Toyota Highlander

osoriob · February 2001

to SKYREB, The engine on the highlander it's the same as the one on the Camry V6 and the Sienna,I was told that the RX300 also has the same engine(unconfirmed); I do not have any info on the transmission but, I tell you what, they both work in perfect harmony, Shifting points are good and you can hardly notice when the tranny shifts gears.We are very pleased with it.

skyreb · February 2001

Thank you for the info. I can hardly wait until mine arrives. Wednesday I will be down in the area where the Autobytel dealer is located, and will stop and find out the status.
The more I read and learn about the HL the more I like it. We test drove a 4 cylinder, and found it very satisfying. We committed on a V6, however. The dealer said the V6 is even quieter than the very quiet 4, so that would be nice.

stever · February 2001

Here's a link for you re ad fees (click on Frequently Asked Questions and go to #12):

steve_ "Hyundai Santa Fe - Topic consolidation" Feb 15, 2001 10:53am

Steve
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rsholland · February 2001

So you, the author, can delete it. Any post that you create will give you that option.

Bob

kazumi · February 2001

Thanks Bob. By the way I have tested both the Highlander V6 2WD and the 4 cyl 2WD. The 4cyl was OK however the V6 was very powerful with silk smooth shifting. We are in the process of obtaining a Highlander V6 2WD here in Hawaii. They are selling very fast here also. Most new Highlanders arriving here are already pre-sold and shipments arrive about once a month. If anyone in Hawaii is on this message board remember to put one on hold. Most dealers here are selling below MSRP.

tomshadle · February 2001

To see how Highlander does in the snow (with VSC) click here:
cliffy1 Jan 24, 2001 10:44am

drew_ · February 2001

But don't forget my message either:
drew_ Jan 26, 2001 2:21am

Drew
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inky · February 2001

My neighbor had his usual extra car out front (of my house) this weekend. Kept glancing at it and thinking "what is that". Yesterday I finally noticed it was a brand new loaded HL limited with every possible option. Over $35k but it admittedly looked good. But for the price one could have had an MDX. His choice. I hope he cleans out his garage before hail season.
INKY

skyreb · February 2001

Several writers have made the comment that for the price of the Limited HL, you could get a MDX, and, I suppose that is true. I believe, however, that would be a completely loaded HL vs the least expensive MDX. I have committed to purchase an HL equipped exactly the way I want it for a lot less than the lower priced MDX (based on my computer research).
I own an Acura 4 dr sedan, and it is a wonderful automobile in every respect, therefore, I can understand the respect others have for the Acura name. Truthfully, I have not actually seen a MDX to examine, sit within or test drive, but from pictures, it appears to have an absolutely horrible blind spot in the rear quarters?? Any comments??
Likes and dislikes are personal, and to each his own, but I do not especially care for the rear window design of the MDX or the Mercedes. That, plus my suspicion that there is a blind spot.

msu79gt82 · February 2001

A HL can not even be loaded to the extent of a base MDX! I have said it many times (and agree that the final decision is a personal one involving many factors) that a loaded HL at MSRP is overpriced! For $35K+ I believe there are many better choices, with the MDX at the top of my list. The HL becomes very competitive at a lower price and I believe with time we will see that lower price.

qgu · February 2001

I wanted to buy a HL but detered by its value. So I ended up with a MDX. Now my MDX is arrived. I am so happy that I made a correct decision. For the same amount of money ($35K), I got a lot more. I was lucky that the Toyota dealer I talked to refused to drop the price, which drove me to the MDX.

skyreb · February 2001

Please believe me, it is not my intent to debate the issue, I return only because I have a few more facts. !) I am not in the $35-$40k bracket. 2) the Autobytel MDX dealer never called me back (maybe he sensed I was not in the bracket) and 3) I was mistaken about the view obstruction ... that is the Mercedes.
My basis is MSN's "side by side compare." The Highlander V6, 4WD price range is shown
"$23,515-26,495," where as the lowest level MDX is shown "$34,370-38,970." But that is not the entire story. The MDX does have standard items that are optional on the HL. The MDX is bigger, heavier, and I suspect more "plush" (remember I have not seen one). I do like the fact the engine develops it's power at a lower rpm; the highway mileage is very slightly better; max towing is greater .... I concede, all those are very important. Unfortunately, I could just not afford the higher price.
I have committed to a HL at right below $30k. I started at the Ford escape level, so $30k was already a $6k step up. The HL will have all the elements I desire and consider important. Yes, I suspect it is overpriced, and if I was in the $40k range, I do not think I would have gone for the HL.
More important, I hope we will all be very satisfied with the decisions we have made. I feel "inspired" to have gotten out of the Escape deal!!
Good motoring.

