07 100 vs 08 200 vs 2014 Highlander

[Gulliver]

So here is my situation. The 2 door wrangler isn't cutting it any more. I am north eastern guy looking for quite a bit more vehicle. In addition to being a daily commuter (40mile/day) it will also be for hauling family, med equip, yard waste, camping supplies, dogs etc. It will also get at least one 2k road trip a year.

I am considering the following options:

06 or 07 100 in the $25-$30k range (prefer the LX)
08 or 09 200 in the $30-$35k range (prefer the LC)
14 Highlander in the $35k range

Please convince me I don't have to get the Highlander to be practical. PLEASE!

I should admit I don't need the capabilities of the LC or LX but they just sound like so much more fun.

Thanks folks

 

[inkpot]

Hmmmmm. Don't think the the Highlander comes with a V8, so there's MY answer. John

 

[TXLX100]

You really need convincing to not get a Highlander? If you don't care about gas mileage, go for a 100 or 200. You could get a pretty nice 100 for $25-$30k.

 

[SmoothLC]

Hum, let's see . . . LC|LX vs. pseudo-minivan . . . tough choice there.

 

[Reckless]

I went through a similar debate and I suggest getting 03 LX470 with supercharger. Improves gas mileage and gives you power and a blast to drive. I personally went with an 02 to save money for my 2008+ LX570 as soon as they drop down a bit. I am polyamorous when it comes to cars and would rather have 2 Landcruisers in my house. For me the only 2 reasons to get an 03 was the side airbags and the 5-speed tranny. I love my 16" wheels with 70mm tall tire which they stopped after 02, it makes the ride real nice and smooth.

 

[lhommec13]

You are aware that you've posted on a 100-series forum soliciting advice on whether to get a 100, 200 or Highlander, right? With that said, get the Highlander. Don't think you're LC/LX material to be honest.

 

[bdac]

I drive the 470 and my wife drives the 570. We have a 5yr old, 3yr old, and 8mo old. All the car seats are in the middle row. 570 is def more spacious for their legs and width wise for the car seats, but has less trunk space bc the 3rd row seats are bolted in. Both are 100% stock (for now). 470 is more fun to drive and feels more nimble and has a throatier stock exhaust while the 570 has a ridiculous amount of torque. Neither have issues for overtaking. Both get approx the same mpgs. The 570 is more comfortable for long trips. Lots of pros and cons for each vehicle, but overall we're happy with both.

 

[phsycle]

Sounds like you need a truck. Try a Tundra.

 

[THEROK]

200 all day assuming for your budget it's a mint one. Have no idea on values.

 

[GX-R]

Go for the 200!

 

[chpeymack]

For $35k I think you should look for a smoking deal on a 13 or 14 trail edition 4 runner. I love the 4.7 in my LC buy the 4.0 v6 is putting out almost the same hp and weighs far less. Or if you don't plan on taking it hard core off road you won't need crawl and terrain settings so just get the sr5 and add heated leather.


Sent from my iPhone

 

[chpeymack]

Or like phsycle posted go with a 5.7 tundra crewmax and get a shell for the bed


Sent from my iPhone

 

[Kigiin]

A Highlander, seriously!

 

[DJWUZJ]

A Highlander, seriously!

At least in any scenario he is upgrading from the Jeep!

 

[Schwein]

If i were in your shoes I would look at it this way. Your budget is seemingly 28-32k, 20k being great because its less money and 35k being a brand new car. If you are looking for a dead reliable truck you can get into that will be in mint condition and with low miles I would pick a 100 series. Set aside 20-25 grand (cap your self off at a price) and look from 2005-2007 with under 90k miles. you should absolutely not have a problem finding one in fantastic condition with the new style headlights, dash, side skirts and the 18" wheels for under 25k dollars. if you want a 200 series I would not buy an 08 as its the first year of the truck, not that there are any issues that i know of about the 08's but based solely on the fact that I never buy first year body styles of any car or truck even if its as reliable as a Toyota Land Cruiser. I would start looking at 2009's and 2010's and bite the bullet with the higher price entry point. Seems like they range from like 35-60 grand but its all millage dependent from my quick search. and as far as the highlander goes.. I would personally just skip them unless its for your wife or something

 

[Gulliver]

Wow! Thanks fellas. Solid advice for each choice. I am convinced! I'll go for a 100! I know I won't regret that decision. If I sold out and got the Highlander I would always wishing I was driving an LX or LC. Next step is to convince the wife. She won't be as easily convinced as me.

 

[WoodyCreature]

Wow! Thanks fellas. Solid advice for each choice. I am convinced! I'll go for a 100! I know I won't regret that decision. If I sold out and got the Highlander I would always wishing I was driving an LX or LC. Next step is to convince the wife. She won't be as easily convinced as me.

Might as well get the 200 then. It's nicer and roomier. It honestly would probably be an easier sale for your wife too.

 

[mtnracer]

If you can find a 2009 LX for $35K then go that route. That would be a great price. I can't find anything under $45K in the Southeast if the miles are not crazy.

 

[super50]

+1 for the 100

 

[mattafact]

Don't think you're LC/LX material to be honest.

Coming from someone who put 22s on a 100, this sounds like a compliment.