Hi all, Need some advice/perspective. I am looking to buy a second vehicle (SUV). Interested in buying used Toyota Highlander (Hybrid, AWD, around 100-150K miles). Looking for vehicles between 2005-2010 While I have the following reasons to go for used: 1. Hope to keep the vehicle till around 200K miles (another 6-7 years). 2. Want a hybrid (fuel economy) and AWD (go to tahoe often). Questions: 1. I have a 1 year old boy. Want to make sure there is nothing concerning safety-wise if I go for 15yr old SUVs. 2. Assuming the vehicle is in good condition currently, what can I expect as maintenance costs roughly? Any big-ticket expense to watch out for?
You think blinders are mechanics? Jk Just make sure it was not a rental/uber/lyft car in the past , an owner who took care of it
How can we comment on the safety of any car? (Used or otherwise?). With the rate at which recalls are happening (in airbags or something else ), we just don’t know what we don’t know. Your little boy’s safety is utmost priority - although personally I think defensive driving plays a bigger role than the age of the car. PS: I personally drive an 18 year old CRV and love it. But can you tell me if it safe for me?
>> defensive driving plays a bigger role than the age of the car Totally agree.
You can look up driver fatality statistics by make and model to get a reasonable sense of safety. https://www.iihs.org/ratings/driver-death-rates-by-make-and-model Mid 2000's 4WD highlanders appear to perform well in comparison to other similar suvs from the same time (and even modern competitors).
Best advice from a mechanic (in an old life, now just wrench as a hobby) and car enthusiast: Its okay if you dont know anything about cars. But ALWAYS get a Pre Purchase Inspection (PPI) at a reputable independent shop. Should be about $200. They will go over the car and the universal areas. They will grade the areas covered in the report. Make sure they also do a compression test at very least, if not a full leak down test. Health of the engine is your first concern. And if its hybrid, get the hybrid system checked out too. Try to find one with full maintenance history/receipts/etc. Could get lucky and run the VIN at the dealership to find out its been dealer serviced its whole life.
Exhaust issues, new tires and brake replacements.
Not sure if hybrids were around 15 years ago and if they were, I sure as hell wouldn't get one. As another blinder said, get a pre inspection and look up the vehicle history. If I was going used, I'd rock an FJ cruiser.....if you can find one
I wouldn't do it. If going used, look for ones that are 3-6 years old instead of 10-15.. you'll be lucky if the engine lasts that long (depending on previous owners) and all the parts that you'll have to replace. Considering the extra repair costs and ease of mind of not dying on you, spending a bit extra for lesser used car will be definitely worth it..
Zero parts replaced for the engine in both my 22 year old Lexus and my wifes 24 year old BMW. Both engines are 200k+ and we are not the original owners. All compression tests were done and reported back healthy numbers. Used cars are totally fine. But then again I know how to work on them if anything happened.
Sure, but that's not the norm. Do you expect every 20+ year old cars to have the same results? I am not saying all newer cars will be the same either, but statistically your statement holds no value for the majority..
Get a CPO from cargurus.com
you work at FB and short on cash seriously ... take a loan ...
Sorry edited the post and removed that info. Think that was irrelevant info and made you side-track. Can you please read the post again and offer advice if any. Thanks again.
Jcpenny what was the original post? Facebook works as a janitor?