THANK YOU VERY MUCH all of you. !!!
Ok, so back to the Highlander then. I have had the 1st and 2nd Gen, both made in Japan. The 2nd Gen was a 2009 which was rare because it was actually Japanese …. In 2009 Toyota changed to the USA plant for Highlander built.
Now, not intending to say USA made Toyotas are bad…. But then what could be the best Highlander? Is the 2021 or I guess 4th Gen still made with an NA engine ? I won’t mind a 4 banger to be honest. I don’t pull anything… oh I really miss my 3rd Gen 4Runner with its 4 banger engine.
cheers !
THANK YOU VERY MUCH !
Ok, so it looks like either …
1. A 2015 which was the last of the 3rd Gen before the new 8 speed trans …. That would have the NA proven engine and no issues with the 8 speed planetary gears.
2. A new hybrid with the 4 banger Atkinson engine that seems doing fine
I will look into #1 because I am sure #2 will be probably in the $40,000 USD OUCH
THANK YOU VERY MUCH again. 🫶🙏
Yep, good luck! Just remember to not overpay for an old car in Todays market.
Buy a new Toyota Highlander. Used ones are going more than new ones with this market going on.
or wait out until JPow announces a recession 😉
Is the 2021 or I guess 4th Gen still made with an NA engine ?
Nope, the conventional non-hybrid naturally aspirated engine it is discontinued.
That engine was just too much for the earlier versions of the planetary gear set to handle, and that's a shame.
It has been replaced with an unproven 4 cylinder with a new fuel system and new single twin-scroll turbocharger, I'd avoid at least for 4-5 years until we'll know just how good / bad it is and what to watch out for.
If you want a highlander just get it as a hybrid - The DynamicForce Atkinson 4 cylinder naturally aspirated 2.5L has been around for about 5 years and in warmer climates they seem to perform just fine with no obvious issues.
(If you're worried about the hybrid system or batteries going out Toyota has longer warranties on them)
or wait out until JPow announces a recession
Well there are about 3 weeks left,
The BEA is said to release its GDP numbers in 3 (July 28th) weeks so I'd assume it's going to happen sooner than later.
But judging by other estimates, you're probably right...
https://twitter.com/AtlantaFed/status/1542922843511574528
But I wouldn't expect it to change the car market too much in the short term, it'll probably only worsen the already bad situation on the used car market.
Your comment: “ That engine was just too much for the earlier versions of the planetary gear set to handle, and that's a shame.”
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Are you referring to this 4th Gen Highlander and specifically mated to the 8-speed auto? That was used for 2020-2022 model years.
@DayWalker
The 8 speed auto has been having that issue with the planetary gear sets, since it was first installed in 2016 (before the 4th generation). Toyota is still publishing new TSBs for new cars with the same issues, as new as 2021.
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I have no clue what is it with weak gear sets on all new transmissions, this is not just Toyota, it's everyone.
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https://youtu.be/-xyQn9TFdqU
https://youtu.be/sz7uPYEfU3Y
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Has nothing to do with the design, has a lot to do with Toyota being too cheap. They don't whine on Peugeot, Citroen, Opel and neither do they on MINI and Volvo - Toyota is just too cheap to get the high torque rating version and use good quality materials I guess.
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Somehow this is still the most reliable 8 speed out there and more reliable than the CVT, it's just still disappointing.
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My Corolla with the MultiMode Transmission also whines, but only in 5th gear - It probably just got "inspired" by all of those whining new Corolla CVTs and 8 speed automatics on the rest of the lineup.
Ok. It looks like the 8 speed change was in the 2017 not 2016. So up to a 2016 would be fine then !
Cheers !!
WOW.
Hybrids are going for $50k or so ! No way ! The idea is to have a cheaper car than my current 2013 Land Cruiser. Geez. Too expensive. Back to the 2015 or 2016 search.
🫶