What Is the Toyota Highlander’s Lifespan? One of the most durable midsize SUVs on the market, the Toyota Highlander can keep going for up to 300,000 miles after you drive it off the lot.
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How durable are Highlander engines?
With regular maintenance and cautious driving, the Toyota Highlander Hybrid should last at least 200,000 miles and possibly even over 300,000 miles. Your Highlander should provide 20 years of dependable service if you travel 15,000 miles each year before the expense of repairs becomes prohibitive.
How long is a Toyota Highlander expected to last?
The Toyota Highlander can run for up to 300,000 miles, or almost 20 years, according to statistics. Although that is a long time to own any vehicle, Highlander owners appear to be happy with their purchase. 12.4 percent of Highlander owners, or twice as many as the average SUV owner, keep their vehicles for more than 15 years, according to iSeeCars.
Cities like Jacksonville, Florida, saw percentages up to 17% higher than that. The lifespan of a 300,000-mile SUV is also longer than that of most other SUVs. Competitors like the Ford Explorer and Nissan Pathfinder typically have a 250,000-mile lifespan.
The outstanding dependability of the Toyota Highlander is supported by Consumer Reports as well. Since 2001, the Highlander has received an excellent or nearly excellent overall reliability rating. Over the years, owners have reported a few issues with their Highlanders, but the most are easily rectified. Toyota frequently paid owners back for the cost of repairs when there was a recall, for example.
Although Highlanders rarely draw criticism, certain model years are worse than others. Because of its defective brakes and engine block bolts, the 2003 model is often regarded as being the worst. The 2015 Highlander’s unpleasant seats are another reason why it isn’t a popular with buyers.
Toyotas have a 300,000 mile lifespan.
When Ford introduced the Escape Hybrid in 2005, the company was not well-known for electric drivetrains. Early success in the cab fleets in New York City altered that. The first 18 Escape Hybrids traveled more than 175,000 miles on New York streets in a year and a half. Despite the model’s phase-out in 2012, Escape Hybrids were still a sizable portion of the taxi fleet as of 2017. Every single one of them we’ve seen had almost 400,000 miles on the clock. Consider purchasing a used one if you see one for the long term.
A Highlander has how many miles?
On a full tank of gas, the Highlander has a driving range of more than 510 miles. The projected EPA mileage for each front-wheel drive model is 29 highway and 21 city.
What is a Toyota Highlander’s worst year?
The Highlander is the ideal family hauler, as time has proven. It’s one of the safest SUVs on the road and one of the largest as well. Furthermore, it has very few significant dependability issues and is quite reliable. Although virtually all Highlanders are wise investments, there are several to stay away from.
Only the 2003 and 2004 model years for the first-generation Highlander (2001-2007) should be avoided. This is due to complaints that they have issues that necessitate costly repairs like replacing the engine or transmission. Rest assured that the 20052007 Highlanders earned significantly better reviews if you still desire a first-generation Highlander.
It is preferable to leave the 2008 Toyota Highlander with a for-sale sign on it as that vehicle also experienced some engine issues. But the majority of the past years have shown to be extremely secure and trustworthy. When you examine everything, it comes as no surprise that the Highlander is regarded as one of the greatest SUVs available. It is the ideal family vehicle because it is roomy, secure, and dependable. The Highlander is the only SUV you need to consider if you’re in the market.
What are the Toyota Highlander’s most frequent issues?
Knowing what kind of performance to anticipate from each model year is crucial if you’re thinking about purchasing a Toyota Highlander. Although Toyota is a reliable brand and the Highlander is a well-liked and sturdy SUV, not every year for the Highlander was successful. If you want to be sure you get a dependable car that will endure through years of regular use, you must be aware of the Toyota Highlander years to stay away from.
Some buyers love experimental cars, but nobody wants to purchase one they believe won’t be a dependable daily driver.
We’ll also touch on the Highlander model years that have received the best ratings and reviews, as well as any other factors you might want to take into account before purchasing a Toyota Highlander.
In A Hurry? Here Are The Toyota Highlander Years To Avoid
Here are the primary Toyota Highlander model years to stay away from if you want a vehicle that will last.
- 2003
- 2008
- 2014
- 2015
That’s a relatively short list of trouble years for a car that has been in regular production since 2001, in all honesty. Consumers today should steer clear of those four years because they had the most serious issues.
Additionally, there was a rocky time between 2010 and 2012, and those model years nearly made this list. The 2010 and 2012 models aren’t quite as reliable or useful as the model years prior to or beyond 2015, despite the few complaints.
On the other hand, a 2010 or 2012 Highlander can still be a wise purchase if it’s priced reasonably and has a decent maintenance history. However, if you are interested in any of the models we’ve already discussed, you should probably conduct some investigation. Some of the frequent issues with the Toyota Highlander are simple to fix. If you use the car as your main mode of transportation, other problems can be far more serious and a major inconvenience.
The CoPilot app isn’t just for purchasing a car; it can also be used to keep track of recalls and receive recommendations on which regular maintenance activities are most crucial.
