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Toyota Highlander

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  • mckeownmckeown Member Posts: 165
    Just purchased a 04 V6 Nonlimited (sticker was 32,600, bought for 28,645 (about $400 under invoice) here in NJ. Bought it on Halloween (Oct. 31st). Dealer had some sort of quota to fulfill. I spent $20 at mycar.com . Edmunds had a link to it when I started to get serious about a purchase and was looking at TMV as well as invoice price.
    8 of 16 dealers in my area responded. Nearest dealer was $1,000 OVER invoice and wouldn't budge. They are less than 1 mile form our house. On the last day, there was a quote for $400 UNDER Invoice with a CALL IMMEDIATELY note attached. So I did and the rep told me I had that day ONLY to purchase it. Well they had what my wife wanted, Color and all. So we bought it. BEST $20 Finders fee I ever spent.
    Sorry for being so long, but there are LOTs of 2004's out here in NJ. And if the dealer you visit isn't treating you right, go to another, Or try mycar.com. For $20, they saved me $1400.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    Congrats on the new Highlander, Mckeown. I didn't even know we partnered with Mycar. I ran across this broker article today that some of you may be interested in. (KAVC)

    Steve, Host
  • hlronhlron Member Posts: 113
    Wow, no posts for a whole week??!! Maybe this is the same as the "silent majority" in politics - one of the thoughts with that being that the majority are satisified, so we don't hear from most? I suppose this may be because the Highlanders are just out and about, doing what they were made to do? As noted in an earlier post, I continue to have great experiences with my 2001 HL 2 wheel drive "unlimited". /Ron
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    The 2004 Highlander discussion is siphoning off some posts. Probably better to get everyone back in here and lump all the years together.

    Steve, Host
  • landdriverlanddriver Member Posts: 607
    I agree Steve -- the Toyota Highlander discussion is where we all really belong.
  • dougb10dougb10 Member Posts: 185
    In the 2004 brochure, there is a "truck tent" option. Is this some kind of camping tent that attaches in some manner to the side or back of the vehicle?
    In Canada, it is about a $350 option. Does anyone have one and how have they found it? Any comments would be appreciated.

    Thanks. Doug
  • bdymentbdyment Member Posts: 573
    The owner's manual shows two tow hooks attached to the front bumper. However only one is provided in the tool container. Is this correct?
  • junebug56junebug56 Member Posts: 35
    I am trying to decide between an '04 Limited Highlander & a Nissan Murano. After hearing about problems with the Highlander hesitating, I am becoming skidish about one of the best rated SUV's. Any comments about either would be appreciated. Thanks!
  • jackmick656jackmick656 Member Posts: 61
    If you are skidish about the 04 why not buy an 03. The 03 HL is tried and true. I own an 03 V6 non limited, have 6500 miles on the vehicle and no problems. There should be some pretty good deals out there now. I paid $24,600 plus T&L last March. Could do better now.
  • junebug56junebug56 Member Posts: 35
    Thank jackmick656. I have thought about that as a solution. I will keep you posted.
  • landdriverlanddriver Member Posts: 607
    Its not clear from the posts here if this is a prevalent problem or not, so I'd confirm this either way before weighing this as a factor in your decision.

    The post was originally made by bashawik in reference to the V6 Highlander and confirmed it by test-driving a second '04 Highlander, and then a second poster who was shopping for one (sstepa) chimed-in to say he experienced the exact same behavior.

    Sounds like it may indeed be an endemic problem with the '04 V6, but given the extremely small sample size (2 posters), other factors may be at play. For example, a given person's expectation of a new vehicle is significantly influenced by the vehicle previously driven by the given person. Case in point: when I first got my Highlander I frequently found myself pushing 85 mph on the highway without even thinking about it. The reason was my previous car had much less power, so I was used to gunning the accelerator to keep up with traffic. To me the Highlander was a fast and powerful vehicle. Another poster commented the Highlander was "slow." His reason may have been that perhaps he was accustomed to driving a V8.

