Considering a 2008 HL - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

skassamali · 09-09-2011, 10:13 AM

Hi all,

I sold our 2005 G35 as we were expecting twins this October. I decided on a 2005 LS430 as it was one of the biggest sedans we could afford. Our other option was a 2008 Highlander. I'm still looking out for a HL, but looking on this forum, it appears there a lot of squeaks, rattles, etc associated with this truck. Are these type of problems the norm or an anomaly? I can't stand rattles and squeaks - the LS is whisper quiet and I'm not sure the HL will be the same.

Any thoughts or guidance you all can provide would be helpful.

Sky1111 · 09-09-2011, 11:31 AM

With two kids, HL is much more practical choice. Until they are 3 years old, you will have to carry the stroller(s) in the trunk everywhere you go... the problem arises when you need to carry something else as well (other than the stroller).

With all the imperfections, HL is a great family vehicle (and healthy alternative to a minivan

)

skassamali · 09-09-2011, 11:35 AM

I guess my question really is just how many imperfections are there?

valkyrie · 09-09-2011, 11:43 AM

All cars can have some imperfections some more than others its my experiance that the highlander has very few I have driven many of them all were quiet and smooth I am a 30 year master tech working on all brands mostly asian and euro

Sky1111 · 09-09-2011, 12:02 PM

I would suggest to look for low mileage Limited version - the price difference between top of the line and the base on the used one is much less than on new; yet you will enjoy the Limited more

Well, I was kind of in the same boat - was looking for a newer/replacement vehicle since sedans would not suffice with two kids any more... Only very new American SUVs can compete with a used HL; but they are much more money and we really do not know if they will last as much; Pilot is way too much minivan-ish looking (in my opinion, with all my due respect to people who drive minivans) - so what other choice do you have for a 3-row SUV?

Family_Hauler · 09-09-2011, 12:04 PM

We went from an 04 G35 to the Highlander and we love it. With 2 kids, we had to go with an SUV since we take a few roadtrips a year. We purchased an 08 Highlander back in August of 09 and since we've gone From TX to CA 3 times...couldn't imagine doing those trips in a sedan.

skassamali · 09-09-2011, 12:14 PM

Yea all roads seem to lead back to the HL. A search for a 3 row SUV could lead to such vehicles as the Armada, QX56, Q7, MDX....but gas mileage on all those is much worse than a HL. And the HL is actually much larger than either the Q7 or the MDX. I couldn't fit a rear facing car seat behind my seat (I'm 6'2) in either car but it fit in the HL! It also fit behind my seat in the LS430 which is why we went that route for now. If I can get a good price on my LS, I'm considering switching to the HL.

matt0420 · 09-09-2011, 01:32 PM

Before I bought mine I browsed this forum a lot, and the amount of threads I saw on rattles/squeaks/cracks/ blah blah scared me a bit too.

But after test driving one I decided this was the truck I liked best, and went with it.

So far, after a a year and 4 months, with 30000kms, I have yet to hear anything squeak or rattle. Maybe I've been lucky, maybe this forum over did how much these trucks squeak or rattle, or maybe I'm oblivious to them.

Just keep in mind that typically with this type of a vehicle, people aren't going to flock to a forum as they would with a Camaro or Mustang until they have a problem or question.

just my 2 cents

Sky1111 · 09-09-2011, 03:21 PM

skassamali, I cannot agree more... MDX is more fun to drive, BUT it has huge disadvantages for what we looking for:
- second row does not move forward/backward therefore the third row is JOKE.
- gas consumption: premium gas is required vs. regular or mid-grade on HL; plus MDX likes to drink it a lot

AVConsult · 09-09-2011, 05:19 PM

I think Valk deserves a head slap for not including "30 yr master mechanic" in his signature. That ought to come in handy on the forum. In fact, everyone ought to include their occupation, so we know who to make fun of. As it is now, I have to guess.

Me, I'm an entertainment technology consultant. If you ever need help picking a toaster, I'm your guy.

