Edmunds dealer partner, Bayway Leasing, is now offering transparent lease deals via these forums. Click here to see the latest vehicles!

2013 and Earlier - Toyota Highlander Prices Paid and Buying Experience

17677798182102

Comments

  • sierra10sierra10 Member Posts: 3
    Yes, abk99, they are still making quite the profit over invoice. It was kind of amusing to me though when the salesman and manager gave me their sob sorry of how they will barely make any money at 500 over invoice...they then pull out a piece of paper to show me all of their costs to further convince me. As if they would ever tell us their true costs.
    Also, as I was staring at my salesman's gold Rolex, 3 huge gold rings and gold bracelet (yes, Mr. T might have been envious) along with the Koi pond, posh leather couches and multiple flat screen tv's throughout the dealership...walking away from their deal was pretty easy. Thankfully I am in no rush to purchase a vehicle.
    I did not factor in the distributor costs for those of us in the South...too bad for us!
  • nate30nate30 Member Posts: 1
    I was reading one of the posts and it stated - Sep 9th 2009 onwards $500 cash to customer available on the Highlander. How do I confirm this?

    We are in North Dallas(Texas) and are in the market for a 2009 Highlander, V6 base model with extra value package 2. What would you consider as a fair market value? Your feedback would be greatly appreciated. Thanks....Nate
  • peter92peter92 Member Posts: 3
    Thanks I did not know that and I am in the SouthEast region (FL).
    Given a base model Highlander that fee would be about $800.
    What would a good deal be on a 6946 model with an MSRP of $28,785?
    Before dealer fee of 598.50
    State fee 30.50
    Reg trans 101.15
    Sales tax 6%

    Thanks,
  • ajisaajisa Member Posts: 4
    To confirm the $500 cash rebate:

    http://www.buyatoyota.com

    Then input your zip code and then select the model. AFIK - it is not available for all regions. Just got mine for Northeast (boston area). See later post for more details.
  • ajisaajisa Member Posts: 4
    Just completed the following transaction:

    Limited 4WD - Silver color
    PB - Power Rear Hatch
    QH - EVP#7 - Prem sound, Bluetooth, Moonroof, Rear A/c, heated seats
    RF - Sports rear spoiler
    TO - Tow prep packahe
    CT - Carpet / Cargo mats etc
    3T - Cross Bars

    Total MSRP - $38,149.

    Completed the deal last week for $34970.

    Dealer did not have the desired color - so had to wait for the color to be located. Vehicle located within ~5-6 days.

    In the mean time Toyota offered $500 cash incentive (see previous post). Asked them to cut my price by $500 when I went to inspect the car they located. After some discussion, they made me sign a Toyota rebate form and applied the $500 to the previous price agreed. So net cost after rebate/incentive:

    $34.469

    Decent financing rate offered.

    Purchased Toyota platinum extended warranty with $0 deductible. Was quoted the MSRP when I had negotiated the price last week. They sold me the warranty for the rates being circulated in various forums. ($1014 for 8 yrs / 100K)

    Other observations:

    - I do believe I left some/lot on the table, but I was a bit desparate to trade my previous one.
    - At least one Toyota dealer offered TMV quotes via email. Could not complete the deal there due to lower trade offer.
    - This dealer started with MSRP and quickly settled to something close to TMV.

    Due to the mentioned need to get rid of the trade, decided to move on.

