Updated 2011 Toyota Highlander debut Aug. 25th
Lead Lap
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 4,534
Likes: 0
From: MD
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.
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.
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
Lead Lap
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 4,534
Likes: 0
From: MD
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.
just like henry, if i were to get a 3gs now, i would get 450h, coz' it's "cheaper"
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Lead Lap
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 4,534
Likes: 0
From: MD
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
CL Community Team
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 12,517
Likes: 213
From: San Francisco, CA
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.
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.
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.
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.
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