2002 Highlander...opinions?

What are your opinions on this 2002 Highlander? We have to replace the kids car because the ins company totaled it out and wont repair it. Thanks.

https://tampa.craigslist.org/pnl/ctd/d/clearwater-2002-toyota-highlander-sport/7353430116.html

 

I don't know what the price range is on those but my uncle got one for cheap several years ago. He fixed what was wrong with it and has been driving it trouble free ever since. I have grown to like them.

I can't recall what was wrong. He scores cars for cheap once in a while.

 

For 161K miles, it’s according to how it was maintained. Bought wife 2000 20 yrs ago, few years later traded up to a 2004 and 4 yrs ago, traded up to a 2017. To this day I could still be driving the 2000. Any of those years were/are rock solid. Price does not seem bad(surely you’ll dicker) and seeing on the net not same as in person but it does look fine

 

These original built in Japan Highlanders are really nice in general. Funny though how there is no VIN for Carfax checking which I would make sure to do before driving any distance to see the car. Also lookup on the Toyota owners site obviously too.

You dont see many 4wd trucks in Florida really and I think the V6 and 4wd badges were not in the location on the back door from the factory where they seem to be now on the truck pictured so.......

But I would snag a nice one of these 1st gen Highlanders in a second if I found one that I liked!

There can be only one though too so there is that.

 

I havent checked it yet but the VIN is listed. The car is only about 6 miles or so from me so it's local.

 

Man thats a damn good eye.

The badges were lower if they are real. If it is the 4wd or AWD thats very nice.

The inside is clean and honest, no smeared up glossy mess to make it look new. Outside could use some buffing but as a car for the kids I think this is a great option. A day spent waxing it and clearing up the head lights would make it nice.

 

I'm going to look at it tomorrow. The Toyota site says it's a 4wd.

 

I looked online...the 4x4 and V6 should be at the lower left corner of the plate like this one.

 

Thats exactly what i meant!

I have looked at a lot of these.

 

Had the Timing Belt @ 83K

 

Thanks for pulling that. What do you think?

 

The maintenance was somewhat sporadic but of course that is just at the dealer. I think I’d also like to hear what you say when you see it first hand tomorrow.
Perhaps I should also ask, what does your kid think, since you ate replacing it for them

 

Yes I will see what it looks like tomm. She doesn't have much choice if she wants a vehicle to drive lol.

 

This vehicle looks better....

https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/inven...Helper.selectedEntity=c3946#listing=305078516

 

How so exactly?

Have you seen both and between these two the 4r is clearly better or do you mean that just in general it is better?

I have never understood the notion of a 2wd SUV for me even i Florida? Also the 4wd in the Highlander is full time and should make for a safer and more sure footed drive than a rear wheel drive truck in wet conditions I would think. I also like the smaller more handy feel of the Highlander for a young girl I think?

So have you seen either of them?

 

I have seen the 4R. I have questioned the timing belt that was replaced on the Highlander as to why it was replaced at 83K or whenever it was.

 

Similar to 1st Gen Tundras but few months sooner, V6 High TB every 60K.

"Highlanders manufactured from 2001 to 2007 with a V6 engine require a new belt every 60k miles. Owners of 4-cylinder Highlanders from 2001 to 2007 and V6s from 2008 have chains, however, no belt is needed."

When Should I Replace The Timing Belt? | Toyota Parts Center (olathetoyota.com)

 

I own a 2002 Highlander i bought new. Has 208k on it now. Looks pretty beat up now but has been
the most reliable vehicle i have ever owned. Don't see me ever parting with it. I do all the required
maintenance and it has been problem free

 

Mine and the a/c still maintains 58 in the hottest ATL summers.
Headlights are a pain to replace. If they are oem, try to restore them. I replaced
with Amazon knockoffs and they fogged after a year.