Engine Bolts Becoming Stripped
If you don’t identify the problem right away, it could become quite serious. Unfortunately, coolant leaks and overheated engines are the most typical first signs that your engine bolts are stripped.
When necessary, the bolts can be changed, and the bolt holes can be redrilled, but only if your engine hasn’t already suffered other harm as a result of overheating. That means that for many customers who experienced this problem, a complete engine replacement was the only option.
The 130k mile mark is the problem’s peak frequency, however once it occurs once, it may happen again.
Engine Failure
One of the more serious problems with Toyota Highlanders is often engine failure. Engine failure can be caused by a variety of factors, but those failures are likely connected to the engine bolts being stripped and contributing to overheating issues.
In light of these factors, purchasing a Toyota Highlander from one of their problematic years puts you at a significantly higher risk of needing an engine replacement.
It’s also important to think about whether you have the funds to replace your engine or if you would probably need a new car if your engine failed, as engine failure is an issue that only certain car owners are prepared to fix.
Engine failure tends to occur around 120k miles, while it can occasionally occur significantly earlier. Many Highlanders will run above 120k miles without any problems, but they could develop issues afterwards.
Using Engine Oil Faster Than Average
Unfortunately, the Toyota Highlander is one of those cars infamous for using oil. Although this issue can affect practically any model of Highlander, it tends to be more prevalent in older models.
Interestingly, despite being a good automobile overall, the 2002 model year has the worst oil burn rate. So, on a 2002 Highlander, we wouldn’t worry about this issue too much if you’re okay with spending a bit more money on oil. However, it can be a bigger issue if you’re thinking about a different model year with other documented problems.
Fuel Tank and AC Condenser Problems
Although both buyers and critics gave the 2020 Highlander redesign a generally positive review, it had a few dependability issues. There have been rumors that the gasoline tank on the 2020 model is defective.
In particular, reports stated that they were unable to fill the tank to its 17.1 gallon maximum capacity. Instead, they were only able to fill approximately 12 to 14 gallons.
Additionally, a number of complaints claimed that the Highlander’s air conditioning system might or might not work. The AC apparently ceased delivering chilly air since the condenser was prone to damage. Condenser replacement, which can cost anywhere from $60 to $150 including labor, is a straightforward remedy.
Faulty Head Gasket and Oxygen Sensor
Models of the Highlander from 2001 to 2007 frequently experience engine overheating. Owners who have experienced engine overheating have reported that a blown head gasket is to blame. A closer look reveals that the head bolts frequently pull the engine block’s threads out, which eventually results in a ruptured head gasket.
Meanwhile, it was claimed that the oxygen sensors in a number of Highlander models were defective. This flaw results in the engine misfiring and harsh idling.
These are the ideal vehicles for college students since they can transport you, your friends, and your belongings everywhere you need to go, whether you need to squeeze into a small campus parking space or transport ten loads of laundry home.
Toyota Highlander Years To Buy
Naturally, now that we’ve covered the model years to stay away from, it’s time to discuss the most reliable and cost-effective model years.
All cars run the danger of something going wrong, and parts break in all kinds of vehicles, so these models aren’t ideal. However, these cars are frequently reliable, robust, and enjoyable to drive.
The best Highlander seasons are:
- 2001
- 2005
- 2006
- 2007
- 2009
- 2013
- 2017
- 2018
- 2019
- 2020
- 2021
From 2016 on, Highlander models have all been more reliable and have received far fewer issues or complaints overall than earlier models. The 2021 model appears to be excellent so far, but it is a fairly recent model, so it’s possible that customers haven’t driven the car far enough to experience problems. However, based on Highlanders’ recent performance, we anticipate that the 2021 model will be a strong long-term performer.
You might not be particularly knowledgeable about your car’s brakes unless you’re a mechanic or a super-committed auto enthusiast. How much time do they usually last? How frequently should brakes be replaced? We have solutions.
Which Models Of Toyota Highlander Are Great To Buy Used?
The majority of the models we mentioned in the section above are good choices for secondhand purchases, but some are superior to others. We’d suggest the 2010 model if you’re searching for a decent deal and want a model that’s a little roomier and bigger than others. They have a few more problem reports than other models, but other models from 2009 to 2011 are also an excellent option.
The 2016, 2017, and 2018 versions are all excellent values and provide exceptional performance for the price if you’re searching for a more recent model and don’t mind the price. Although we haven’t had a chance to endorse the 2019 and 2020 models as used cars just yet, they are already demonstrating symptoms of being a decent alternative.
Get a Curated List of the Best Used Cars Near You
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Just seeking for more recent models? The search engine for virtually new vehicles is CoPilot Compare. only observe recentfive years or lessautos with little mileage. The greatest place to look for off-lease, early trade-in, and CPO vehicles is CoPilot Compare.
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How many kilometers are there in a Toyota?
The typical lifespan of a Toyota vehicle is 1015 years and around 150,000200,000 kilometers. Although most new cars have a lifespan like this, that wasn’t always the case.
How many miles are too many?