shl72953 · February 2001

I'm a little amused by the HL vs. MDX debate. I bought a fully loaded HL Limited with gold package, extended warranty, plus about $1300 worth of add-ons at the customizing shop. Immediately, someone said, "For that price, You should have got the MDX." For me thought, the reasoning was a little different than just price. The Toyota dealer is a half mile from my house and the nearest MDX dealer is 44 miles away. I also know the people at Toyota and have no idea who handles the other vehicle. To me, it's no contest. Others can disagree but I'll probably continue to be satisfied with what I got.

bironb · February 2001

Everyone seems to be comparing the HL to the MDX. What about the base HL, what does it compare to? The only similarly equipped car-based SUV's; that I can think of are the Tribute/Escape. For comparison I picked a Tribute LX-V6 and in order to be fair one has to upgrade to the LX Sport Pkg in order to get ABS.

Tribute 4WD LX-V6 Sport Pkg $28,640 (CND) with the following standard equipment not available with the Highlander:
- Alloy Wheels
- Fog Lamps
- Tonneau Cover
- Center Console
- 6-CD Changer
- Power Moonroff
- Leather Wrapped Steering Wheel

Toyota Highlander 4WD V6 $36,100 (CND)
- extra 20 HP
- 11.4" longer

Now granted in the area of NVH, material quality and interior/exterior fit and finish I personally found the HL to be superior not to mention the present first year reliability and quality control problems the Tribute seems to be experiencing. But for a whooping $7460 without the above noted standard Tribute features I find the HL to be somewhat overpriced to say the least. I have to ask myself how much I am willing to pay for Toyota's general quality and reliability. Decisions, decisions!

skyreb · February 2001

shl72953, the one thing I hoped to avoid was a "debate." But I do agree, there are many factors why we buy one car or another. The one you made is very important to me as well. I live in northern NH, the nearest (Autobytel) Acura dealer is in MA. I own an Acura 4d sedan, a wonderful vehicle. When it needed routine service I have had to have it to a neighborhood shop. Fortunately, it has been problem free, I do not know what I will do when it is someting more serious develops.
I have been looking/thinking about a new SUV for almost a year (my Explorer lease expired, so I knew I was going to be in the market). I have read many a post on various boards, and others seem to most frequently compare the HL to the MDX, so I take no credit for that comparison. I am excited about the HL I have selected, and expect to be very satisfied with the choice.
Originally, I selected the Escape/Tribute. The price and options were right. But Ford never acknowledged my order after three months. I became uncomfortable with the plastic intake manifold; the cladding attached with tape; amd many other features that seemed too cost cutting.
Good luck

bob348 · February 2001

I have been quietly following this forum for a while, and I finally purchased a V6 4WD Highlander this weekend in Southern Calif. I got a Black/Charcoal with AG, CQ, DR, HE, SR, TO, RF, CF and SK for 94% of MSRP, which seems to be the going "no haggle" internet pricing in the LA area. I paid no "national advertising fee" or any other sundry fees except for a $45 "documentation fee". I shopped on the internet but eventually purchased directly from a brick and mortar dealer after presenting the facts. Took about 10 minutes.
I am very pleased with the fit and finish and quality of the vehicle. I have recently test driven the RX300, MDX, and Tribute, all of which I was considering for this purchase. The Tribute is more low-end than I wanted to go, I drove 2 MDX's both of which rattled like milk trucks, and the RX300 is nice but had too much stuff that I do not need. I think that the RX300 and MDX are better values than a fully loaded HL. The real HL value is a unit in the mid to upper 20K range, which is several thousand more than an Escape/Tribute, but probably worth it.
My only issues so far are:
-- Small rattle in glove box door. Added anti-rattle pads and problem went away. Now everything feels and sounds very solid.
-- Vehicle delivered with 38 PSI in all tires. Caused hump and thump while driving on LA freeways. I reduced the pressure to the recomended 30 PSI and hump and thump went away.

