kluger07

Hi All, I have to agree. The audio system in the Kluger is one of the worst I have seen and heard. There is no appreciable difference between this system and the one I had in my '98 Prado Grande which is a damn shame considering every other aspect of this vehicle meets all my criteria. It's another area Toyota would have made some financial gain if they had simply offered the same JBL upgrade that is available in the US/Canadian market. It may not have been perfect, but it would have been considerably better than what we have been given. Anyway ... In relation to cost of iPod integration, this is what I have seen so far from other retailers: Mazda - ~$456.00 (Playlist access only with cryptic display - Very Poor) BMW - ~$600 (Have not seen it in action) My estimates for these after market units are: $200 - $250 including shipping and currency conversion and approx. $100 for installation. Cheers, Kluger07

Hi All, Thanks for your replies/comment/queries. I'm still waiting for confirmation from the manufacturer this unit (as well as another they have suggested) is/are compatible with our Sat Nav systems before I provide details. If they are unable to confirm compatibility locally they have agreed to send me a unit to test. This would require the removal of the console and Sat Nav unit for which I have instructions, however, I may see if a local car audio specialist will install the unit for me, given my lack of experience in this area. In relation to connecting the rear DVD unit via an input, I understand both of these units suggested offer an Aux input in addition to the iPod interface to the audio system. I have my fingers crossed one of these units work as I am becoming increasingly frustrated with the FM transmitters. So far I have tested the Griffin iTrip and Kensington Digital iPod FM Transmitter & Auto Charger, and have to say, thus far, the Kensington unit has outperformed the iTrip, though any FM Transmitter pales in comparison to a direct connection. Did you guys know the Highlander Limited also has a large speaker/sub in the tail gate as standard equipment! I wonder if the harness and door frame for the Kluger are from the same template?!?! Cheers Kluger07

Hi DerekD, I don't want to get everyone's hopes up just yet. I'd like to confirm the unit works but would also like to give the manufacturer some indication of the level of interest here in Australia. As soon as I can confirm this interface works, I'll provide all the information. Cheers, Kluger07

Hi Fellow Kluger Owners, One of the glaring omissions from the Australian version of the 2008 Toyota Highlander Limited (Kluger Grande), in my opinion, is an iPod interface, which incidentally, is available to Canadian owners as an option. Let's not mention other omissions such as TPMS, Garage Door Remote and 9 Speaker JBL System, etc.,etc! I am currently discussing the possibility of importing an iPod interface into Australia from the US following confirmation from the manufacturer the unit in question will suit our vehicles. This unit, unlike the factory unit, allows complete control of your iPod through the audio systems controls. I.e.: You will be able to browse Artists and Albums rather than simply select a Playlist. I hope to have a unit here to test in the coming weeks. In order to reduce the cost of shipping I'm seeking other potentially interested parties. The more units we purchase, the cheaper the price per unit. If you think this is something you may be interested in, please send me a message. Cheers Kluger07

Hi Fellow Kluger Owners, One of the glaring omissions from the Australian version of the 2008 Toyota Highlander Limited (Kluger Grande), in my opinion, is an iPod interface, which incidentally, is available to Canadian owners as an option. Let's not mention other omissions such as TPMS, Garage Door Remote and 9 Speaker JBL System, etc.,etc! I am currently discussing the possibility of importing an iPod interface into Australia from the US following confirmation from the manufacturer the unit in question will suit our vehicles. This unit, unlike the factory unit, allows complete control of your iPod through the audio systems controls. I.e.: You will be able to browse Artists and Albums rather than simply select a Playlist. I hope to have a unit here to test in the coming weeks. In order to reduce the cost of shipping I'm seeking other potentially interested parties. The more units we purchase, the cheaper the price per unit. If you think this is something you may be interested in, please send me a message. Cheers Kluger07

