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Here is the Northeast, there is no movement from MSRP. Visited dealer today where we had ordered a V6, AWD, non limited, but with the Convenience, Preferred, and Towing packages. Tomorrow we will drive off in exactly what we wanted for about $850 below MSRP. Not as good as some of you have done, but that seems to be the best I could hope for in the NE.
The dealers are selling all they can get, so there is little incentive to cut cost. We reviewed the availability list (vehicles in route from Japan) and there were a number of HL's equipped as above, in all colors, so yes, they are making many that are not "Limited's."
We got the gray interior. I much prefer that to the beige, but to each his own. As we test drove it today, I was very impressed with the feeling of quality, fit, finish, power, smooth ride, and quiet interior. The wind was blowing 30-40 mph, and it was rock steady, and quiet.
Happy motoring!!
assembled and he said "Somewhere in the US but
we don't know where." I'm very interested in
knowing as I like to purchase vehicles made
in the US. I'm on my #2 Avalon and have had
great luck with it - but I like the versatility
of the SUV. I'm not afraid of trying the HL
in it's first year as experience from myself
and many friends is nothing but positive
with Toyota quality. This will be interesting
as I'm trading a 2000 Avalon XLS with
7,140 miles on it !
The Highlander is assembled in Japan. An earlier post mentioned it is assembled at the same plant as the Lexus.
First year production? It is my understanding the vehicle has been available in Japan prior to importing them to the US.
Happy motoring.
drew_ "4WD & AWD systems explained" Feb 21, 2001 7:26pm
Drew
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MDX- for about $34.5k you get a base luxury SUV with minimal off-road capabilty. Has auto-4wd and rides well on the highway. 4 year warranty, Acura reputation.
HL- it's strong point is that you can configure it to cost within whatever price range/feature you want. You could probably get a 2wd version with "stuff" for about $25 - 29K. But if you are interested in safety and the same luxury stuff as you would on the MDX or PF LE, then you are spending $30k - 35k. This vehicle too has minimal off-road capability.
PF LE- this is a great combination of true off-road capability (has auto-4wd, plus 4wd-lo and -hi gears) and luxury. For about $31k nowadays you are getting leather, BOSE sound/6changer, heated seats, and seat memory. PF reliabilty is proven and excellent. You can't even get memory seats on the HL. But yes, the back seats are a bit cramped, but they have improved now that they recline. The handling and accelaration is like a sports car (really). The 240Hp engine on the PF kicks butt, body sway is minimal going through the corners. Ride will not be as comfortable as the MDX.
You have to decide what you are willing to spend and what it is that YOU want out of the vehicle.
Edmunds just did a comparo on mid-size SUVs.
Good Luck
But the fact is that the PF does have a 4-lo and 4-hi transfer case. And the suspension is a lot "truckier" and the clearance greater than the MDX or HL. I leased a '97 PF for 3 years and I can confidently tell you that I'd rather take it off-road than the HL, MDX, or what I own now the RX300.
I know you are a Toyota dealer, so you are probably thinking, "hey, what about the 4Runner?"
The 4runner is a very capable off-roader, but two points about the 4Runner 1)it ain't cheap 2)the engine is downright anemic compared to the other vehicles mentioned and what you are paying for it.
Just my opinion, YMMV.
Here, we have a 4Runner V6 2wd with the power extras, CD/cassette, alloy wheels, tow package, roof rack, the works (for now, forget the sunroof) at an MSRP of 28405. The Highlander equipped very similarly (no tow hitch itself) has an MSRP of 28025. They have virtually the same markup margins in them. Now, the same doesn't go for the 4WD versions because they always get more extras, and 4WD in a 4Runner is a typical MSRP with the RH JU AG C7 = $31660, and the 4WD Highlander, with similar features, MSRP's at 29624.
All 4Runners have the Skid control/traction control standard. Keep in mind that the cars are not EXACTLY equipped the same, they are very very close in extras.
The "Limited" 2WD version of the 4Runner with EJ SR C7 MSRP's at $35760, and the Highlander Limited with side airbags and all of the other extras = $32000 or so... adding $1500 for the 4WD where the 4Runner addition for 4WD brings the 4WD Limited 4Runner to 38580.
