[Lewis Hollow]

Hey everyone, I'm new to this forum, and I'm glad a place like this exists. I'm looking to buy a used Highlander in the coming weeks, and was wondering if any of you could answer a few questions, as I'm a bit of an automotive novice. Any help is MUCH appreciated!

1. I'm looking at '02-05's...are there any major differences/issues to look out for? Is there a particularly outstanding year?

2. V-4 vs. V-6. This one I'm struggling with...I really like the ability to go up hills easily/pass/take off quickly from a stop, but fuel economy is a major concern these days. Have any of you driven both? Major differences? Does the weight of this vehicle put extra strain on the V-4 long term? Which do you think is 'better' (subjective, I know).

3. Any add-ons that you particularly love in your Highlander (leather, tinted windows, anything).

Thanks so much for any help!

 

[toobroke]

I have the 2.4L rated at 155hp. I find this engine to be very good at delivering good power as well as good fuel economy. That was one of the reasons I bought the Highlander. For me most of my driving consists of one person in a unloaded vehicle in a city enviroment. To have all wheel drive with fuel economy is a great benefit. This is a very good vehicle out of the box with excellant resale. The Highlander has won several automotive awards. I don't think you will be disappointed. As far as accessories, just go with what you feel you need. It's all about the personalization!

 

[dgoodhue]

02/03 are pretty much the same (01 aren't much different either & were only made for 1/2 the year) 04 had a larger V6 engine, 5 speed auto (V6), better gas mileage (+2mpg), and optional 3rd row seat, polished wheels and few minor exterior changes. Also gray leather was available and leather options changed (Earlier leather was only available in light beige and available only on Limited Models).

 

[JMSinMD]

I4 or V6

From what I have read it seems that the weight of the HL is the biggest issue affecting gas mileage. I get about 300-350 miles out of a full tank and mine is an 2006 V6 4WD. I have heard that the I4's haven't been getting much better mileage. I guess snow isn't a concern so the FWD version would be just fine and I guess in LA you spend more time parked on the freeway than actually driving the car so the I4 might be sufficient, personally after having owned ours for 10 months I know I would be VERY dissapointed if I got an I4. Even the V6 seems sluggish to me. Again the HL is a heavy car.

 

[nodrogkam]

^ it is a tank of a car. In the begining even the v6 is slow. once it gets going its a peppy SOB.

I dont know if i could go with an I4. I go to school in the OC and the way people drive here in SOCAL...i dunno how you'd survive with an i4 unless you floored it all the time.

gas mileage. I regret not getting AWD. At the time i didnt do enough homework and didnt know that it was automatic. So in reality i wouldnt be using AWD half the time, meaning gas consumption wouldnt have really decreased, but safety on wet days would have increased...and my little off road mudding trip with 6 friends would have been just a little quicker.....haha

if you can afford it just get the v6 awd. If you do get the i4, plan on mashing it a lot, but i have no doubts that the i4 will get you up and going in almost any situation. it will be a little more environmentally friendly too. Sips less gas in idle...which i'd love to have sitting here in the OC/LA area during rush hours.

 

[bigdad]

looking for a used Highlander then

you should check out my ad on Cars.com for a v6 2002 highlander with 73K for $15,900. It has plenty of power and factory tow pkg which provides a lot of HD equipment in electrical, suspension, radiator, coolers, convertor and #3500 towing capacity. I get 20-24 mpg with reg gas depending on city or hwy driving. The factory extended the power train (engine) warrantee to 8 years with unlimited miles because some people just didn't change oil in vehicle. All you need is proof that you changed the oil 1x/year. This has been the best car I ever owned. Health and family issues require sale. New tires/all records. zip code is 37774 near Knoxviille TN. The in-line 4 has 157HP and the V6 220HP and 230 lb.ft. torque. Highly regarded as used car in states. Edmunds rated best used car in 2006 and when new the 2002 was rated 9.2 of 10 by consumers and 5/5 for safety and reliability by Powers. I don't think you can go wrong with this car. good luck [email protected]

 

[highlandjack]

2001 vs 2007

I have owned a 2001 4cyl, fwd Highlander for 6 years now. Just traded it for the same type 2007. Pickup this week. The 2008 is way too big for me. I can say that the 4cyl fwd is perfectly adequette for general use, even with 4 people. The awd may be slugish. Unless you drive with a heavy foot, it's just fine. It will cruise at 80mph with no strain and until they put alchohol in the gas, I was getting 28 to 30 mpg on trips. I also got a good value on my 2001 which surprised me.
Has anyone noticed a performance difference in the upgraded 4 cyl which came out last year over the older 4 cyl?