Buying a car, need help

[Surfrider]

I hate creating a topic for this, but, I think that I am going to by a Toyota Highlander Hybrid and I was wondering if anyone has any particular information about them that they can share.  I don't know if anyone on the board knows much about cars, but any info. would be deeply appreciated.

problems with Hybrids?

problems with Highlanders?

[Chris Misfit]

Yeah, highlanders.

They wear skirts. But theyre straight? I don't get it!

[Surfrider]

Yeah, highlanders.

They wear skirts. But theyre straight? I don't get it!

Oh, I get it.  Explains the whole hybrid thing.

[sandman]

i love toyotas. the highlander is an awesome car. one of the best on the road today. but i'm not familiar with the highlander hybrid.

this site has tons of good info - www.edmunds.com

[Surfrider]

i love toyotas. the highlander is an awesome car. one of the best on the road today. but i'm not familiar with the highlander hybrid.

this site has tons of good info - www.edmunds.com

Great site!  Thanks for the info.

[SLCPUNK]

I know plenty about cars.

My first and foremost opinion on ANY car is to avoid the first year they introduce that particular model. They usually have bugs that need to be worked out. Even on toyotas.

Epinions.com is a great site for car reviews. But remember you have to take in mind what people like and dislike. Often times people may complain about dealer service and give the car a low rating for that, or vice versa. Some reviews can be real life and very helpful while others can be less so.

[SLCPUNK]

http://www.toyotanation.com/forum/

This is where I visit on the 1-2 occasions had a problem with my toyota.

I remember a certain GNRNightrain asking about Toyotas and SUVs also, not too long back......

[Will]

How funny!

Btw, good job if you're indeed buying a hybrid car!

[sandman]

i'm not really up on cars. what are the advantages of a hybrid?

[KeVoRkIaN]

i'm not really up on cars. what are the advantages of a hybrid?

Fuel Economy

[Genesis]

i'm not really up on cars. what are the advantages of a hybrid?

Less pollution.

[pilferk]

Quick question:

How much "city" and how much "highway" driving do you do?

Remember, with hybrids, you're only using the electric engine at idle, and up to about 45-ish mph.  If you're doing LOTS of city driving (stop and go), they're great.  If you're like me, however, and do about 120 miles, round trip, every day (high way, mostly)...you're still using the gas engine most of the time.  And you're paying a premium for the hybrid model...so just make sure it's worth it for you.

I have a Subaru Forester which gets great gas mileage, and still gives me AWD.  They Highlander gas engine model is similar in MPG rating and features (we actually considered both when we bought, but the Highlander was in it's first model year...see SLC's comments above for why we didn't buy it.), so, if you find you wouldn't take advantage of the hybrid feature enough to justify the higher price tag....the "regular" Highlander would be a great choice!

[sandman]

thanks for the info pilferk.

it seems like the savings in gas doesn't fully make up for the added cost of a hybrid. the highlander looks like it's about an extra $5-$10K. even at today's ridiculous gas prices, you won't break even for a while, if ever.   

[Surfrider]

Quick question:

How much "city" and how much "highway" driving do you do?

Remember, with hybrids, you're only using the electric engine at idle, and up to about 45-ish mph.? If you're doing LOTS of city driving (stop and go), they're great.? If you're like me, however, and do about 120 miles, round trip, every day (high way, mostly)...you're still using the gas engine most of the time.? And you're paying a premium for the hybrid model...so just make sure it's worth it for you.

I have a Subaru Forester which gets great gas mileage, and still gives me AWD.? They Highlander gas engine model is similar in MPG rating and features (we actually considered both when we bought, but the Highlander was in it's first model year...see SLC's comments above for why we didn't buy it.), so, if you find you wouldn't take advantage of the hybrid feature enough to justify the higher price tag....the "regular" Highlander would be a great choice!

