[lloyd123]

I found this on a Toyota dealer website here in MA - only one listed

.

Claimed it was in stock and available for a test ride but when contacted by a member of the sales staff was told it wouldn't be in until mid Jan.

Not sure but I think the price was automatically generated by a formula - probably using 2019 info - and I doubt they would actually discount this much especially for a LE.

 

[69887]

Normally, that discount is not all that high, but for a 2020 it is hard to say until dealers get more inventory in stock.

 

[toto]

Yes, that seems to be par for the course in Illinois - over $2,000 off MSRP.
They're not selling for anywhere near MSRP, and certainly not for any kind of premium over MSRP.

Around $2,500-$3,000 off MSRP seemed to be typical on the 3rd Gen on an average day. The last few months of the 2019 model year really went crazy with discounts so that's not a good measure - you'll never get a deal on a 2020 like you could get on a 2019, unless 2021's are already on the lots. I'm a little surprised that the average discounts are continuing even on 4th Gen on day one, but it's certainly nice from the buyer's perspective.

 

[got-rice]

Yes, that seems to be par for the course in Illinois - over $2,000 off MSRP.
They're not selling for anywhere near MSRP, and certainly not for any kind of premium over MSRP.

Around $2,500-$3,000 off MSRP seemed to be typical on the 3rd Gen on an average day. The last few months of the 2019 model year really went crazy with discounts so that's not a good measure - you'll never get a deal on a 2020 like you could get on a 2019, unless 2021's are already on the lots. I'm a little surprised that the average discounts are continuing even on 4th Gen on day one, but it's certainly nice from the buyer's perspective.

I'm not surprised...the market is still very competitive so incentives are very necessary to move metal. Just how much depends on how old they are. The Gen 3 in its 6th year was started to feel dated, since it didn't have the tech that Gen 4 is just getting, whereas the competition already had.

 

[qs933]

Actual qualities of the vehicles aside, which would feel like a better deal? A $49K Highlander discounted from the start to $46K vs. a $46K Palisade selling at MSRP (which seems to be the case right now)?

There’s no right answer here, but it’s interesting how the psychology of pricing works. Even if the Palisade was the better car for me, I know I’d have some internal turmoil paying MSRP for it. Which doesn’t make logical sense, since either way, both would be $46K.

 

[got-rice]

Actual qualities of the vehicles aside, which would feel like a better deal? A $49K Highlander discounted from the start to $46K vs. a $46K Palisade selling at MSRP (which seems to be the case right now)?

There’s no right answer here, but it’s interesting how the psychology of pricing works. Even if the Palisade was the better car for me, I know I’d have some internal turmoil paying MSRP for it. Which doesn’t make logical sense, since either way, both would be $46K.

No way Hyundai can sell their vehicles at MSRP that long, but lately they've been able to do so with some of their products that are in demand. It seems that Honda dealers are honestly the worst at it still IMO. A lot of it is timing and the market. I remember 20 years ago, incentives were unheard of at the Toyota store. Nowadays, even Toyota employees who want to BUY a car (not company lease) will go to the dealer to take advantage of the EPPs rather than order directly through the company (no rebates).

 

[69887]

Actual qualities of the vehicles aside, which would feel like a better deal? A $49K Highlander discounted from the start to $46K vs. a $46K Palisade selling at MSRP (which seems to be the case right now)?

There’s no right answer here, but it’s interesting how the psychology of pricing works. Even if the Palisade was the better car for me, I know I’d have some internal turmoil paying MSRP for it. Which doesn’t make logical sense, since either way, both would be $46K.

The price of the Palisade will definitely come down if they can get their supply situation fixed. Unfortunately, demand for the Palisade is also very high in Korea, where it is made.

 

[ZX Spectrum 48k]

No way Hyundai can sell their vehicles at MSRP that long, but lately they've been able to do so with some of their products that are in demand. It seems that Honda dealers are honestly the worst at it still IMO. A lot of it is timing and the market. I remember 20 years ago, incentives were unheard of at the Toyota store. Nowadays, even Toyota employees who want to BUY a car (not company lease) will go to the dealer to take advantage of the EPPs rather than order directly through the company (no rebates).

In Canada most dealers sell Palisade and Telluride for $2-3k over MSRP. Which makes this situation quote silly.

 

[got-rice]

In Canada most dealers sell Palisade and Telluride for $2-3k over MSRP. Which makes this situation quote silly.

