[Sassan]

General comment, but I have been looking for a needle in a haystack. I need the heated seat switch (push button and dial style) for 2012 Limited, but a new one is around $150 which is ridiculous. Thus, I have been calling around to junkyards looking for any 2nd gen Highlanders let alone a Limited.

After calling 11 junkyards in the Columbus area, I found ONE 2nd gen Highlander. ONE.

As a Highlander owner, can't say I am disappointed as to me this means the car lasts a while, which I already assumed and was a reason for purchase.

That is all.

 

[maberma]

When looking at junkyards, also look at Lexus. In my case, I found an axle off a 12 Lexus RX350 that is the exact same part number for my 09 HL Lmtd.

 

[Matt Siegel]

yes these highlanders do last awhile to say the least. And yes when looking for parts; u can often find the same or similar counterpart on the lexus side.

 

[paul_probus]

Did you try the 'bay? They have a lot of parts there from salvaged HL's. Its not just those that die of "natural causes" that end up in the junkyards, crashes help, too.

 

[got-rice]

Not surprising that parts are harder to find...FYI, a lot of Gen 1 Highlanders were exported out of the country to Cambodia. Gen 3s might start filtering over there once more used ones hit the market.

 

[Tripplec]

Last is relative. Pretty much any well made vehicle can be on the road for 10-15 years and more and 300,000km or so. IF you service/maintain it. That doesn't mean things won't quit, break, wear or wear out prematurely etc. I have had quite a few issues in the 30k I have owned it. Most fixed on warranty others not covered I did myself. Personally at this juncture its now better than others I have owned and bought used. Finding parts etc typically expensive as well and aftermarket items not available either. But you have to hunt as per recommendation to find fixes.

I find this has the worst paint application of any vehicle i have owned/bought by far. I am a bit shocked they don't do a much better job on their painting their vehicles.

 

[paul_probus]

I find this has the worst paint application of any vehicle i have owned/bought by far. I am a bit shocked they don't do a much better job on their painting their vehicles.

LOL, you obviously never owned a mid-80's Toyota PU truck. They had a rust out problem in the rear fenders right over the wheel cutout due to not properly cleaning/treating the spot welded areas. Just about everyone I ever saw (including and especially mine) had the issue, unless the owner had it repaired or replaced the bed. Actually, a LOT of the Hondas and Toyotas had paint issues from the mid-70's through the end of the '80's. I knew a lot of folks who owned Honda Civics of that vintage who only got rid of them because the bodies rusted out. Engines and tranny's were still running/working fine.