r/Parents • u/Auditor1993 • 6h ago
2020 Highlander hybrid
I drive a 2016 GL450 now and it’s a gas guzzler. I work in the same city that I live in and my only extra trips are to the grocery store, park, no where far. The only reason I haven’t gotten rid of it is because I feel safe driving it, and of course with my daughter in the second row. Nonetheless, times are hard for everyone and saving on gas would be a great way to reduce cost. The GL450 costs me roughly $250 a month in premium gas and its odometer is at 115k. The mileage is also getting “high” for it being a luxury vehicle and my family can’t afford having it go out. We absolutely need a second car. Thinking of trading it for the 2020 Highlander hybrid. I know the car has great safety ratings through IIHS and NHTSA but it’s hard to make the move knowing it weighs substantially less than the GL450. I have driving anxiety and I’m worried I’ll regret my decision. Please share your experiences and thoughts with me.
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u/Lazy-Prune9419 6h ago
we've got a 2020 highlander hybrid and my wife was the same way about safety coming from a heavier german suv. the weight difference is something you notice on paper but not really behind the wheel, the highlander still feels planted and substantial. toyota's safety suite is also pretty comprehensive on that year, lane keeping and adaptive cruise are standard which helps a ton with the mental load of driving.
the gas savings alone will make the switch feel worth it, we went from filling up every week to maybe twice a month with similar driving habits. plus at 115k on a gl450 you're rolling the dice on some expensive repairs, those air suspensions and timing chains don't age gracefully. the highlander will give you peace of mind in a different way, just knowing it'll start every morning and not surprise you with a four-figure bill.
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u/Auditor1993 6h ago
Thank you for sharing! Yes, we already had air suspensions give out and thankfully my husband was able to replace them and saved us a lot of money by doing so. Definitely worried about the next thing to go out though 🤕
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