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2016 or 2017 for new purchase highlander?

8.1K views 42 replies 13 participants last post by  BUFFO  
#1 ·
Looking at a 2016 or 2017 HL for my wife. I have read up a bit on the trans issues in the 17’s and also see there were many other safety upgrades and changes to 17’s.
My question to all of the experienced Toyota owners is:

is it worth it to go with the 17 and get the added safety features and chance the transmission? From the research I’ve done it seems that the 16 is an overall simpler vehicle compared to the 17. Prices on used 17s are pretty near new prices around here. I just came across a limited 16’ with 15k miles for under $34k. Can’t really justify spend the extra 5-8k for new right now.

Any input is appreciated, I have never owned a Toyota.
 
#5 ·
When I was on the market I tested both versions numerous times. This is what I concluded:
1. 17+ looks much better (to me). I personally think 17+ is best looking SUV in that category.
2. There are more safety features on 17+, but most important ones (BSM) are available on 14+ too.
3. Auto start/stop is seriously annoying on 17+.
4. 2GR-FE feels stronger in 14+. Probably due to the fact that torque is available sooner and that D-4S (or whatever is designation of DI engine) has Atkinson cycle. Though on paper new engine has more power.
5. Do not see advantage of new 8 speed. Toyota programmed it to be on a slow side. Same transmission in VW is much faster and especially in BMW’s that have transverse engine. So why Toyota didn’t offer faster shifts, especially manual shifting is something I don’t understand. So, really do not see advantage over 6 speed except maybe 1mpg on hwy. but, it proved to be less reliable (also uniquely Toyota issue).




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#6 ·
We purchased a then new '17 in '17

XLE AWD- except for the windshield spontaneously cracking right in the middle it has been flawless. Not saying it is perfect.
The stop/start is a major irritant but I have myself trained to pop power mode on every time I start up. The throttle response is WAY better, even if the actual power output is the same.

Mileage took a long time to come up, breaking the engine in kind of thing.
The one thing that concerns me is how many little creaks and rattles have developed in less than 15,000 miles. As in LOTS and LOTS.
Our first Toyota was a 72 Corona Mk-2 (The OHC six) and it didn't have this many creaks and rattles at 174,000 miles, period.
 
#8 ·
XLE AWD- except for the windshield spontaneously cracking right in the middle it has been flawless. Not saying it is perfect.
The stop/start is a major irritant but I have myself trained to pop power mode on every time I start up. The throttle response is WAY better, even if the actual power output is the same.

Mileage took a long time to come up, breaking the engine in kind of thing.
The one thing that concerns me is how many little creaks and rattles have developed in less than 15,000 miles. As in LOTS and LOTS.
Our first Toyota was a 72 Corona Mk-2 (The OHC six) and it didn't have this many creaks and rattles at 174,000 miles, period.
This! The amount of it I have in Sienna is ridiculous. Not to mention when I pump volume on JBL. I have a feeling windows are going to roll down.
 
#9 ·
Our total Toyota history includes the 72 Corona MK 2, a 75 Corolla SR5, a pickup-1979, a 74 Corona MK2, an 86 or so Supra, and another couple the models of which my memory refuses to dredge up. All went past 145,000 miles, the pickup over 200,000, and NONE of them ever had quite the 'Rattle and roll, and creak and crackle that our 17 XLE HighLander has developed already. The Corona's both felt like you could jump them off tall cliffs with zero ill effects.
 
#13 ·
Thanks for all the info. Sounds like it’s hit or miss with the 17s although great safety features. I do like the simplicity of the 16 and with the possibility of going used w/o certified, we may need it. Kinda lame it’s hard to find one for 30k! I guess that’s just suv prices these days.

As far as new at that price, maybe the le? I haven’t seen any SE or limited close to that.

I can’t figure out how to quote on this forum, the platform is not user friendly with iPhone or maybe it’s just me .i love the F150 forum platform.
 
#19 ·
Well we ended up with the 2016 limited. It has 14,500 miles on it and we got it for 33,500. I feel like we got a prettty good deal compared to what I see around here. Color is Creme Brûlé mica. My wife wanted white and while I feel like we should be lucky when spending over 30k on a car, you really can’t be on color.

These things are hard to find! I would take condition over color when buying used any day. This was a lease from an older lady who by my guess, probably had it in the garage most of the time. Condition is great. I’m going to put some Goodyear duratracs on it and give it a better look eventually.
 
#20 ·
For me, the Start/Stop never comes on. I'm into manually downshifting at nearly every stop sign or light. Saves brakes, but I also just like the feel of manual control, and S/S doesn't come on in manual mode. Also like downshifting around corners and down hills. And the 8 speed gives me plenty to play with. No complaints with my '18 XLE. Plenty to love.



HAD one complaint--3rd row seats seemed dam* uncomfortable with their straight backs. But then I figured out they can recline! Kicking myself.
 
#43 ·
FWIW...No debate, just what I do. Regularly manually dshift to 4th to help slow my HL when coming to stop, 4+ yrs, AT still shifts like new, no issues. I don't expect AT to crap out on me in near future, but if it does & no other issues at the time, I'll get it fixed. Dshifted hand shakers & other brand AT's for years using eng compression to help slow vehicle & still doing today (Ole habits) No, not worried at all. :wink: