What other vehicles did you consider?

Hello, new owner here. We got our '08 Sport 8/9/08, I imagine we all wonder if we got the right vehicle when new. I only have a few miles seat time and so still forming opinions. It was really hard for us to decide between the MDX and Highlander. Both had a lot going for them.



So what (if any) other vehicles did you consider when purchasing your Highlander? And what was some of the main factors that made you buy?



And by the way, I searched a lot here on the forum when doing research before purchasing, especially towing and gas mileage. Thanks to all, and I hope to contribute as we go on.



John

Reply 1 : What other vehicles did you consider?

We looked at the old Pilot and really came close to buying a Subaru Tribecca. It drove the handled way better that the Toyota- which is kind of luxury ride, where the Subaru is a very sporting feel.



The Subaru just did not have enough cargo room and had dismal gas milage. The old Pilot was too dated on the interior, even though they were giving them away. We also liked the Subaru's interior front dash better, but the rear seats had very little padding.

Reply 2 : What other vehicles did you consider?

Hi John,



I also considered and/or looked at and test drove the Nissan Armada, Nissan Pathfinder, Honda Pilot, Toyota Tacoma, and the Toyota RAV4. Suffice it to say, none of the American manufacturers were considered. Hey, if I was in the market for fighter-bombers or surface-to-air missiles I'd buy only American, but IMHO our automobile industry produces inferior products. Anyway, I ultimately chose the Highlander because of (ranked most to less important) mechanical reliability, fuel mileage, interior room, off-road abilities, and interior comfort. Based on seven months ownership, I'm completely satisfied with the above-mentioned features of the vehicle. BTW, welcome to the forum.



TrailDust

Reply 3 : What other vehicles did you consider?

I also considered the MDX (my friend bought the MDX), but for what I only wanted which the HL fit the bill without me spending almost $10k more for stuff I didn't want on the MDX. HL has going for it, better mileage, slightly more front row room, sliding second row and regular gas. Plus I had a '08 HL Sport rental when I was out in Lake Taos and it snowed everyday, so I got a weeks worth of driving in the snow, was way nicer than the Hyndai Santa Fe that we got for our second rental on that trip.

Reply 4 : What other vehicles did you consider?

I forgot that we also looked close at the RAV, but just not enough storage for trips

Reply 5 : What other vehicles did you consider?

Quote:

Originally Posted by dirtraven1 I also considered the MDX (my friend bought the MDX), but for what I only wanted which the HL fit the bill without me spending almost $10k more for stuff I didn't want on the MDX. HL has going for it, better mileage, slightly more front row room, sliding second row and regular gas. Plus I had a '08 HL Sport rental when I was out in Lake Taos and it snowed everyday, so I got a weeks worth of driving in the snow, was way nicer than the Hyndai Santa Fe that we got for our second rental on that trip.

Sounds similar to my experience back in September '07. I also considered the Honda CR-V - I still like the styling of that new vehicle but I've never yet owned a Honda and couldn't abandon my longstanding Toyota fetis--er, loyalty.

Reply 6 : What other vehicles did you consider?

I considered the 08 Honda Pilot. I thought the Pilot had a better view of the road and a roomier and more comfortable thrid row seat. However, I felt it was too outdated, and at that time the 09 Pilots were about to come out, and so I did not want something that feels "old". When it come down to it I don't think there were any other vehicles on the market that would work for me besides the 08 HL. I have two baby seats in the outer 2nd row. I also occasionally need to use the 3rd row seat and did not want to have to more the baby seats each time to have acess to the 3rd tow. With the HL you can remove the middle seat in the 2nd row to get to the 3rd row. I know there are other vehicles that have the middle seat permanently so you'll easily have access to the 3rd row. However, my wife likes the option of being able to sit in the middle seat so the can keep an eye on the kids when she needs to. For now the HL works for us.

Reply 7 : What other vehicles did you consider?

I considered the MDX CX-9 and Murano.



I ended up getting the Highlander Limited since it had the conveniences my family required. For the same specifications and features & options apples to apples the Highlander was the best bag for the buck.



The only dislike I had about the Highlander was the LACK of HID lights..which come std on the MDX CX-9 and Murano, Toyota Did Not even have an option for it.

Reply 8 : What other vehicles did you consider?

Our priorities were seat height, comfort, and options. Seat height cause my wife has a minor hip problem and needs to sit 'in' rather than sit 'down'. We bought a 2000 Sienna XLE new and it's been fantastic so we know Toyota. We casually looked at the Murano - wife read that buyers had problems with the rear window view, plus it looks more like a station wagon so we nixed it. We went to look at the Pilot, and it did look very 'dated' on the inside - I just didn't like it. We test drive a Honda CRV, which was ok, but it had a real bad noise problem when opening a rear window. The Rav4 was ok as well, but we thought the HL was better in comfort (LTD model) and had more options. Kinda funny... I saw the HL on the lot a couple of weeks before we got into buying mode.... it was red (my wifes fav color) and an LTD w/Leather seats, and called out to my wife 'hey, take a look at this - here's the car your gonna buy'.... and couple of weeks later, we did. She also liked the Toy that looks like a hummer... but it's built on a truck frame and has too high a seat height. HL is built on a car platform, so it's height is just right. :-)

Reply 9 : What other vehicles did you consider?

