My wife and I are looking at the 08 & up Highlanders. We're kinda stuck as to which to choose. Looking at used ones in the Dallas area, it looks like we could probably get a 2008 base Highlander for about $19-21,000 (want to stay in about 45K or less for miles). We do not have that in cash, so interest rates seem to be about 4-5%.
We can also go the new route and get a 2011 base with 1.9% interest (if we qualify for 60 months). Those run about $30K though.
This would be our first car loan (in the past just paid cash for cheaper cars). I'm not too good on calculating total costs with interest, depreciation, etc. I wanted your thoughts on what would be the better route.
I would recommend looking around some more. I bought my 2008 HL Base (used) at the end of 2008 (so it was less than a year old) and paid 19.5K for it.
Wow, so that's equivalent to buying a 2011 right now for $19,500? That is incredible! Did you spend a lot of time going back n forth with the manager to get that kind of a deal? I talked to a well-known salesman around the DFW area on the phone for about 20 minutes yesterday. He was acting like he would sell me the 2011 base Highlander for $29,000. He said he's been in the business for 20+ years, is 62, and doesn't have time for games. Have a feeling he'd kick my butt out and laugh if I offered him only $20,000 like your deal!!
This would be our first car loan (in the past just paid cash for cheaper cars). I'm not too good on calculating total costs with interest, depreciation, etc. I wanted your thoughts on what would be the better route.
Thanks for all your help, 9Volt. We are looking for black and about 50K miles or less. It seems like the same vehicles every week ha ha. Not many people selling their Highlanders individual-wise.
The original price was 21.5K, so it wasn't anywhere close to 30K. I guess it is possible that used car prices went up due to slow new car sales and high demand for more fuel efficient cars... I've just checked the dealer where i bought mine and they don't have any used highlanders - only trucks and 1 4Runner.
I would not get the 08 base because you wouldn't get the opening rear hatch glass or the trip computer. If you want a split folding 3rd row you have get an 11.
Maverick, we bought a 2008 base HL (but had leather, compass auto-dimming mirror, aftermarket bluetooth) with 38,000 miles for $20,600. It was priced as "outstanding" condition, which it was.
FairLease.com in Dallas had it.
Saw a few others on cars.com in same price range, similar mileage.
__________________
-----------------
'08 Highlander Base with goodies
'02 Highlander V6
'01 Honda Civic
'93 Camry LE V6 (departed)
I would not get the 08 base because you wouldn't get the opening rear hatch glass or the trip computer. If you want a split folding 3rd row you have get an 11.
Why do you want a Highlander? Do you need 3 rows?
My wife likes the size and smooth ride of the Highlander plus 3rd row is really wanted. Both of my sisters have 4Runners and they ride like a truck.
Yeah we're liking the 11 since it has split 3rd row. Thanks for reply!
Maverick, we bought a 2008 base HL (but had leather, compass auto-dimming mirror, aftermarket bluetooth) with 38,000 miles for $20,600. It was priced as "outstanding" condition, which it was.
FairLease.com in Dallas had it.
Saw a few others on cars.com in same price range, similar mileage.
No third row but leather--now that kids are grown we went from 8 pass Pilot to this HL and it was a good tradeoff. Ask Traildust (I think) about the details of installing a third row. You may be able to find one at a salvage yard for less than $1000--might still make your HL candidate a good deal!
__________________
-----------------
'08 Highlander Base with goodies
'02 Highlander V6
'01 Honda Civic
'93 Camry LE V6 (departed)
The AutoGuide.com network consists of the largest network of enthusiast-owned enthusiast-operated automotive communities.
AutoGuide.com provides the latest car reviews, auto show coverage, new car prices, and automotive news. The AutoGuide network operates more than 100 automotive forums where our users consult peers for shopping information and advice, and share opinions as a community.
ToyotaNation.com is an independent Toyota/Lexus enthusiast website. ToyotaNation.com is not sponsored by or in any way affiliated with Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc. The Toyota, Lexus and Scion names and logos are trademarks owned by Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc.
Linear Mode