    So more input is needed. For all you new '04 V6 Highlander owners, does your Highlander indeed hesitate when accelerating from a stop? Please let us know either way!
  • landdriverlanddriver Member Posts: 607
    My '01 Highlander only came with one tow hook, so my guess is this is the case for the '04 as well. I think the idea is that only one tow hook is needed for most towing situations.
  • bluemind2bluemind2 Member Posts: 14
    It's same to my 04HL, 2 tow hooks in front bumper, and just 1 is provided in tool container.
  • dtcoxdtcox Member Posts: 3
    Anyone know or know where to find what the gear ratios are on the new 5 speed automatic? Some reference is made to adjusting the low gears to have more acceleration from standstill while some mention the overdrive was increased for better mileage. A little of both? I have not been able to find the specifications in the manual, Toyota website, or elsewhere.
  • b717b717 Member Posts: 38
    From Toyota Tech bulletin

    2004 ___2003
    V6 5spd
    1 4.235___1 3.938
    2 2.360___2 2.194
    3 1.517___3 1.411
    4 1.047___4 1.019
    5 0.756
    R 3.378___R 3.141
    2004 Diff 3.478___ 2003 3.080 2WD
    ______________2003 D 3.291 AWD
  • bdymentbdyment Member Posts: 573
    Would someone please provide me with the correct method to check the automatic transmission level in the 2004 V6 five speed. The manual states this should be checked on a regular basis, but doesn't say how.
    I assume-bad thing to do sometimes-that the vehicle should be warm, driven idealy for approx. twenty minutes,then with the brake on, move the shift lever through the gears and check the level in park with the engine running.
     Would this be correct?
  • spencer327spencer327 Member Posts: 106
    I own 2004 HL LTD V6 AWD
    Tranny operates fine. From dead stop shifts fine, downshift is fine, only small glitch is from a rolling stop at a stop sign tranny will give brief hesitation because it hasnt shifted down to first gear yet. This manifests itself in my 2003 Avalon and previous 2000 Avalon also.Must be a Toyota thing. Not really a problem.My previous 97 Nissan maxima did not do this but my wifes 94 Acura legend did the same thing . So far the tranny is fine.
  • hlfanhlfan Member Posts: 46
    ...and bought a '04 V6 AWD Ltd.

    Leather, Moonroof,Side Curtain ABs,Tow Prep, V4 alarm, 6CD changer, heated seats, jada jada jada. Invoice according to edmunds, kbb, and dealer was ~ $32000. I got it for $32200.

    Although I'm pretty sure this is a great deal, I couldn't care less ! I waited long enough to buy this (I thought I was ready, then they announced the '04 changes), that I would have settled for a $1000 more. But wait, I did ! I took the platinum 72mnth, 100k mile warranty, with no copay for $1k extra, and yes it is refundable if unused.

    I'm THRILLED. It's a great car. Run, don't walk, and get you one !

    HL rules ! Long live HL !
  • bluemind2bluemind2 Member Posts: 14
    Just to make sure, $32200 + tax&DMV or $32200 is out of the door? Thanks
  • hlfanhlfan Member Posts: 46
    $32200 excluding tax and DMV. That's +- = edmunds invoice + $200
  • bdymentbdyment Member Posts: 573
    Has anyone had a chance to make a comparison using regular gas vs high test? Manual states better performance with 91 Octane. Dealer says it is a waste of money.

    I believe the Lexus RX 330 requires 91 Octane. Same drivetrain. What do you think?
  • bigdadbigdad Member Posts: 55
    2002 HL is about 1-1.5 MPG better with hi-test...but not worth the .20/gallon you must pay to obtain....can't see much performance difference, so I use 87 octane and get a very consistent 21-21.5 MPG....when I go on a trip at freeway speed (78-80) I get 25 MPG with hi-test and 23-24 with 87 octane...still no real advantage to hi-test.....no noticeable pinging or knocking....
  • bdymentbdyment Member Posts: 573
    This is truly a wonderful vehicle. Very pleased so far. However,it would be nice if the door locks and window switches lit up at night, instead of a little L.E.D. on the driver's window switch. Also the Homelink buttons could use illumination as well.