Hi guys, Apologies for not posting the promised pictures of my new toy (AWD Kluger Grande). I lost interest after finding some careless knob put a dent in the driver's side door on Saturday night. This followed eight hours of hard yakka detailing the damn thing. Oh well. It's the first dent that hurts the most I suppose. Anyway, I thought of another issue with my particular Kluger which frustrates me and was wondering if anyone else had experienced the same thing. When filling the car at the service station the pump continually cuts out and I have to keep repositioning the nozzle in order to fill the tank. This has happened with each refill. I also need to revise my fuel mileage. I'm now averaging about 13.8ltrs/100kms. How are you guys finding the mileage on your Klugers? BTW. Congrats on the new Kluger PC XT. Enjoying it? Also ... in relation to my earlier query about the poor quality of the audio system, I found this on ZDNet ... "Those who option up the navigation system get two fewer disc spaces in the in-dash changer, but the same JBL sound system and Bluetooth." So, I take it from this statement we should be able to upgrade our systems by installing an amp and additional speakers?!?!

I'm planning on detailing the car this weekend (Giving it a couple of coats of Maguiars Tech Wax). If you like, I can take an exterior and interior shot and post them on Sunday or Monday?!? One of the benefits of the DVD player is the lack of integration into the audio system so the kids can tune out watching their favourite Disney movie while I listen to my iPod via the new Kensington FM transmitter. I like having 80GB of music at my disposal and not having to worry about burning new MP3 CDs from time to time. Let's face it. I bought the Kluger partly because I'm lazy. Smart Entry. Smart Start. Motorised tailgate. Foot park brake. We also purchased a Mazda 3 SP23 a couple of months ago so the 'lazy' handling of the Kluger is so more evident. I might look at replacing the sway bars and suspension bushes with some aftermarket products when (and if) they become available. I realise this thing will never handle the way the SP23 does, nor do I expect it to, however, it definitely needs improvement. Don't get me wrong, this is a wonderful vehicle and I have no regrets with the purchase, but I think it's our job to highlight the positives and negatives of our vehicles so prospective owners have some idea of what to expect. Let's face it, the sales person won't tell you! Oh! I almost forgot. The advertised mileage is rubbish. I only managed to achieve 11.6 ltr/100kms on a drive to the coast. Around town I'm averaging 12.9 (Not using the sport shift). I suspect the sports shift would have roughly the same impact on the Kluger as it had on my SP23. Cut it down by 50%! Can anyone say 'Lead Foot'? I have also noticed some people comparing the Kluger Grande to the Lexus RX-350 on other forums. Let's make one thing clear. This is no Lexus and the two shouldn't be compared. This vehicle is almost $20K cheaper (fully optioned) than the RX-350 and in my opinion is much more suited to a young(er) family. Anyway, I'm getting of topic, so I think it time I go ...

Hi All! We took delivery of our new Kluger AWD Grande two weeks ago today and have been very happy with it so far. I'm a sucker for extras so went the whole hog. I got the nudge bar, bonnet protector, head light protectors, mud guards, side steps, mats, tow bar, roof racks and the Atlantis 600 coffin. Am now contemplating the pencil beam driving lights. I couldn't be bothered waiting for two to three months for a car to be shipped from overseas, so we opted for the Sand Beige on Ebony model the dealer had in the show room. Got a VERY good price on the car due to a few very minor scratches from the hoard of people jumping in and out of the car while on show. How good I hear you ask. Let's just say Toyota must be desperate to take the crown from Ford. Between 5 and 10K desperate. Just tell them the Ford Dealer next door is ready to do a great deal on a Territory! Having driven the Kluger for two weeks the only complaints I have are: - It rolls and pitches around corners almost as much as the '98 Prado I had until just recently. - NO AUXILLARY INPUT FOR MY IPOD!!!! - Audio System is ordinary for a car in this price range On the topic of Audio Systems, I notice the 2008 Highlander Limited (US Version of the '07 Kluger Grande) has a 9 speaker system including an amp and sub woofer. I can't understand why Toyota did not, at the very least, offer this as an option. I would have bought it! Still on this topic and given the Highlander Limited also has a Sat Nav system with an Amp, can I conclude we aussies are able to connect an amp and additional speakers to our Grandes? The Direct TPMS would have been nice also, though I have read these systems are not all that reliable and should not replace manual checking of tyre pressures. I like gadgets! All in all I can highly recommend this vehicle to any family of four (or more) looking for a general purpose SUV.