What version of the Highlander did you end up getting. We have the Hybrid Max, but if they offered the platinum trim in the regular hybrid that is what we would have gotten.
Car buying advice
- Thread starter CycloneRulzzz
- Start date
Not a lot out there in that price range. I just bought a car for my son and it was definitely more than that. Good luck, might want to look for some private sellers.
Thanks everyone for all the advice. Not necessarily in need of something with bells and whistles.
Just want a reliable vehicle. I don't do alot of long distance driving. A majority of my driving is Nevada to Ames.
Last time I purchased was in 2009ish so it's been awhile.
Just want a reliable vehicle. I don't do alot of long distance driving. A majority of my driving is Nevada to Ames.
Last time I purchased was in 2009ish so it's been awhile.
Good luck with it. Remember, they need you more than you need them. That's what my dad told me before buying my first car.
Mazda are extremely reliable, though not very "loaded " or luxury if that's what you're looking for. But I think they're rock solid, get you to 200k + miles with few issues no problem. Generally very good fuel economy across the board too
I’ve had a Toyota Tacoma with 325k miles before I sold it and am currently driving one with 215k miles. Wife’s 4-Runner has 200k plus. Mother in law had a Camry that was very reliable. Toyota is the way to go. If you find a used one with a good price don’t let high miles scare you off
when I was searching for full size sedans, the last gen Impala and Lacrosse had more 250k+ mile offerings for sale used nation wide then the same year Avalons.
Good luck with it. Remember, they need you more than you need them. That's what my dad told me before buying my first car.
The 'get up and leave if they don't give you the price' method is underrated.
This. 100%. Toyota Camry for sedan or perhaps a 2013-2015 Lexus RX350 if you want a small SUV. Don’t be afraid to drive to Chicago or Minneapolis if you aren’t getting the deals you want locally. Starting prices are typically much better in the larger markets.
Go to Carfax and put in the amount you want to give, and see what is within a 100 or 200 miles of you. Look for Toyotas and Hondas.
Also in the market, and I just ******* can't with their new logo. I can't see anything but "KN". But I've also heard those same issues.
If you are looking used or slightly used I would suggest Carmax. You can get a car out of the south that has not gone through or winters and you can find a better deal. I got my car that way and it was so easy.
Very smart advice.Good luck with it. Remember, they need you more than you need them. That's what my dad told me before buying my first car.
That Camry is a 99 and is still very reliable, only 160,000 miles.
"Toyota is currently managing multiple significant recall campaigns in 2026, with the most critical issue involving its twin-turbo V6 engine and software defects in hybrid and electric models. "
"Twin-Turbo V6 Engine Recalls (Tundra & Lexus)
The most widespread issue affects the V35A-FTS engine used in Toyota Tundra and Lexus LX/GX vehicles.- Scale: Nearly 270,000 vehicles have been recalled since May 2024 due to manufacturing debris (swarf) contaminating the #1 main bearing.
- Consequences: This debris can cause bearing failure, engine knocking, sudden power loss, or complete engine stall.
- Latest Action: In May 2026, 43,566 additional 2024 Tundras were added to the recall list. "
"General Motors has issued significant recalls for both engine and transmission issues affecting its full-size trucks and SUVs.
Engine Recalls
Affected Models: 2021-2024 Cadillac Escalade, Chevrolet Silverado 1500/Suburban/Tahoe, and GMC Sierra 1500/Yukon equipped with the 6.2L L87 V8 engine.
Issue: Manufacturing defects in connecting rods and/or crankshafts can lead to sudden engine failure, increasing crash risk.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the engine for repair or replacement free of charge.
Status: While the initial recall covered nearly 600,000 vehicles, NHTSA has opened a new investigation into post-recall failures, with owner notifications for the initial recall mailed in June 2025.
Transmission Recalls
Affected Models: 2022 model year Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban, GMC Yukon/Yukon XL, and Cadillac Escalade/ESV with 10-speed transmissions featuring Electronic Transmission Range Select (ETRS). Additionally, 1,055 2020-2022 Silverado and Sierra pickups are recalled because they received incorrect software during a previous repair.
Issue: Excessive wear in the transmission control valve can cause gradual pressure loss, harsh shifting, or rare but serious rear wheel lockup.
Remedy: Dealers will install new Transmission Control Module (TCM) software that monitors valve wear. If a fault is detected, the transmission limits itself to fifth gear to prevent lockup."
Engine Recalls
Affected Models: 2021-2024 Cadillac Escalade, Chevrolet Silverado 1500/Suburban/Tahoe, and GMC Sierra 1500/Yukon equipped with the 6.2L L87 V8 engine.
Issue: Manufacturing defects in connecting rods and/or crankshafts can lead to sudden engine failure, increasing crash risk.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the engine for repair or replacement free of charge.
Status: While the initial recall covered nearly 600,000 vehicles, NHTSA has opened a new investigation into post-recall failures, with owner notifications for the initial recall mailed in June 2025.
Transmission Recalls
Affected Models: 2022 model year Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban, GMC Yukon/Yukon XL, and Cadillac Escalade/ESV with 10-speed transmissions featuring Electronic Transmission Range Select (ETRS). Additionally, 1,055 2020-2022 Silverado and Sierra pickups are recalled because they received incorrect software during a previous repair.
Issue: Excessive wear in the transmission control valve can cause gradual pressure loss, harsh shifting, or rare but serious rear wheel lockup.
Remedy: Dealers will install new Transmission Control Module (TCM) software that monitors valve wear. If a fault is detected, the transmission limits itself to fifth gear to prevent lockup."
