Hi,
We're considering buying a 2007 HH (non-limited, 5 seat model). Before committing I have a couple of questions that hopefully someone can answer:

1. I am 6'3". I have plenty of headroom in the second row of a conventional Highlander with a moonroof but the Hybrid models lose 1.1" of headroom in the second row due to battery storage (moonroof version). Can anyone comment on this? I am guessing that it won't be a problem but as the local dealer doesn't have any on the lot, I am trying to research this online. For comparisons sake I have lots of room in our Forester that measures 39.25" from the back of the seat to the ceiling.

2. Provided that I buy and take delivery before Sept 30, I presume (and can find no information to the contrary) that I will qualify for the full federal tax credit of $2600 even though it is 2007 model. Can anyone verify this?

Thanks!

 

I have a limited with the moon roof and I am 6'5". The second row seat has ample head room for me. The ceiling in the moon roof version slopes upward about two inches about a foot in front of where your head is positioned when seated in the second row. Thus, it appears that the moon roof does not intrude on the second row head room. I also have ample headroom in the front seats with the moon roof. Of course, if i raise the power seat all the way up, My head becomes wedged against the ceiling.



I have no definitive answer on the tax credit question. Only the 2006 Highlander is listed in the IRS document below. However, the 2006 and 2007 are identical from a power train standpoint and the intent of the act is to continue the credit to successive model years. Ask your dealer as he and Toyota must know the answer.




Tax Credits for Hybrids

The IRS has acknowledged the certification of vehicles that qualify for the hybrid tax credit enacted by the Energy Policy Act of 2005. The tax credit for hybrid vehicles applies to vehicles purchased on or after January 1, 2006, and may be as much as $3,400 for those who purchase the most fuel-efficient vehicles.


The Internal Revenue Service has acknowledged the certification of vehicles that qualify for the hybrid tax credit enacted by the Energy Policy Act of 2005. The tax credit for hybrid vehicles applies to vehicles purchased on or after January 1, 2006, and may be as much as $3,400 for those who purchase the most fuel-efficient vehicles.

Starting in 2006, this tax credit replaces the tax deduction of $2,000 which was previously allowed for taxpayers who purchased a new hybrid vehicle before December 31, 2005 for the clean-burning fuel deduction. The tax credit requires a different certification. Many currently available hybrid vehicles may qualify for this new tax credit.

Consumers seeking the credit may want to buy early since the full credit is only available for a limited time. Taxpayers may claim the full amount of the allowable credit up to the end of the first calendar quarter after the quarter in which the manufacturer records its sale of the 60,000th vehicle. For the second and third calendar quarters after the quarter in which the 60,000th vehicle is sold, taxpayers may claim 50% of the credit. For the fourth and fifth calendar quarters, may claim 25% of the credit. No credit is allowed after the fifth quarter.

The following tax credits apply:

2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid: $2600
2007 Lexus GS 450h: $1550
2006 Ford Escape Hybrid, Front Wheel Drive: $2600
2006 Ford Escape Hybrid, Four Wheel Drive: $1950
2006/2007 GMC Silverado Hybrid 2WD: $250
2006/2007 GMC Silverado Hybrid 4WD: $650
2006/2007 GMC Sierra Hybrid 2WD: $250
2006/2007 GMC Sierra Hybrid 4WD: $650
2006 Honda Accord Hybrid AT without updated control calibration: $650
2006 Honda Accord Hybrid AT with control calibration: $1300
2006 Honda Insight (automatic only): $1450

2006 Honda Civic Hybrid: $2100
2006 Lexus RX400h, Two Wheel Drive: $2200
2006 Lexus RX400h, Four Wheel Drive: $2200
2006 Mercury Mariner Hybrid, Four Wheel Drive: $1950
2006 Toyota Highlander, Two Wheel Drive: $2600
2006 Toyota Highlander, Four Wheel Drive: $2600
2005 and 2006 Toyota Prius: $3150

2007 Saturn VUE GreenLine: $650

 

I can't comment on the tax thing, as I haven't researched it since before I got my HiHy last year.

Regarding rear-seat headroom. I am also 6'3", and I've had no problem fitting in the rear of the Highlander. I usually choose to drive, but on the few occasions I've sat back there, no problems. Yes, I have the moonroof.

Love the vehicle. Just went over 20K miles, and the *only* problem we've experienced has been a tab coming loose in the center console cupholder. Compared to the Touareg we "up"graded from, this troublefree performance is joyous at the very least. So it's strongly recommended from Moneypenny & Co.