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"Used Toyota Highlander Overview And How To Buy At The Best Price!"
We happen to think of the Highlander very favorably as a used SUV. It was introduced in 2001 as one of the first mid-size SUV crossovers, so it's always been on the leading edge.
For those possibly interested in buying a used Highlander, here's a general overview of the vehicle:
With it's carlike unibody design, the Highlander provides better handling, a quieter drive and improved crashworthiness over Toyota's earlier SUV models. It's actually a bit like a large Camry, but with a more elegant interior and additional cargo-carrying abilities.
The newest Highlander generation was introduced for the 2008 model year. This is a larger vehicle than its predecessor, adding additional cargo space and passenger room.
This Highlander is available in three trims: base, Sport and Limited. Even the base Highlander is well-equipped including standard features such as full power accessories, air conditioning, 17 inch alloy wheels, privacy glass, a fold-flat third-row seat, a tilt/telescoping steering wheel and a CD stereo with an auxiliary input jack.
The Highlander Sport adds 19 inch wheels and a sport-tuned suspension along with other more upscale features such as a 3.5 inch information display screen, a back-up camera and an in-dash CD changer (with MP3/WMA capability).
The top-of-the-line Highlander Limited comes with a softer suspension and additional upscale features such as leather upholstery, a 10-way power driver seat, power-folding/heated outside mirrors, an auto-dimming inside mirror and dual-zone automatic climate control.
Used Toyota Highlander models of this generation can be found with either front-wheel or all-wheel drive. Under the hood is a very efficient 3.5 liter V6 that produces 270 horsepower and 248 lb-ft of torque. This engine is mated with a 5-speed automatic transmission. And for the 2009 model year, a four-cylinder Highlander was reintroduced, with a 2.7 liter engine good for 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, and coupled with 6-speed automatic transmission.
Front-wheel-drive models have an EPA gas mileage rating of 18 mpg city and 24 mpg highway, while AWD models come in at 17 city and 23 highway. Gas mileage for the four-cylinder Highlander is 20 mpg city and 27 highway.
There's also an available Highlander Hybrid, introduced for 2006, powered by a 208 horsepower 3.3-liter V6 engine with three electric motors. Two of the electric motors are used for propulsion, although they also function as generators when braking. The third motor starts the gas engine and recharges the nickel-metal hydride battery pack.
Combined, the total output is the same 270 horsepower as the regular V6. All-wheel drive is standard on the hybrid, as is a specialized continuously variable transmission (CVT). The EPA-estimated gas mileage for the hybrid is 27 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway. Although these numbers may not look particularly impressive when compared to a more typical hybrid like the Prius, they are quite impressive when compared to other seven-passenger SUVs.
Of course, also available in the used Highlander market is the first-generation, which was introduced for the 2001 model year and produced through 2007. Again consisting of base, Sport and Limited models, it was powered by either a 155 horsepower four-cylinder engine or a 220 horsepower 3.0-liter V6. A 4-speed automatic transmission was standard with either engine.
The V6 was increased to 3.3 liters and 230 horsepower with the 2004 model, and models with the V6 were also given a 5-speed automatic transmission.
Fuel economy was again above average for a midsize SUV, ranging from the four-cylinder's 22 mpg city and 27 mpg highway to the all-wheel-drive V6's 18 and 24, respectively.
Even these base models come with a nice list of standard equipment, including air conditioning, power accessories, a CD player and cruise control. And on 2004 and newer models, stability control, a tire-pressure warning system and the third-row seat were also added.
For additional amenities, the Sport trim comes with a sport-tuned suspension, fog lights, 17 inch alloy wheels, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter, as well as a power driver seat.
The top-level Limited trim adds on such features as dual power front seats, heated mirrors and an upgraded JBL sound system.
Used Highlander models, from either generation, can also be found with options such as navigation (on the Limited), leather interiors, an in-dash CD changer and a towing package.
All in all, we believe a used Highlander is worthy of serious consideration for those who need space, but also value a carlike driving performance, plenty of features and decent gas mileage. And we can make a number of suggestions to help you save when purchasing one.
How To Get The Best Price On A Pre-Owned Toyota Highlander:
There are actually several different ways to buy a used Highlander at the lowest price, even at wholesale.
ONE - Car Auctions:
You can go to Public Car Auctions in your own geographic area. While this will take some additional time and effort on your part, there are indeed truly outstanding buys for those who shop these events.
Another excellent method involves getting several used car dealers to compete for your business. See the details in this Used Car Buying Guide. It's just amazing what happens to prices when you force dealers to fight among each other for your sale.
Also ...
If you're interested in a "Brand New" Toyota Highlander, there are some great deals to be had if you know how.