Thanks for the info.  You always have very informative posts that I deeply appreciate.  I thought it was weird that the fuel economy numbers for the Hybrid cars were reversed in regards to city and highway driving.  I am going to be living up in the Bay Area where I will have quite a commute to work.  A good portion of the commute will be on the highway, but with traffic.  On the one hand, I need a little bigger car for the kids etc.  On the other hand, I don't want something that gets 10 miles per gallon.  Another interesting thing about Hybrid cars is that in CA you can get a sticker that allows you to drive in the car pool lanes even if you commute by yourself.  I guess I will just have to try and crunch the numbers.

I had thought about  Prius, but I think they are just too small.

Thanks to the rest of you for info and links!

[SLCPUNK]

The hybrid will pay for itself on the backend of the deal, I also *think* you may get money back from the government for buying one too.

Remember too, gas or hybrid, when they list a cars MPG that means that car in TIP TOP shape. Completely tuned and best MPG. Doesn't mean you'll always get what they claim.

I don't know why anybody would buy an SUV now. Hybrid SUVs are coming, but I'd still wait a few years, as I'm sure the technology they have then will be a much better buy.

[pilferk]

The hybrid will pay for itself on the backend of the deal, I also *think* you may get money back from the government for buying one too.

Remember too, gas or hybrid, when they list a cars MPG that means that car in TIP TOP shape. Completely tuned and best MPG. Doesn't mean you'll always get what they claim.

I don't know why anybody would buy an SUV now. Hybrid SUVs are coming, but I'd still wait a few years, as I'm sure the technology they have then will be a much better buy.

Again, the "pay for itself" on the backend still depends on the type of driving you do since it effects how much you save on gas.  I figured it out and it would take me, with the driving I do, longer than I'd likely own the car for to pay for the difference...that was not taking into account any tax break.  My wife, on the other hand, who's a stay at homeer, is a perfect candidate and, once we see a hybrid minivan...we'll be all over it.

I know there was a break through last tax year on buying a hybrid, and I did hear talk of extending it, but never heard the final results.

As for why would you buy an SUV, for the vast majority of people, I agree.  My forester (a mini-SUV, which is what the Highlander is classified as well) was bought purely for AWD.  I live in CT, and, in the winter, given where I work...there ain't no such thing as a snow day unless there are several (and I mean several) feet of snow on the ground...so I need AWD to deal with the snow.

[pilferk]

Quick question:

How much "city" and how much "highway" driving do you do?

Remember, with hybrids, you're only using the electric engine at idle, and up to about 45-ish mph.? If you're doing LOTS of city driving (stop and go), they're great.? If you're like me, however, and do about 120 miles, round trip, every day (high way, mostly)...you're still using the gas engine most of the time.? And you're paying a premium for the hybrid model...so just make sure it's worth it for you.

I have a Subaru Forester which gets great gas mileage, and still gives me AWD.? They Highlander gas engine model is similar in MPG rating and features (we actually considered both when we bought, but the Highlander was in it's first model year...see SLC's comments above for why we didn't buy it.), so, if you find you wouldn't take advantage of the hybrid feature enough to justify the higher price tag....the "regular" Highlander would be a great choice!

Thanks for the info.? You always have very informative posts that I deeply appreciate.? I thought it was weird that the fuel economy numbers for the Hybrid cars were reversed in regards to city and highway driving.? I am going to be living up in the Bay Area where I will have quite a commute to work.? A good portion of the commute will be on the highway, but with traffic.? On the one hand, I need a little bigger car for the kids etc.? On the other hand, I don't want something that gets 10 miles per gallon.? Another interesting thing about Hybrid cars is that in CA you can get a sticker that allows you to drive in the car pool lanes even if you commute by yourself.? I guess I will just have to try and crunch the numbers.

I had thought about? Prius, but I think they are just too small.

Thanks to the rest of you for info and links!

Given your commute, and the fact you're going to be in traffic a LOT unless you commute during off shift times, it's probably a good investment for you, and would pay for itself.? In addition, the Highlanders' GAS engine get's VERY good (especially for a 4WD SUV) gas mileage, so you won't be stuck with a gas guzzler when you ARE on the highway at full speed.