    Information from edmunds.com and the forum here plus other highlander sites helped me make good decisions.
  • johnman1johnman1 Member Posts: 8
    I looked into this "painless, no price hassle" program for a 2009 Hylander 4wd limited with package # 8 and several post-production options and received excellent quotes as low as $ 35,767.00 which is $ 1, 050.00 below invoice.
    However, this price is only if the dealer has the vehicle in inventory. If not, and the vehicle needs to be located, the price went to 39, 450. before tax, etc. Has anyone had any experience with either Capital One or AM EX which has the same program-good or bad.
  • rally_pointrally_point Member Posts: 6
    I've been quoted a price of $36,350 for a 2009 Limited 4WD Highlander with the preferred color that I want with EVP#8, cross bars, cargo mat, spoiler, tow package, power rear hatch. Just wondering what people think of that.
  • rally_pointrally_point Member Posts: 6
    By the way, the MSRP (whatever that means) is supposedly $39,524.
  • jtp1947jtp1947 Member Posts: 2
    Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price, aka window sticker price.
  • cps3233cps3233 Member Posts: 1
    Good Morning:

    I live in the North Central Texas area and am trying to get a 4 cylinder base Highlander with the options mentioned below. The dealer's reply follows when I asked for invoice info"

    "There is no Invoice. It has to have been built to have an invoice. Here is the problem with those sites and their inaccurate info. The base price is $22,363.00
    Here is the break down as far as Invoice,

    Base price: $22,363.00

    Special Color: $176.00

    8 way power driver's seat: $256.00

    Extra Value Pkg#2: $490.00

    Third Row seat: $592.00 (this is a factory option that is on them all, we can't remove it.)

    Bluetooth: $299.00

    Leather: $1,299.00

    Nightvision Mirror: $210.00

    Tint: $109.00

    Carpet Mats: $180.00

    Delivery $855

    Total $26,829.00

    What they don't include, and everyone pays:

    Total $26,829.00

    Toyota Mkt. Fund: $760.00

    Holdback $697.00

    Finance Reserve $257.00

    Total Invoice=$28,543.00 x 2% = $570.86 + 28,543.00 = 29,113.86 plus TTL.

    There is a breakdown of this info, but it is very hard to read. Its all in product code. Please let me know if we can put a deal together. This is the best I have to offer on this vehicle. If you need it cheaper, maybe we can remove some options. Thank you for giving me the opportunity though."


    Could you tell me if the Finance Reserve fee, Holdback and Toyota Market Fund are legitimate charges?

    Is the price of $29113 a good price for this vehicle?

    I would really appreciate your input
  • johnman1johnman1 Member Posts: 8
    I purchased a 4wd limited ( Base price $ 34,520.00) with EVP # 8 and several other options for $ 38, 600.00 total price ( OTD ) so it's my opinion that you can do much better. The difference in base price is more than $ 12,000.00 for the limited 4WD . Keep fighting!
  • ajisaajisa Member Posts: 4
    The difference between your config and mine is EVP#8 vs EVP#7 (for me). As per my calculations this is worth ~$1,280 extra. So that would put this in $36250 ball park. You said preferred color - is it Perl by anychance? This costs an extra 200 or so.

    Toyota is running customer cash in some regions (like Northeast) - so need to deduct that from the cost.(see www.buyatoyota.com)

    As I said in my email the above price I quoted was a decent deal. I get a feel I could have done better. So try to get a bit closer to the invoice.

    I did notice that the "Limited" trim stock was quite limited in the northeast.

    Good luck !
  • jpettibonejpettibone Member Posts: 51
    Well... I think that's a pretty poor price. Everyone in the south pays the toyota marketing fund, unfortunately As for the rest of it, the holdback is bogus, as is the finance reserve. The car comes tinted, so unless they added extra tint that you want, that is bogus too. That's also aftermarket leather, so make sure you really really want it- seems too expensive to me. We bought a very similar car up here in MO for 24750, including a $1000 rebate (but no leather, no white, no bluetooth, no mirror, but did include the 6 disk changer and cold weather package).

    I'd walk on that price, especially since it is soooooo close to the price of a sport, and really is more than a base w/ v6 that would include the 3rd row seat at no extra charge.
  • cps2698cps2698 Member Posts: 3
    I'm beginning to wonder if I am going to be able to get a Highlander for a fair price. I have talked to multiple dealers, and this is actually the BEST price that I have been quoted. I don't even want the 3rd row, but was told that they could not order it without the third row.......Thanks for your input.

