Car shop people: Just bought a Toyota Highlander, what am I in for?

[DoubleJ]

Well, it was new vehicle time for the wife.  She test drove a few and for the vehicle in our price range that met her needs and had the options she wanted, she chose the 2017 Toyota Highlander LE.  I haven't seen anything glaring online about the 2015 and 16 highlander and the 17 is still pretty new.  What problems should I look out for if any?  I know it's a Toyota and SHOULD last well over 10 years when maintained but, even the best of cars has some lemons out there.

[Mr Mykiss]

Congrats.
You pretty much summed it up with your post...but 10 years might be on the conservative side 

[DoubleJ]

FYI, if it matters, she picked the 4 cylinder.  She said it had enough power for her and like the gas savings over the v6.  I like it because the V6 was in there sideways meaning I couldn't reach all of the plugs when needed, just like that Korean van that we just replaced.

On a side note, I know Kia has some detractors and haven't been the absolute best car company, especially in the early years but that 2005 Kia Sedona van that we just replaced really surprised me.  Bought it new with 19 miles on it.  Now it's at 175,000.  I really feel like I got value for money on that van.

[Woodchuck]

You made a wise choice. You won't be disappointed. 

[mountainman]

Congrates! Love my '08 Highlander Hybrid. She won't be disappointed. I'd have gone with the v6 with 8spd. trans. With start/stop.

[jrebel]

We looked at the highlander and ended up with the 4 runner for my wife.  Both were awesome rigs.  Durring all my research, I couldn't find anything glaring or problematic with either rig.  Congrats on the new Toy!!! 

[Pnwrider]

We have a '15 highlander with v6. My only complaint so far is fuel economy. It's my wife's car and she tends to keep cars for a long time which is why I spent more for the Toyota. Only wish I could have talked her into a 4Runner!


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[DoubleJ]

We looked at a V6 too but, with the extra gas drinking, the engine in there sideways, and the additional $3000 putting out of our monthly payment range, the fact that I won't be towing anything with it, and the fact she said the i4 had enough power for her (She seriously grandma drives) I'm ok with the i4 instead of the V6

[jackmaster]

Your wife picked a good rig and they do great in snow and other bad weather, my wife is on her second RAV4 and I can't beleive how great of vehicles they are.. I am sure the Highlander's are just as good 

[DoubleJ]

Now, does anyone want to buy a 2005 Kia Sedona cheap?  It's beat up a bit, needs a new windshield and a new MAF sensor (Most likely) but is good to go other than that.  All maintenance has been kept up on including the timing belt every 60,000 miles $1000 OBO

[724wd]

my wife drives an '06 highlander.  flawless rig!  only issue was replacing the alternator last summer.  It was difficult to get my regular sized hands in there... kid hands would have been better!     It's a V6 AWD and DOES drink heavily, but great rigs.  The newer Highlanders are larger, aren't they?  More along the size the 4-runner used to be? 

[DoubleJ]

my wife drives an '06 highlander.  flawless rig!  only issue was replacing the alternator last summer.  It was difficult to get my regular sized hands in there... kid hands would have been better!     It's a V6 AWD and DOES drink heavily, but great rigs.  The newer Highlanders are larger, aren't they?  More along the size the 4-runner used to be? 

Longer than a 4runner by a bit but not as tall.  And believe me, After owning a V6 Kia van, I made sure to put my hands all over the engine compartment to make sure they'd fit

[fish vacuum]

The 2.7 4 cylinder is a fantastic engine. Low maintenance and reliable.  The power and MPG depend a lot on what is behind it for a transmission. 

[DoubleJ]

The 2.7 4 cylinder is a fantastic engine. Low maintenance and reliable.  The power and MPG depend a lot on what is behind it for a transmission. 

Whatever 6 speed transmission Toyota uses

[shadowless_nite]

Toyota tech here.....

Th 4cyl is a good engine used across a wide range of the toyota family. No major problems that I can see popping up through tsb's. Keep in mind this is a newer generation/style than the ones a couple years old and some issues take a few years to manifest.

My biggest thing with the new toyotas is their maintanance program.... I am not a believer in the new 0w20 synthetic oil change every 10k. I have a newer 2013 lexus and change every 5k with synthetic 0w20 instead of every 10k. If you havent been paying for synthetic oil changes at the dealer be preppared for the bit price difference over a conventional oil change. And once the prepaidģincluded maintanance on it is over don't over pay for stupid rotates every 5k. Get a tread depth tool and measure them to indicate when. I'll leave it up to you to do or don't with the 10k oil changes.

Also if you plan on doing it yourself please get the appropriate oil filter cap wrench. It'll save you the headache of trying to get something to work. It uses a paper cartridge filter,  use only toyota oil filter. There really isn't much in terms of a "major service". Pretty much just oil changes, engine and cabin air filters. ATF is world standard and is meant to be a "life long" fluid and does not require servicing and also needs a computer/scan tool to be filled correctly ( not even sure if these have a dipstick to even check anymore). Only "major service" is 10k interval which also includes coolant change and spark plugs. Only put factory plugs in it or the equivalent denso plug. And only use toyota super long life. Don't use "compatible" crap from box stores.

My only suggestion would have been v6 awd version. But if your content with 4cyl and it meets your needs than it doesn't really matter. And get some weathertech mats if you havent already.