I am thinking of trading in my 4runner for a 2005 Highlander. My 4runner has been great, no problems, but I just want something thats car-based instead truck-based. Since I don't go off-road I don't think its really necesarry. They didnt have any car-baed SUVs back when I bought my 4runner.

Anways. Has anyone here owned one or had a family own one? How is the reliability? Safety? Comfort? Storage space for trips to costco and road trips?

From what I understand the highlander is the toyota version of the RX300 witout the extra luxury and amenities.

Thanks in Advance for your help

Robert

 

You are correct about the Highlander being much more car-based than the 4-Runner. It uses the Camry 4 and V6 engines, transmissions, and a version of the Camry chassis modified for All-Wheel-Drive. I have driven Highlanders and have friends that own them.The ride is a littte smoother than the 4-Runner's (still not quite as smooth as a Camry), and its noise level is a little lower....partly due to less aggressive tires.
As you note, it is not as good as the 4-Runner for towing or for off-road use.....the 4-Runner has a heavier frame....but apparantly for you (like for many others) that is not an issue.
Highlanders generally sell in the high 20's to low-30's range....about $6,000-$8000 less than the more lavish RX330. And the Highlander also has more room inside than the RX330......it's boxy-shaped body is more space-efficient. Its trim and interior....particularly in base versions.....is definitely not as plush as the RX330's, but functionally it is the same vehicle.
Before you buy or lease a regular gas-engine Highlander (see my separate thread on buying vs. leasing...To Lease or not to Lease...that is the Question) , you may want to wait and see what the new Highlander gas-electric Hybrid will be like. That will be offered in both Toyota and Lexus versions...although it looks like the Lexus RX Hybrid will be first on the market. Toyota has not to my knowledge announced Highlander Hybrid pricing yet, but it will likely be $3000-$4000 more than the regular gas versions....maybe even more with dealer markups if there is high demand for them.
You will have to decide for yourself if the benefits or better gas mileage, more power, and lower emissions of the Hybrid justify its higher price, greater complexity, and potential lack of qualified technicians to service it.
Good luck with your decision.

 

The newest Highlander has the 3rd row seat. Even though it can only fit 2 passengers, its a great bonus.

 

ive got a close relative with a highlander. i was considering buying one too, but looked at the lexus first. after doing that, it was hard to sit in a highlander with all the plastic inside the interior, as well as the very bland exterior. some positives are its cool looking dash, as well as the 3rd row seat.

 

New or used? Highlander is great but if your going for a loaded one, might as well get a RX.

 

my mom has a V6 HIghlander from the first year it came out (i think 2000). Very reliable, useful and aesthetically pleasing car....just dont expect any excitement out of it. my only complaint about it is the very very hard "headrest" on the 2nd row seats and how the overdrive is always "on" when you turn the engine on, no matter what position you left it at when you turned the car off. overall, a well built car

 

If your mom's Highlander is like virtually all other Toyota / Lexus products, (and many other modern vehicles, too) no matter how the button is set or the lever is placed, the automatic transmission will NOT actually upshift into overdrive until the engine temperature gets to 140 degrees....about two or three marks up the temperature gauge. Obviously this takes longer in winter than summer. I don't like this feature myself....it wastes fuel and places unnecessary revs on a cold engine...... but the engineers say that this is done for emission reasons and quicker engine warm-up.

 

The Toyota Highlander is a great car my family was going to get one but the dealer wouldn't give us the price we wanted. It is really smooth and quiet. Have you considered a certified Lexus RX 300 they are good cars too and better looking.

 

thanks for the comments guys, especially yours Mmarshall.

I will most likely get the base model. I think its around 27,000. As long as there is side curtain airbags and all the other safety stuff Im good to go. Im not sure if I will get the third row seats.

I like the RX but I feel the Highlander is a better value. I need it Just to haul things around and for large amounts of shopping. Im not a used car shopper other wise I would have it pre-owned RX.

I will be going in next week to see it and test drive it. You think I can get it at invoice? Hopefully they are looking to deal.

Again thank you all for your help

Robert

 

iloveGS300, if you are in SoCal, try buying one from Longo Toyota. You can probably get a V6 Highlander for not much over invoice from them if you play your cards right.

 

Cntact

Contact Diane Whitmore at Carson Toyota. She'll give you a better deal, and an even better treatment on your car-buying experience.

Good luck.

 

I am in SoCal and bought my 4runner from Longo, as well as my GS. I will check them out first to see if they can hook me up this time around.

Bluestar. Thanks for the Contact info. I appreciate it.

 

Exactly - and save yourself the frustration of a MUCH cheaper interior. I've only spent a brief amount of time in the Highlander - but I was disgusted. I honestly thought I was going to break off clean the passenger's inside door lever.

Built like trash. Go for the Lex.

M.

 

it's a super annoying feature that i wish they'd get rid of. The older Toyota/Lexus' were better off, i.e. my ES300 (95).

 

iloveGS300, please check your pm.