to clean the wood grain inside the car? Soap and water? Probably not windex, right? Ideas? Thanks

M-

fickle · June 2003

For those of you who bought the Limited version, did you cross shop with the RX300? If you did, why did you choose the Highlander? Your opinions are appreciated.

lmacmil · June 2003

Haven't purchased either but tested both. RX300 has (in my opinion) a better ride, better styling, better build quality and probably slightly better reliability and resale value. Highlander has more room inside and lower price but the styling is awfully bland. I would probably opt for a used RX300 which my local Lexus dealer has in abundance.

landdriver · June 2003

I was considering both when I bought my Highlander in 2001 -- I wanted a luxury-like vehicle and opted for the Highlander Limited as the RX300 looked too feminine for my tastes. I reserved a few thousand in my budget to snazz the Highlander up a bit (two-toned paint, fender flares, dark carpet, upgraded stereo system). However, if the new RX330 (redesigned RX300 introduced a couple of months ago) were available back then, I probably would have opted for that as it has a more masculine look than the RX300.

I don't feel that any of the three vehicles (Highlander, RX300 or RX330) would be a bad purchase -- let your taste and budget guide your decision (I think a fully-loaded Highlander is about the same price as an entry-level RX330).

sunshine60105 · June 2003

Does anyone know when the 2004 Highlander comes out? Does everyone like their Highlander? I am either going to get a Highlander or a Camry, I love the looks of them both and love the drive.

landdriver · June 2003

I love my Highlander -- the 2004 will probably appear on dealer lots around October if history of previous Highlander releases is any indication.

wcp · June 2003

I looked at the RX300 before I bought my 02 Ltd V6 AWD. The RX has a slight better ride and is bit quieter. The HL has a few advantages as well:
6 CD in-dash changer as oppose to RX's glovebox changer. HL has a much smaller turning radius. HL Ltd also has a in-glass radio antenna. The RX has the old stytle power antenna. I chose the HL becase it is $$$ cheaper and yet is very close to the RX. The cost of maintenance is also lower. It doesn't have the luxurious name tag though if that was important to you.

fickle · June 2003

I got a friend of mine with a Highlander to come over so that I can drive his car. I'm concerned with the engine noise and wcp, you mention that the Highlander is louder than the RX. Yikes! I thought the RX was too loud (for a luxury car.) You're right about the maintenance costs. That's what's got me stalling, too. As for the "prestige" name tag, I don't know if I really want it since people will think I make a lot of money. (Which I don't. Just got a great deal on refinancing our mortgage!

)

Guess I'll wait to drive my friend's Highlander....

lmacmil · June 2003

If we get one, it would replace my wife's Explorer and be her car. She didn't like the glovebox CD changer in the RX at all. I didn't know the HL's was in-dash, the one we drove didn't have one. Maybe the '04 HL will be a little snazzier. Have any of the car mags had pictures? I haven't seen any in Motor Trend.

toys · June 2003

The owners manual states that torque should be 76ft.lbs, but it makes no distinction between steel and aluminum. Took my 03 Ltd. with aluminum wheels to dealer and they torqued to 85-90 ft.lbs. Does anyone have a repair manual that gives this information? Also, what is the socket size?

jackmick · June 2003

Anyone having a problem with their A/C not blowing cold enough air? Mine seems to blow cool air but not cold air. I attached a thermometer to the A/C vent and I get a reading of 68 degrees in the morning. I live in the low desert of southern Calif. and the temps are running 108 now. After the car sets in the sun for a few hours, it takes a long time to cool off inside. My old Maxima seems to blow much colder air, but that A/C uses freon. Appreciate your input.

vdob · June 2003

Are there going to be any changes at all to the highlander for 2004. Maybe a nav option?

stever · June 2003

Need more answers!

Murrayoperi, I'd just take a slightly damp cloth to that wood grain. If you need more oomph, then a squirt of Windex on the cloth shouldn't hurt.

Steve, Host

brad_22 · June 2003

I'd get that A/C checked. Even on the lowest fan setting, my HL AC has had no problem keeping the vehicle frosty.

mauijim3 · June 2003

Just purchased for $22,000 with convenience pkg only- Have 52 miles and A/C does seem cool & not cold in florida weather. Any responses as to possibly only needs recharged?? Also, as I put vehicle in drive, I hear a clicking noise coming from locks, as if attempting to self lock at low speed. I could not find any reference in owners manual. My past explorer would automatically lock as I started to drive. Might this be another added option? I am looking for info, before returning back to dealer...