They are way different "beasts" and the Highlander is definitely not "trucky" or meant to be offroaded for long duration/roughness, where the 4Runner is a lot more intended for the possibility of this.
You may have to just drive them both. I requested, and got, a lot of extra Limited Highlanders this past allocation because that seems to be what's selling like hotcakes for me here, and they average $32,000-32,500 at MSRP. I used to sell a lot of Limited 4Runners as well... the trend shifts!
Dianne
dianne@earthlink.net
http://www.nissan.ca/eng/events/campeng/welcomes.html
and you will find Camp Pathfinder which is a Nissan sponsored club for pathfinder off-roaders.
That said, the PF is probably best for moderate off-road activities. For any serious off-road adventures you should stick to trucks like the Lander Rover, Nissan Exterra, traditional Jeeps and modified vehicles.
The HL is obviously not meant for any off-road activity.
Happy motoring.
On the basis of the post several post back where the Pathfinder and the 4Runner are discussed, the 4Runner sounds to be more "trucky." I think it all comes down to your needs. We live in the "north country of New Hampshire, where it snows frequently (like today). We felt we wanted a more car like ride, but with 4 wheel drive. We camp and hike, but would never go off a trail into the wilds. I am certain both have their place, and the one that best suits your needs would be just right.
If you read my post above, I could not be any happier that I am with te HL. I drove it 135 miles home from the dealer, and everything was perfect. In NH we have "Frost Heaves." These winter road imperfections will drive shake the paint off metal. I cannot wait to return the leased Ford Explorer to the dealer Monday. It is "trucky" and rides like one.
Happy looking and motoring.
What weights are being towed with the Highlander, and how does it respond (bumper sag, acceleration, etc.)? If bumper sag is a problem, can you put air shocks on this vehicle?
Thanks!
As to towing, I know you said you will be towing 2500 pounds but what I don't know is how frequently you will be doing this and how far you typically travel. The reason for the two different tow ratings is because some do not come with the tow prep package.
Cricket12 asked about daytime lamps. I believe the answer is no, and why would you want to? Personally, I think they should be standard on every vehicle. In Houston, we have a lot of overcast days, and the daytime lamps really makes the vehicle more noticeable.
And in general, just the selling points that really led us to buy the vehicle:
1) the FULL SIZE spare
2) The ride on a bumpy road was superb - the sales person look us down one of those notorious "asphalt with tar patch" roads with the sides of the road being very uneven - it rode better than my 98 accord (which we traded in).
3) the LACK of the center console. We were dead set on a Honda Odyssey until we climbed into a HL. something about being able to smack our kids easier... plus - it's room for a tv/vcr combo - although I don't know if one will fit there yet.
4) back leg room. I rode in the back for the 1st part of our test drive, and was very pleased with the about of space I had. Did you know you can recline the front driver seat all the way back flush with the back seat (with the head rest removed)?
5) did I mention the FULL SIZE spare? (hehe)
We bought it because it was smaller and a lot more manuverable that the Odessey, and we just wanted easy access to the back seat. It was a little more with the options, but my wife has this "I'm old if I have a van" attitude - and she loves the styling on the HL.
And, my salesperson didn't BS us (probably becuase the finance manager is my wife's brother), and really impressed me by showing us everything on the vehicle, not just the highlights. We were really pleased with our experience.
We've (my wife, of course, while I drive the "hand-me-down") had our Highlander for a week and love it. Sundown Red V6 2x4 limited with leather, side air bags, premium JBL, moon roof, tow pep and VSC. We got if for >$1k under MSRP. The dealer, Team Toyota in Tallahassee, located it in Clearwater (we demanded red limited with VSC and side airbags) and paid to have it brought up for us and changed the tires out for the Michelins as compensation for putting on the 200 miles to get it here. They were good to work with - very pleasant experience.
You're doing a pretty fair amount of towing. 10 trips a year at 200 to 300 a piece is a good work out.