khoaitay · February 2001

Congrats on your HL purchase. Can you elaborate
on how you "presenting the facts" to get your
price of 6% off MSRP. That sounds like a very
good deal to me. BTW, which So. Cal dealer and
salesman did you go to ? Thanks.

michanth · February 2001

Are the extended warranties the same for the Highlander throughout the US? And is it a set price or something that is negotiated per dealer?
What's the going rate and what does it cover that the standard warranty does not? Basically, is it worth it?

All comments are appreciated.

Thanks in Advance

Michael

mkstring · February 2001

To all that posted comments on regarding the VSC, thanks! It does look like VSC would have helped, so the question that comes to mind is can VSC be added to the vehicle, and for what cost? We really liked the model, and it didn't have the VSC, so i just made a concession and bought the one I could get. With the rain notorious in the area (and the event i had), it seems like a wise option.

Thanks again.

john_lise · February 2001

Thanks alot for your quick comments in regards to pricing in Canada. $1800 off of MSRP is great 00san. Was this off the base limited or did you get the b option package for $9200 more? I think I am going to wait until May or June to buy my vehicle, but I am definately going to price around. Just so you know I got the Invoice Cost of the Highlander from Pricecostcanada.com. It was worth every cent of the $29 I paid (and this is for 3 quotes of different vehicles). Anybody purchasing a car in Canada should get this info before seeing a dealer. Did you see "W5" this past weekend?....more dealer scams.

I am going to shoot for $2500 off of MSRP because I agree with 00san: the $9200 for the b package must be hurting sales for the higher end model. Frankly for that kind of savings I would travel to Toronto to pick up my vehicle!!! Who was your salesperson and dealership 00san?

Take care

andrec8513 · February 2001

When you say $1,300 worth of add-on's, did any of these include either a running board or side step bar (nerf bar). I have been trying to find the latter, with no luck. Only Manik 4x4 will have the side step tubes available by the end of March. Thanks

drew_ · February 2001

Sorry, VSC cannot be added to your vehicle at this point. It is a factory only option, and you will have to order a new Highlander for it. Your accident was almost a "textbook" case for stability control, as someone else put it in another topic. It would've detected your HL's tailend sliding out, and most likely corrected it before you would've had a chance to do anything.

Have you considered attending any collision avoidance driving programmes in your area? These will help you to explore the limits of your vehicle, and will allow you to practice any emergency evasive maneuvers that you may have to make.

Take care!

Drew
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bob348 · February 2001

RE: 822. I purchased my HL from Melissa Hayden at Torrance Toyota. I brought hard copies of email quotes that I received from Longo Toyota and Carson Toyota (thanks to Dianne, if she had a black/charcoal in stock if would have bought from her).

shl72953 · February 2001

Negative on the running boards. Installed a CB with extension speaker, Valentine One radar detector, cromantic mirror with compass and temp gauge, backup sensor system, and various little doodads to dress up the exterior. Will explore the possibility of sidebars to protect against dirt splashing up on the side. Right now, though, I'm trying to find a center console. Toyota says it will be a couple of months before dealers have them in stock. Lexus version is too expensive. Let me know if you happen on decent sidebars. Thanks.
Wally

bob348 · February 2001

RE: 822. I purchased my HL from Melissa Hayden at Torrance Toyota. I brought hard copies of email quotes that I received from Longo Toyota and Carson Toyota (thanks to Dianne, if she had a black/charcoal in stock if would have bought from her).

hvan3 · February 2001

Is it me or does the rear section of the Highlander is somewhat identical to Grand Cherokee? Check out the rear lights between two vehicles. Identically alike!!

BTW
I heard Land Rover will introduce the Freelander during the summer months. MSRP should be around $27-28K.

kcowart · February 2001

Is the V6 engine an option for the FWD?

Thanks in advance...

