Good morning, so I’m in a pickle. I sold my f150 and looking to down size. I have narrowed it down to a few options but am torn in what to do. I’m looking for something I can pay cash for, nothing crazy expensive 7k or less. I’ve found a few that I like. I am between a 2005 4-runner 195k (with 3rd row), a 2004 Honda Pilot 100k original mileage, and a 2006 highlander hybrid 200k on it. Any input and thoughts would be nice. I’ve found some others that are newer but have well over 200k on them so is it better to do a newer model with higher miles or an older model with lower miles!!! My head is spinning. Thank you for the help.
Between those, I would conisider the 4Runner.
Just curious on why the 4 runner? That’s where I’m leaning. Just due to the long history of the 4Runner. Curious on your thoughts. Obviously the fuel economy is not even close to the pilot but a few miles per gallon won’t matter in the long run I guess.
@Dan explained very well. 4Runners are great trucks and can last a really long time, but you should realize that you need to have your mechanic check the car before purchase. The Highlanders are great as well but in your case, it is a hybrid and with that mileage, hybrids needs some expensive work. Honda makes great small cars but in the case of big SUVs and trucks, I stick to Toyota.
2006 highlander hybrid 200k on
Definitely not this one.
16 year old batteries with 200k miles on them is a disaster waiting to happen.
Honda pilots did have a lot of transmission issues - looking online the radiator would cause ATF and anti-freeze to mix and the friction packs in the transmission would fall apart (requiring a replacement or rebuild)
I would check the condition of the transmission - if the car is in VERY nice shape, then it can be decent
(if you but it - keep an eye out on the ATF condition and the radiator. If the ATF/Coolant looks like a strawberry milkshake, you know the transmission is gone. Hopefully if you’ll catch it early it won’t harm the friction packs too much)
4Runners are the best from a build quality perspective - but at 200k it’s probably on its last legs.
I’d go for the Honda, or try to find a lower mileage 4Runner
2005 4-runner 195k (with 3rd row)
You didn't mention price for this one but with this current market, pass on it because it's probably overpriced.
a 2004 Honda Pilot 100k original mileage
This vehicle has transmission issues.
and a 2006 highlander hybrid 200k
Run away from that vehicle. The battery is on it's last legs.
4Runner- 7400, pilot 5600, and highlander 4K. Any other vehicles you would recommend with the 3rd row?
I currently drive an 04 Chrysler Town and Country with 144,000 miles. I owned it for almost 3 years and it's been a very good car. You said you were on a budget but try and find one of those. It could be a good buy.
For the pricing, I would look at it as $7400 for the 4Runner, $7400 for the Highlander, and $5600 for the Pilot.
Why $7400 for the Highlander? The cost of a refurbished battery is about $3000. If it has already been changed, you may get lucky. If not, plan on spending that extra $3000 for a hybrid battery in the next few years.
Unless you know your stuff and why to look for, I don’t recommend the Pilot. They have potential VCM issues and transmission issues. If the transmission was fixed properly, it may be ok. But unlikely that it has been.
Which leads to the 4Runner and the Highlander. Keeping in my the prices and caveat I laid out in the beginning.
If you do more outdoor stuff, off-road, do some hauling, or things where you would like a truck, get the 4Runner.
If you do a ton of city driving, get the Highlander.
I’m assuming that the cars check out. Heck, try them both, and see what you like better.
Wow so much info. Thanks for the input!!! I may go back to the drawing board, but supply near me and I say near me with quotes is limited. I’m searching within 200 miles and there just isn’t a lot available.