    I wonder if there might be some better deals once the 2010's roll out... :sick:
  • johnman1johnman1 Member Posts: 8
    Getting a better price on a 2010 may be possible since Toyota just announced a one billion dollar marketing and advertising campaign fot the 4th quarter including incentives- don't know if it applies to the Highlander. However, you will have a long wait since demand is high. Your best bet for a better price is to go with option packages not a lot of individual stuff at M.S.R.P. prices. The dealers are all on the same page with their pricing tactics and not anxious to give good deals since enough buyers give up and fork over what the dealer dictates.
  • doubles3doubles3 Member Posts: 21
    If possible, I would wait until next year till things get worse again. Dealers are rolling in cash now from the success of the "clunker" program. As most sales were bring forward by clunkers, the dealers should be in deep s** next year, somewhere in the middle.

    Two weeks ago, my local dealer almost had no inventory. The few models he had, he would barely go under MSRP.
  • tl_stl_s Member Posts: 13
    the c4c program is pathetic, its a government handout for them to rip the tax payor and now instead of just trying to sell and move more vehicles as people are going into the showrooms to buy, they wanted to go back the old pratice of rapping the consumer off as much as possible. they will make profit one way or another, they were ok with selling at invoice prices before and making on the hold-backs but now they want to be greedy again.
    you are right, i say to the ones who can hold off buying a vehicle do so until at least january or february, let them starve for a few months of anemic sale and traditionally february and march are not good months leading up to april as tax season is in full swing and no one will want to or have the cash to spend during those times. go shop then and drive yourself a good bargain. :)
  • hihyfanhihyfan Member Posts: 1
    I thought this was the Highlander HYBRID forum. Why are there so many posts about non-hybrid Highlanders? :confuse:
  • steven1357steven1357 Member Posts: 69
    You are in the Toyota Highlander Prices Paid and Buying Experience section of the Toyota Highlander forum.

    There is a separate Highlander Hybrid forum with much less activity.
    You may want to view that forum if you are only interested in the Hybrid.
  • perrysdadperrysdad Member Posts: 12
    Any advice on how much of a discount, if any, to expect when purchasing a demo with approximately 5,000 miles? Thanks.
  • zelduhzelduh Member Posts: 8
    Question:
    Is it is a bad price for 2009 $31330 for H/L Base Blizzard Pearl? Still have to pay tax/title

    EVP #2
    (Powerroof, Bluetooth, Carpet Cargo, 6 disc CD/6 speaker/mp3, xm ready radio ready, cold weather package, roof rail, privacy cover for back, 3 rows, on/off headlite daylights, power roof, sway 8 way power driver).

    MSRP was $33239-thinking I want to go lower-Trying to figure out how.

