Would you recommend a used Highlander?

[shelbydog25]

I Currently have a Sequoia...it's been great (54k in 2 years), but am considering trimming down. the Seq. is a bit bulky and wife just bought an economical Corolla. (My Ram is outnumbered )... Plus I can sell the Seq., buy a Highlander (used) and put $$ in my pocket Would you all recommend a Highlander (or other med. size SUV? I know its smaller, but fuel economy is pretty decent and my 16 year old is getting ready to start to drive. Was thinking of getting a 04-05 Highlander, just in case she crunches a fender... with a used one I won't lose to much unlike if she did that to our Seq., I've Seen some negative talks on other forums about vibrations, braking, tranny shift issues about the Highlander, yet JD Power/Consum give it high marks going back to 2001... all comnents welcomed.. (including, Keep your Seq)...

[ddvk]

I think you will be fine if you bought the vehicle from someone you know or Toyota certified would work too.

If I were you I would sell the Sequoia and buy a good motorcycle since the gas prices are going off the roof. Just a thought.

I personally wouldn't buy a used vehicle since I don't know about the previous history of the vehicle.

That said, Highlander is a good all-round vehicle. The only things I was disappointed with my new Highlander was it has sweaks from the dash, occasional drivetrain "clunks", poor MPG (I get 18-20MPG with mostly highway and less city driving), poor shifting tranny. Those have been my complaints in the 6 months I have owned a highlander.

Good luck.

[oconn11]

I have two Highlanders (FWD & AWD). A pleasure to own and drive. YES!

[TRSMAN]

They Highlander is bar none the best car I have owned. I even have a 07 Camry.

I have no transmission issues, but I have the older 4 speed style. I have no engine issues. I have no squeaks and rattles. It drives soo good and is very pratical and comfortable.

[shelbydog25]

thanks for the responses.. the First poster had me wondering... Seems like the 2001 and 2002's even have good ratings.. Already have a motorcycle

[LifeTech]

First let me say that no car is "PERFECT". The world is not perfect. If things in life were perfect....well, life as we know it would be so different.

I did my homework and searched out many crossovers. I have driven,owned and worked on many vehicles. The H/L caught my attention in 2001. I followed the series minor changes and chose to go with the 2006 Limited. I knew all about the Mag reviews, Opinion surveys and most important to me, the owner reviews.
I am comfortable with Toyotas as yourself. This is obvious as we are here on this great site for just this reason.

The Highlander is not perfect, but, it is very dependable. As all Toyotas are. Yu just never see one on the side of the road being towed away for mechanical reasons. (short of a collision)

I have never purchased a used Toyota.(Toyotas only since 81) Buy only new. I understand that MOST people don't buy new. That's just a true statistic.
All my past owned Toyotas were either handed down or sold to people I know, with the exception of my 84 Supra. (totaled out collision).

I always recommend Toyotas used or otherwise. If yu are used to buying used then yu know the nature of the business. I whole heartedly recommend buying the Highlander. But, I would want complete service records and one that was never in any accident or needed ANY kind of Body or Paint repair.

My MPG is not any complaint of mine. I would have gotten a Hybrid if that was a serious priority. It is something I observe as "could be better".

I can't complain of the shifting much at all. It is fly by wire 5 speed (4th and 5th are overdrives). With overdrive off the tranny feels different and more rapid shifting. I drove the H/L many hundreds of miles before I decided to buy one.

Today I am happy with it. It is a Heavy vehicle.(approx 4800lbs) Don't let the small size fool yu. It feels heavy when yu drive it. It has superior crash ratings. I would definitely seek out one with the side air curtains as my Ins. co. gave me an additional discount for having the added curtains too.
I don't have the squeaks and rattles currently that some post about.
I feel the 05-07's are as refined as Toyota can produce this first gen H/L.
My dad purchased a new 04 base V6 2wd at my reccomendation. He swears by Toyota now. MPG is way better on the 2WD. I'm not a fan of the Four. Not enough umph for the weight. Have driven it many times at the dealers. Yu decide . But, I totally recommend this crossover.
It will always be a personal call. Not all highly praised vehicles are right for everyone. There are unique nuances with any vehicle and yu have to weigh it out. A recommendation is only a recommedation. It is not finite.
Honestly, I can't say that most Highlander owners here will steer yu away from it. Go to car review.com to get more opinions. But be advised , generally these reviews can be skewed abit. You will hear from people with dealer issues and lack of knowledge H/L and their complaints.
But these reviews as a whole tell the story.

Good luck.

LT

[shelbydog25]

good previous post... thanks for the info, web link...

[SGull]

I also totally agree with LifeTech.
We have 36k on ours, still solid, quiet, no rattles at all. My wife is main driver, she loves it. The build quality is outstanding.
You wouldn't go wrong with a used one, but it is much smaller inside!
Steve