Need help deciding... (1 Viewer)

[Winter Borne]

I've got an option to buy an immaculate 2011 with 163K miles on her. Been serviced by Lexus every 5000 miles. Price is 25K or buy a certified pre-owned Highlander XLE with 35,000 miles on her for 30K. I seldom go off road if ever... The Highlander comes with several warrantees, so my question to the group is what kind of maintenance / repairs would I likely be looking at with the LX570 over the next 5-7 years outside of the typical oil, brakes, wipers and junk? What should I be looking to need to take care of? Timing Chain? AHC or other suspension issues??? Any Transmission work or ?????

Thanks

mk

 

[grinchy]

The mileage isn't a factor. Figure in some repairs, maybe $3-5K on the cruiser of that span. Note the cruiser will get 13-15mpg.
Test drive both, then decide.
The cruiser will have more utility (towing, potential inclement weather and roads, etc). The cruiser is by far more luxury /solid feeling. The highlander will feel more modern and have better A/V.

 

[Madtiger]

Maintenance and ownership cost will favor Highlander by a long shot!

Which vehicle will last longer and more solidly built over the long haul? LX by a long shot.

But if you’re not gonna keep it long and don’t have money to spend on maintenance, then Highlander is a smarter buy.

 

[jamgolf]

I seldom go off road if ever...

Based on this statement, I would recommend Highlander. I would choose Highlander if I were in your shoes and had the same criteria as you do.

 

[04UZJ100]

Based on this statement, I would recommend Highlander. I would choose Highlander if I were in your shoes and had the same criteria as you do.

Disagree. We have 2 100s and 3 200s and dont offroad either.

 

[coleAK]

I've got an option to buy an immaculate 2011 with 163K miles on her. Been serviced by Lexus every 5000 miles. Price is 25K or buy a certified pre-owned Highlander XLE with 35,000 miles on her for 30K. I seldom go off road if ever... The Highlander comes with several warrantees, so my question to the group is what kind of maintenance / repairs would I likely be looking at with the LX570 over the next 5-7 years outside of the typical oil, brakes, wipers and junk? What should I be looking to need to take care of? Timing Chain? AHC or other suspension issues??? Any Transmission work or ?????

Thanks

mk

Like others have said. Buy the highlander it will fit your needs much better then the LX. My LX is amazing but if I didn’t off road regularly and tow a 7klb camper I would not have an LX (or LC 200)

 

[afgman786]

What year Highlander? I will say the Highlanders I've driven as loaners or family member's vehicle are great! If you don't need the towing capability or off road capability the Highlander will do everything you need just fine and get amazing MPG compared to the LX. Interior space is pretty big on them and the 3rd row isn't that small. But if you drive the LX you probably will want to buy the LX.

 

[Sandroad]

If your ownership horizon is only 5-7 years and you don't go off road and you're asking questions about operating costs, I'd recommend the Highlander. I owned one (hybrid) for several years and was astounded at the low operating costs with zero repairs and not much required maintenance. Even the non hybrid version will use about half the gas of the LX and should be much cheaper to insure. Highlanders are really nice vehicles. The $30K cost seems high, but I've read that used vehicle prices are way up right now.

 

[CharlieS]

Sounds like the highlander might be a better fit for your needs.

 

[1world1love]

I own both. I have a 2013 LX that is used only for recreation and then I have a 2012 a Highlander Hybrid which is my daily driver. I love both, but if I didn’t travel off-road, I wouldn’t need the LX. The Highlander has been a great vehicle and I suspect could easily go over 250k with nothing but the recommended servicing. It has the tow package and is good for up to 5k lbs which is usually fine for most people. I installed Thule crossbars and I would take it most anywhere that the tires would allow.

So my advice is - buy both

 

[1world1love]

Also I should add that maintenance on the LX will kill you. So far I’ve had to replace both the front and rear bumpers, new wheels and tires, had to replace the roof rack, install sliders, new drawers system, fridge, etc. it really adds up and there is no end in sight

 

[Markuson]

Pretty tough to argue against the Highlander as a DD.

 

[Mogwai]

A contrarian opinion: if it's not the Highlander Hybrid, the gas mileage is not actually that great, avg. maybe 22mpg? The LX will be worth more when you get done with it, which should offset any maintenance. It's not like the Highlanders are maintenance free either. And you'll feel like a boss driving the LX. I dunno, I don't think these vehicles are comparable tbo.

 

[iwashmycar]

And you'll feel like a boss driving the LX. I dunno, I don't think these vehicles are comparable tbo.

^^This.

Maybe feel like a boss (somewhat) AND have more reliability with a 4Runner or the like? Some happy-medium.

I have that with my FJ but its very NOT luxurious. Still feel great to drive even as a DD and maintenance is basically nothing (if you want it to be)

 

[Markuson]

Pretty tough to argue against the Highlander as a DD.

And...It’s also hard to argue that a guy who wants a 200 or LX shouldn’t have one.

(I argues with Mysrlf a lot)

 

[1world1love]

And...It’s also hard to argue that a guy who wants a 200 or LX shouldn’t have one.

(I argues with Mysrlf a lot)

There is a lot to be said for this argument. The pragmatic choice is pretty clear, but if we always made pragmatic choices, life would be pretty dull.

Just to add another wrinkle.... Highlanders are great vehicles, but they are a dime a dozen. You can probably find a similar deal to what you mentioned pretty much anytime. The market for well maintained 200s has always been pretty tight and will only get more so.

 

[liv2bike]

We had a highlander as a loaner last year. It didn’t feel nearly as solid as our Land Cruiser. They’re different vehicles. I’m not knocking the highlander but there really isn’t a comparison from a fit and finish and capability perspective. They’re nice but they’re not a 200.

 

[grinchy]

In the end do you want to spend the same money on a $100k car or a $40k car?

 

[Winter Borne]

Maintenance and ownership cost will favor Highlander by a long shot!

Which vehicle will last longer and more solidly built over the long haul? LX by a long shot.

But if you’re not gonna keep it long and don’t have money to spend on maintenance, then Highlander is a smarter buy.

Thanks - I am looking to keep it a long time so I'm leaning towards the LX in that column...

 

[Winter Borne]

What year Highlander? I will say the Highlanders I've driven as loaners or family member's vehicle are great! If you don't need the towing capability or off road capability the Highlander will do everything you need just fine and get amazing MPG compared to the LX. Interior space is pretty big on them and the 3rd row isn't that small. But if you drive the LX you probably will want to buy the LX.

We've been looking at 2017 Highlander XLE's and SE's (sport edition of XLE) mk