    This is Phila area.
  • johncarfanaticjohncarfanatic Member Posts: 4
    okay. this is ridiculous but i cannot find a 4x4 highlander limited or even just a 4x4 limited in the north chicago area. the dealerships are arrogant and lazy to boot. i have the money to buy the vehicle and i cannot even get these guys to call me back or even search for the vehicle i want. two dealers just flat out said the 09's are out of stock...when i asked about an 2010 they said pricing has not been decided. i also tried to the costco buying program and got similar lame results. guess these guys all got fat and happy with the Cash for Clunkers program. honestly, in this economy i have never seen anything like it! makes me want to purchase another vehicle. anyone else having similar problems with the dealers who are too lazy to sell a high demand vehicle?
  • tl_stl_s Member Posts: 13
    johncar,
    i've been trying to tell people to hold off buying if all possible, see post #4036.
  • johnman1johnman1 Member Posts: 8
    Same enviroment here in the Southeast- N.C. - I have been treated the same way since late August when I thought I could buy the Highlander I wanted and could afford Even a Sales mgr I purchased two Toyotas from in the past would not call me back. Anyway, I finally made a purchase over the phone for a 4WD limited four weeks ago and am still waiting for it. Was expected 9/22 but no go. I sometimes wonder if I'll ever get it.
  • mdhuttonmdhutton Member Posts: 195
    I'm in the Chicago area too and if you don't mind a short drive, Brian Bemis Toyota in DeKalb is nothing less than amazing! I've had my '08 HL LTD 4x4 for 16 months now, and they found the car for me, negotiated price and financing over the phone, honored it when I got there, and acutally acted like they wanted my business. The only variable was them appraising my trade once I got there and even that took only 30 minutes and we eventually arrived at the number I wanted going in anyway. They're worth a shot!
  • ghost2010ghost2010 Member Posts: 9
    I've been looking too. Looks like the dealers just restocked a bit on the Highlander but they're not going down much lower than MSRP. Ridiculous that they think someone would pay 1k below MSRP for this car when 2010 will be out in a month.
  • johncarfanaticjohncarfanatic Member Posts: 4
    i agree. i think i'll wait for a 2010. does anyone out there have any info about the 2010 highlander? in other words, will it be upgraded in any way compared to an '09? thanks in advance. as an interesting side note, a Lexus dealer told me the 2010 lexus ES 350 (apples to apples comparison) will actually cost less than the 2009 sticker price.
  • ghost2010ghost2010 Member Posts: 9
    Here's some news about the 2010 Highlander prices.

    It looks like MSRP for the 2010 is also lower than the 2009. Another reason to wait!

    http://www.worktruckonline.com/News/Story/2009/08/Toyota-Announces-Pricing-on-20- - 10-Highlander-FJ-Cruiser-RAV4-and-Tacoma.aspx?interstitial=1
  • txhigolfertxhigolfer Member Posts: 1
    We just bought one at an ok deal. Not great not bad. It was about MSRP brand new for $41,930. It had 4782 miles with navi, entertainment pkg, roof rack, remote start, and a few other things. We ended up paying $37,100 (w/$400 off financing for being military). This does not include my TX taxes, processing fee, or extra warranty. I think we could have done better but at this point we needed another car.
  • nobes5nobes5 Member Posts: 1
    perrysdad- that's seems like a decent deal. if you needed the car then it does not matter. glad you got one. remote start is cool. was that an aftermarket add on? i did not know they had those? great for warming the car in cold weather.
  • ironjeffironjeff Member Posts: 20
    I'm in northern california and I've been researching the sport 4x4 and limited 4x4 and noticed that fully loaded they're about the same price - roughly $38k MSRP, and dealers have been quoting me $35k + TTL.

    I know this might belong in another thread or topic, but what other differences am I missing between the two other than the handling being a big more responsive on the sport? I saw chrome handles, the thigh extension, and the fake wood paneling. Am I missing something?

    Thanks in advance.
  • trc101trc101 Member Posts: 11
    I just took deliver of my 2009 4WD Magnetic Gray Highlander Sport and am LOVING IT! I bought it from Bernardi Toyota in Framinham, MA and when it was all said & done, I paid exactly $35,000 out the door (which includes .0625% sales tax, plates, registration, doc fee, etc.). MSRP was $37,508 and it came with the folloiwng options: FE, LA, PB, PN, SR (extra value package #5), SR, TO, CT, BM, and 3T. I could NOT find the vehicle I wanted anywhere I looked, so they had to trade from another dealer (not sure where). I could have waited for a 2010, but I was in a jam and needed a car since I sold my BMW. I never thought I would say I love my toyota more than my BMW, but I do. The thing just rocks!
  • trc101trc101 Member Posts: 11
    Limited also has a power passenger seat, sport does not.

    Sport has a pop up glass on the tailgate, I do not believe the limited does.

