07 100 vs 08 200 vs 2014 Highlander

[scottm]

I compromised with a 4Runner, nice and capable truck, but not nearly a LC. If I didn't also have a LC for long trips and towing and such, my 4Runner would not be adequate. But a Highlander...? A 4R would be a better choice than a Highlander if that is a vehicle that seems to meet your needs.

 

[Cfbrenton1]

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.

You can't get an 09 LX for 35k.

 

[mtnracer]

You can't get an 09 LX for 35k.

I know - not near me anyway. But that was the number the OP listed in the first post.

 

[patrickfinley]

Hey Gulliver, I hate to say it but for your needs the new 14 Highlander 4wd will serve you very well.

The idea of spending 25-30k on a 7-8 year old vehicle just doesn't sound right even for a 100. Especially if you don't see off road use in your future. Don't forget, the 100 series was designed in the mid 90's, so you are getting a pretty old design in a 2007. I only say this because you're so close to a 200 series. The downside is that you'll have a hard time finding a 200 for 35k.

 

[Gulliver]

Well damn...it seems like I am back to square one. Here it is. Try to find a deal on a 100 series LX (sub $25k) to justify spending so much money on an old truck. If I can dig up a solid 2009 LC under $35, it may be worth it. But if I simply can't find either, I will just go with a Highlander, it won't completely crush my spirit...sigh.

 

[TXLX100]

Well damn...it seems like I am back to square one. Here it is. Try to find a deal on a 100 series LX (sub $25k) to justify spending so much money on an old truck. If I can dig up a solid 2009 LC under $35, it may be worth it. But if I simply can't find either, I will just go with a Highlander, it won't completely crush my spirit...sigh.

Why not spend a little less and get an earlier model 100? I like the LX but I wouldn't pay an extra $10-$15k for a 2006/7, but gladly would pay $12.5k for a nice early 2000. I understand if you have to have a newer car though. $30k for a highlander v $30k for an LX/LC, what are the values like 5 years from now?

 

[lhommec13]

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

Haha I knew that was coming. How's your 6th Cruiser working out for you? First 5 didn't cut it?

 

[mattafact]

Haha I knew that was coming. How's your 6th Cruiser working out for you? First 5 didn't cut it?

I have automotive ADD. I should be on medication for it. I can't wait for lucky #7.

 

[Gulliver]

Randomly just click on this on Yahoo! Just another reason to go with the LC/LX.

http://autos.yahoo.com/blogs/motora...ic-guide-10-best-used-vehicles-181842236.html

 

[Cfbrenton1]

Well damn...it seems like I am back to square one. Here it is. Try to find a deal on a 100 series LX (sub $25k) to justify spending so much money on an old truck. If I can dig up a solid 2009 LC under $35, it may be worth it. But if I simply can't find either, I will just go with a Highlander, it won't completely crush my spirit...sigh.

A nice 2007 LX is ten times what a brand new highlander is. If you are willing to settle on a Highlander then, I hate to say it, but that other might have right about what kind of material you are. Come on dude, there's no comparison.

 

[THEROK]

10 times better than a new highlander for his use case? You sure?

I mean let's take a snapshot of the lx interior compared to the highlander. The lx is prehistoric in comparison.

If not off-roading, I have a hard time calling the lx a better value here.

 

[bmwguy]

Since you will be commuting 40 miles a day. I would recommend something more frugal on gas.

Instead of highlander, maybe a 4Runner. I hear the 03 through 05 4runners are great. try to get a 6 banger.

 

[scottm]

My '03 V6 4WD 4R gets all of a couple mpg better than my '03 LC, so not a significant improvement.

 

[Cfbrenton1]

10 times better than a new highlander for his use case? You sure?

I mean let's take a snapshot of the lx interior compared to the highlander. The lx is prehistoric in comparison.

If not off-roading, I have a hard time calling the lx a better value here.

