Bought the highlander a year ago with 10k miles on it. XLE model. Has everything on it. No has about 17k on it.
Wife's rig. Like new.
When we bought it last summer decided to go highlander vs 4Runer. Has plenty of room. Drives very nice. Has the V6. Gets very good mileage for the size and weight. She likes it. Me not so much. But I hardly drive it.
Choose it for all the reasons above and she was going from an older Lexus suv and wanted comfort over utility. I was ok with it as the Highlander is a very capable winter/light off road type rig.

A year later (I) am thinking the reverse and thinking 4Runner.
Have not talked with her other than having some discussion when we bought it that maybe down the road we might consider the Honda Pilot as I like Honda and like the new pilot. But the 4Runner as you all know is a rig that has a lot of allure for me as a basic, stardard 4wd original type SUV.

So a few question for ya all. What do you think I can get as a trade in the highlander. I am hoping high thirties (38)?
We did buy a extended warranty from the dealership and it was a dealer "Certified Toyota".

On a new 4Runner what are the differences on their models. Not looking at limited or even pro models.
Std vs premium. SR5 package vs TRD, etc?

Thanks guys

This message has been edited. Last edited by: old rugged cross, August 04, 2024 08:49 AM

Go to Carmax and enter the info they ask for. They’ll make you a cash offer. That way you can figure out how bad the dealer is diddling you on your trade-in.

https://www.carmax.com/

Your wife likes the one you have. You say it’s “like new”. And you bought an extended warranty on it. If you’re not having problems with it I don’t think it makes any sense to get rid of it. YMMV.

The concept of replacing a 2021 model vehicle is foreign to us . If it was nickel and diming you I could get on board with it I guess . What does the new vehicle do that the old one doesn't ? If you just want a new vehicle then go for it .

quote:

She likes it.

Not trying to offend but, if she likes it, why you trying to mess with that?

quote:

But I hardly drive it.

Even more ammo to my question of why mess with things.

I get it guys and good questions. I am just not fond of it. But yes, her rig and she likes it. She is not a car person. So vehicles are not something she thinks much about other than comfort, safety and reliability. Which the Highlander definitely checks all the boxes.

Lets try to answer the questions I posed at this point. It is doubtful this would happen but want the info so I can talk with her on the subject while the 2024 4Runner is still available.

Thanks guys.

I test drove a couple of 2024 Honda Pilots. Both higher end "Elite" models. Both were very noisy. Road noise, not engine noise or wind noise. The Pilot was much worse than the Chev Traverse or Jeep Grand Cherokee. It was very disappointing and a deal breaker for me.

Doesn't your highlander have the 3.5 v6? Many consider that Toyota's most durable engine. On the other hand, 2024 is the last year for the 4L so if you want a new one this is your last chance. I would not do it.

Yes it does doublesharp.

Honda's are know for some road noise. Not a deal breaker for me. But odd that do not feel that is something they should address.

So she likes it, you admit it checks the boxes for comfort, safety, and reliability, and you hardly drive it.

Did she piss in your Cheerios?
Did you win the lottery and can't figure out how to spend all the money?

No, I tried to explain my thinking. But guess that went over head honest.

It is her rig. If she wants to keep it, great. I have no issue with that.

Comprendo?

quote:

So she likes it, you admit it checks the boxes for comfort, safety, and reliability, and you hardly drive it.

Did she piss in your Cheerios?
Did you win the lottery and can't figure out how to spend all the money?

All fair questions.

I cannot fathom that my wife and I would buy a SUV that checks all the boxes for us, is rated excellent for safety and reliability, she likes it, only to approach her and tell her I want her to get rid of the vehicle (that she likes and I rarely drive) and move her into a vehicle that I like (let be honest its cause of the cool factor here).

Just no way. I respect my wife too much to pull such a stunt.

quote:

I tried to explain my thinking. But guess that went over head honest.

Yeah, my take on what you were thinking was "I want a 4Runner and the wife will just have to deal with it, who cares what she wants or likes"

Listen guys, when we bought the Highlander we talked about a 4Runner which she was thinking that is what she wanted. Through the decision making process that was more or less a toss up and the highlander was chosen. In part because we found one that was a gem. Liked the dealer and they gave us a far trade in and what we thought was a fair deal on the Highlander.
So it was not like I wanted to get a 4Runner and she wanted a Highlander persae. It was a decision we came to together although ultimately she is happy with it. She would of also been equally happy with a 4Runner.
Again, I think the highlander is a really good rig. It will not be worth any more than it is right now. And the 4Runner is going away for ever for me at the end of this year.
So before writing the 4Runner off forever. I am just kicking this around.
"If" it does not matter to her. I could see adding $10k to the Highlander and get a 4Runner. WHich I am sure she would like.

Lets move on to the trade in value and the 4Runner model questions I have plz.

Thanks

Blue Book for a 21 XLE with 10k miles in Very Good condition and with standard equipment is around $35k private sale or $32.5k trade-in, with some variation based on location. And obviously trade-in value will also vary from dealer to dealer.

Hell life is short. If the 4Runner floats your boat and you can afford the move from the Highlander, go for it.

Can't help you with the cost - trade queries.

quote:

Originally posted by RogueJSK:
Blue Book for a 21 XLE with 10k miles in Very Good condition and with standard equipment is around $35k private sale or $32.5k trade-in, with some variation based on location. And obviously trade-in value will also vary from dealer to dealer.

Thanks Rogue, that sounds pretty accurate I would think.

SR5 is the base model, with the TRD Off Road it adds some off road capability such as a rear locker, terrain select, and crawl control. Can get one of these very nicely equipped without doing a TRD Pro or the Limited. Actually can get the TRD Off Road with KDSS and cannot get that on the TRD Pro.

Let me be the one to pivot in a different direction and ask suggest leaving the Highlander for her and you get a 4 Runner for yourself (if it’s financially feasible , of course).

That’s a win/win.

Few years ago we shopped both. 4 Runner felt archaic to me compared to the Highlander so we went with the Highlander.

^^^You may be on to something there, Edmond!

Thanks guys Ain't gonna happen.

I am a pick up guy. And if anything would happen down the road it would be upgrading there

I’m solidly in the 4Runner camp. I’ve owned several over the last 30 years. The only suv I’d own besides it would be a Land Cruiser. Someday I’ll have a 200 series.

Toyota has screwed the pooch with its new truck & suv engines. Sounds like you’re aware of this. We currently have two 4Runners… a 2007 with the V8. I love that rig and have put over 230k miles on it. Other one is 2016 Limited. The 4.0 V6 is a solid engine as well.