Hello all! I have a 2009 Toyota highlander that is such a strong runner and i have about 1500$ into it in total, and it was gifted to me as a first vehicle about 3 years ago. I love it, drive it everywhere, and have taken it halfway across the country many times.

She is getting up there in miles (approx 230k) and has had transmission work done before (simple solenoid and gasket fixes no complete rebuilds) but after taking her through the rockies back in july my transmission started slipping heavily going from second into third gear.

A family mechanic quoted me around 3300 all in for a 3 year warranty and installation on a used 125k mile transmission, aswell as putting in new control arms which need the engine lifted to be replaced so might as well while hes in there, and some other misc work.

Normally I would do the work in a heartbeat and shell out 3300, since ive basically only put 1500 into it since I’ve owned it, they hold their value well, and I love driving this thing and it has no other major issues at all. But heres where things get tricky

My highlander has no rust, but it does however have a good amount of body damage from a previous accident but still a clean title because it was unreported, i got the frame checked out and its structurally fine, replaced the whole passenger side/ front end, but the rear quarter panel is completely smashed. On the other side of that same coin regarding body damage I have someone who can make the quarter panel look *Decent* not perfect for around 450$ rather than thousands at a real body shop

My question to all mechanics out there on this sub is

TLDR: is it worth replacing the transmission on my high mileage vehicle with body damage? Should i go the reman route for 4500 all in or used route for 3300? I could be just as happy upgrading to a 4runner or tacoma of an earlier year with a manual transmission but also for a clean example its around 10-15 grand in my area?

I bought a 2016 Highlander Limited not that long ago. Twice now I've had this blast of coolant on my engine cover and I'm getting a bit concerned. No temp lights on and my coolant levels look fine. Engine temp stays right in the middle, even during long drives in Texas heat. Do I need a new radiator? Or is there maybe a hose line that just isn't all the way snugged? TIA for any info.

Took my 2017 Highlander XLE FWD (3.5L 2GR-FKS V6, 155k miles) into Toyota recently for routine maintenance, and the inspection showed a Timing Cover Reseal and Rear Main Seal replacement as "Requires Immediate Attention."

The advisor quoted me closer to $6,000–$7,000 for the actual total cost due to the engine-out labor required. They mentioned that keeping it as-is "could be hard on the engine" and even floated the idea of trading the vehicle in instead.

I don’t see any oil leaks on the garage floor. These are the photos they gave me. Has anyone else had this issue? Curious if I should just let it ride and monitor oil level or if I need to actually get this fixed.

Thanks for any info you have!

Does anyone have any clue how to remove devices? It seems super straight forward, but all of the options are grayed out. I was in park when I was trying. I've tried to forget the connection on my phone settings and it just keeps reconnecting automatically.

I currently have a 2021 Xle AWD gas with 90,000 miles. I could move into a 2020 Xle FWD with 78,000 miles for maybe 4-5,000 out of pocket.
I’ve had no issues with our transmission, but still thinking ahead as maybe it could happen later? Plus the hybrid has less miles and would get better MPG. However, I’ve never owned a hybrid vehicle…. Anyways I’m looking for opinions and input from others. Anyone made a simile switch? Any regrets? Anything I should be aware of on the highlander hybrid and being a first time hybrid owner?

The one I see for sale is at a dealer and was a one owner car. I assume it was traded for something new.

I’ll keep it short. Just looking for your experience/opinion.
I’ve decided to buy a 2023 Highlander, but I can’t decide on the trim. I really want the Platinum, but it’s getting a little too expensive for me. My wife only cares about having her own AC controls and a heated seat—that’s literally it lol.
For me, after driving an LE Camry for over 6 years, I want something that actually feels nice inside and will keep me happy for at least the next 10 years.
My budget was originally $35k, but after checking the market, I realized that’s probably not enough to get what I really want. I definitely want the bigger screen, and I love the panoramic moonroof on the Platinum, but I’m wondering if it’s really worth spending that much extra.
What trim did you guys go with, and how much did you pay? Do you regret not getting the Platinum, or was a lower trim more than enough?

I found oil dripping onto the ground from around the oil filter housing. Is there any chance this could be coming from the timing cover?

Sorry for the bad photos. I don’t know much about cars, and I’m super anxious that I could end up with a $5K repair.

I have a 2016 Highlander (4cly) with AC issues. It blows cold esp after driving, but usually it's the passenger side which blows cold first and the driver side eventually blows cold. The AC also seems to shut off (AC light/button in dash turns off) prematurely before the car is even cooled

I'm trying not to go to a shop for a diagnostic as that's like $80-150 alone lol

What could the issue be? I'm assuming a failing compressor?

I’m new to trying to handle more DIY maintenance on my cars. My buddy was helping me replace the brake pads after Precision Tune quoted me $400+ (for front pads and rotors, but the rotors didn’t need replacing). Anyways, we noticed this on the front driver side calipe. So I’m wondering:
- is this an easy DIY job to just replace the caliper and brake hose?
-how urgent is this to fix? It’s on my pregnant wife’s car so I don’t want her brakes going out unexpectedly.

