Toyota Highlander is one of the most well-known SUVs nationally, and in 2018 Highlander hit a record in sales. This SUV has been around ever since 2001, and Toyota has had two decades to prove how good their Highlanders are.
The best year for a used Toyota Highlander is the 2013 model, which is known for its reliability and five-star safety rating. It is also very fuel-efficient and cost-effective, making it a great option for a family car. Its average price drop in the first five years is 39.8%, making it an excellent investment.
Toyota Highlander is an overall good car, but there have been some bad years as well, and there are some things you should look out for when buying them, so keep on reading to find out everything you need to know.
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Best Year for Used Toyota Highlander
Buying used cars is excellent, especially if you want to save some money up. For example, if you are buying an SUV and want a new one, you have to be ready to spend all your savings on it, but if you choose to buy a used one, you might save up a few thousands.
The best year for used Toyota Highlander is the 2013 version, which is one of the most reliable versions. In addition, they are spacious, comfortable, and extremely safe, so Toyota Highlander is a fantastic option if you are looking for a big family car.
They are great vehicles with innovative features, great design, and they are dependable, but is it worth buying a used Toyota Highlander?
Is It Worth Buying a Used Toyota Highlander?
Toyota Highlanders are a great purchase and a perfect fit for families on the go. They are good-looking and great when it comes to reliability, but how good are they when it comes to buying them used?
Yes, it is worth buying a used Toyota Highlander. They have a five-star safety rating, and you have nothing to worry about when buying it used. But, of course, before your purchase, make sure to inspect the car thoroughly to make sure you are purchasing a vehicle that’s worth your money.
Buying this used vehicle will save you a lot of money, upfront and along the years of using it since the insurance rate you will be paying will be much lower if you decide to buy a used Highlander instead of a new one.
Is Toyota Highlander a Reliable Car?
The car’s reliability is based on the owners’ complaints and the problems they’ve had with the vehicle. So, this aspect is essential, because the first thing you need to know before you purchase a car is that it will be safe for you, your friends and family.
Yes, Toyota Highlander is a reliable car. Toyota Highlander is a very reliable car with a reliability score of 85 out of 100. It is a fantastic reliability score that puts this SUV amongst the best in its competitor group.
Highlander also has a 7.4 out of 10 interior ratings, making it a comfortable vehicle, and its critic’s rating is 7.7 out of 10, which is also fantastic.
What Year Is the Most Reliable Toyota Highlander?
Even though Toyota Highlanders are very reliable, reliability can be a subjective thing too. If you treat your car well, you can expect it to be as reliable as the score says, but on the other hand, if you use it and abuse it, the reliability will probably not be as good.
The most reliable Toyota Highlander is the 2010 model year, with the perfect score of five out of five. Not many vehicles get to have a high-reliability score like the 2010 Highlander version. It is a car that is indestructible.
But, even with such a high reliability score, we do recommend treating your vehicle with care so you don’t get any surprises.
Best Year for Toyota Highlander for Gas Mileage
Gas mileage, one of the most important aspects if you are looking for a budget-friendly car. But, on the other hand, even people who are ready to spend all their money on a car surely don’t want to overpay for gas.
The best year for Toyota Highlander for gas mileage is the 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. For its size, the fuel economy of this car is remarkable really. EPA estimated 2021 Highlander Hybrid should have 35mog combined driving.
A used Toyota Highlander is an affordable car to buy and a cheap car to own. You won’t make any mistakes by buying this vehicle.
Does Toyota Highlander Hold Their Value?
It is important to know that if you plan to resell your vehicle, you will sell it for a reasonable price. So let’s find out if, apart from all the fantastic features this SUV has, it can hold its value well over time?
Yes, Toyota Highlander does hold its value well. The average price drop for this vehicle is 39.8% in the first five years, which is a great price drop. Your Highlander will do a great job retaining most of its value on its own and if treated properly.
Of course, this price drop only goes for vehicles in good condition, accident-free and that have not had more than 12,000 miles spent per year.
How Much Is a Used Toyota Highlander?
Here are all the average prices listed for a used Toyota Highlander.
| Year | Average Price |
| 2010 | $12,997 |
| 2011 | $13,488 |
| 2012 | $14,999 |
| 2013 | $16,999 |
| 2014 | $18,995 |
| 2015 | $22,598 |
| 2016 | $23,500 |
| 2017 | $29,500 |
| 2018 | $32,500 |
| 2019 | $37,133 |
| 2020 | $38,997 |
| 2021 | $45,990 |
Why Are Used Toyota Highlander So Expensive?
If you are looking for a reliable, safe, and comfortable car, then Toyota Highlander is the right choice for you, but you have to be ready to pay for quality. If you are not, you might as well get some other car, because the prices for this fantastic SUV won’t drop any time soon.
Toyota Highlanders are so expensive for the simple reason of being one of the greatest SUVs. They are dependable, they don’t cost a lot to maintain, and they are amazingly safe. These things make it so popular, and the more popular it is, the higher the price will go.
They are even more expensive to buy when new, so if you are stuck on the idea of buying a Highlander, you might as well just buy a used one that will have a better effect on your savings account.
Where to Buy a Used Toyota Highlander?
Buying a new car is a log process, from deciding on what car is best to find the best website or place to buy it from. You are searching for a legit website to look at some Highlanders but don’t know which one is legit? Don’t worry; we are here to help you.
The best website to buy your Toyota Highlander from is Edmunds; after that come CarMax and CarGurus. These are all certified legit websites that you won’t get scammed on. Make sure to look around the websites and find a Highlander you think will best suit your needs.
Also, if you don’t feel confident in choosing the right vehicle for yourself, we recommend finding a mechanic willing to help you with your purchase.
What Problems Does Toyota Highlander Have?
Here are some problems you may face along the years of owning a Highlander.
Engine Bolts- The majority of customers complain about Highlander, including engine problems and engine failure. The model year famous for having engine bolts that lead to engine failure is the 2003 model year. In some cases, the mechanic was able to find a kit to replace the bolt, but in some, it required the engine replacement. The solution to this problem can cost around $3,200.
Ruptured Oil Lines- The following problem includes engine failure due to ruptured oil lines. This issue often happens to model years like 2005 or 2013. In some cases, this problem can consist of a complete oil replacement which can cost about $4,400.
Airbag Problem- Some reports of the airbag light activating because of the center airbag sensor malfunctioning. This problem is fixed by replacing the sensor light, which costs about $88 to $111.
What Years Are Bad for Toyota Highlander?
Even though they are known for being immensely reliable and great vehicles to have, there are some years of Highlander that you should think twice before buying.
The bad years for Toyota Highlander are 2003 and 2015. These are the two model years that have had the most complaints and problems reported so far. They have the highest maintenance cost, and we recommend you avoid them when buying your Highlander.
Now that you know everything, Highlanders’ best and worst years, and what to expect from it, we wish you luck finding the perfect vehicle for you.