Oh and Valk, if we get you to use some punctuation, it would make your posts more readable.

lucky777 · 09-09-2011, 07:41 PM

most people living in warm climate never experience rattles and squeaks in HL, they more prominent when temperature gets below freezing.

***sweeneyp*** · 09-09-2011, 08:15 PM

I'm in Tennessee, and the only time I get the rattle (coming from passenger side of dashboard near the window) is during januray, and its nothing the radio can't mask.

The only complaint I have with the highlander is the suspension. I pretty regularly load the rear of it to near full and it nearly bottoms out the rear suspension, pitching the front of the car into the air. I have HID's on the front of my HL and I'm afraid to drive at night because I know I'm blinding everyone. I wish Toyota had installed progressive shocks (stiffer as they compress, so its soft but once you put a heavy load into the back they get stiff. do they even make those? doesn't seem like it would be that hard to make) instead of really soft ones (though I appreciate the soft smooth ride on road trips

) That is my only complaint.
It's a great vehicle, you really can't go wrong with it. And, as other have said american vehicles are just now starting to catch up with it.

luck123 · 09-09-2011, 09:36 PM

My main issues have been the dash tapping and squeaking, the stinky vents after using AC, and the rotten egg smell after my first acceleration of any drive. Do they drive me nuts sometimes? Yes. But would I trade my HL for something else in same class and price range? No. The Highlander is a great vehicle, has tons of amenities, extremely spacious 2nd row, and very useable 3rd row....compared to any of its competitors....and I shopped around a great deal. Could it have a few more things? Sure, but not a showstopper.

Even now, I am beginning to shop for a replacement since I keep my vehicles only 4-5 years, and I am having a tough time finding something that compares. The new Grand Cherokee is nice, but it has its share of issues, and I hear is very thirsty. I really like the new Explorer, but after reading the problems new EX owners are experiencing, my issues pale in comparison. I love the MDX, but small, premium fuel and price. RX350 is nice, but so many around here being driven by 65+ (no offense to anyone!!). REally, I don't know what I am going to replace my 09 HL with, but right now, a 2012 or 13 HL is at the top of my list.

Ultimately, you have to decide what is right for you, but don't let your fear of issues stop you....otherwise you'll be hard pressed to buy anything because any car can come with its issues....its just luck of the draw.

I would recommend trying to get the HL for a day, or even half, and drive it...alot. See if anything creeps up. If you can get it for a day and nothing comes up, then I think the HL will sell itself. It did with me

ktmd · 09-10-2011, 12:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by skassamali

Hi all,

I sold our 2005 G35 as we were expecting twins this October. I decided on a 2005 LS430 as it was one of the biggest sedans we could afford. Our other option was a 2008 Highlander. I'm still looking out for a HL, but looking on this forum, it appears there a lot of squeaks, rattles, etc associated with this truck. Are these type of problems the norm or an anomaly? I can't stand rattles and squeaks - the LS is whisper quiet and I'm not sure the HL will be the same.

Any thoughts or guidance you all can provide would be helpful.

My 2008 HL has alot of rattles, as well as a rather loud drive train drone. It is by far the loudest vehicle I have ever had. If a quiet ride is what you are looking for you would be best to avoid a 2008 HL.

***becks*** · 09-10-2011, 08:22 AM

At the end of the day I love my 2008 Limited HL. Every once in a while I will get a squeak from the windshield. Does it bug me. Absolutely! I'm a car nut, I'm anal about my cars, and I will always focus on the one bad thing about my cars (don't we all).

Anyone who goes to the "trouble" to join a forum and hang out looking for info is to some extent a perfectionist. Any vehicle will have something negative that peeps will zero in on. Open a forum about the vehicle, throw in a negative thread or 2 and everyone will want to

.

With that said I would not want a 6 year old LS430 over my 2008 HL Limited. This vehicle has given me no problems, is comfortable, and has a nice ride. For the money it is a winner.