We looked at a lot of vehicles and in the end came to the Highlander. The main reason was the amount of rear leg room. I'm 6'3 and we needed to be able to fit an infant seat in the back with the front seat all the way back. Here is what we looked at that I can remember right now (in no particular order)

Acura TL Type S

Acura TSX (we were moving from an '04 TSX)

Acura MDX

Acura RDX

Toyota Sienna

Toyota Highlander

Toyota Highlander Hybrid

Toyota Camry

Toyota Avalon

Honda Odyssey

Honda Pilot

Honda Accord

Nissan Murano

Nissan Altima

Mazda CX-9

Mazda CX-7

VW Passat Wagon

Buick Enclave



I didn't really want another SUV, but it just fit. And I wanted the Hybrid, but it just didn't make financial sense.

Reply 10 : What other vehicles did you consider?

I hear you about the back seat. I'd say the greatest number of compliments I've gotten from people have been regarding the roominess of the 2nd row seats. When people who don't know me that well ask why I bought an SUV, I tell them what kind of mileage I get and invariably their jaws drop open. After all the vehicles I researched and actually looked at and test drove, nothing came close to the Highlander and every time I get behind the wheel I'm confident I made the correct choice.



TrailDust

Reply 11 : What other vehicles did you consider?

Quote:

Originally Posted by TrailDust every time I get behind the wheel I'm confident I made the correct choice.TrailDust

You hit the nail on the head there Traildust! I was concerned at first that we should have got the MDX, but the more I drive the HY, the more confident I am that we made the correct choice. I love driving the Whistle Pig.

We were looking for that right balance of MPG, light to medium towing capability, quitness and comfort with a touch of luxury. We found it. It also is an attractive vehicle when I see others driving down the road. I think it will age better then some of the others we considered.

Reply 12 : What other vehicles did you consider?

We considered the MDX and CX9. The Pilot was off the list since it was just too dated at the time (2009 Pilot wasn't out yet). The MDX drove very well but was written off because it cost more (even without NAV) and had less 2nd row space. It also requires premium fuel and gets worse gas mileage.



The CX9 was written off because it's 10" longer than either the Highlander or MDX (tough to fit in our garage), had less towing capacity, we didn't really trust the Ford components (born out in Consumer Reports reliability rating) and my wife just didn't care for it.



The Highlander was a perfect choice because it the exterior size isn't too big yet it has a lot of space in the 1st and 2nd rows, we could delete the 3rd row, has a pop up rear glass and it has a high tow rating for the class. Also, it's pretty quick and handles well for what it is yet gets reasonable mpg.



Overall, it was a perfect fit.

Reply 13 : What other vehicles did you consider?

it has been a while since the last comment and since I am in the shopping phase I decided to add my post here.



At one time, we had 04 Sienna LE AWD, 06 Avalon Limited and a 97 Camry LE. Everything seems ok until I sold my Camry, then 2 accidents within 3 months. No car at all for the family (of 6)



Took me a while to get our current ride, 05 Avalon Limited. In the mean time, driving my inlaw's suburban. Was think about getting a new 11 Sienna XLE AWD. Almost got it before Christmas then my in law told me the suburban is for me to keep since he just got another car. I don't want to drive the suburban everyday. The new Sienna feels down graded from last gen.



So looked at Highlander again (used to have an 01 HL) since it holds better value vs other. Until last week, I checked out some 07 MDX, price is closed to 08 HL but has more features (and better look?) then HL. Sure when compares NEW MDX and HL, the price different is higher but for used, they are very close. Wonder if it make sense to go with used MDX then HL. Most used 08 HL started around $25K based model up to $30 for Limited. 07 MDX is around $27-$30K.



I know MDX need premium fuel but that's probably not a big concern compares to the suburban I drive. Input anyone?

Reply 14 : What other vehicles did you consider?

I never posted here but I was set to get the new Mitsu Outlander. I drove it, it was fun fast and loaded with things like heated leather, Xenon lights, Blue tooth. Just me and the wife so a big SUV not needed. They just would not come down much at all on price. I opted for the HL for reputation though it was bigger than I needed.

I posted on some other threads that my son just got a 2011 Hyundai Tucson LTD, darn, that is a nice ride with a great warranty and many more features than the HL.

I never considered it because I was too much of a name snob at the time.