I'm happy that its a Toyota, but other then that I'm in the dark with these. Anyone ran into "good/bad" years? Things to look for? Or look out for?

Any help at all would be great.

Thanks,
-Cap

 

I see the Highlander as a vehicle proving Toyota is accommodating for Americans at the expense, possibly, of quality. Numerous people have questioned Toyota's recent quality in comparison to their historical quality. I think Toyota's big vehicles like the Highlander and Tundra are getting closer and closer to their American counterparts. Now, I'm sure that there are plenty of people that can speak of the quality of the newer Highlanders.. What I'm saying is, buy with caution, and be wary that the Toyota quality you're buying today with that vehicle may not be the quality you would've bought 20 years ago.

 

This year we bought my girlfriend a 2009 to replace her Pontiac after it was totaled. She llllllloooooovvvvveeees it. Gets decent mileage (19-22) and seats plenty of people and more than enough cargo room.

As a Toyota technician, I dont see a lot of problems with the second gens. Occasional vvti actuator problems, but not enough to call it an issue. First gens had the common issues of the MZ series v6. Leaking valve covers, occasional sludge issues on the 1mz's, and center differential covers.

You can private message me if you have any other questions.

 

Awesome. Sent you a pm. Thanks!