[tonya71]

I test drove the Touring 4WD last weekend and would have purchased if not for a $1300 difference with the dealer. I’ve decided to push my purchase out to Memorial Day weekend because I feel like I was rushing the purchase and I may get a better deal then. Anyway, I’m torn between the Touring and the Elite. I love the rims on the elite but I’m concerned about how the glossy rims will hold up. Does anyone have experience with similar rims? Also is the additional cost of the Elite worth it?

For me. Touring AWD is worth 38500 plus tax and tag. Not a pennny more.

 

[tonya71]

We had agreed on a trade in value of $13k. I was looking to finance 30k. They were asking for 31,300. The MSRP on the Touring awd is 41,180 but they jacked the price up with a bunch of add ons. I walked out and they have been calling back ever since.

It's hard to nail down what you are actually paying go the Passport because of the trade in. How did you value your trade at 13 k?

 

[tonya71]

I agree with this completely. I offered 40,000 out the door for a FWD touring and was told that they wouldn’t go that low.

Based off what the Pilot and other competitors are selling for I think you made a very fair offer too.

 

[tonya71]

I thought so too. It’s a very nice car, but definitely not impressive enough to overpay for. I think the salesman was pretty surprised when he came back to tell me that his boss said they couldn’t make that deal and they were only selling them for above MSRP. Fortunately, I don’t need that car right away, and there are other manufacturers that make pretty good competitors, so I guess it’s time to start test driving

I've been testing a lot of others too. Some good options out there. I have been trying to get 5000 lbs tow capacity ..... for the boat I don't have yet and occasional utility trailer for yard work.
Currently the Toyota Highlander is at the top of my list but waiting for them to announce the 2020 model .... big redesign should give me a choice of great deal on 2019 or fair deal on 2020 with all the improvements.

Keep me posted on what you find

 

[tonya71]

Rumor has it that new Highlander will be a longer three-row vehicle. So it will be pretty much the same as the Pilot. Why not to take Pilot if, as you said, there are plenty of good deals to be had?

The 2020 will be a few inches longer , but from what I understand , by using the TNGA platform it will have a longer wheel base to prevent much hang over from the back wheels to rear. I expect to see full led headlights, Apple car play , and greatly improved drive feel.

I am hoping and expecting the 2020 to be more sporty looking. I find both the pilot and passport a little bland. This is subjective.... but i will have to see.

As far as three row..... the Highlander is currently a three row. I can simply leave the third row down to make for excellent cargo space.... and who knows on rare occasions I may use the extra seats.

I test drove the Pilot and passport. My biggest dislike in both Pilot and Passport is the push button shifter and fold down arm rests. I very much prefer the regular stick transmission shifter with a center console to rest my arm on.

I also feel the seats in the current highlander are much more comfortable than the Pilot or passport.

Also by waiting for the 2020 to be announced I will probably be able to get an amazing deal on a 2019 highlander if I want it.

I prefer the Toyota V6 because it's dual port injection eliminated potential carbon build up problems and does not require the very expensive belt change that the Honda needs around 100k miles. The Honda direct injection may see carbon build up ... especially with slot of short distance city type driving.

I know a Pilot is not in my future. I was really hoping the Passport would turn out more sporty and unique looking. It's not totally ruled out but not worth more money

Currently, for me, the only thing I like more about the Passport than the 2019 highlander is the audio and infotainment. I expect the 2020 highlander will fix that. But I will say that the touring Passport audio sounds amazing.

So to me a pilot is not an option.

If the dealers were more reasonable I would already be driving a Passport Touring and trying to get used to the push button tranny and arm rests..... I made a fair offer. but now the excitement of getting the new model has worn off.

But if I wait .... I will have the option of a great deal on 2019 new highlander... or love the 2020 highlander and negotiate a fair deal for it..... and the passport will still be there with a little bit of time to get the kinks out ..... and I have a high degree of certainty the Passport won't get anymore expensive.... likely more negotiable.


Puts me in the best negotiating place.

And all the while, every month I drive my paid off 2007 Camry SE I save more money.?

 

[tonya71]

Only thing Toyota is doing is updating some relics with Apple play and android auto. Also adding some trd trims. They also updated the Tacoma headlights hoping to keep people away from the ranger

Heehee . Updating some already amazing vehicles that have been selling like hot cakes???.

 

[tonya71]

Heehee . Updating some already amazing vehicles that have been selling like hot cakes???.

In 2018 Toyota sold almost 250k Highlander's to Hondas 144 k Pilots. Not doing bad for a relic

 

[tonya71]

These deals are to good to be true. There has to be a catch. If I could get these prices I would have a new Passport by Friday.

These are what the car should be selling for. That is similar to what they are knocking off the pilot MSRP.

U

Looks like they already are getting kinks in the MSRP armor.

 

[tonya71]

Yep, I thought of you Mark, didn't you say the AWD Touring was worth $38,500? If so, this is pretty damn close...

if I was sitting in the dealer I probably would go up just a little ???

This internet deal likely has a last minute string ... fee they will try to get. But at 38,500.00 the dealer is still getting his $900 hold back , plus they get a potential service customer, plus they will try to make money on financing and accessories.

Heck if he would have taken my 38500 offer I would be taking my Passport back in to get fixed???

 

[tonya71]

Just looked on the internet. The dealer that rejected my 38500 offer has not sold one yet. Started with six ... still has same six

 

[tonya71]

In the past I found that calling up their competition and mentioning your experience can get them off on a bidding war for your business. If you try it, let us know!

The original dealer I made an offer to reached out in an email seeing if I needed any other information. In email. I re stated my original offer and also showed him the North Carolina desler ad.

Today I thoroughly test drove a Subaru Ascent. I wanted to also hear their top of line Harmon Kardon audio. Sorry to say I was not impressed.

Then took a test drive in a higher end 2019 Kia Sorento. Actually pleasantly suprised in many ways. And I would say their top of the line audio is perhaps a little better than the Passport. Better warranty, Good review history. I know it will not likely have the resale value but it costs much less up front for more car. I actually have to put it in the running.

As I drove by the Honda lot I saw the Passport on display. Same one that's been there for two weeks. And just not sure I like the looks.

The passport is holding on by a thread in my hunt for my happy vehicle.