    I opted for the sport based on looks (I like the rims better), and the faux wood trim on the limited looked a bit chincy to me.
  • ironjeffironjeff Member Posts: 20
    Should I be worried that the 2010s are being made at a new plant?
  • zelduhzelduh Member Posts: 8
    Hoping some can answer me asap as I am going out to a dealer today...
    I read alot of you say to wait for the 2010 due to them not really dealing with us well....

    My question is this: For example, say a 2010 LTD comes out with MSRP of $36k (MAKING THIS UP)...How much do dealers really come off of that with a brand new model? Are you saying you pay full price by waiting?? (maybe those of you who know this time last year approximations)

    Also...are there generally incentives/cash backs in Oct/Nov for the new models as opposed to just buying an 09 now??

    I need to get a car really..but will try to hold off if I can..but really trying to decide how much I can get a 09 ltd for vs a 2010 if I wait...

    Thanks..been reading for a while...

    d
  • steven1357steven1357 Member Posts: 69
    Just my 2 cents

    But, "I" am waiting for a 2010.
    Prices for 2010 are the same as 2009 except for Sport which is $ 50 more because you now get a shiny exhaut tip.

    IMHO, you will pay close to or exactly MSRP for the 2010 & I do not expect any incentives at the very beginning.

    Price you pay for 2010 over 2009 will be more than offset by the depreciation loss on a 2009 as soon as the 2010s come out.
  • johncarfanaticjohncarfanatic Member Posts: 4
    ironjeff-

    i'd get the '09. if you need a car now, then you need a car. the 2010's won't be discounted until well into the late spring/early summer. esp if you're looking to buy a 4x4 which are in high demand in snow season. if the economy sinks back down you
    may get a chance at a good price for a 2010...but even so, this car is in high demand
    and the dealers know it. good luck.
  • ironjeffironjeff Member Posts: 20
    The dealer I've been talking with was showing me some of their pricing guidelines, and for current 2009s, they're doing about $500 over invoice, and for the 2010s even though they don't know the exact pricing, their sheet shows they will do about $1000 over invoice. So I don't expect to be paying MSRP for a 2010 highlander, but it will be a little bit more than the 2009s.
  • jaytjayt Member Posts: 4
    New Blizzard Pearl with leather Ash interior
    Base price = $30,000
    LA - Leather
    PB - Power Rear Door
    PC - Special Color
    QG - EVP #6 (Dual auto climate zone, Auto rear air, Homelink, Cold Weather, Navigation/JBL 4 disc changer, Hands free phone, XM ready, MP3 playback)
    SR - Moonroof
    TO - Tow prep
    CT - Carpet/Cargo Mat
    3T - Cross Bars

    MSRP = $37,309 (after Extra Value Package MSRP discount of $1,200)
    Paid $33,000 + TTL
    Consumer Reports buying guide shows bottom-line dealer cost (as equipped) is $32,600.

    Plus the dealer added an additional $1,000 to the trade-in value of my Expedition over what 3 other dealers would offer.

    Caught them late Sunday on the last weekend of this month. They had a sales push and seemed to be intent on hitting a "sold" number.
  • ironjeffironjeff Member Posts: 20
    What dealership did you go to?
  • johnman1johnman1 Member Posts: 8
    Just picked up my 2009 4WD Highlander limited today and turned down all service/maintenance contracts which run as high as $3000.00 plus. Any opinions on these when you sit down way down the hall with the finance guy who has a sheet all ready for you with your name on it. First ? from him was how long do you keep your vehicles. He asked me if the problem was price-said yes-then gave me a "deal" which I also rejected.
  • pallen313pallen313 Member Posts: 1
    $27,700 was what I was quoted with:

    Blizzard Pearl
    8-way power driver
    cold weather
    tow package
    extra value package 2

    on a base model V6--

    Said it was invoice but then included: dealer holdback charge of $500, floor mats, de-icer, finance reserve charge of $250-something, and a charge called TDA for like $500--are these charges BS?? Edmunds only figures $800 destination fee.

    thanks
  • steven1357steven1357 Member Posts: 69
    YES, those additional charges ARE BS!

