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Unfortunately Kluger seems to mean Kruger (as in the South African currency) pronounced with a Japanese accent. At least that is the running joke here. Unfortunately Hyundai have a model or trim level called Highlander registered in Australia so we get the name used in Japan.
I have to say that over the years Australia has copped some duff car names from Japan. Famously, Nissan called one saloon the Cedric, a name with overtones of homosexuality, or at least of foppishness, to Australians. A motoring journalist suggested that car would not sell well because the name was "a bit poofy" . This did not translate easily so the interview went on:
Nissan MD: "What is poofy? I don't know the word"
Journo: "You know, homosexual!"
MD: "You have many homosexuals in Australia?"
Journo: "Yes!"
MD: "Well, we well sell many cars!"
Nissan MD 1, Journo Nil in that encounter.
I have just gone and done the deal getting about 15 off the retail price and a few accessories thrown in. Not absolutely cut-throat but I believe that motor traders need to make enough profit to eat if you want them to be there next year.
Cheers
Graham
i live in n.e and i own a 2001 highlander limited.
just wondering if anybody out there is having problems stopping in the snow with the highlander.
i have new tires and i still slip all over the place when applying the brakes.just wondering if it could be the abs system that is the problem.does anybody have any ideas why i am sliding when i apply the brakes.
thanks
Did you see it at an auto show in the East Village?
Steve, Host
In regard to stopping in snow, I have the 2004 FWD 4-cylinder and am pleased with how it handles in the snow in general. It's not the best FWD car I have owned in terms of snow (that would be the '77 and '79 Honda station wagons), but it's not the worst ('88 Renault Medallion). It stops and corners well. I have felt the ABS kick in maybe a half dozen times so far, but only for a few seconds each time. ABS isn't designed to do anything except help with straight stopping. Maybe the dealer could check to see if your cornering skid control feature (VSC) is working properly?
Steve, Host
Nova
Falcon
Cavalier
Citation
some rally bland machines
It seems almost impossible that this vehicle is this quick. Yesterday, pulling out of a shopping center, I spun one front tire for about 30 feet! If you look at the specs, the V-6 has 50% more torque than the I-4. Based on the 4-cyl performance, this should translate into sport-car acceleration for the V-6! Since it doesn't, I've got a theory as to why. Example - a few folks have taken their 2.4L 4-cyl. Honda Accords and CR-V's into Dyno shops, and found over 160Hp at the wheels! This translates into 175-180Hp at the flywheel! Also, equivalent 4-cyl. Honda CR-V's are just about as quick as 200 Hp Ford Escapes. So it's clear that Honda is under-rating the 2.4L engine. I think Toyota is doing the same with their 2.4L, to sell more V-6's in Camry and Highlanders.
I bought a G Tech Performance Meter (www.gtechpro.com) over the holidays, and will post a 0-60 time in a few days. I'm also going to Las Vegas this week, and will give a 600 mile report on fuel economy at a steady 80 mph. As well as the results of the El Cajon Pass high-speed climb.
I am planning on buying a used 2WD Highlander, 4 CYLINDER ( 2.4L engine)
Did not see too many comments and reviews on 4 cyl. Anyone could offer any input on this?
Thank you in advance!
Dan
Although the full time 4wd does detract from the mph, (16 city, 24 highway),....in inclement weather and adverse driving like muddy dirt roads, it's a God-send. The 4cyl. is surprisingly peppy and does beautifully at highway cruising speeds, (for me that's 75-80)on long trips. I don' tow, but loaded with luggage and my Lab & Golden in the back, the mountains pose no problems. On the highest, longest hills, the 4 banger jumps to 4200rpm MAXIMUM, once in a while but is usually downshifting to about 3800.
So far, my wife and I are extremely happy with this vehicle and not being youngsters, appreciate the comfort and roominess of the interior as well.
The best advise I can offer is for you to identify your actual needs, temper them with your "wants" and find a happy medium.
Good Luck!!
Had the Kluger for a week and first full tank of fuel returned 12.4 l/100km. One question. Is the Average fuel economy reset by opening the fuel door or by resetting the trip meter on the dashboard?
Cheers
Graham
I'm pretty sure it's tripped by the fuel door or cap. I'm sure I've reset the trip meter without affecting the average mpg readout.
Thanks for the feedback.