Well, I don't live in Canada, so I don't what the transaction prices are, but if H/K are able to sell over sticker, more power to them. In that case, Toyota dealers can sell their 2020s at MSRP too until they need incentives.

 

[toto]

If the pricing is similar the 3rd Gen, there is as much as US$4,000 between MSRP and invoice. There is no incentive promotion in the U.S. on the 2020 right now, just competition.

 

[bspangen]

Few L and LE models under MSRP on cars.com but small batch size to work with. Could be regional issue for those dealers.

 

[ZX Spectrum 48k]

Well, I don't live in Canada, so I don't what the transaction prices are, but if H/K are able to sell over sticker, more power to them. In that case, Toyota dealers can sell their 2020s at MSRP too until they need incentives.

I agree. However, seeing that some 2020 HLs already go for under MSRP (or at least they are offered like that on cars.com) makes me think hype about Korean twins (Telluride/palisade) affects peoples mind. It almost makes them brainwashed and they buy Korean twins for such ridiculous over MSRP prices. Mass media (in this case hysteria from YT reviewers praising Telluride/palisade) really drives consumers crazy. Especially those consumers who tend to believe whatever mass media is touting.

 

[toto]

You've really got those Korean twins on your mind. Are you waiting for Highlanders to appear in your area so that you can compare them side by side yourself? I'd think that's the best way to go, regardless of the other noise on the Internet. Other people's opinions don't really matter, and pricing doesn't matter... if you decide you want one of the Korean models and you feel it's worth the price they're asking, then you'll make a good deal and it doesn't really matter if the price is MSRP or $10,000 below. It's sick how this country has been trained to look for a "deal" rather than thinking about whether the price is good or not. The most extreme example of this is Kohl's... they put crazy made-up MSRP prices on things so that they can be 50% off almost every day. JCPenney tried to eliminate sales and just set their prices at the "sale" level every day, and they lost more business as a result, even though their everyday prices were very competitive with everyone else's constant sales. No question there's psychology at work, but if you ask me it's screwed up psychology.

 

[ZX Spectrum 48k]

You've really got those Korean twins on your mind. Are you waiting for Highlanders to appear in your area so that you can compare them side by side yourself? I'd think that's the best way to go, regardless of the other noise on the Internet. Other people's opinions don't really matter, and pricing doesn't matter... if you decide you want one of the Korean models and you feel it's worth the price they're asking, then you'll make a good deal and it doesn't really matter if the price is MSRP or $10,000 below. It's sick how this country has been trained to look for a "deal" rather than thinking about whether the price is good or not. The most extreme example of this is Kohl's... they put crazy made-up MSRP prices on things so that they can be 50% off almost every day. JCPenney tried to eliminate sales and just set their prices at the "sale" level every day, and they lost more business as a result, even though their everyday prices were very competitive with everyone else's constant sales. No question there's psychology at work, but if you ask me it's screwed up psychology.

I agree with you that psychology is screwed. I don't look at MSRP that much, otherwise I would never bought my x5 50i ($87k msrp). Yes, I'm waiting for HL to appear in Platinum trim to really compare them side by side. Of course to be honest none of the design in HL or Korean twins shivers my timbers lol. HL went way too tame, while Koreans simply failed on exterior in many regards - for example Telluride looks like bigger Kia Soul (one of ugliest cars lol), its front is too boxy and not in a good way boxy. Palisade on the other hand failed on front grill design - it came out too tacky and a sore to the eye (I already cringe when I see that plastic grill mess "wanna be cool chrome grill luxury car" madness and I'm not even a Palisade owner). HL managed to avoid such "ugly" mistakes (good job Toyota), but doing so they got way too cautious and result is way too boring or bland design exterior wise (I like interior). To be honest car already looks dated for 2020 in terms of exterior. When you see YT walkarounds for XLE or Limited trims - you kinda think wow is that some 2012 used Toyota for sale or maybe it's just boring 2019 RAV4?
But what you gonna do? I mean there is no other way if one wants reliability. Very poor choice. Even though ever yYT reviewer touts that segment is super competitive, but in reality every car in that segment is meh... and full of its own issues, be it lack of exterior design or other limitations. Sorry for the rant.

 

[69887]

If the pricing is similar the 3rd Gen, there is as much as US$4,000 between MSRP and invoice. There is no incentive promotion in the U.S. on the 2020 right now, just competition.

