[KevinH1990]

Originally Posted by Brian in Tucson

I have a first generation Toyota Highlander--mostly because I can't afford an expensive SUV. At 200+ thousand miles, it's in like new condition and I got it cheap enough to put fresh paint on it. Before you buy some European exotica, I'd give a look at new or gently used late model Toyotas, either a RAV 4 or a Highlander. Toyota products have a reputation for quality. My last three cars were Toyotas, they deserve the rep. And you can find one with all the bells and whistles.

Just my humble opinion.

We have a 2005 Highlander XLE. We bought it new and it is approaching 220,000 miles. My wife is very happy with it. It is not a vehicle that will make your heart beat faster, but it gets the job done at an extremely reasonable cost. You do have to replace the timing belt every 100,000 miles and most people replace the water pump at the same time.

The Lexus RX 300/330 is mechanically identical and I’ve been told that it is easier to find find good deals on a low mileage, garage-kept Lexus than a Highlander of the same vintage. I guess people keep their Highlanders until they wear them out.