buying a used 2003 highlander

[webpilot]

hi forum,
after 11 years with a 93 ford f150 xlt,4x4. Ive decided to downsize for economical reasons (not wanting to be held slave to gas pump). Ive decided to buy a fairly new semi used Highlander. The wife has a 93 camry since new and has never had ANY problems with it, so with that kinda realiability im makin the switch.
Local car dealer with good reputation has a 2003 V6 highlander, 22k miles, 4wheel drive, standard options . His offer to me was $23,800, around 1.5 k less then asking price. Test drive was fine, everything i expected etc...My question to the forum is: Any thing i should be looking out for on this model? Any questions i should be asking the seller about this model in particular. Any known problems i need to be aware of?,, thanks for you time in repsonding. i appreciate it.

[deekay140]

all toyota have vin stickers on the body parts,,, (doors, fenders, hood, trunk, quarters) pop the hood on your wifes car and you will see the ones on the fenders and hood. make sure they are all there. this a great way to tell if the car has been hit or had body parts replaced.

pull the oil cap and make sure there is no sludge there.

good luck,, they are great trucks

[nsx1164]

any good online VIN decoders for Toyota SUVs ??

What does / should a Highlander VIN look like ??

[troy]

A Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is a unique 17 character number. VINs are used in New Zealand, Australia, Europe, the United States and other countries. They’re the main way vehicles are identified for administrative purposes.

Here's a good place for a VIN lookup for free:

http://www.vehicleidentificationnumber.com/carfax2.html

Toyota VIN info:



Hope this helps

[SILVERROLLA]

I have a 2003 V6 2WD. Drives great and love it. No known major problems with this model. What I would like to have next is a 04 highlander. Bigger V6 and now has a 5-Speed automatic versus the 4-speed and smaller 3.0 V6

[SILVERROLLA]

BTW, try to haggle the price down to $20g flat. This was probably a trade and the dealer must of gotten it for at least 16-18 grand for it. Great SUV, id say go for it.