I am sure you are correct about their being no promotions on the 2020 HL, but the promotions vary by Toyota Regional Distributor (especially for the ones not owned by Toyota such as Southeast Toyota and Gulf States Toyota). You have to change the zip code on the Toyota.com website to see what the promotions are in your region.

For example, there is right now a $2,500 Customer Cash Back promotion on the 2019 HL in Denver Co, but no such rebate on 2019 HL in Southeast Region (according to the Toyota.com website).

 

[got-rice]

I agree. However, seeing that some 2020 HLs already go for under MSRP (or at least they are offered like that on cars.com) makes me think hype about Korean twins (Telluride/palisade) affects peoples mind. It almost makes them brainwashed and they buy Korean twins for such ridiculous over MSRP prices. Mass media (in this case hysteria from YT reviewers praising Telluride/palisade) really drives consumers crazy. Especially those consumers who tend to believe whatever mass media is touting.

You're entitled to your opinion about the Korean twins, but the praise for it isn't from just Youtubers. People were buying Priuses for over MSRP as well in the last decade, when gas prices spiked and the Prius was seemingly the only vehicle to get that desirable HOV lane sticker. Same for the old FJ Cruiser as well, and it is common that TRD Pro models are also marked up too, so it is plain supply and demand, not necessarily brainwashing. Give the Highlander some time and I'm sure everything will go down in price. The market is volatile and cut throat. If one company wants to undercut the competition, it'll happen in an instant and the market will react accordingly.

I think this thread here is a good one to follow for car pricing and incentives.

Latest Deals & News - CarsDirect

www.carsdirect.com

 

[got-rice]

You've really got those Korean twins on your mind. Are you waiting for Highlanders to appear in your area so that you can compare them side by side yourself? I'd think that's the best way to go, regardless of the other noise on the Internet. Other people's opinions don't really matter, and pricing doesn't matter... if you decide you want one of the Korean models and you feel it's worth the price they're asking, then you'll make a good deal and it doesn't really matter if the price is MSRP or $10,000 below. It's sick how this country has been trained to look for a "deal" rather than thinking about whether the price is good or not. The most extreme example of this is Kohl's... they put crazy made-up MSRP prices on things so that they can be 50% off almost every day. JCPenney tried to eliminate sales and just set their prices at the "sale" level every day, and they lost more business as a result, even though their everyday prices were very competitive with everyone else's constant sales. No question there's psychology at work, but if you ask me it's screwed up psychology.

Definitely it comes down to the buyer and what they feel its worth. In the market, the incentives can change a buyer's mind enough for them to swing the other way. From my experience here, most of the Camry owners were definitely paying below MSRP and invoice, so besides the reliability, the Camry kept many owners because its prices were many times less than the competition (namely the Accord), and for most of the decade, Toyota just kept it very conservative and in ways, boring in comparison to the competition. I think that was why they had to step up the incentives to keep the buyers until the 2018 came out. Today, it isn't the beige car it was (still is a family sedan), but the incentives are still around because of buyers' tastes for the HL and RAV4 over sedans.

 

[ZX Spectrum 48k]

First Platinum I saw on cars.com with real photos and unfortunately it's again same boring grey interior https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detail/797899486/overview/
That particular car is not inspiring imho to spend $50k for it.

 

[toto]

I agree with the few reviews I've read on the subject... In short, nothing about 2020 Highlander really makes it stand out from the other brands. If you're already a Highlander person and like it, then the 2020 is a nice upgrade from the 3rd Gen, particularly at the high end (Platinum) with new tech features. Otherwise, there's really nothing about it that says "oh boy, I should switch from the brand I like over to Highlander." To me, no model stands out in the non-luxury midsize SUV market segment at all. About all Toyota did was get the 2020 Platinum on par with everyone else's top-end offerings. I spent a little time looking at the competitor's Web sites to see what they had, and I saw nothing that made me want to move away from Highlander, nor did anything particularly stick out. They're all surprisingly similar! But everyone has different taste, and that's why there are different choices. I can see a lot of the models in this market segment continuing to do well. Me, I am a Highlander guy, I like it, and I've ordered a 2020.

 

[08highlander]

Just saw a 2020 in Connecticut. It was a blizzard white LE. Not sure how I feel about it. It definitely looks like a highlander but I am wondering about head room inside. This model did not have a sunroof so the head room will be less than upper trim models. The nose is much more square looking in person. It has some sharp lines that I like but the swoop on the side I am not sure About. We have an 08 limited that we bought new and are looking to upgrade but I want to drive the limited.