08 New Highlander Purchase help...
#16
Lexus Fanatic
OK, I (respectfully) think we've talked enough about tire pressures.......me included. By now we all know they should be checked before any test-drive or purchase. I'm going to get back to the original topic....what SUV (s) the original thread poster should consider.
I still think the Highlander or Pilot would be a good choice. Between the two, I personally would chose the Highlander...its road noise level and powertrain refinement are a little better than the Pilot's, though Honda seems to use a little more solid, better-quality hardware for the interior and exterior. I was very impressed, however, in my review, with the new 2010 Lexus RX350...its noise/smoothness/refinement level, except for a borderline firm ride, is superb. it just, IMO, might be worth the extra money over a conventional, non-hybrid Highlander.
I still think the Highlander or Pilot would be a good choice. Between the two, I personally would chose the Highlander...its road noise level and powertrain refinement are a little better than the Pilot's, though Honda seems to use a little more solid, better-quality hardware for the interior and exterior. I was very impressed, however, in my review, with the new 2010 Lexus RX350...its noise/smoothness/refinement level, except for a borderline firm ride, is superb. it just, IMO, might be worth the extra money over a conventional, non-hybrid Highlander.
Last edited by mmarshall; 03-17-09 at 03:15 PM.
#17
Lexus Fanatic
Problem is, that the monitors dont all work the same way. Some give you the actual pressure of all 4 tires in PSI. Others only use tire-rotation sensors that compre wheel speeds one to another and tell you if the PSI in one or more wheels is off. With this type of system, if all 4 tires are down (or up) the same amount and still rotate at the same speeds, it won't register.
I've had both type of tire pressure monitors in my vehicles and both add value. Most recent versions are obviously the best giving warnings when pressure drops 5 lbs below recommended pressure. Lexus and Mercedes current monitoring systems are very good. No monitor is a substitute for a good tire pressure gauge and periodic checking. But modern tire monitoring systems are a good safety measure especially for the many drivers that are less than diligent than us.
Last edited by IS-SV; 03-17-09 at 04:23 PM. Reason: corrected pressure threshold quoted (lbs.)
#19
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I also live in an affluent, recession-resistant area area where lots of new cars are sold and delivered, even in these hard times
I am sorry mmarshall but What does recession-resistant area have to do with what we are talking about? And how does it make your opinion any more valide than someone elses?
#20
Lexus Fanatic
We (the D.C. area) are the second-largest new car market on the North American continent...second only to California (and especially Los Angeles). That means a LOT of cars sold, a LOT of cars coming off the truck, and a LOT of cars going through dealership PDI. Dealer operating margins are traditionally quite thin, except for the service departments, where most of the actual money is made. Each department is given a strict budget to work with. That means you can only hire so many guys (and sometimes women) to wash, wax, detail, inspect, and prep new cars. Fewer people, (especially fewer GOOD people)......and more cars coming through through the shop mean more chances for errors, sub-par work, and missed details.
Though the market is down, even here, a little from last year, it is still quite strong. Camrys, Accords, Corollas, and Civics, in particular, are still very popular here. I can remember, not long ago, at one of the local Toyota shops, a line of new Camrys at the wash bin, stretching out the door some six or seven cars deep, that were scheduled to be delivered that very afternoon...with a few Corollas mixed in.
So, combine a (possible) shortage of dealer personnel, a lot of sales, and a bunch of impaitient salespeople coming back, hollering and wondering why THEIR customer's car isn't ready in ten minutes, that THEIR customer is more important than anybody else's, and I think you can begin to see the picture.
And how does it make your opinion any more valide than someone elses?
Now, if someone asks me (or all of us) what our opinions for a vehicle choice are, as the thread poster has here by opening this thread in the first place, then that, of course is opinion and not fact; just as it is with you and all of the other posters. And, under those circumstances, all of our input means something....none of us know it all.
#23
Lexus Champion
I too test drive cars all the time. Mostly Toyota. I have test driven almost every toyota in the line up right now. I have never come across a new car test drive that had any issues while on a test drive. A smart sales manager will make sure his salemans and not driving just any car on the lot. This is why there is such things as a demo.
#24
Lexus Fanatic
"A smart sales manager will make sure his salemans and not driving just any car on the lot. This is why there is such things as a demo."
His statement (above) does not assume a sales manager is smart. He's only pointing out the actions of a sale manager that happens to be smart.
His statement (above) does not assume a sales manager is smart. He's only pointing out the actions of a sale manager that happens to be smart.
#25
Lexus Fanatic
iTrader: (20)
That's why I always take a trusted tire gauge (I have 2 of them) and check PSI's on a car I am reviewing, buying myself, or helping someone else buy. I have seen a lot of red faces on salespeople (and even General Managers) who didn't believe PSIs on brand-new cars could be off.
could be years from now though...
#26
Lexus Test Driver
We"ll be buying a new Toyota Highlander Limited w/ Nav within couple of weeks and the local dealers does have a NEW 08 Highlander for sale.
The list MSRP is 39K for limited w/ nav. do you think I could get this car for below invoice??? What is realistic price should I expect to pay?
Thanks in advance.
The list MSRP is 39K for limited w/ nav. do you think I could get this car for below invoice??? What is realistic price should I expect to pay?
Thanks in advance.
If you are buying a previous year new car with the economy today, you should be getting some $2K to $3k below invoice as a reference. It also depends on you negotiation ability.
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