Kenny

andrec8513 · February 2001

My HL is coming in next week with the center console. I am in the northeast. I did find side step bars from www.manik.com that will be available after the middle of March. They make very nice stuff. The center console depends on where you live I think. Also, My console was port installed.

tomshadle · February 2001

To repeat my question from the 4WD/AWD Forum:
Let's say I'm going to do what Toyota does NOT expect and drive the Highlander through sand and snow.
Are you saying the Limited Slip by itself would be basically worthless on the beach, and that the VSC/Traction Control would be better, in spite of the problems reported by the test-driver and Cliffy, the DC area dealer re: Snow & VSC?
My primary uses for the vehicle will be:
1. to drive on beach sand and occasionally through medium-deep snow
2. enjoy a decent ride before I get to the beach so a Part Time AWD vehicle is out.
Thanks,
Tom

00san · February 2001

The $1800 (cdn)was off the HL with the "limited" (B) package. It was only the second limited that Mississauga Toyota had sold in 4 weeks compared to several of the base v6. You should be able to get over $2000 off if you wait a month or two.

I really think that Toyota Canada has misjudged on the option packages for this vehicle. Essentially you can only buy it as a base v6 ($36k) or fully loaded ($45k). It makes no sense. The price difference is so great that it's like comparing two different vehicles. Even in the US it seems that people compare the lower priced HL to Escape/Tribute and the higher HL to the MDX.

I don't get this strategy?!? It's obvious that this SUV reaches it best value point somewhere in the middle price range. Remember that the $36k (cdn) version of the HL does not even get alloy wheels or illuminated vanity mirrors??

chip1951 · February 2001

And the Canadian 'fully loaded' HL does not have side airbags. Not even as an option.

pchiu · February 2001

This is what makes me waiting, I hope they will have the side air bag (side air cutain, even better) at least as an option in Canada.

bironb · February 2001

Yes, it is incredible that a $36k (cdn) HL does not include alloy wheels and a tonneau cover, which are standard features on vehicles of lesser value.

iv2000 · February 2001

I've been following this forum for the last couple of weeks. I'll be purchasing a new HL, hopefully, in the next couple of weeks. I live in San Jose and have been to a few dealerships in the area but I haven't seen what I'm looking for. I'm looking for the limited V6 4x4 in red. Also, the dealers in this area don't seem to want to come down from MSRP. I'll be doing some serious looking this weekend a little further out of the area, maybe I'll get lucky. Is there anyone out there who's purchased in the SF Bay Area?

DIANNE - If you can give me a great deal, I'm willing to travel down South to see you. How far are you from Sann Jose?

mkstring · February 2001

Actually, I saw your post in the list regarding take a similar course for your vehicle (a MB isn't it). If there is one offered in the area, I really would like to take it with my wife, who will be driving it the most. At the very least we will gain some experience with performing similar maneuvers and how far we can push the HL. Of course, I'm taking things much slower these days, especially in the dark. Thanks for the input, and who knows, we might wind up trading the L on another

.

odalager · February 2001

I purchased a HL a couple weeks ago for $1200 under MSRP at Longo Toyota (El Monte). See post #656?

vegas5 · February 2001

I will be purchasing a HL in December when my lease is up. Checked it out, did not drive. Appears to be high quality. I love Toyotas but have never bought the first year of new model. Any concerns or is this basically a RX300 that is battle tested? Anyone know total output of HLs for 2001 and 2002? Will the demand decrease by years end? Any thoughts appreciated!

bugeye24 · February 2001

Are any base model, V6, FWD with towing pkg being imported, or are they all 4WD Limiteds? All I've seen in Maryland are the latter, but they are just starting to get here.

loach · February 2001

I've seen quite a few people comparing the HL to the MDX, but has anyone shopped it against the Pathfinder? I would think they would be in competition from a price standpoint, with big discounts available on the PF and the HL selling close to MSRP. I realize the PF will be much more capable off road due to low range and HL will probably be more car-like (better ride and/or handling?) I'd like to hear from those of you who have driven both. I drove a PF Monday but HL's are scarce yet in the Midwest. The PF was nice, but didn't knock my socks off - probably need to drive it again. The back seat is clearly better in the Highlander, but not much of a concern for me since I'll be using my wife's van when lugging the kids around.

jomabu1 · February 2001

When we bought our Highlander we used the pricing of a loaded Highlander to the MDX as a bargaining chip. This enabled us to save a substantial amount off of msrp. (see one of my previous posts). The Highlander was exactly what we wanted. We didn't want a luxury name plate and trimmings.