sportsterer · June 2003

after all, that wood grain isnt wood, it's a plastic applique..my 2001 v6 awd has 41k on it, and actually runs better than new...and although i'd enjoy cruising in a lexus too, it seems to me that the highlander is around 80% lexus anyway, so why bother?

xcarnut · June 2003

I had mine checked earlier this week and A/C in my HL blows about 48 degrees through the center vent. I, have the privelage of having my own mechanic with state of art digital laser temp reader. If you were in NorCal you can stop by my repair shop and have my mechanic get a quick reading on your HL.
Hope this helps.

jackmick · June 2003

Thanks for the input, I appreciate it. Can you guys with the frosty A/C's tell me what setting you use on the temp control knob for normal use. I do not run mine maxed all the way to the left, dont think I should have to, or should I. Thanks.

wwest · June 2003

at the bottom of the windshield at the very front of the dash is covered with something or has failed??

On a bright sunny day when solar radiation is the main source of heat inside the vehicle if the sensor is shaded, or failed, the A/C will NOT be up to par.

brad_22 · June 2003

I always have mine set all the way to the left - I turn it back if it gets too cold. But with a low fan speed, usually its just right.

phrosut · June 2003

Thanks, wwest. I've often wondered why there are two sensors there on the dash. Figured one was to turn on the automatic headlight function, but didn't have a guess on the other. Or... does the solar sensor control both the lights and A/C and the other is for something else altogether?

Per jackmick's question: our '03 HL Limited will freeze us out if we let it. I keep the setting at about 69 or 70 degrees and it keeps the car plenty cool, and it's been regularly over 100 degrees here this past week.

wwest · June 2003

Two, sometimes three, one for lighting, one for A/C, two for A/C if separate drvr/pass controls.

jackmick · June 2003

Thanks xcarnut,phrosut and brad22 for the info. I have a manual A/C and today I turned the cooling knob all the way to the left and what do you know, icy air. I never owned a car where you had to turn the temp control to max cold to cool a car. If thats what you guys are doing, good enough for me. Problem solved. I purchased my HL in April and there are a few more things about the vehicle I would like to ask you guys about. It seems that it takes more foot power when pushing the brake pedal than most cars. Outside wind noise seems a little loud. Other than that I love my HL, smoothest running vehicle I ever owned. Thanks again guys.

xcarnut · June 2003

Brake pedal pressure I've found it to be somewhat tricky to get use to, after driving mine for almost two years I seem to have gotten hang of it. HL have what Toyota calls electronic brake assist. This feature recognizes how quick and how hard you push brake pedal this feature will intervene apply additionalpressure. Theroetically this will reduce the stopping distance ina panic situation however I have found it to be somewhat tricky in terms getting the pressure to be just right to make a clean stop.
BTW - I have non-auto climate control system and I always have the dial turned to left and fan setting to low seems to work for me except on long trips when the dial needs to adjusted.
Enjoy your HL

lmacmil · June 2003

...should have no effect on 90% of stops. It's strictly for panic stops and geared towards the senior set and small drivers who may not be able to apply the pedal fast and hard. I test drove an RX300 recently and didn't like the pedal feel on it either. Too much travel and felt spongy.

wwest · June 2003

Most A/Cs, even the most expensive fully automatic ones, use only the interior air temperature as a measure of human comfort.

Your body is also very greatly affected by the temperatures of the surrounding, inside and outside, objects/landscape. If the interior surfaces of the vehicle are HOT, then the A/C will not "notice" but your body, via thermal radiation, will.

osoriob · June 2003

Hello all,
Can anyone comment on what causes the bumps/bulges on the sidewall of a radial tire, I have heard that small bumps are OK as long as they don't exceed certain size.
If Bumps are not OK, should the tire be considered Defective and needs to be replaced?

Thanks

stever · June 2003

Ok, I know tires aren't really made in molds, but bumps on the sidewalls are just a result of how they were laid up. I had real obvious bumps on some Kirkland tires but the tires did fine.

I don't think there's any problem with them, but check with the pros who hang out in Tires, tires, tires.

