jadu

iTrader: (42)

my gf and i are on the market for one of these. with the 2011, 08-10's should go down right? they are roughly $24-30k at the moment used

rominl

iTrader: (4)

cost is the only thing that came to my mind

SLegacy99

Ran some numbers comparing the Highlander Hybrid AWD with the Highlander SE V6 AWD as they are almost identically equipped.

SE: $34600, 17/22/19.5
Hybrid: $37,290, 28/28/28

A difference of $2690, which is a relatively low premium.

Over the course of 100,000 miles the SE will presumably use 5128 gallons of gas. At $2.89 a gallon this equates to $14280.

Over the course of 100,000 miles the Hybrid will presumably use 3571 gallons of gas. At $2.89 a gallon this equates to $10321.

A difference of $3959. So focusing on gas savings alone, if you plan to get a Highlander SE V6 (one of the most popular trim levels) and keeping it for more than 55k miles it makes more sense to get the hybrid.

Personally, I would like to have seen a Highlander hybrid with less horsepower, more efficiency, and dare I see lower cost. Lower cost as in use a smaller, cheaper ICE.

spwolf

plus you have to consider that resale value for Hybrid will be better...

rominl

iTrader: (4)

really? that's the case for toyota?

on lexus, resale of hybrid (at least the gs and ls) have been worse than gasoline version in general (bigger depreciation hit)

GSteg

iTrader: (15)

That's what I originally thought too. I checked some of the used car value via kbb and such and here is what I found:

2007 Toyota Highlander 4x2 (I4)
MSRP - $24,500
KBB - $19,300

2007 Toyota Highlander Hybrid 4x2
MSRP - $32,500
KBB - $23,000


For comparison sake:

2007 Lexus GS350
MSRP - $44,200
KBB - $28,000

2007 Lexus GS450h
MSRP - $55,000
KBB - $32,000


Obviously the used market depends on the region and the supply/demand in that area.

If I was looking for a used GS, I wouldn't even consider the GS350. I'd go straight for the GS450h, unless I need room for 2 luggage

SLegacy99

I'd say it depends on the vehicle. I occasionally KBB the value of our 400h vs. a comparable 350. It fluctuates between being worth $2k to $3k more...which was premium of the vehicle so the loss isn't really there, but the fuel savings sure is.

rominl

iTrader: (4)

but if you throw in the difference in price on the original new vehicle, then the hybrid takes heavier hit, meaning more depreciation in general.

just like henry, if i were to get a 3gs now, i would get 450h, coz' it's "cheaper"

LexFather

With hybrids values depend on gas prices as well. Hybrid values were higher when gas prices were higher. Since gas has been relatively stable, the prices have dropped.

That is my observation...

SLegacy99

How do you figure?

I figure that our RX hybrid cost $3k more than the gasoline variant (before incentives), is worth at least $2k more and you save roughly $500 a year and gas. Factor in maintenance and the hybrid is cheaper.

As gas is creeping back toward the $3.00

RXSF

gas is $3.40 around me.

But anywhoo, the RX450 is not longer just 3K more expensive than the gas model. Its more like 4.5K. And then its even higher if you factor in the fact that you cant get the luxury package on the fwd RX450h when you can get it on the FWD RX350. They force you to get awd hybrid to get all the goodies.

rominl

iTrader: (4)

yup, from what i configured, really similarly loaded 350 vs 450h, they are about 5k difference or a tad more. looking at the history of the 350 and 400h, their prices are very very close, and together with gas saving, hybrid is more attractive (if you are confident with the hybrid drive train)