I do have to say, though....given you're in the Bay area....you probably don't need the 4WD.? I'm pretty sure they offer FWD versions of the Highlander Hybrid, which would jump your gas mileage up even more.

Also, one other thing to note:? You may not be able to haggle much on the price.? I read an article the other day saying the hybrid vehicles (all of 'em) are in such high demand that you're pretty much stuck with close to sticker because you're either going to go on a waiting list to get yours, OR the dealership knows they can sell it pretty fast anyway, so have no incentive to move it off their lot.? You MAY get more "wiggle room" off the standard edition which may make the difference great enough to wipe out your savings on the back end...or it may not.? Just something to consider....

And I agree...the Prius' are just too small if you're not single or a DINK (to not offend, DINK = Dual Income No Kids).

[SLCPUNK]

The hybrid will pay for itself on the backend of the deal, I also *think* you may get money back from the government for buying one too.

Remember too, gas or hybrid, when they list a cars MPG that means that car in TIP TOP shape. Completely tuned and best MPG. Doesn't mean you'll always get what they claim.

I don't know why anybody would buy an SUV now. Hybrid SUVs are coming, but I'd still wait a few years, as I'm sure the technology they have then will be a much better buy.

As for why would you buy an SUV, for the vast majority of people, I agree.  My forester (a mini-SUV, which is what the Highlander is classified as well) was bought purely for AWD.  I live in CT, and, in the winter, given where I work...there ain't no such thing as a snow day unless there are several (and I mean several) feet of snow on the ground...so I need AWD to deal with the snow.

Subarus are really good for awd, so popular out west. I like the smaller station wagon subbies because I would be able to throw my gear, my kids, dogs in and go. I have heard the are leaky cars though.

 I am between that and a 4 cylinder yota 4x4 when I return to the mountain land......

[pilferk]

The hybrid will pay for itself on the backend of the deal, I also *think* you may get money back from the government for buying one too.

Remember too, gas or hybrid, when they list a cars MPG that means that car in TIP TOP shape. Completely tuned and best MPG. Doesn't mean you'll always get what they claim.

I don't know why anybody would buy an SUV now. Hybrid SUVs are coming, but I'd still wait a few years, as I'm sure the technology they have then will be a much better buy.

As for why would you buy an SUV, for the vast majority of people, I agree.? My forester (a mini-SUV, which is what the Highlander is classified as well) was bought purely for AWD.? I live in CT, and, in the winter, given where I work...there ain't no such thing as a snow day unless there are several (and I mean several) feet of snow on the ground...so I need AWD to deal with the snow.

Subarus are really good for awd, so popular out west. I like the smaller station wagon subbies because I would be able to throw my gear, my kids, dogs in and go. I have heard the are leaky cars though.

 I am between that and a 4 cylinder yota 4x4 when I return to the mountain land......

"Leaky" in what sense?  "Leaky" mechanically (as in coolant, especially)? Yup.  Subie actually had a recall on most of their cars because head gaskets tended to go kaputski FAR too early and frequently.  I now have to hit our dealer when I get a flush and fill to have them put in some sort of additive to the coolant system (I suspect it's just that crap that's supposed to seal coolant leaks)...but in exchange they extended the warrenty on the engine and coolant system to 100k...and they add the stuff for free.  I DID have a minute coolant leak around a plug, and the additive did stop it, so....eh..what do I know.  Oil, Tranny, etc fluid I've had no problems with.

"Leaky" as in external water leaking into the vehicle through doors/windows/funroofs/moonroofs?  I haven't had any problems (but don't have a sunroof/moonroof, either). 

I also had my front axl go at about 85k...not sure if that's a common problem.

We're very happy with it...had it since '01, though I've only been driving it for the past couple of years (it was my wife's car, previously).  Low maintenance costs.  Good gas mileage.  I'll probably trade it in next year for a subie sedan.

[SLCPUNK]

Yea I meant leaky gaskets etc. I had read about the head gasket leaks. Odd that seems to be a common problem (early failure) on many cars these days including Mercedes.

My dream would be a 4x4 Camry Hybrid.......put a ski rack on that and call it a day...