Thanks to all you guys who posted in my new suv thread. I went ahead and closed that one.

s good, but not that good.

So I have currently come to the conclusion that maybe a very late model, low mileage Highlander would be best. V6, Toyota quality, great resale, reliable like none other. 25-30mpg on the highway.
Should be able to get one with under 30k miles for for under $40k. 5000lb tow.

Thinking 2018-2022.

For those who have them or family who have I would like to know if there is anything I need to consider in one of this vintage. It always makes me wonder why someone would get rid of one with 10k miles on it?

Please see my last post regarding purchase and advice on a dealer install dashcam.

Thanks guys.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: old rugged cross,

I've got a 2021 XLE AWD. I've had it for about 20 months. 16k miles and no issues, other than having to replace the tires.

I got a nail in the edge/sidewall at 7,600 miles, but I don't know that I would have got more than another 4 or 5k out of the OEM set.

I get a combined mileage of about 22.5, mostly around town, but on the highway isn't much better. But that is I-15 at 75/80.

As far as getting rid of one with 10k, I traded my RAV4 with 9k in on the Highlander. I wanted something bigger and I got what I paid for the RAV4 on the trade.

I think the 2020-2022's with hold their value for people looking for the V-6 engines.

Thank you Tom. Good to know.

We have a 2008 and a 2018 highlander.
The 2018 is significantly smaller on the inside. Im talking cargo space and headroom.

Mechanically the 2018 has been flawless. Only maintenance has been wear items.

Mileage is ~20 combined in NJ (think traffic hell).

We bought our Highlander new in 2018. It’s needed nothing but oil changes and tires for 50,000 miles. We don’t tow with it though.

Great to hear guys. I will need to tow one of my boats to a launch or two on occasion. about 4k lbs.

I have a 2016 Highlander, XLE AWD. Approaching 60k miles on it. I drive almost only in town, 20ish MPG, worse if I’m sitting in the school line waiting to pick up my daughter a lot. Highway mileage is maybe 23-24 mpg.

Mechanically, it has been trouble free. I’ve replaced the tires, rotated them and done oil changes. That’s literally it.

I can't speak to the Highlander but I can opine about Toyota's 3.5L 6 cyl. I have a 2011 Toyota Avalon with 150k that I'd trust to go anywhere. Get 27/28 hwy and 0-60 under 7 seconds. Love the comfort of the Avalon and my opinion is 2011/12 are the best years for the sled.

My wife drives a 2015 Sienna awd w 3.5L. bought certified in 2017 w 30k miles. Have 85k on it now with zero problems. Mpg 24 hwy 18 around town, road trip comfort hard to beat.

I would not hesitate to buy used and I would consider older models than 2018. I think the drivetrains and engines were as good as they get in 2010-15, after that you're buying mandated safety like adaptive cruise, steering assist and more tech that means little to me.

Find one with pure history/maintenance and don't look back.

I bought the last 2019 on the lot at the dealership after the 2020 model came out. I prefer cars without the bells and whistles most come with these days.

I picked the 19 because it had a bigger shelf under the dash which was discontinued on the 2020 models.

No problems with mine.

My 2021 Platinum Hybrid has been great over 35,000 miles. I've averaged 31.95 MPG since day one (I keep track). I would buy it again in a second. The only option I bought was the trailer tow package. While it is only rated for 3,500# towing, I wouldn't be afraid of 4K for a short distance.
Mike

I’d not hesitate to buy a highlander

Wife put almost 200k on a 2010

She would have bought a newer model but it was out of her price range

'20+ is the new body style (full redesign).
'14-19s are rock solid (3 in family, 2 still in garage. 3rd was traded due to wanting new instead of buying tires....)

We bought a 22 Highlander Platinum for my wife. We've owned it just over a year, no regrets so far.

My wife has a 2014 Highlander. She loves it, she even named it. It has been a great vehicle, slightly over 100k, no issues to speak of.

Thanks Snidera, good info that I was wondering about.

Btt, what is the Lexus model of the toyota highlander?

Thanks guys for the input. Glad the highlander is working out so well for everyone.

quote:

Originally posted by old rugged cross:
Btt, what is the Lexus model of the toyota highlander?

Thanks guys for the input. Glad the highlander is working out so well for everyone.

I believe it's the RX350.
My wife has one and it's been a great car with over 200k now.

The RX does not have the room of the Highlander--I don't think it has a 3rd row. It's a luxury SUV for suburban moms.
The GX is closer, but a lot more expensive than the Highlander.

Personally, I think the old adage of not buying a car in its first year of production has not applied to Japanese cars for a long time. I bought the 2018 Accord when it first came out, with a brand new 2 liter turbo and new 10-speed transmission. No problems at all. None.

Have a 2015 Limited Platinum AWD, bought new (used models were not discounted much at the time). Currently has 125,000 or so miles on it, trouble free. I do all my own maintenance. Changing the plugs is a PITA but is only an every 100,000mi job. I will say the mileage is not as advertised, 24mpg highway maybe. But otherwise I have no complaints. I have towed a few small trailers and a trailer bucket lift with it, and we have a hitch mounted platform that we use on beach trips, though my Expedition gets that duty most often now.

ORC,

Sorry, I missed it in the other thread, why is the 4Runner out?