Tundra Guy Looking At Highlander For "Family" Car

[BuckTales]

I posted this over on the Highlander forum, but that forum doesn't seem to get much action, so I figured I'd try my luck here....



My wife and I are expecting our first baby in June. We just sold her 2001 Accord coupe and are looking for new (to us) cars.

We're definitely excited about the Highlander, she really likes it. We are looking for a Toyota certified car, close to or under 30k miles, year range 2003-2005. We'd like to spend in the low 20's (22ish)....

Basically, I'm hoping some of you Highlander guru's can answer a few questions for me...

I am wondering if there are anythings I should keep an eye out for?

Does anyone find the 3rd row seat useful at all - and does it (when in the down position) take up cargo space? (We looked at one, and it seemed to not take up space when down, but certain documentation I've seen contradicts that).

Is the 4cyl a real dog at all? I figure it will hurt resale down the road, and I don't see that many of them.

How effective is the AWD system? I know its not "real" 4wd like my Tundra for example, but does it help in rain and snow? Do the 2wd versions have any options like LSD or anything that can help?

Sorry for all the questions everyone, and thanks in advance for any information you can help me out with!

[sdg71]

Originally Posted by BuckTales

I posted this over on the Highlander forum, but that forum doesn't seem to get much action, so I figured I'd try my luck here....



My wife and I are expecting our first baby in June. We just sold her 2001 Accord coupe and are looking for new (to us) cars.

Congrats! My wife and I are trying for a baby and I was so excited about a highlander that I bought it before hand

We're definitely excited about the Highlander, she really likes it. We are looking for a Toyota certified car, close to or under 30k miles, year range 2003-2005. We'd like to spend in the low 20's (22ish)....

Good idea. I ended up getting my wife an 05, but that was because I was able to get it for 800 under invoice, then 750 rebate on top of that, and there weren't any used ones that had the options I wanted (namely side and head airbags... which I think are very important in a "family car"

Basically, I'm hoping some of you Highlander guru's can answer a few questions for me...

I am wondering if there are anythings I should keep an eye out for?

Does anyone find the 3rd row seat useful at all - and does it (when in the down position) take up cargo space? (We looked at one, and it seemed to not take up space when down, but certain documentation I've seen contradicts that).

We got the 3rd seat option knowing that when it will be used it will be used for hauling our kids friends around. Again, this is down the road, need to have the kids first, but it will be a very useful option down the road. We also thought it would be convenient if we had two or three kids (or their friends) and you could seperate them between the two rows to keep the peace. It takes up no cargo space in the down position, it lays completely flat. When you don't get the 3rd row, a small compartment is in its place, nothing worth ditching the seat for. It definetely isn't a place to put two of your adult friends back there for hours on end, but it is great for kids or even medium sized adults for short trips. Remember, the second row slides back and forth, so you can open up some room for the 3rd row if you need to. I am 5'8'' and I fit fine when the second row is moved up just a bit.

Is the 4cyl a real dog at all? I figure it will hurt resale down the road, and I don't see that many of them.

We live in Colorado, so normally aspirated engine here loses 15% of it's power right off the bat. We test drove a 4-cyl, and for around town and a couple of people in it it works fine. But with 4 people and some luggage trying to maintain speed in the mountains, it was not happy. From what I have seen as well, the 4cyl only buys you a couple of mpg, and that is if it isn't having to work hard. Load it up and drive fast on the highway and any advantage the 4cyl has in mileage will quickly be gone. We also wanted AWD, and could barely find any 4cyl versions. The v6 makes ithe highlander different machine and a very comfortable cruiser. I would recommend finding a 2004 version if you can, because the bigger 3.3 V6 and 5speed auto became available. We are averaging 21-22 mpg in combined driving. And like you said, the V6 is better for resale, and if you ever want to tow a small trailer. But drive them both first, you might find that the 4cyl is more than enough, and it will save you some money.

How effective is the AWD system? I know its not "real" 4wd like my Tundra for example, but does it help in rain and snow? Do the 2wd versions have any options like LSD or anything that can help?

After owning three Tundras, and being very happy with them in mud/snow/sleat, I was very skeptical of an "AWD" system vs. a reliable 4x4 part time system. I have to admit though, that the AWD system on the highlander is nearly fool proof. In 2004, Toyota made traction control and electronic stability control standard, and combined with the AWD the highlander is very safe and secure all conditions we have had it in. We take a lot of trips to the mountains and about a month ago had 10'' of fresh snow on top of packed snow on top of ice from Vail pass and on (they got 3 feet of snow that weekend), and the highlander was great. It is odd at first, because unlike the Tundra, where you can play around in the snow and spin the wheels, the electronics kick in save you (whether you like it or not) when the vehicle starts sliding or skidding or detects wheel spin. It sure is sure-footed though, the system does whatever it can to get traction the the tires. I was sitting in the middle of the highway (don't worry, it was deserted) launching it hard and couldn't get the tires to break loose more than about a second. I also tried to get the rear end to come out and do cookies and couldn't, the stability control system took over and put me straight again. While I don't always care for all of the electronic "nannys" I DO appreciate that my wife and kids will be safe and secure because my wife is driving it most of the time.

Sorry for all the questions everyone, and thanks in advance for any information you can help me out with!

Let me know if I can answer anything else for you. Personally, I would try to look at a 2004 or newer if you can (with the under 30k mileage like you said) because of the following changes for 2004: Standard traction and stability control (not optional anymore), 3rd row seat becomes available, bigger V6 and 5speed auto, curtain airbags optional for first time (side airbags were available in 03), plus some interior and exterior updates.

[BuckTales]

sdg71 - thanks! That is exactly the kind of personal experience I was looking for. Much appreciated!