    It is sometimes strange how companies will include some of these goodies on lesser models and leave them off their more expensive productions
  • landdriverlanddriver Member Posts: 607
    Finally got around to test driving the '04 3.3L V6 (4WD) a few days ago. Being an '01 3.0L V6 (4WD) owner, I was interested to see what the difference was in terms of feel of the new 3.3 V6.

    Really liked the feel of the new engine. Had a bit more pep and felt like it was more appropriate for the size of the vehicle (didn't notice any of the rumored hesitation issues). Not to take away from the 3.0L V6, however, as I've never had any problems gunning past cars on the road in the few instances I've felt the urge to do so. And, as I've said before, even the 4 cyl (on 2WD models) has enough power for my tastes -- really liked the efficient feel of the engine, and would have got one if it had been available on Limited models.

    Don't plan on getting a new car anytime soon, though -- planning to keep this vehicle on the order of the same period that I owned my previous Toyota vehicle (20 years as of last August (will that '83 pickup never die?!?)).

    Highlander owners, it doesn't get any better than this.
  • carguy1234carguy1234 Member Posts: 233
    You mentioned that the extended warranty you bought is refundable if not used. I'm wondering - was that some special deal at the dealership you worked with, or is that a Toyota wide available offer?

    Thanks
  • klinklin Member Posts: 54
    Hello,

    Would appreciate if someone can point me to SUV roll-over index, esp. how HL/4Runner compared to other SUVs.

    Thanks
  • hlfanhlfan Member Posts: 46
    AFAIK it is Toyota's own deal, not that of any dealer. If you sell the car, they will refund the pro-rated amount based on you mileage. If you never use it the warranty, I'm not sure what you will get back.

    Even if I don't get anything back, an additional 64000 miles, 4 year warranty, with free rental car, & roadside assitance for a $1000, is a steal.
  • bojack1bojack1 Member Posts: 23
    I was ready to buy the extended warranty from ToyotaWarranty.com. (Toyota Extra Care 84mo/75k $0 Deductible)for $875. Went to 2 local Toyota dealers and the first one quoted a price of $675.
    Went to the next one to see if they would beat that price and they took off another $25. $650 and no sales tax, not to bad of deal for doing a little shopping around.This is the Toyota factory backed EXTRA CARE PLATINUM. Seems they like to deal at the end of the month.
    You can trasfer the warranty agreement 1 time for $25.00 (might help on the resale),the cash back is pro-rated in the fine print.
  • 1sttimevolvo11sttimevolvo1 Member Posts: 189
    Check the NHTSA website under `Rollover Ratings'.

    http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/
  • akasrpakasrp Member Posts: 170
    Still waiting for stock of 04 AWD V6 LTD to SoCal.
    Allocations must be favoring the snow belt >;-)
    Meanwhile good ($5000 off MSRP) on remaining 03 AWD LTDs.
    For those who have seen both, are there significant enough improvements to warrant waiting for the 04?
    Things like 3.3L/5speed, side curtains and 3rd row seats available nav and dvd are obvious.
    But what about any changes in (subtle) int/ext styling, suspension/handling, insulation, seats, stereo?
    Any under the radar stuff like that?

    I envy you guys that already have your 04s!

    tia!
    srp
  • hlfanhlfan Member Posts: 46
    The new for '04 gray leather finish looks way better than the tan. I like the lights better, but that is subtle. Passenger seat is now electric, tire pressure sensor is new, air bag is much better, the list goes on.

    There is a heck of a lot of small things that adds up. I'm glad I waited for the '04.

    BTW If you're ready to buy, try South Coast Toyota in Costa Mesa. I paid 200 over invoice, with no arguing...
  • akasrpakasrp Member Posts: 170
    Yeah, looks like all the little things do add up and point to getting the 04.
    FWIW, Longo has yet to receive a single 04 AWD LTD (only FWD) - so I will definitely give South Coast a shot. And $200 over invoice is worth the extra drive.
    Did South Coast quote you that as their 'online price'?
    Feel free to email with any more tips or insights.
    akasrp@NOSPAMyahoo.com

    Thanks again - see you on the road!

    srp
  • klinklin Member Posts: 54
    Thanks to 1sttimevolvo1 for the info, which really helps on the purchase research.

