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Discussion starter · #1 ·
Sup family? I recently was involved in a car accident. As a result of this, my 2007 RAV4 was smashed into from my driver's side bumper, light, door & wheel. The car is gona need a re-alignment. So after this is done I'm sure my baby will not ride the same so I'm goin2 trade it in for something brand new. I love my RAV4; the gas mileage is 2nd to none! But I'm likin the new Highlander plus I'm bout2get married so I want a roomier SUV. What should I get?
 
Discussion starter · #3 ·
Naw, I wanted to stick with Toyota. Either the Highlander or the RAV4. I need advice from those who have either car. And what's so different about the 08 RAV?
 
Not much diff. on the 08 RAV, goes test drive the highlander and then decide. The highlander is more of a cruiser. You said you are about to get marry, is there kids or dogs that comes with the deal, hance the need for a bigger SUV.
 
Discussion starter · #5 ·
Yea, 2 kids more on the way later on, but no dog yet. Good gas mileage is a must, especially these days with plenty of room.
 
Discussion starter · #6 ·
My other vehicle is a Tahoe that seats 8. We have two kids. The problem is your kids make friends and frequently you end up hauling around groups of kids. We need to comfortably seat 6 quite often. I think a "real" third row seat is a must. I would not have a RAV even with the third row as a primary family car. It's just too small to haul people and any reasonable amount of cargo such as on a trip. I'd go for the Highlander or dare I say a Siena. :shock: I had a mini van before and honestly it was more functional and carried more than my Tahoe.
 
Discussion starter · #7 ·
Having had both (Traded in a Highlander for my Rav) I would go for the Highlander. If mileage is that important to you, go with the HL Hybrid. Do figure out how long you would have to keep it though before the premium for this model has payed for itself by gas savings. You might be surprised.
 
I say the two things to consider is the 4-RNR or the Rav4. The Highlander sits in between and the only real benefit is the hybrid... which you pay a premium for... otherwise that highlander doesn't do anything well. It's bigger than the Rav (parking), less truck like than the 4-RNR, worse gas mileage than the Rav4, not as powerful as the 4-RNR, etc. But that's my opinion.
 
The Highlander does its job quite well - it's a relatively car-like family SUV that's larger than the RAV4 but still decent on gas. Being less truck-like than the off-roader 4Runner means it's more economical and has better ride and handling. If you like the RAV4 but need more space, the Highlander is essentially more of the same in a bigger wrapper. Sounds like the best fit.

Send a PM to summerwind if you want some first-hand opinions on RAV4 vs. new Highlander - he recently made the switch.
 
bbsketch said:
Sup family? I recently was involved in a car accident. As a result of this, my 2007 RAV4 was smashed into from my driver's side bumper, light, door & wheel. The car is gona need a re-alignment. So after this is done I'm sure my baby will not ride the same so I'm goin2 trade it in for something brand new. I love my RAV4; the gas mileage is 2nd to none! But I'm likin the new Highlander plus I'm bout2get married so I want a roomier SUV. What should I get?
The new Highlander is a larger and offers options not available on the Rav4. However, if that doesn't suit your auto needs now ... the Rav4, comparably equipped, will be $3K - $5K less expensive. And, they will likely come up with a better deal on a Rav to Rav trade.

If you want the name of a very good Toyota Sales contact in So. NJ PM me and I'll give you a referral.
 
Go Rav or cough up additional $10K

I drove both in 2008 models. The Highlander is very plush, rides nice, and powerful. Really like the backup camera !

But, when I looked/compared the specs between the two, the Highlander is truly not that much bigger. Yeh, a few inches longer & wider, but with almost identical options ( minus camera ) the Highlander was $10K more. If you add up the costs vs. the additional cubic inches you get for the money you will see why I say "Go Rav".

Oh, by the way, exact same engine !!

I went with 2008 Rav4 Sport V6 ( Black ) with every option and accessory available except the alarm system for $31K OTD. The Highlander would have been $41K. I can get alot of add-ons/goodies with the 10 grand I saved. :lol:

Good luck !

The RAVinator !!
 
Im no Nostradamus here or anything like that, but with oil prices raising on a daily basis, i think 4.00 a gallon for gas is just down the road. I would want something that could squeeze as much out of a gallon of gas as it can, and the Rav would do that better then the Highlander.

P.S. Your getting married? Don't forget that when you give them the ring, they give you the finger. lol
 
Discussion starter · #15 ·
I considered the Highlander before my 2008 RAV4 V6 sport purchase - the most notable thing (you will see after a test drive especially that you have owned a RAV4) is that the steering response is way too soft, "floaty" feeling.

Good power but obviously heavier and in some colors you would never even notice it - although the Black with chrome trim is sweet!

As other's have responded - you would now be in a different price bracket which opens up other model and makes - Acura and Lexus
 
Ask your wife-to-be. My 'ol lady' doesn't like the looks of the '08 highlander, so we got the RAV. Dont know why, I really like the new Highlander, but women can be funny sometimes..... :wink:
 
bmorton said:
Send a PM to summerwind if you want some first-hand opinions on RAV4 vs. new Highlander - he recently made the switch.
Yeap..
The 08 Highlander borrows some tech from the RAV4 and Camry.
The steering uses EPS like the RAV4.
The AC compressor is continuous variable like the RAV4
It's too soon to talk MPG but you will take a 2-3 MPG hit.
The AWD is full time on the Highlander vs on demand on the RAV4
Tow cap is 5,000lb with the tow package
The "you have to be kidding" moment is the Highlander does not come standard with roof rack cross rails and if you want them you need to order them separately. Currently they are backlogged and not available until mid December

The backup camera is great.
The glass in the lift-gate opens without opening the lift-gate.
The third row is usable
It is quieter than the RAV4
The Sport and Limited come with a power lift-gate option.
Bluetooth support
The second row is really for two people so it is a 2-2-3 configuration with the third row
The divider between the second row seats can be removed to create a narrow walk through to the third row but the passenger side seat folds and moves forward easily to gain access to the third row.


Stats..

________________Highlander------RAV4
Length------------------188.4----------181.1
Width---------------------75.2-----------71.5
Width with Mirrors-------86-------------81
Height---------------------69.3----------68.7
Wheel base-------------109.8---------104.7
Weight-------------------4321----------3512
turning circle-------------39ft-----------34.8ft

MPG--------------------17 / 23----------20/25

fuel cap------------------17.2-----------15.9

tires-----------------P245/55R19----P225/65R17
(Sport/Limited)

Guess it depends on your needs and budget. The RAV4 will cost less but the Highlander has more room and towing capacity

PS: Dealers in my area will negotiate price on a Base or Sport but it's MSRP baby on a Limited. Best I could do was $1000 off MSRP as a repeat customer discount. Even Costco discount wasn't valid on a Limited.
 
Fitzgerald AutoMall seems to be discounting the Highlander Limited

Fitzgerald AutoMall is discounting the Highlanders>

They're in the VA/MD area; according to their website they have 17 Highlander 4x4 in stock:

http://www.fitzmall.com/carfind/search.asp?lstMake=TOYOTA

Highlander 4WD LTD Color: [call] Stock #: T032894

Delivered Internet Price: $38,215 Factory Invoice: $37,807
Delivered Value Price: $38,584 MSRP: $42,499

Delivered Prices on New Vehicles Include Rebates and Incentives Applicable to All Purchasers. Additional Rebates and Incentives May Apply
 
Re: Fitzgerald AutoMall seems to be discounting the Highlander Limited

luigi524td said:
Fitzgerald AutoMall is discounting the Highlanders>

They're in the VA/MD area; according to their website they have 17 Highlander 4x4 in stock:

http://www.fitzmall.com/carfind/search.asp?lstMake=TOYOTA

Highlander 4WD LTD Color: [call] Stock #: T032894

Delivered Internet Price: $38,215 Factory Invoice: $37,807
Delivered Value Price: $38,584 MSRP: $42,499

Delivered Prices on New Vehicles Include Rebates and Incentives Applicable to All Purchasers. Additional Rebates and Incentives May Apply
Couldn't tell what options it had.
I paid $38,500 and had JBL with Bluetooth, heated seats, remote start, and tow prep package

If the one mentioned did not include these options it was over priced.
 
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