I am new to this forum but I have been a long time member of yarisworld, priuschat and t4r.
With my first baby on the way, I am thinking of trading in my 2006 MB CLK500 (yeah its sad) in favor of a highlander. My other car is a gen2 prius.
What I am planning to get is a 4-cylinder base. having said that, fuel economy is more of a concern for me as it will be purposed as a runabout baby vehicle. Being used to the prius, do you guys think that I will be happy with its power?
Secondly, It is a bit difficult to find one with a tow package. So having read through the boards, it is indeed possible to add in a tow hitch. What I am planning to do with it is probably tow an occasional small uhaul trailer to haul furniture or maybe a jet ski. Do you think I will have problems with it?
Also, I was researching on leather seats. Apparently, members use katzkin. I read that I will need to remove the original cloth seats and may cost a bundle. Has anyone used the clazzio leather seat covers? i think that may be my better option so if in case the leather gets torn or soiled, i can just take it off and wash it or replace it myself.
The reviews I have read on the 4-cyl HL noted acceleration as only adequate and stained under load. But should be fine for around town and light loads.
Have you considered the 4-cyl Venza? I believe it's about 400 lbs lighter and gets a couple more miles per gallon.
CORRECTION: The 4-cyl Venza is only 85 lbs lighter than the 4-cyl HL. I was comparing the weight to my 4WD Sport.
__________________ 2008 Highlander Sport/Sandy Beach Metallic/Black cloth/Non JBL 6 Disc with Terk Smart Adapter XM and Blu Logic/Blaupunk 75X4 Plug and Play Amp/Pioneer TSA6962R front/TSA1672R rear/front auto climate/moonroof/factory alarm/tow pack/cold weather pack/body side molding/mud flaps/U-Haul trailer hitch
Last edited by mrjohnnyv; 03-26-2010 at 10:09 PM.
Reason: Correction to weight comparison.
What I am planning to get is a 4-cylinder base. having said that, fuel economy is more of a concern for me as it will be purposed as a runabout baby vehicle. Being used to the prius, do you guys think that I will be happy with its power?
There's a review of the new Sienna (which weighs about the same as the HL) with the 2.7L and they basically said the 4cyl is "plenty peppy"
rexg, from your sig you live in LA so FWD base with 4 cyl should be mostly OK, you better go and try for yourself. Any large non hybrid vehicle will have bad gas millage in LA traffic.
I am new to this forum but I have been a long time member of yarisworld, priuschat and t4r.
With my first baby on the way, I am thinking of trading in my 2006 MB CLK500 (yeah its sad) in favor of a highlander. My other car is a gen2 prius.
What I am planning to get is a 4-cylinder base. having said that, fuel economy is more of a concern for me as it will be purposed as a runabout baby vehicle. Being used to the prius, do you guys think that I will be happy with its power?
Secondly, It is a bit difficult to find one with a tow package. So having read through the boards, it is indeed possible to add in a tow hitch. What I am planning to do with it is probably tow an occasional small uhaul trailer to haul furniture or maybe a jet ski. Do you think I will have problems with it?
Also, I was researching on leather seats. Apparently, members use katzkin. I read that I will need to remove the original cloth seats and may cost a bundle. Has anyone used the clazzio leather seat covers? i think that may be my better option so if in case the leather gets torn or soiled, i can just take it off and wash it or replace it myself.
thanks!
If it's not too small you might want to check out the RAV4 be it 4 or v6.
Thanks for the replies everyone. one of my first priorities is third row seating capability. At first i wanted to get a highlander hybrid but seeing it only gets about 2 mpg more than the 4 cyl, i might as well save the 15k difference. Now this is totally confusing. There are too many decisions to make with so little time. LOL!
Thanks for the replies everyone. one of my first priorities is third row seating capability. At first i wanted to get a highlander hybrid but seeing it only gets about 2 mpg more than the 4 cyl, i might as well save the 15k difference. Now this is totally confusing. There are too many decisions to make with so little time. LOL!
The 3rd row in the Highlander is suited mainly for smaller children in my opinion. I would check out the Sienna if you are going to regularly need the 3rd row seat and/or for adults or larger children.
Thanks for the replies everyone. one of my first priorities is third row seating capability. At first i wanted to get a highlander hybrid but seeing it only gets about 2 mpg more than the 4 cyl, i might as well save the 15k difference. Now this is totally confusing. There are too many decisions to make with so little time. LOL!
One thing to consider regarding the HH is where and how you drive. The hybrid does get it's best mileage at 55 MPH and below. Above 55 it tends to be the same as the standard Highlander. It does very well in stop and go traffic. In fact, my mileage IMPROVES in stop and go traffic...above 30 mpg is not uncommon with a high percentage of stop and go. So when you say the 4 cylinder is similar you have to ask yourself WHEN is it similar.
In a climate like in LA, you won't have the cold weather dips in mpg like we see elsewhere. Also, the Highlander Hybrid is a Super Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle (SULEV)...does that get you into the express lanes along with the Toyota Prius?
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2008 Highlander Hybrid Limited; Nav, DVD (His)
The 3rd row in the Highlander is suited mainly for smaller children in my opinion. I would check out the Sienna if you are going to regularly need the 3rd row seat and/or for adults or larger children.
My wife couldnt bring herself to own a minivan yet, but MAN the interior of the new sienna is awesome. Ive been in private jets with less luxurious interiors. LOL
Our HL is great (so far) to carry my wife, my little guy and I. No third row necessary yet....but I would def at least look at the sienna before you get an HL.
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For Thou hast girded me with strength to battle: them that rose up against me hast Thou subdued under me.
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