As th kilometers build, I am starting to wind the Kluger out a bit and am pleasantly surprised by the performance. After enjoying the driving pleaseure of a Subaru for the past five and a half years, I am a bit spoilt. The Kluger is not as fun to drvie but there are other compensations. I must say that all the electronics are proving wonderful. There is much about the Kluger that you only really appreciate as you settle in with the vehicle. I really like the audible warnings for the parking brake an door open.
Achieved 12.4l/100km on first tank full and second tankfull is a bit worse at presnet.
More later
Cheers
Graham
Is there a difference in the feel of the ride between the HL Limited with 17 inch tires and the standard HL with 16 inch tires?
Do the 17 inch tires give a little bit smoother ride?
Thanks
You should be able to activate it in a big, empty, snow covered parking lot. Drive at 30 mph or so in a straight line and try to do a quick lane change-type manuever. The slippery road light should come on and I think you'll hear a beep too.
Might have had the first "hesitation" problem this morning when entering a highway and some guy came over to the right lane which left me with no running room - had to get on from nearly a dead stop, and there was a slight hesitation when hitting the gas hard, but it was for a nano second before it kicked in. Entered with no problem and plenty of room to spare given the power once it got going. If you read the posts, that's the type of situation most people (who have experienced it) will report it. I'm sensitive to it, so maybe I was more aware of it. But I've had other cars that would sometimes need a slight moment to kick in, and it didn't seem to be any different than those. Plus, within a second the power of the HL will make up in distance for that lost moment.
Cupholders - lots in the back! There seems to be some waste of space for front storage, including a gap on the floor under the center console. And there's this tiny ashtray which is a waste for me (non-smoker); if it was just a bit bigger than it would be perfect for a cell phone!
Premium gas not required, tho from some posts it might improve mileage slightly. The only gripe so far is mileage - first few tanks only about 15 mpg (with the worst part being reminded by my wife that we should have gottent the 4cyl.).
The only other annoyance with Toyota is the availability of limited packages depebding on the region you live in. When you look at Edmunds and other sites, you think you can pick and choose the options you want. However, if the region packages do not match, than you have to order custom made and that can take a long time.
Good luck.
I would call the hesitation problem a slow downshift. I've experienced it but it hasn't caused a problem. I don't think it's any worse than my '00 Olds V6.
Never gave a thought to the cupholders. The two in the console are just fine for 20 oz water bottles which is about all we ever need them for.
It is really a turn-off for me!
I am in no hurry to buy, so ordering one would be ok too...But two Salespersons told me that they can't do much about the Options Packages. Maybe a few tweaks depending on what base package I want...
They told me that I have very little room to add my own Options from what Toyota offers to my region.
You pay enough, you would think you could order the Vehicle that you want...
I am going to call Toyota USA to voice my displeasure!!!
Pulte Homes (nations largest builder) is now doing this with homes. Putting the favorite options in and offering very few outside of the base price. Great for the company....not so great for the consumer.
The best upgrade of all is to chuck the Goodyear Integrity OEM tires and switch to Michelin Cross Terrains. Wow!
We would use crates for them when we travel and I was wondering if anyone has used the HL for your Dogs, and if the crates fit into the back and how it works out for you...
I'm wondering if the HL will fit the two crates into the back without any problems...
The crates we have are about 38 inchs long and about 28 inches wide for each Dog crate.
Thanks!
Also can't get side airbags on a lower end model
I was hoping that I could put both crates into the HL from the rear, but now I'm not sure if the width of two crates would fit bewteen the wheel wells...Just from what you told me it does not look good
Plus, I believe the 2nd seats do not fold down flat either, which would not help at all...
I know there is more room in the Pilot, but overall we really like the HL more than the Pilot...
More stuff to think about...
She is going to get me the details, as this works well for her friend...
My Wife wants a HL
I guess where there is a will there is a way!
They absolutely LOVE going on trips and are perfectly content with this arrangement. I am comfortable with their safety and am able to use the folded down rear seat as my cargo area for luggage and such.
Good Luck.
http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/05036/453222.stm
Thanks?
I got mine from sportsmansguide and it seems to be doing the job.
Good Luck
On another note, I noticed that the third seats in most SUVs are about as cramped as the HL's. A 5'3" friend sat in our third seat for a half-hour ride the other day and pronounced it "not that bad," but I think that was just her Midwestern politeness.