    See the Message No. 3888 (follow the link below) for a detailed price from my FAILED ATTEMPT to purchase a 2009 Toyota Highlander Limited.

    steven1357, "Toyota Highlander Prices Paid and Buying Experience" #3888, 7 Jul 2009 1:00 pm

    Or, just simply go to Message No. 3888
  • nucleus66nucleus66 Member Posts: 3
    I finally decided to take the plunge. I settled on the 2009 Highlander - one of only a couple available. It was the color (grey) that I wanted and included the navigation (not a priority). In the end it is a 2009 Limited Highlander AWD, options pkg 8 with tow package and rear spoiler. The only thing missing is the DVD rear entertainment system. MSRP came out to about $39100 - with invoice coming out to about $35500. I paid $36500 about $1000 over invoice. I am sure others probably got a better deal but in the end I am content with the outcome and the experience was great. The 2.9% financing was a nice little perk as well.
  • ghost2010ghost2010 Member Posts: 9
    Nuclus66,

    Did you get this at the initial price quoted by the dealer? Or were you able to get the dealer to agree to a lower price than what they initially quoted?
  • zelduhzelduh Member Posts: 8
    Well you got a better deal than I was getting so I did not take that plunge yet. (this was on Monday night)

    They would not go below $35200 for a LTD but WITHOUT the navigation...So they did not get my money. (MSRP approx 38300.

    Another dealer would not go below $35 either so I didn't bite.

    Be happy with your car...Sounds like you got the best of what they were offering at this time.

    I am not sure if I am going to continue or not...I am wavering on the RAV4 -only b/c I may not be in the US for a long time....and to resell I am not sure if I can unload it quicker...but I do love the highlander..I have been driving it for a year as a rental (friend in business-was a base model) but now I will be here longer I will buy something....

    Let's see how they treat me in the next week or so...

    I am tempted to wait for that 2010 and just not get all the bells and whistles.

    BTW...I am sure your price was $35.5 plus tax and title right? Was the desitnation charge included??
  • nucleus66nucleus66 Member Posts: 3
    I got the information on all the cars available in the area (only three dealerships in area had any left). They all pretty much had the MSRP listed the same. About 5 of the AWD limited were listed at $38200 with option package #7 and tow package - I have a small ski boat. I did the Edmund's TMV and determined that a fair price would be $35600 for this car - or about $1000.00 over invoice. The manager and I talked about the fact that they did not have the exact car I was looking for - but I asked him what he would want for the grey one in stock. He came back and presented me with a quote - it came in at $37200. We talked about a variety of things including how much one should pay for a navigation system that according to several was considered pretty poor (lots of complaints), he agreed that it did have some issues. The MSRP on the navigation was about $1500.00. I offered him my researched $35600 plus offered to split the MSRP cost of the navigation - I offered $36300. He came back with $36500 and I jumped on it - in essences $1000.00 below invoice - essentially my original plan but with navigation. If others reading this are doing exact research my car also came with floor mats and cross bars included in the $36500 price.
  • nucleus66nucleus66 Member Posts: 3
    Wrong wording in my last post - I paid $1000.00 over invoice for my car. I paid $36500 for the car plus $3950 for tax and license (we have 9.5% tax rate).
  • edkakedkak Member Posts: 6
    Will it be better to get a 2009 or a 2010 Highlander?
    Where are the 2010 Highlanders being made?
  • sweetsoulsweetsoul Member Posts: 35
    Our local dealer still has a new 2008 Highlander Sport Demo model that has 4900 miles on it. I offered $22,000 on the spot, knowing that was super low. The MSRP is $36k, it has fabric seats, JBL w/ bluetooth, moonroof, and 3rd row seating. But it's now 2 years old, it is a demo, and it has 4900 miles on it. So what do you think a reasonable offer would be? Is $24k still way too low?
Sign In or Register to comment.