I will have a $7,000-10,000 budget.  I've worked on most of my cars in the past and found it enjoyable.  However, my latest cars aren't so easy and even though I have less time when repairs are needed, I hate paying a mechanic for something that should be easy fix but isn't.  With this in mind, should I go for a 2009 - 2012 Highlander or try and find an early model even though it will have a lot more miles.  With Toyotas reliability, I'm not as afraid of buying something with over 200,000 miles as I would be with other models, and from what I gather, parts should be fairly cheap and easy enough for me to bring it up to newer standards. If it makes any difference, I will be towing under 1500lbs occasionally, and due to a planned moved would like to have 4 wheel drive due to where I will be moving to.  thanks