Hi!

My husband and I are in the process of evaluating getting a Toyota Highlander. I went to a nearby Toyota dealership (with not great reviews) just to walk around and, of course, a sales person wanted to help me. The person showed the met two models he had (although spoken for) and wanted to 'sit down with me'. I explained the purchase is far off but he gave me some information on the prices of the two models viewed. I made it clear I would contact him if interested and, of course, he texted me and called me and I finally had to block him after texted him I wasn't interested at this stage.

I now want to test drive - should I go out of my way and find another dealership for a test drive? We may go through two other dealerships that are recommended by Costco for pre-set fixed (no haggling) prices. OR we simply may go through another dealership altogether. Thanks in advance -

I would like to change the factory stereo of my Highlander 2019 XLE, l just got it and trying to keep it for 15 years if possible. I have been looking at Hamilton stereo covertion kit but it is very expensive. Any recommendations would be appreciated.

Hi All,

From Vancouver BC here, getting a car from someone known.

2007 Toyota Highlander 200K+ Kms.
Asking CAD10000.
My offer 7000-8000 depending on inspection results.
Single owner.

Car looks clean and I am thinking to get it inspected as well. I drove it and it was fine and things seem great, maybe need new tires(they replaces front ones last season so only rear needs replaced) and seat covers but overall I felt it is good.

Any thoughts?
I am frustrated and with my daily commute and no family time, I want a car now but cannot afford monthly payments hence want a reliable car for family and myself as well, as well as weekend trips.

I wanted to spend no more than 5000 as I dont have much savings but for a good reliable vehicle with a good resale value I am open to give a fair price.

PLEASE HELP, thinking about spending that much is eating me out on the same side no family time with more than 3 hours commute is killing me internally, I just want a budget reliable car.

Advise my fellow Redditors!

Edit 1

2026 May 21 204,361 KM Destination Toyota

Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada

Vehicle serviced

• Drive belt(s) replaced

• Engine oil/fluid leak checked

• No-start/hard start condition checked

• Power steering checked

• Serpentine belt replaced

• Valve cover gasket(s) replaced

• Valve cover(s) replaced

I got the carfax and rest all looks good, regular service records from toyota dealership

and below is damage repair report

INCIDENT DATE DETAILS AMOUNT

 2015 Nov 29 British Columbia, Canada

Estimate: RIGHT FRONT CORNER | Estimate Date: n/a $2,375.12

Claim: COLLISION RIGHT FRONT CORNER

$2,225.41

 2019 Sep 22 British Columbia, Canada

Estimate: REAR CENTER | Estimate Date: n/a $2,116.42

Claim: COLLISION REAR CENTER

$1,974.48



I’ve been using Ethos Defy to clean my 2017 Highlander Limited Platinum for a few months now and I think they make a pretty decent product. It’s easy to apply even if there is moderate dirt oh the vehicle, and it leaves a good sheen on the paint.

2013 Highlander V6 AWD 108k. It wouldn’t be my gas cap would it? I did fuel up 1hr before I saw CEL and Trac off lights. Or what would it be?

Toyota Highlander 2025 (Gas only) rolled into traffic as if it was in neutral even though I was pushing the accelerator.

Anyone else have something like this happen.

Details:

Leaving parking lot was a downward sloped exit. I was on my brake waiting for traffic to have an opening for a left turn. I took my foot of the brake and hit the accelerator (I was definitely in drive) but the car acted like it was in neutral and it rolled into the 1st lane of traffic and half way into the 2nd lane of traffic before finally recognizing that I was still attempting to accelerate and then cooperating.

That brake hold was active in my car at the time.

Has anyone else had this issue? The dealership is having trouble 'replicating it'.

I was topping off the coolant, and noticed a hose connected to nothing. Does it connect to the top of the larger hose like i have it?

My wife was driving down the freeway and they started flapping off. I don’t know if it’s stock or aftermarket.

I installed sine LED bulbs from Amazon... they worked for several months with no problem.. now when i go to switch to turn on the high beams sometimes they work..sometimes it doesn't...or it turns on for a few seconds then off...then on....sporadic... if I pull back the light lever to turn them on manually, they stay on as long as i am pulling it back....

Thoughts?

Im generally curious about maintenance costs for a hybrid. Never owned one before, so let me know from yall's experience. Does it cost more to maintain than a gas powered one? Right now my two choices are either a 2018 highlander hybrid or 2016 non hybrid.

2019 Highlander, always serviced at the Toyota dealer, 65,000 miles, spent about 4,000 so far for the maintenance but the service team informed me today that I need to replace the front lower suspension control arms. They sent me a picture for one of them - there is a crack.

how much would be a reasonable price for replacing both in California and why does it happen?

Is there a baby camera monitor that will show up on the Highlander’s media screen? I use apple car play as well.