Cost benefits of Highlander hybrid

Jeff,

I'm nowhere near as knowledgeable as many of the folks here (probably most!) but I'll set forth a few considerations:

1) Your colleague's time frame may be important. You mentioned he was considering an HL next summer (I assume that's Summer of 2004?). If these things follow the pattern of the 04 Prius, he may not even be able to get an HH until well into 2005. Is he willing to play the kind of waiting game we're playing with our cars?

2) The regular Highlander comes in a variety of flavors. Not only does one have to choose between Fwd and AWD but, also, one has to choose whether to get the 4cyl or 6cyl. FWIW, several reviews I've read indicated the 2005 HH will get high 20's to low 30's in terms of mpg (depends on the reviewer; Edmunds says 'over 28 mpg combined'). That's a big improvement but it certainly is not earth shattering considering the EPA estimates for the 04 Highlanders are:

18/24 mpg: 6cyl, AWD
21/25 mpg: 4cyl, AWD
22/27 mpg: 4cyl, Fwd
19/25 mpg: 6cyl, Fwd

So, it doesn't appear as if the regular 4cyl Highlander is going to do a whole lot worse, mpg-wise, than the 6cyl hybrid. OTOH, I would expect the difference in price to be substantial (below).

3) In terms of price, there is going to be a LOT of room to negotiate a really good price on regular Highlanders this summer. Actually, there's room now as buyers, generally, appear to be getting at least a couple of grand off MSRP. I can't imagine where 2005 HH buyers will be getting anything off MSRP for quite some time.

Just my .0158995 Euros

 

Yes, AFAIK, that will be the only version of the HH.

My point was that the plain vanilla 4cyl Highlander models (either Fwd or AWD) were two models in which Jeff's friend might be interested. Since he's planning on buying in the summer, he'll probably be able to get a great deal.

 

Here's some fuel for the fire:

I just configured a 6cyl AWD Highlander Limited with every conceivable option on Carsdirect. MSRP was around $40,750 but the Carsdirect price was $36,396 (about $550 over invoice). That's one whopping discount off sticker.

Thus, questions that burn in my mind are:

1) Will Toyota cease production of the non-hybrid 6cyl AWD Highlander?

2) If Toyota continues to produce the non-hybrid 6cyl AWD Highlander, how will the hybrid version be able to compete after its release if dealers hold pricing at full sticker while offering huge discounts on the non-hybrid version?

 

I have to amend my posts because I recently visited the Highlander Hybrid minisite. Apparently, there will be two versions of the HH; Fwd and AWD:


HYBRID SYNERGY DRIVE® SYSTEM
Hybrid Synergy Drive® Pure power for both worlds.

Highlander will feature two versions of Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive: a front-wheel drive model and a 4-Wheel-Drive with intelligence (4WD-i ) model. The 4-wheel drive Highlander’s Hybrid Synergy Drive® combines the power of a 3.3-liter DOHC 24-valve VVT-i V6 gas engine with the efficiency of two high-torque electric motors. Using a series of sophisticated computers and sensors, it constantly monitors multiple on-road variables to provide an ideal blend of power and fuel efficiency for any driving situation.

 

I don't think pricing for the HH has been set at this time (at least I can't find it anywhere). IIRC, Dianne mentioned (in another thread) an MSRP of $36-38k, well-equipped, and in the neighborhood of $42k loaded (e.g. nav, dvd entertainment, etc.).

 

Bummer. For that kind of money, the Jeep Liberty diesel will beat the HH hands down.

 

.....OR, for that kind of money, put in an order for two 05 Prius!

That way you'd get four rows of seats!

I wonder if someone like Wayne could find a way to weld two Prius together or something.

 

Re: Cost benefits of Highlander hbrid

Is it possible that the Highlander Hybrid will have the same 8-year warranty on the hybrid parts of the car (including the battery), like the Prius?