Last week we took our Highlander on a several hundred mile drive. We averaged 22mpg and 24mpg on the two fill ups driving 60 to 65 mph. Returning home we encountered a snow storm driving through two 4200' passes. The snow at the maximum depths was around 4-6". We made it through the pass no problem. There were two suvs on their sides, a truck that spun out, and several accidents. The Highlander did a marvelous job in the snow. Also of note, cross winds and 18 wheeler drive bys didn't affect the Highlander as much as other cars that I've driven. Hope this is helpful.

jomabu1 · February 2001

We also cross shopped the Highlander and Pathfinder. We ended up buying the Highlander. We do more highway trips so the extremely smooth and quiet highway ride were the major selling points. The interior of the Highlander is much bigger but the Pathfinder has softer plastics that I like better. Also the EPA highway mpg was 25% better. If you do a lot of towing, off roading, and heavy duty work I would suggest the Pathfinder. Good luck!

jomabu1 · February 2001

The EPA of the Highlander is 25% better than the Pathfinder.

kazumi · February 2001

This message board was very helpful for us in deciding to purchase our Highlander. We'll be picking up our HL on Wed. morning and my wife and I just can't wait to drive it home. Its a Bluestone Limited. Thanks again to all the informative posts.
Aloha

tshadle · February 2001

did you get that performed so well in the snow, V6? Any VSC or Limited Slip options?
There is no comparison between the ride in the Pathfinder and the Highlander. The Highlander is much smoother. I've always said, it's fine to go off-roading but you have to get there first and if you live more than an hour away from the area where you're 4-wheeling you're going to pay for it with a rough ride in a truck-based SUV.

loach · February 2001

I don't know if calling Pathfinder a "truck-based SUV" is accurate. It's my understanding that it has unit-body construction similar to the Highlander rather than body-on-frame like a 4runner or Xterra. That said, I take it you still much prefer the ride of the Higherlander over the Pathfinder? And those are the opinions I'm looking for. Many of the reviews I've read have complimented the ride and handling of the PF, but the ride was a little busier than I expected on my test drive. Could be overinflated tires, too, as was pointed out on another board.

tshadle · February 2001

I got the '97 Pathfinder after the redesign because of the unit-body construction but I think it still has leaf springs on the rear. My wife & I test-drove an Explorer the same day. The PF rode much smoother by comparison.
But now I have 43,000 on the vehicle and we often take it on 500 mi. trips. One time I was lying in the back after back surgery. We hit a bump and I flew up in the air and back down. Scared the devil out of me.
Anyway, after driving it day in & day out for 4 years we feel the ride is harsh & jarring even in the front. Take one out on a long test-drive over bumpy roads & see what you think.

dianne4toyota · February 2001

The last 3 Limited Highlanders in 4WD that I had were all sold (by me) to San Francisco, San Jose, and South Lake Tahoe residents.

Need I say more?

Please reach me at dianne@earthlink.net to chat about the red car you seek. Thanks.

twobrowns · February 2001

I have been considering trading my high mileage 2000 avalon (42000 miles ) on an HL. I was offered what appears to be wholesale for my fully loaded XLS (21000) against the list for the HL(35000). Not a good deal. I think I will wait until the inventory for HL's increases and then perhaps I can do better or from what I have been reading the inventory may not increase.

dianne4toyota · February 2001

Wow, that's actually way less than wholesale for a loaded XLS..depending on miles. Dealers do offer wholesale or below for trades, and often a lot lower if miles are horribly over average. But, regardless of the value of the trade, MSRP for a 4WD "Limited" is way higher than what even I am at... unreasonably so.

Dianne

00san · February 2001

It's natural to be concerned about a first year vehicle, even a Toyota. It may help, however, to know that the HL will be assembled in the same plant as the RX300, which was rated by JD Power as one of the best assembly plants in the world.

Toyota Highlander

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