    Setting aside reliability/quality, HL has a lower rollover rating than Pilot/MDX at:

     http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/NCAP/Cars/2003SUVs.html

    Would the new 2004 side-curtain airbags help in rollover? But the 2004 model only offers side-curtain airbags for the first 2 rows. MDX offers up to 3rd row, while Pilot offers none.

    Thanks for any comment.
  • landdriverlanddriver Member Posts: 607
    hlfan has a lot of excellent points. Ideally I'd still try to catch that small window when both are available so you can actually see the new interior -- some like it, some say the aluminum accents cheapen the interior. Personally, I like the '03s interior a little better but would still get the '04, especially for the feel of the more powerful V6!
  • landdriverlanddriver Member Posts: 607
    One thing I forgot to mention in my post about the '01/'04 comparison is that I briefly turned on the JBL radio in the '04 and its sound sounded like it had improved over that of the JBL radio in my '01, as though maybe they increased the power of the power amp. But it was hard to say for sure as I replaced my stereo with an aftermarket model some time back so my ear is no longer calibrated to what the '01 factory JBL stereo sounds like.
  • kristylizkristyliz Member Posts: 1
    We are considering purchasing a Highlander, but without hauling two babies to the dealership, want to know whether or not an adult can fit BETWEEN two car seats in the second row? Also, can 3 car seats fit across the second row? We want to buy a model with the 3rd row, but want to know the TRUE seating capacity. Oh, and is here enough room for cargo with the 3rd row up - a stroller or a suitcase?

    THANKS!rd row up?
  • mysticbmysticb Member Posts: 9
    I've been keeping an eye on several of the local dealer's lots and web sites here in the Southern Virginia area looking for 04 Limiteds (FWD or AWD) and I'm seeing very few. We're talking two months into the new model year and the vehicle that I would think Toyota would want to sell most (i.e., loaded) would be readily available.

    Does anyone with access to allotment information know why there are so few Limiteds available? Is there a production problem? I doubt they're still holding back on the 04's to clear the 03's off the lot.
  • 1sttimevolvo11sttimevolvo1 Member Posts: 189
    want to know whether or not an adult can fit BETWEEN two car seats in the second row?

    Umm.......why would you want to subject an adult to crawling over carseats to get out of car? Wouldn't it be better for the adult to sit in the outboard position and the car seats in the middle and outboard?
    I would HATE crawling over the carseat to get in and out.

    At any rate, you should be able to fit 3 carseats in the Highlander in the second row. An adult and 2 carseats should fit, albeit a bit snug.
  • dkadamsdkadams Member Posts: 6
    >>We are considering purchasing a Highlander, but without hauling two babies to the dealership, want to know whether or not an adult can fit BETWEEN two car seats in the second row?<<

    Having just purchased a '04 with a 13 month old, I can relate, BUT given the differences between car seat sizes, it is essential that you put your seats in the vehicle and then decide what you can live with.

    >>Also, can 3 car seats fit across the second row? We want to buy a model with the 3rd row, but want to know the TRUE seating capacity. Oh, and is here enough room for cargo with the 3rd row up - a stroller or a suitcase?<<

    There is about 18" between the third row and the hatch.
  • scwt47scwt47 Member Posts: 13
    04 HL Limited w/o 3rd seat is NOT available. What gives? The "improved" 04 has a few more HP, 3rd seat option (sort of a third seat, sort of an option), a less boring front bumper, fog lights finally optional at all levels, and new taillights. That's the good news.

    For those of us who want a new HL Limited but have no use or desire for the jumpseat setup (teenage kids come full-size in the USA, Toyota) I guess we just have to swallow hard and go Murano-shopping. I just cannot see spending the extra $$$ for a 3rd seat we will never use, adds unneeded weight and takes up space. If I could option up a non-3rd seat Base HL to the same level as a Limited that would be OK, but it doesn't work that way with Toyota.

    Crawled all over the 04 HL at the SF Auto Show a week ago. While they did the best they could to cram that 3rd seat in, there is just not enough room in that mid-size SUV to pull it off unless your kids are under 12 (short enough) and over 6 (out of car seats).

