Hey, friends! Our Toyota Highlander (2013, 3.5 L V6 engine) has rounded the corner on 100k, and we are considering a new (or new-to-us) vehicle for some hoped-for long-distance travel in the summer of '21 and beyond. I have no trouble with the Highlander despite its mileage, but other car - my old commuter Corolla from pre-retirement days - is showing its age with dings, scratches, rust, and missing trim parts (although it will not die - 160k and still going strong!). We're thinking of selling the Corolla, making the Highlander our secondary vehicle (I already use it a fair amount to transport ladders, tools, and materials for a small side odd-jobs gig.
We're wondering whether it might make sense to upgrade to a 4Runner. Reviews are generally good, both from online research and from acquaintances that have been happy with them. Of course it's a bigger, beefier vehicle, so mileage will not be what Highlander has gotten. I've never had any reason to complain of the Highlanders we've owned (both bought Toyota Certified pre-owned). I'm just wondering whether it might make sense to get the bigger vehicle to happily haul EVERYTHING we figure on taking for 3-5 week trips. Picture shows Highlander loaded up and hitched to Scamp with gear in and on both. I know I will get some comments from people who look askance at bikes on rear hitch of Scamp. We have never had scary moments with that arrangement, but also have been scrupulous about weight distribution, speed limits etc. Even so, I'm working on alternatives to the bikes on the hitch of the trailer.
So my basic question is what experiences people have had with Highlanders and 4Runners, and what recommendations you all might have on those vehicles. Thanks for whatever you can tell me.
regards to all, and Happy New Year!
How well does you Highlander tow your Scamp? Were you happy with it? If you are happy with it, why tamper with success? Go Highlander. Also, 100,000 miles is not a lot of miles this day and age. One should expect to get 150,000+ miles on vehicles without major problems. Seven years old is not very old. If you buy a newer vehicle, you are not trading up many years. Also, you know your vehicle whereas you do not know a newer vehicle. You might be better off having a mechanic check your vehicle and put on some new parts. You should be able to get a few more years out of it.
I looked at Highlanders and 4Runners a couple of years ago. They are both good vehicles. I chose a different used vehicle based on interior features and a good factory towing package. I would recommend getting a factory towing package if you can find one. I found a good comparison of Highlanders vs. 4Runners on the Internet (https://www.autoguide.com/car-comparisons/toyota-highlander-vs-4runner-w...). I think that the Highlander would be more comfortable if you are mostly traveling on good highways. If you are going to travel poor roads or go off the road, then maybe the 4Runner is better. Have good travels.
How well does you Highlander tow your Scamp? Were you happy with it? If you are happy with it, why tamper with success? Go Highlander. Also, 100,000 miles is not a lot of miles this day and age. One should expect to get 150,000+ miles on vehicles without major problems. Seven years old is not very old. If you buy a newer vehicle, you are not trading up many years. Also, you know your vehicle whereas you do not know a newer vehicle. You might be better off having a mechanic check your vehicle and put on some new parts. You should be able to get a few more years out of it.
I looked at Highlanders and 4Runners a couple of years ago. They are both good vehicles. I chose a different used vehicle based on interior features and a good factory towing package. I would recommend getting a factory towing package if you can find one. I found a good comparison of Highlanders vs. 4Runners on the Internet (https://www.autoguide.com/car-comparisons/toyota-highlander-vs-4runner-w...). I think that the Highlander would be more comfortable if you are mostly traveling on good highways. If you are going to travel poor roads or go off the road, then maybe the 4Runner is better. Have good travels.