That's my opinion. I would never even consider a highlander, but I love LXs. They are the highest quality vehicle that Toyota makes and Toyota even says that every part and component in those cars is the best there is. The interior of an LX is not meant to be ultra modern, it is meant to be refined and comfortable. I think it is one of the most beautiful interiors there is, even if it is an older model. The interior of a Highlander looks and feels cheap compared to the top of the line Lexus.

A Highlander is better than a lot of cars, but if it were my choice, I would go for the used top of the line Lexus (which everyone in this forum knows is one of the bet vehicles ever made) than the middle of the road Toyota.

 

[Schwein]

My Girlfriend has a 2004 4Runner V8, she averages about 12-15MPG in the city where as i average about 11-12MPG in the city, on the highway they are almost identical. I would say get desiel sedan if millage is a big concern, otherwise just get what you want and think about the fill ups later

 

[nahtnoj]

Do you need an indestructible vehicle designed for 3rd world conditions to commute 40 miles to work, haul yard waste, and sometimes go camping on the weekends? No.

If you want one, OK.

I bought a 99 LX because I wanted to spend 10K. Triple that budget, things change. I probably would have bought an off lease Audi Q7.

I see little reason to spend 25K on a 2006 LX when you can get a 2003 for roughly half that.

Get the Highlander, or spend around the same money to get a 4Runner, which has many of the durability/utility virtues as an LC/LX.

 

[THEROK]

Unless you have the diesel how is the us lc built for supposed third world conditions and how many of you saying this actually spent time in this Third world you often cite?

Q7 is a horrible buy that shouldn't even be in the same sentence as a Toyota.

I dunno gents... Highlander for the op. The reasons for a 15 yr kld design is coming across rather tepid understanding that this is a hobbyist forum. The new highlander is a nice nice ride for families. Room for 8. Captain chairs in back if you want. Efficient v6 avail. Latest media. Fresh warranty. Zero downtime for maintenance and other old car risks.

The 2uzfe is torquey but what sucks is the super unleaded it guzzles.

 

[lhommec13]

That's my opinion. I would never even consider a highlander, but I love LXs. They are the highest quality vehicle that Toyota makes and Toyota even says that every part and component in those cars is the best there is. The interior of an LX is not meant to be ultra modern, it is meant to be refined and comfortable. I think it is one of the most beautiful interiors there is, even if it is an older model. The interior of a Highlander looks and feels cheap compared to the top of the line Lexus.

A Highlander is better than a lot of cars, but if it were my choice, I would go for the used top of the line Lexus (which everyone in this forum knows is one of the bet vehicles ever made) than the middle of the road Toyota.

Agreed. I was chatting with my friend whose family owns a local Toyota dealership and he said the LC is the only Toyota product tested to 1 million miles. Take that with a grain of salt if you want, but I tend to believe him. Not to say any of us will ever reach 1M miles in a single car, but it's food for thought.

Whatever the OP chooses to go with will be a great vehicle. But for his needs as described, I think the new Highlander is the most practical.

 

[marcfj60]

Gulliver, I'd recommend the 100 myself. But I am biased as I own a '99. I bought it 4 years ago with only 90k miles for $14K. My family (of 4) took a 2-week camping trip to Yellowstone and Grand Teton NP last fall and it performed admirably despite being filled with 4 people and all our crap. You could probably get a low miles version from the early 2000's for mid teens. But make sure that you are ok with driving a gas HOG. I get 11-12 in the city and ~16 on the HWY. You'll get 50% better with a 4Runner and probably close to 2X that fuel economy with a Highlander. The 200-series has more room and power but I think still gets similar fuel economy and costs a LOT more than a 100.

 

[highonpottery]

my buddy has a brand new Highlander....meh....pretty much a Camry crossed with a minivan, i'm not a fan. Seating setup is weird IMO. Of course he listened to his before his friend. Oh well, it's his money

If it's an option, I'd say go for a 4runner - you'll have basically the best of both worlds and will still have a body-on-frame design. Plus, my guess is the 4runner will have much better resale value in the future should you sell it, based on how 4runners and Taco's seem to hold their value vs other Toyotas (even vs the Land Cruiser)