Topic: CD Article: Toyota Highlander, 2001-2006

[Autos_Editor]

Today's Used Vehicle Review:

The Toyota Highlander has a good reputation for reliability, but used models are pricey, says Contributing Editor, Chris Chase.  "An older version shouldn't present many problems in the longer run, providing it was well-maintained," he says.
   
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[ovr50]

My '05 Highlander, base model plus leather pkg, has over 30kms on it now. Other than regular maintenance, it has had zero issues. The minor TSB on a carpet clip required to hold carpet from interferring with the accelerator, was done some time ago on a regular service visit. The TSB work took less than 5 minutes to fix. That's been it to date.

High level of fit and finish, a decent ride, decent power (I am not a fan of the 4 cyliner HLs) and respectable handling for this type of vehicle make one of the least annoying vehicles I have ever had. It just goes about the job it was built to do - some might call that boring and bland - I prefer to have at least one of my vehicles in that catagory so I know I don't have to fuss with it and it doesn't let me down.

After owning the '05 for 25 months now, I am in no rush to let it go.

I'm not sure where the reviewer gets the prices from as the '05MY is shown at $32,900 new, and mine (which is the leather/"B" pkg) was $39,900 new. I don't think the jump from "Base" model to "Base plus B Pkg" cost $7,000. In fact, I'm pretty sure it did not, so I think the $32,900 figure for a '05 Base model is incorrect. ?? It also appears that the "today's" price is closer to a wholesale price, not a retail price (at least here in BC). Ontario pricing??

[chrischasescars]

Good catch; the 2005 MSRP I listed is for the base model, not the V6. It should be $36,900, not $32,900 as shown in the article. I've fixed that mistake.

As for the today's price, Canadian Red Book values are meant to represent what the car would cost in the Toronto area. For B.C. prices, the publisher recommends adding six per cent, which could easily explain why that number looks like a wholesale value to you. Apparently, used cars are cheaper in Toronto than anywhere else in Canada.

[Snowman]

I will echo Ovr’s comments as we had a 2002 model and the best thing about the Highlander is you never noticed it as it just ran with no complaints. We considered buying the lease out at the end but did hesitate due to the oil sludge rumours on the early models, unfounded considering the percentage of reported problems.

As September comes closer and the lease expires on the GMC my wife are still debating what single vehicle will replace the truck and he Impreza wagon. A truck is at the top of my list but my wife is revisiting the Ridgeline and X-Over route again. This could lead to some interesting conversations as the summer ends.

[Spheric]

I owned an 04 Highlander (3.3 V6, 7 seater) for over 3 years. The steering wheel column had to be replaced under warranty 3 times (it kept creaking when I was turning) and the CD player would mysteriously die and come back to life. 

Other than that, it did a good of going from A to B but low end torque was practically non-existent. It was easy to drive and comfortable to sit in.

[ovr50]

Interesting comment on torque - I don't find torque to be lacking at all. 

The Manual states that "performance is improved with 91 octane fuel" or words to that effect. I run 91 in mine and it is quite peppy. Don't know if that is the answer or not?

[Snowman]

  I never found torque to be an issue with my Highlander as well and I ran it with 87.

[AUGUSTO]

I will echo Ovr’s comments as we had a 2002 model and the best thing about the Highlander is you never noticed it as it just ran with no complaints. We considered buying the lease out at the end but did hesitate due to the oil sludge rumours on the early models, unfounded considering the percentage of reported problems.

As September comes closer and the lease expires on the GMC my wife are still debating what single vehicle will replace the truck and he Impreza wagon. A truck is at the top of my list but my wife is revisiting the Ridgeline and X-Over route again. This could lead to some interesting conversations as the summer ends.

DID U HAVE ANY PROBLEMS WITH UR TOYOTA UNTILL TODAY AND WAS IT GOOD BUY FOR U

[mmret]

I will echo Ovr’s comments as we had a 2002 model and the best thing about the Highlander is you never noticed it as it just ran with no complaints. We considered buying the lease out at the end but did hesitate due to the oil sludge rumours on the early models, unfounded considering the percentage of reported problems.

As September comes closer and the lease expires on the GMC my wife are still debating what single vehicle will replace the truck and he Impreza wagon. A truck is at the top of my list but my wife is revisiting the Ridgeline and X-Over route again. This could lead to some interesting conversations as the summer ends.

DID U HAVE ANY PROBLEMS WITH UR TOYOTA UNTILL TODAY AND WAS IT GOOD BUY FOR U

Hi. Are you having any problems with your Caps Lock key?

[ovr50]

I will echo Ovr’s comments as we had a 2002 model and the best thing about the Highlander is you never noticed it as it just ran with no complaints. We considered buying the lease out at the end but did hesitate due to the oil sludge rumours on the early models, unfounded considering the percentage of reported problems.

As September comes closer and the lease expires on the GMC my wife are still debating what single vehicle will replace the truck and he Impreza wagon. A truck is at the top of my list but my wife is revisiting the Ridgeline and X-Over route again. This could lead to some interesting conversations as the summer ends.

DID U HAVE ANY PROBLEMS WITH UR TOYOTA UNTILL TODAY AND WAS IT GOOD BUY FOR U

Not sure if you are talking to myself or SandMan - but in the case of my '05 Highlander, it just turned 35KMs today, is 28 months and has run/continues to run flawlessly. One of the best vehicles I have ever had in terms of no hassle, reliability.

[mdxtasy]

Hey, even Toyota builds a lemon.  Perception on torque is just that, some find it okay, some always yearn for more.