I’m looking at a 2005 Toyota Highlander that has 120,000 miles on it. I took it for a test drive and it ran smoothly! No major accidents, which is a plus. Most of my friends prefer buying new cars, often paying a lot more than I think they should just to get around. I’d like to know if anyone has advice on buying a car that’s a bit older. I know Toyotas can last a long time but I’ve never had one before. I plan to buy it from a Toyota dealer and pay cash. Thanks for the advice!
It depends on the price. That’s not too many miles for the year. If the oil has been changed regularly and the price is fair, I’d go for it. We have 5 Highlanders in our family, great vehicles and easy to work on.
@Hollis
Are they all 4 cylinders? If it’s a V6, servicing might be harder. Have you ever tried to change the spark plugs? I wouldn’t call working on the back bank of that engine ‘easy.’
ruth said: @Hollis
Are they all 4 cylinders? If it’s a V6, servicing might be harder. Have you ever tried to change the spark plugs? I wouldn’t call working on the back bank of that engine ‘easy.’
Here’s the car. I don’t know much about car repairs, just how to call a mechanic.
Does it have service records? That’s key. Make sure the coolant was changed and check if the timing belt has been done.
It’s the 3.3L engine with a timing belt. So the first question is: has the timing belt been replaced? If you can’t find proof, factor in an extra $1000 for that.
The transmission and differential might need servicing.
Change all the fluids: brake, power steering, and coolant.
Toyota’s coolant needs changing every 120K miles or 10 years. If that hasn’t been done, you’ll need to do it when you change the timing belt.
All this will cost you a couple thousand dollars at a dealer, maybe less at an independent shop.
So you’re looking at $2000 in maintenance on a $6700 car. That makes it closer to $10K for the car. But if that’s worth it to you, it could be a good deal. After that, you’ll easily get another 100K miles if the brakes and tires are good. Just make sure it’s inspected for rust, especially since you’re in Ohio. Have them check it on a service lift.
ruth said: @Hollis
Are they all 4 cylinders? If it’s a V6, servicing might be harder. Have you ever tried to change the spark plugs? I wouldn’t call working on the back bank of that engine ‘easy.’
It’s probably a 4-cylinder. The 3.0L, 3.3L, and 3.5L engines can be a pain to work on. The water pump is tough to replace. You’ll also have to take off the intake to change the back 3 spark plugs, which means replacing intake and valve cover gaskets.
@Drake
I changed all 6 spark plugs on my 3.3L 3MZ-FE without removing anything. It wasn’t easy, but it wasn’t bad for my first time either. The water pump though, that’s going to the shop.
ruth said: @Hollis
Are they all 4 cylinders? If it’s a V6, servicing might be harder. Have you ever tried to change the spark plugs? I wouldn’t call working on the back bank of that engine ‘easy.’
I think it’s worth it as long as it’s had proper maintenance and there’s no major rust. But be prepared for wear parts to need replacing soon. At this age, a lot of those parts start to wear out, but that doesn’t mean it’s not worth it. Just be ready to handle some repairs.
If it has a clean record, proper maintenance, and doesn’t look neglected, I’d buy it. But if you’re in a snowy area or somewhere with harsh weather, I’d skip it.
ruth said:
If it has a clean record, proper maintenance, and doesn’t look neglected, I’d buy it. But if you’re in a snowy area or somewhere with harsh weather, I’d skip it.
I’m in Ohio, but it doesn’t have any rust or signs of being left outside.
I’d have no hesitation buying a well-maintained Toyota from the 90s or even 80s. But keep in mind, it’s still a 20+ year old vehicle. If you don’t mind outdated safety features (like adding a backup camera and CarPlay for a few hundred bucks), then it really just depends on the condition of this specific vehicle. Get a pre-purchase inspection done before buying.
If the dealer won’t allow a third-party inspection, it’s probably hiding something, and you should move on. A good inspection might help you negotiate the price, although it can be harder with a dealer than with a private seller. It’ll cost you a bit, but it’s better than spending money on a car with hidden problems.
We had a 2002 4-cylinder Highlander that ran great until it was totaled by a 70-year-old. But the one you’re looking at doesn’t have a Carfax or VIN listed. With that low mileage, it might’ve been wrecked a few times. It has a timing belt, not a timing chain, so check the VIN and Carfax for history, number of owners, and any accidents before deciding.