I want to be careful how I word this next part because I don't want it to be misinterpreted. That much towing is going to put a lot of strain on a unibody constructed vehicle. I'm not saying the HL can't handle it, but each time you hook up, you are pulling directly on every body part in the vehicle. This will not hurt a unibody if done infrequently or for short trips. I honestly think you would be pushing the limits with this or any other unibody SUV or van.
Others may disagree with this theory and that will not bother me. Of the unibody vehicles on the road, I am confident that the HL is very well constructed but I really think you need to look at something with a frame. Have you considered the 4Runner?
My husband is pushing the 4x4 but I drive 3 miles to work everyday and then just
weekend driving...although the price difference isn't all that much.
So is it worth it to get the 4x4 over the 4x2? He says the resell value would be better,
but of course I'm not worried about that now!
I test drove the 4x4 and must admit...it was quiet, smooth and handled great!
Any thoughts would be appreciated...thanks!
I know that when I advertise a 4WD SUV for sale in classifieds online or other areas, I pull a lot more people throughout the country and Northern CA for these than when I advertise a 2WD SUV.
Dianne
I guess I already knew my answer about 4x4 or 4x2....so we'll probably go with the 4x4. Dealers are playing tough around here, not wanting to budge off the sticker. I finally went through autobytel and got the deal from a guy 100 miles away...worth the travel time!
Thanks for letting us know there are fair dealers out there!
/direct/view/.eea61db
Drew
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the HL actually is slightly roomier than the rx. I would be hard pressed to spend the extra $$$$ for the rx. i hear that lexus is making some great deals on the rx, usually that's before a major redesign or competitive pressure.
with all the suv's in toyota lineup, there is big pressure not to buy the LC and get the sequoia instead (that's what my friend did and saved 10k)
I think toyota will in the next year or two consolitdate it's suv line to fewer platforms.
So here is my prediction
HL and Rx on same platform built in northamerica
LC--LX470 switched over to Sequoia based suv.
The seqouia is larger and doesn't need premium and gets better mileage.
do you all think they will drop the LC or LX470 and base the lx on the sequoia?
too bad that lexus or toyota won't sell a high tech diesel as i hear are available in europe.
what toyota needs is the rx longer with a 3rd row seat like the MDX.
We are considering a new suv next year. looking at the HL, RX, and especially the MDX buts it's more than the HL.
Here's the question: do I buy it at the end of the lease (I'm thinking $21/$22K) or move on to a new vehicle? I'm considering a new QX4, a Toyota HL and --don't laugh--possibly a 2002 Bravada. The MDX is too much ($40K from Clair Acura in MA)even though I thoroughly enjoyed the test drive. I'll test drive them all, natch, but I'd love to hear from the crew.
The QX4 is based on the Pathfinder, and both have been crash-tested with negative results; see www.iihs.org for info.
GM vehicles have not done well, though the Bravada has not been crash tested. The 2001 did even worse than the QX4. The Bravada is based on the GM minivan platform, which similarly did poorly.
The IIHS tests are more "real world" than the 1-5 star NHTSA crash tests.
The Highlander hasn't been tested yet, but it is based on the Camry platform and shares many components with the RX300. Both of those platforms have earned excellent crash-test scores.
The final decision is your's, of course. Hope this helps.
(By the way, while the MDX is not an option for you, it should also do well in crash tests because of its basis on the strong-performing Honda Odyssey. Another, probably safer-and-safest SUV choice that is probably out of the price range you described is the MB ML320.)
http://www.hwysafety.org/vehicle_ratings/ce/html/summary_midsuv.htm
Drew
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Dianne
Steve
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Regarding breakin, my advise is to avoid prolonged constant speeds. I once read an article entitled "Whip those Horses." basically they prescribed a series of accelerations, and decelerations, with gradual increases of 5 mph over the first 1000 miles. I try not to stop and start the engine, rather we have taken drives, keep it runnning, and hot, and vary the speed. Brakes also need breaking in, so avoid panic stops at first also.
I will change the oil at about 3500 miles. I think this important. There are microscopic metal filings in the oil, and it will be good to change the oil and get them out of the engine.
The more I drive mine the greater I appreciate the design, quality and assembly. I feel like this is a "winner."
Happy motoring