Considering an 08

[96avalonman]

hey all... i am looking at a new 7 pass. suvs. I like the highlander for its looks and epa. I like the Limited, but i want to know if i should get something else... any tips or recomendations would be appreciated!

[Fishballs15]

Personally, I think everyone here will tell you to get the 2008 Highlander, but if you aren't sold on that you should probably look at all the vehicles in that class. The Honda Pilot is a direct competitor as well as the Mazda CX-9. Lots of info on the web about these cars.

I personally chose the Highlander over the others because of Toyota's reliability and the looks of the Highlander over the rest. Each has unique features, and subtle differences, but the Highlander was the best overall for me. One thing to consider in your choice would be the amount of storage you need if you intend to use the third row seat a lot. The Highlander has minimal space when that is in use. Just something to think about.

Just my two cents. Good luck.

[summerwind]

Agree with Fishballs15

The only downside in my area is dealers are not making deals on the Limited model. You can negotiate on the Base and the Sport but not the Limited.

All I could do was MSRP minus $1000 for being a repeat customer.

Even Costco doesn't have a discount on the limited model

Might be different were you live but in Seattle area I had to order to get a Silver Limited and wait six weeks. There were a few Blues, Blacks, Reds, Greens but no Silvers without Nav

[08highlander]

Originally Posted by 96avalonman

hey all... i am looking at a new 7 pass. suvs. I like the highlander for its looks and epa. I like the Limited, but i want to know if i should get something else... any tips or recomendations would be appreciated!

I think we all agree buy the Highlander. I would drive them all and see why we bought the best

[becks]

Hi Avalonman,

I was in the market for a new vehicle for about a year. I ended up buying an 08 Highlander in Limited Trim with Ash leather, Moon roof, Auto lift tailgate, Auto front and rear A.C. 3rd row seats, tow package, Cold Weather Package, Auto Start and the JBL sound system and floor mats. Before Taxes I paid $34,000. I picked the car up 2 weeks ago.

I've logged about 600 miles so far, and I can honestly say I really enjoy this Crossover. I'm 6' tall and one of the reasons I chose the limited was that the drivers seat cushion extends out to accommodate my long legs. It handles well (although a little soft in tight cornering..but hey..its a little big too), is extremely quiet, rides nicely and and all th bells and whistles I need. Sure HID lights, perforated leather with cooling, and directionals in the mirrors would be nice...but I didn't want to spend an 5k - 10k more.

I think Toyota truly makes one of the most reliable vehicles out there, and IMO the fit and finish is just fine.

If I had to gripe about some things it would be wind noise from the outside mirror when the drivers window is down, the blue tooth set-up is not exactly intuitive, and it requires some serious attention when backing up. Sure there's a review camera but, IMO its basically good for seeing that you're not going to run someone or something over. The JBL sound system is pretty good....I have heard better.
I would have opted for the Nav but, at the time I was buying the limited they were only shipping with the NAV/DVD combo....and I was unwilling to fork over $2k for that..my kids can watch T.V. @ home..lol. At first I was seriously considering the Sport because I felt the stiffer suspension would be better with a vehicle in that weight class...however, with the way the Japanese bundle things, and considering the extras the Limited came with...well the math for me just added up to the Limited.
I have no regrets, and chose a Magnetic Flint Metallic paint job.

I love the edgy look and 19" rims. Some folks don't care for the new look. I love it.
And the Auto Lift Rear Door (it was on the vehicle anyway) I originally thought was a waste of money...Lol...it poured buckets of rain the day I picked up the car..and I couldn't have been more wrong. It is a sweet extra to have.

Best of luck in your quest...I spent a year looking at vehicles b4 I settled on the HL.

[travheat]

My wife and I have also been looking at 7 passenger SUV's and just bought a 08 Highlander Limited with everything including NAV and rear DVD. We were considering the Pilot and we really liked the CX-9 until I found out it was using ford's V-6, the pilot felt too much like an economy car because it had way too much plastic on the interior plus the ride and drive were not very polished for the price.
Now, the highlander is like driving a new avalon on steriods. It is roomy, plush, Ultra quiet, and handles like a dream. It is exactly what I have come to expect from my toyota's since this is our 7th in 10 years.
Now for pricing. Like I said we got a Limited with tow prep, roof rack cross bars, cold weather, 3rd row, nav, rear dvd, remote start, mud flaps, and alot of love. We walked out the door paying $38,500 (that is $3,000 off sticker and it was not on the lot they had to go get it) so you can deal quite a bit on the price all you have to do is buy one or two cars a year and have lunch or dinner with your salesman and his family on an occasional basis. Also it helps when you salesman/friend waits to sell you the car when his manager is in Hawaii.
After driving the car for a few days I can honestly say we made the right decision on which car to buy.
Trust me, when you drive it versus the competitors you will see instantly. Good luck!