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Buying a Used Toyota Highlander

17 messages,  Last post on Jan 26, 2010 at 1:52 PM

You are in the Toyota Highlander Forum.

What is this discussion about? Toyota Highlander, Car Buying

Messages Page 2 of 2

#8 of 17 Re: Which of these 2 used HL would you buy? [nashlogan] by vmorhaim

Dec 04, 2009 (2:10 pm)

Replying to: nashlogan (Nov 22, 2009 11:55 am)
Thanks for your feedback Nash. I went with the limited, even though the guy wouldn't budge from 21k. I'm real happy with the car though. Like you say, it will have higer resale value.

#10 of 17 2001 or 2002 HL by highlander_mik

Jan 18, 2010 (10:34 pm)

Hello,
 
Hope to be a 1st time buyer of a Highlander. Have two different HL for sale, original owners and for the most part both have been taken cared.
 
1. 2001 HL, base, v6 AWD with side steps, rails, and fog lights, factory alarm, keyless entry. Everything else is pretty standard. 130k miles and asking for $8k
 
2. 2002 HL, Ltd edition, V6 2WD, with site steps, rails, fog lights, leather, factory alarm, keyless entry, moonroof, and premium factory wheels. 100k miles and $10k
 
From the owners both have kept up with maintenance and I believe as well as timing belt and water pump changed out.
 
Any thoughts? Live in Southern California, but at least once or twice a year go up to the snow (tahoe or mamoth) to snow board so the AWD would be nice. Other than that most of the time just around town except for some trips to Los Angeles (mountains).
 
Any advice would be great. Mileage I've read the AWD and 2WD there is about a 3-5mpg difference is this true?
 
Also, anything to look for since they are older cars. Might be able to get the 2002 to go a bit lower .. but not sure how much.
 
Thanks all!

#11 of 17 Re: Which of these 2 used HL would you buy? [vmorhaim] by wwest

Jan 19, 2010 (9:16 am)

Replying to: vmorhaim (Nov 20, 2009 12:07 pm)
There is no such thing as a "full-time" AWD HL, F/awd is more descriptive as no engine torque apportionment occurs except reactively via TC, traction Control, once wheelspin/slip is detected.
 
HL would be more appropreately referred to an a ONE-WHEEL drive system, absent TC one-wheel slips/spins and you're STUCK.
 
Like the new Venza, 2010 RX350 and now the 2011 Sienna, the next HL will likely get a more suitable F/awd system. Still not nearly as adequate as Honda/Acura's SH-AWD, but maybe in the next 5-10 years.

#12 of 17 Re: 2001 or 2002 HL [highlander_mik] by wwest

Jan 19, 2010 (9:19 am)

Replying to: highlander_mik (Jan 18, 2010 10:34 pm)
Save money and fuel, buy the FWD HL and rent a more safe, MUCH more safe, R/awd system (Toyota 4runner comes to mind) on those rare occassions of need. We keep an old but fully functional R/awd Ford Aerostar, '94, around for those rare occassions of going to the snow, skiing.

#13 of 17 STUCK by beachfish2

Jan 21, 2010 (12:44 pm)

"absent TC one-wheel slips/spins and you're STUCK."
 
Sure, good thing the HL comes with TC and the system works for most people. You go right on worrying.
 
John

#14 of 17 Re: STUCK [beachfish2] by wwest

Jan 21, 2010 (3:20 pm)

Replying to: beachfish2 (Jan 21, 2010 12:44 pm)
The way I read these forums TC DOES'NT work for most people. Which is why Toyota was forced, finally, to provide a TC "off" capability.

#15 of 17 Scags by squeedo

Jan 22, 2010 (6:10 am)

I just bought a 2008 highlander 35,000 on it with new good year tires for 23,000.
I had the dealer put in leather and the moon roof for the limited feel without the limited price. It was tough to make a deal, but I was persitent, and had to travel out of state. The long term plan is to have this car for a long time and resale value is not an issue with me, but the price was along with my personal wants.

#16 of 17 Re: Scags [squeedo] by wwest

Jan 22, 2010 (11:44 am)

Replying to: squeedo (Jan 22, 2010 6:10 am)
Now I would suggest changing the seat belts so the front seat passengers head doesn't end up through the moonroof in a rollover.
 
I've seen pictures......

#17 of 17 Where? by beachfish2

Jan 26, 2010 (1:52 pm)

Every manufacturer has been sued it seems. Here's one site with a laundry list of who they've sued. Free evaluations too.
 
www.suv-rollovers.com/vehicles/toyota-highlander.cfm

Messages Page 2 of 2

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