Investing in a used car can be advantageous. New cars lose a lot of value quickly and are far more affordable to buy used. However, anytime you evaluate the mileage of a used automobile, keep in mind how the vehicle was maintained and the driving circumstances.
There isn’t a set amount of miles that is excessive for a secondhand car. But take 200,000 as the upper limit, the point at which even modern cars start to break down due to years of use. When deciding how many miles may be too many for a used car, your main worry should be the regularity of maintenance and repairs.
A car’s maximum range is 400 000 miles.
There is no one trick to keeping your car running until the odometer reads a ripe old age. You might arrive there by accident, but it comes as no surprise that many cars with 200,000, 400,000, and even 500,000 miles on them have had exceptional care and maintenance, frequently with the owners performing the necessary regular maintenance themselves.
Having a vehicle with a high mileage makes many individuals feel good about themselves, and they all appear to have tried-and-true methods for keeping their vehicles going longer. His 2002 Dodge Ram 1500 SLT reached more than 220,000 miles thanks to routine oil and transmission fluid changes, according to Tallassee, Alabama resident Clyde Thurston. By employing cruise control, Patrick Swift of Elsmere, Kentucky, claims his 2000 Chevy 2500-series van reached 533,000 miles without stressing the brakes or engine. And Loren Faeth of Ames, Iowa, claimed that despite having more than 400,000 miles on it, his 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300SDL ran like new because he changed all the fluids himself.
The majority of people who drive automobiles with 300,000 or more miles on them, he observed, perform their own maintenance on the vehicle. “In this manner, you may be sure that the oil has been changed correctly.
Whatever tactics owners employ, it is certain that vehicles are staying on the road longer. The Valvoline Instant Oil Change stations are operated by Ashland Inc., which reported an increase in the number of high-mileage vehicles. The number of vehicles serviced with 75,000 miles or more increased 8% from February 2004 to February 2007, according to business spokesman Barry Bronson. He claimed that during that time, the number of automobiles with more than 120,000 miles increased by 18%.
Using the appropriate oil and changing it frequently are essential for a car to last that long, according to automotive repair professionals, but other small things can also make a difference. Owners should pay attention to service suggestions and other advice provided in their car’s owner’s handbook, according to Michael Florence, co-author of “The Everything Car Care Book” (Adams Media).
According to Mr. Florence, an auto mechanic from Flemingsburg, Kentucky, “every portion of the car that is supported by lubrication or has fluid in it should be carefully maintained.”
similar to how brakes work. Since the fluid aids in preventing corrosion, it should be changed every two years.
He said that reckless driving could reduce a car’s lifespan as well. Parts will break more quickly if you apply more pressure, according to Mr. Florence.
Rob Blumer, his co-author, advised getting the timing belt checked by a professional on a regular basis. According to Mr. Blumer, if that breaks, the timing will be affected, which could result in engine damage.
His index finger serves as a rule of thumb. If I can count three cracks in the belt in the space between my middle finger joint and the belt, the belt needs to be replaced, he stated.
If cosmetic problems are ignored, they can also reduce a car’s lifespan. Mr. Blumer recommended purchasing a scratch-repair kit from a dealer and waxing a car twice a year.
Mr. Samarin advised against relying on oil-change facilities to notify owners of chassis issues because most of them park the vehicle over a mechanic’s pit rather than raising it on a lift so the wheels may be shaken to check for slack suspension.
Additionally, he advised checking for coolant leaks as soon as an engine begins to run hotter than usual or the coolant level falls. He said, “Overheating can cause severe damage.
Additionally, Mr. Samarin advised drivers to avoid overfilling their fuel tanks. He responded, “Otherwise, you might get fuel into the vapor canister. If that takes place, the charcoal in the canister may enter the gasoline lines and harm them. Stop refueling as soon as the gas pump makes its initial click.
Owner of the high-mileage Chevy van Mr. Swift claimed that one of the reasons it has lasted so long is that, even when the van was brand-new, he always used oil made for high-mileage autos.
More than 8% of motor oil purchases at auto parts retailers, according to Tom Olszewski, technical adviser for automotive products at Exxon Mobil in North America. According to him, the purpose of it is to preserve engine seals, such as those surrounding the distributor shaft and the rear main bearing, flexible and soft to prevent leaks. However, he claimed that it was unnecessary to use those lubricants early in a vehicle’s life, as Mr. Swift did.
He said, “I wouldn’t say there’s any damage in it. “I just don’t believe you require that level of protection prior to the vehicle having accumulated some mileage.
Mr. Faeth takes oil changes very seriously because his Mercedes has 400,000 miles on it. He advised owners who wanted their cars to last to have their used engine oil chemically analyzed. The study may reveal areas of high wear and reveal metal particles. This information aids in choosing the best grade and formulation of oil the car needs.
Mr. Faeth uses the Chester, Virginia-based Oil Analysis Company (youroil.net). Mr. Faeth remarked of his Mercedes, “Originally, I had hoped to retain it until I got a million miles on it, but I’m not sure the body will continue. I therefore intend to go a million kilometers. This translates to 620,000 miles.