Hi, new to the site but have loved reading dozens of posts and learning all about the HL. I'm thinking of surprising my wife with a HL for Christmas, but have been going round and round about what to get.
My personal 2 choices are: a 2008 Limited with around 70,000 miles for $26k OR getting a 2012 SE for around 36k.
What are the biggest differences between the two models? I've read quite a bit, but i'm pretty ignorant when it comes to cars, so i'm looking for "expert" advice! Are they rated around the same for safety, mechanical issues, interior quality?
If you buy used make sure the interior is clean and all of the maintenance has been done. 70k is a lot of miles but it shouldn't be a problem.
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08 tC mt
Smooth driving is comfortable and easy. It is also FAST(though not comfortable at speed). I don't care if you apex corners(everyone does) on a public road unless you suck at it(everyone). Hold a proper line or get out of my way.
If the new one is within your budget, I'd highly recommend it over the used one. 70,000 miles is a lot of miles and it is 4 years old! Expecting it to perform like a new vehicle is not realistic.
2 years from now, the 08 will be a well used 100K vehicle with no warranty and the 12 will be a 30K (still fresh) vehicle with a lot of remaining warranty. You don't always save by buying used.
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Like everything, it depends.. how long do you plan to keep the vehicle? A relatively high mileage 2008 may start costing you money over the next 30K. Even if nothing breaks there are a lot of high priced maintenance routines facing you.
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Personally, I'd go new. I was toying with selling my Highlander (I purchased it new) and buying a 2009 X5 but the BMW dealer is a good 2 hours away and from what I hear they cost an arm and a leg to fix.
You're kind-of going from one extreme to the next, 4 years old or brand new for 10k more - have you looked at maybe a 2010 or a 2011? might same some depreciation over the 12' and be a better deal.. All depends on what you want to pay and how long you expect to keep it..
It will be a Christmas your wife won't forget no matter what you decide!
Good luck!
__________________ 2008 Highlander Sport V6 AWD, classic silver, black leather, Canadian version, 90 000 KM. 2009 Tacoma AC V6 4X4, SR5 w/ power package, timberland mica, beige cloth, 48 000 KM.
2002 Highlander Limited V6 4WD, black, tan leather, 134 000 KM (SOLD)
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Have a 11 model. One of the biggest factors for us to get the changed model last year was the split third row seat. The seats can fold down individually. Much more flexibility with storage.
Prior to that, the 2008 has a straight bench seat for the third row. And there is not a lot of room for storage if the third row seat is up.
Don't believe there are many mechanical differences between the two. Just styling changes that some did not like last year.
I would go with the 12 or a used 11 if you can find it. Happy car hunting and I am sure it will be a nice surprise either way.
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From an economics standpoint, you'll lose a ton of money (value) in the first couple of years on that 2012, but not nearly as much in the same period on the 2008. So you have to decide if that extra $10K is worth it. You can buy a lot of missed maintenance and accessories for that $10K. Also, consider what your insurance bill will be between the 2.
But 70K miles on a now 4 year old car is a bit high, though it should be just fine if its been maintained. Personally, I'd look for maybe an '09 or '10 which puts you somewhere in between unless you have a burning need to spend the money right now.
We just bought our first HL about a month ago - an '09 loaded sport with black leather interior (cypress exterior) with 42k miles from a local guy for thousands less than any dealer in the valley. I was not interested in the immediate depreciation hit of buying new. Been there and done that.
JGK
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Thanks so much for the input. I definitely don't have money burning a hole in my pocket! One big feature I have noticed on the 2012 is the bluetooth music streaming...but not sure its worth 10k!
Shopping and reading on the forums has been a blast. the deal with HL's is that they are a double edged sword...
They are great cars with awesome re-sale value...BUT, they are great cars with AWESOME re-sale value! It's been tough in my mind to spend almost 26k on a used car, when a new one is only 6-8k more. But I do like the idea of trying to find an 09 or 10 with less miles. I know based on the Camry we have that going 200k+ miles is a given with Toyota's.
Any more thoughts are appreciated - Did you buy new or used and why?
I was in your boat, but comparing a 2010 with 40k miles vs new. We bought the new one because our exposure was the same when lower interest rate, and no repair costs (got extended warranty at dealers cost) was factored in. Our HL had 9 miles on it when we drove it home and I couldn't be happier. Also - FWIW when comparing a nicely equipped SE at the $36k mark, we were able to get a limited w nav, for not much more than that. You're talking about a price difference of ~ $33/month with Totota's 1.9% rate to get the limited. Easily worth it for me.
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Again, Thanks for all the input. I've emailed many dealers in the area and I think i've decided to go with new. I can get a 2012 HL Limited 4x2 with most options (not NAV) for 32,500. That is WAY less than I thought when I started this process. The sticker on this particular model is 37,900. I'll let you all know if it actually all works out.
Definitely get new. I've seen several dealers with $5k off MSRP in the Sunday paper's auto section.
I'd also seriously consider AWD. I prefer the peace of mind, if available, when weather goes nuts, simply driving down the muddy dirt road that leads to the fishing spot, or pulling a water toy out of a steep slippery ramp. If that isn't the plan, FWD is just fine!
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Preventive maintenance prevents mechanical problems. Ripe out your owners manual's maintenance schedule and start some common sense intervals for ALL fluids in your vehicle.
I myself don't like the redesign so if I was in the same boat I'd get a 2009 or earlier, Japan built.
The newer ones aren't Japan built anymore?
Just a comparison for you. I bought the 2008 SPort V6 4WD with around 46.000 miles on it with Nav and just about all options and and it cost me $27,900
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Help me decide between models/years!
One big feature I have noticed on the 2012 is the bluetooth music streaming...but not sure its worth 10k! 
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