    I'd say the product planners at Toyota got off track what with the 04 Limited getting a "3rd seat - take it or take it" decision. Given the track record Toyota has in terms of market share, on the other hand, I guess it's just me.

    How hard would it be for Toyota to make them WITH the Limited Package & WITHOUT the 3rd seat?

    My dollars and I will go in search of a 04 Murano SL or a used 03 HL Limited.
  • spencer327spencer327 Member Posts: 106
    Just had my first experience in my 2004 HL limited
    with a big snowfall. Long Island 18". Have to say the HL had awesome traction, tracked straight,
    I did not feel the AWD changing torque, but it must have. Braking was only fair, For serious snow areas would recommend more aggresive tread tires.
    HL was better than my 2001 Blazer and 1997 Pathfinder.Love it. Its a keeper.
  • kbalchkbalch Member Posts: 19
    Agreed! Our 03 was great in the snow, but the Bridgestones leave a bit to be desired. Definitely will switch to Michelins when they wear out....
  • rqcrqc Member Posts: 95
    We just took a short trip (2 hours) with three car seats in the second row and that worked fine but we had to use the belts instead of LATCH to get them all to fit. I don't think two car seats and an adult is a workable combination in the second row unless it is a really short trip.
  • beanctrbeanctr Member Posts: 99
    I believe that the Curtain/Side airbags inflate upon a severe impact into the side of the vehicle. I don't think they inflate upon a "rollover".
  • cgoddard1cgoddard1 Member Posts: 4
    Hi I am close to buying my first Toyota (Highlander) but am not sure about the extended warranty. I was burnt before bu not having one (with Ford) but since it is quite expensive I don't want to waste the money needlessly.

    Do you think it is required generally? Any advice please

    Thanks

    Charlie
  • wwestwwest Member Posts: 10,706
    If it were all manufacturers would be including it.
  • cliffy1cliffy1 Member Posts: 3,581
    They can be a good idea but not always. It really depends on a large number of factors. First, aftermarket warranties are almost never worth it. The companies can go bankrupt whenever they want (anybody ever heard of Warranty Gold?), dealers often have a hard time collecting from them and they rarely cover as much equipment as the manufacturer does.

    Now, if you are looking at the genuine Toyota Platinum warranty, you need to decide a few things. Are you a long term owner? How many miles do you drive each year? How much are you willing to gamble on repair expenses? If you are a long term owner, driving 14K miles per year and you have a fear of being nickled and dimed to death when the car is 6 years old and the AC is acting up, the warranty might be for you.

    The next thing to look at is price. Many dealers do not offer the warranties at Toyota's MSRP. Many will charge as much as $1995 for a plan listed on thier web site for $1425. Others will discount from the MSRP. You don't have to buy the warranty from the selling dealership. You can e-mail other dealers to get price quotes. As long as you buy the genuine Toyota plan, you're going to be covered.

    I hope this helps.
  • cgoddard1cgoddard1 Member Posts: 4
    I do intend to keep the vehicle for as long as possible but the warranties offered at this point were only to add and extra one or two years onto the base 3 years. There already is a 4 year powertrain warranty so the additional 1 year did not seem too appealing. I really need a 10 year warranty to coevr the big stuff :) but that would not we affordable if even available. Maybe I'll forgo the warranty and rethink my intentions to keep it for a long time!

    Thanks for the input
  • cliffy1cliffy1 Member Posts: 3,581
    I'm not familiar with what they offer in Canada. Down here, the standard warranty is 3/36 comprehensive and 5/60 powertrain. You can get up to 7/100 on the extended program which means an extra 4 years on the comprehensive and 2 on the powertrain. Personally, I worry more about stuff like CD changers are climate control systems than I do the engine.
  • cgoddard1cgoddard1 Member Posts: 4
    Yea good point. The standard warranty seems to be the same. I had a really bad experince with an out of warrranty transmission so am probably being a little paranoid about that. I'll ask for the price on the 7/100 although based on the price of the 1 year it is likely to be prohibitive.
    thanks again!!
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