Steve, Host

jackmick · June 2003

These bulges go way back in time.I first noticed them on a set of radials I had put on a motorhome in 1985. I went back to the tire dealer and he said that all radial tires have ripples in them due to the tire mold. Every set of radials I have purchased since then have had two bulges on each tire. Next time you are at a parking lot check a few tires, you will see bulges.

jackmick · June 2003

Purchased a 03 HL V6 in March. Live in the low desert of So. Calif. Summer temps hover around the 110 degree mark most of the time. Now have 2500 miles on the HL:

Engine seems to get stronger as the miles go by.
Styling grows on you, prefer the HL to some of the SUV's with bulging fenders and spare tires hanging off of the back.
Like the interior, comfortable for me, wife loves it.
Brake pedal requires more pressure than most cars.
Smooth and quiet ride except when there are strong cross winds. A little rough over bumps.
A/C good, but requires temp. knob to be turned almost to the max.
Gas mileage is around 19 mpg for all around driving.
Plan to change oil and filter every 3000 miles.
Will use 91 octane due to extreme heat.
I will have to say that the more I drive the HL the more I like it, it is a well made quality car, just love that sound when I close the doors.

mzopinionated · June 2003

I traded in my 02 Camry Le for a Highlander last mo. I loved my Camry, I had the jbl premium sound system with the 6 speakers and 6 disc in dash cd, sunroof, spoiler, pwr seats, loved the car. traded it in because with the interest rates now I could afford the Highlander, needed the extra room with 2 boys for vacations, etc. What I don't like about the Highlander is the crumy stero system, saving up for a new one now, I like the extra room, the ride is ok, not quite a smooth as the Camry's, I have a four cylinder has plenty of pep.but I got better gas mileage with the Camry. The Highlander is growing on me slowly.

gonkraz · June 2003

mzopinionated Jun 9, 2003 10:42pm

You have the 4 cyl HL. What is the mileage you are getting? Do you do mostly Hwy or city driving?

jackmick · June 2003

Includes an upgraded radiator, does that mean a larger or thicker radiator? Also a tranny oil cooler and a power steering oil cooler. Has anyone located these items on the HL. Includes an 80-watt fan coupling, whats that? Last there is a 130-amp alternator in the package. Thats a lot for the option price of $160. I hope its all on the vehicles.

rmui1 · June 2003

I know the question is not directed to me but thought you'd be interested in any 4 cyl mileage information.

I get around 23-24 in mixed driving now, compared to 28-29 for my previous 1996 Honda Accord 4 cyl in similar driving conditions.

Also, couple of squeak and rattles have pretty much disappeared with the warmer weather. But I noticed the paint is getting rubbed off by the rubber seal strip under front edge of the hood--not visible with hood down but doesn't say much for the paint.

mzopinionated · June 2003

I do mostly city driving, I have less than 1000 miles on it but my last fill up was combo, took a trip to the east coast of fla on the interstate and then did my city driving and it was 21.2 mpg

cmuniz · June 2003

Had to do that yesterday and I was impressed at how well Toyota designed the spare tire well, jack, etc. It was a cinch to change and it took no more than a few minutes. If the back had been full of luggage or other stuff it might have been a different story since you have to take all that stuff out. Since the back seats folds forward so easily I suppose it could all be slid forward. Anyway, I didn't have much back there so the process went very smoothly. I was also happy to have a full size spare.

nippononly · June 2003

anything calling itself a "truck" or an "SUV" should have a full-size spare, IMO.

sbrazil66 · June 2003

Edmunds.com currently indicates Toyota is offering $800 manufacturer to consumer rebate, as well as $950 manufacturer to dealer "marketing support." The dealers I'm currently "dealing" with claim to have no knowledge of any current rebates/incentives. Any advice on what I should do next? Should I distrust them all? Wait until one of them cracks? (I'm looking at HL 2WD Limited w/Leather, and am already at or below invoice price when I'm ready to purchase.) Thanks in advance!

stever · June 2003

Is to decide what you want to pay for it "out-the-door" and stick to your guns on your price. Let the dealer worry about any incentives or how to allocate holdback or overhead, etc. Another advantage is that you take arguments about "actual" invoice costs right off the table.

Just try to leave a little money in the deal so the dealer can afford to feed the yard cats....

Steve, Host

guardlights · June 2003

I see from your profile (sbrazil66) you live not far from North Carolina

NC is in the SE region which clearly advertizes a $1000 cash back. see: http://www.tmsbuyatoyota.com/

Plug in a NC zip code and check inventory. Each highlander shows a $1000 rebate.

What I dont know are the sales tax implications. Some states allow taxes paid elsewhere to be counted as paid or perhaps you dont pay tax upon sale, but you pay to register it in your state.

Alternatively, you could use the SE region rebate as leverage to the local dealer

IF there is really a cash back in your region I would like to know about it. I live in PA ( same region as you) and the dealer also claims there is no incentive!

Please post your results, Thanks

sbrazil66 · June 2003

Guardlights: Thanks for the tip...there's a dealership in Elizabeth City NC, which is almost as close as one of the five dealers I'm working with in Virginia. The NC dealer (Perry) even mentions the $1000 incentive on their own website. I'm not sure about the sales tax implications...I'll let you know if I end up buying out of state. Thanks Again!

Toyota Highlander

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