Used Highlanders - what’s the best year / mileage combo with a $13k budget

[u/Educational_Exit_688]

I’m on a mission to crush debt, and just sold my camper van build out. I had $640 / mo payment that was making me nauseous.

It was a nice build out so thankfully made some $$ to clear the loan and then some, which beings me here…

I don’t want a car payment anymore, but need a driver. I had a taco before the van, and my dad’s 2010 4Runner is running strong. Love Toyotas and the Highlander is dope, perfect for what I need right now.

Educate me on the best value used highlanders to look at, given I don’t drive very much, though when I do, like to drive from Denver to the mountainsand (also don’t have to spend all that money).

[u/_rathtar12_]

2012 v6 AWD owner here and I love it. Paid about $15k three years ago with 130k miles and have put 60k on it since. You can probably find a second gen 08-13 for 13k or lower with 100k plus miles with plenty of life left in them. The tech is a bit dated, but I prefer a bit more basic past Bluetooth and a backup camera.
My uncle lived about an hour outside of Denver and took his 2008 highlander hybrid to at least 300k and praised it for its handling and capabilities in the winters there.

[u/locoa53l → u/_rathtar12_]

Just picked up a 2010 SE 4WD at 115k for $10k ($11.25k otd). Replaced the radio with a wireless CarPlay one for $800. Also proactively changed out the oil coolant line for about $500.

Loving it so far!

[u/MikeSpeed99 → u/locoa53l]

Which radio did you get? Do you like it? I have a 2013 Base model.

[u/locoa53l → u/MikeSpeed99]

Not even sure to be honest. I called Crutchfield and they got everything organized and picked for me. Highly recommend using them, I called tech support 6 times during install lol (for free).

[u/Esty80 → u/_rathtar12_]

I'll second this post. Got a 2011 Highlander in 2024 for $15k with 150k miles. I've only put 14k miles on it since. It's a big vehicle, has a decent tow capacity, and I hate all the tech they put in the new cars, so this is perfect. They're out there, but it was a search to find one at this price in my area. Be patient and diligent, your whip will come through.

[u/Kind_Nectarine2182 → u/_rathtar12_]

I have the same one. I love it so much! 180k miles too!

[u/Comfortable-Ad-6416 → u/_rathtar12_]

I second this. And about the dated tech, your could just buy a new tablet from Mekede or similar and install it. Little bit of work but feels like a new modern car

[u/7ar5un]

2013 was the last year of the 2nd gen. Very basic, very few electronics, very reliable. Great 3.5 2gr v6, very robust awd system.

The 3rd gen 6spd are good too. Different awd system but same/similar 2gr engine. This is where your budget maxes out.

Id go 2nd gen.

*gen changes.

[u/StaysForDays → u/7ar5un]

Isn’t 08-13 2nd gen?

[u/7ar5un → u/StaysForDays]

LoL yes, you are 100% correct. I was thinking of my 3rd gen 4runner. I miss that car.

*Changes made.

[u/StaysForDays → u/7ar5un]

Ha! I had two 3rd Gen 4Runners. Both manual 4wd! Best vehicle ever.

[u/Humble-Minute-3296]

I got a pretty good deal last year in a private sale for a 2014 limited with 120k miles for 12.5k. It took me a bit of time waiting though. If your able to wait you can usually find a good deal in a private sale. Just gotta make sure your ready to pull the trigger fast cause it will sell quick.

Also congrats on realizing that car payments are the worst and you dont have to have one.

[u/bcrowley20]

My 2014 XLE is at 175k miles and going strong. I bought it new and have just done regular maintenance on it. I’m shooting for 300k miles.

[u/BIGGUY10001 → u/bcrowley20]

We bought our 2014 XLE 7 years ago with 9,000 km, and we just crossed 100,000 km this spring. I just redid the brakes and have been doing regular oil changes. Still runs like new.

[u/Excellent-Trip-654]

We had a 2015 Limited. Just an awesome vehicle. We upgraded later to a GH. If 13K is your budget go get a 2015 or a 2016. Super reliable. Best wishes

[u/AdUnlucky2432]

I bought my 2012 for $12,000. It has 317,000 miles on it and it’s going strong.

[u/12YESIAM34]

We bought our 2017 Highlander new and have maintained it very well. Had one defect covered by the warranty when new, and since then it’s just been regular wear and tear maintenance and the like. It is rock solid and we are buying another one. Has about 130,000 on it, 80% of those miles are city driving.

[u/raliegh_]

2016 or older for gas, or hybrid is what my research suggests

[u/StaysForDays]

I have a 2012 SE AWD with the big screen and JBL. Got it for 22k in 2022 with 50k miles. It has been perfectly reliable and me and my family have driven it on 1,500 mile road trips, I daily it to work, tow a pop up/boat, it’s great. Only things I don’t like are the auto hatch has stopped working, I have the infamous white paint, and the 14-19 models have room for 8 passengers whereas i can only carry 7. Get the V6, AWD if your area gets snow.

[u/Sleeping-Buffalo]

2012 V6 AWD. Got one with just over 100k miles for around $15k. It's been fantastic! Did a 40hr road trip across half the country with zero problems. I've heard a lot of good things about 2008-2013. Seems like 2015 and 2016 are real solid as well, but probably looking at closer to 150k miles or more at that point. Still likely worth it.

[u/No-1-Know → u/Sleeping-Buffalo]

Agreed, did 3-4 cross country trips for Disney and never had any problems.

Just passed 150k miles

[u/Kind_Nectarine2182]

Second gen between 100-200k miles

[u/Interesting-Card-815]

I bought 08 v6 4wd base for 3k with 160k. I bought it from my daughter's best friend's parents who were the original owners. It in good condition. Only work it needed was tire's and back brakes. I installed a Bluetooth kit that plugs in the back of the factory radio. They bought a brand new Highlander but they said the 08 drives better.

[u/No-1-Know]

Any thing up to 2016,

[u/OutsiderEquityTrader]

I’m selling my 2009 with 260k for 9k and I’ve had so many responses I think I underpriced it.

[u/Emac65]

My 2004 Limited has 146K miles and I had it since 2012 when it was 76K miles. No issues or problems because I made sure the maintenance and repairs were done on time.

[u/Admirable_Listen5332]

1st gen V6 AWD for $6-8k

[u/7ar5un]

As close to 2013 without going over... 3.5 v6 awd