Highlander Hybrid To Buy or Not?

[Bkball9126]

:?: Does anyone know anything about the 2006 Toyota Highlander hybrid do u like it, do u not, please give me feedback :?:

[woohoo!]

Hmm... hard to tell. I don't like SUVs to begin with.

The idea of a SUV that consumes less gas is a good one, but I don't think the price premium is worth it... how many years are you going to drive to catch up the fuel savings/higher purchase price ratio? And long-term reliability with a hybrid vehicle is a concern for me.

You want to save gas? downgrade to a nicely equipped station wagon that has better handling, is probably cheaper to insure and uses less fuel. :P

[The General]

First, if you are looking into a Hybrid vehicle, you must realize the premium you will have to pay to get one. I do not know if the West Virginian? government applies any incentives on these types of vehicles.

If they do not, you will have to travel upwards of 20 000 miles a year to pay off the premium. Unless the environment is your priority, it is difficult to justify the extra $$.

The Highlander is a great truck to begin with and all reviews so far are positive, especially concerning performance.

[Tadashi]

The small details I know is that it can tow 3500 lbs, and get about 30-35 mpg, but you can get more information at the Highlander Forum site: http://www.hihychat.com/

[The General]

Basic info on the Highlander Hybrid:

http://www.auto123.com/en/new/carinf...brid&year=2006

[VolksWatch]

:shock:

[The General]

Originally Posted by VolksWatch

:shock:

??

[kilby]

Still nervous about all those expensive, heavy batteries, the Japanese seem to be going to the Hybrid and the Europeans with cleaner diesels, I prefer the diesel for the fact that they are relatively simple and require no more than oil changes as routine maintenance. The jury still seems to be out as to what's happening when a hybrid is involved in a serious accident and the batteries are compromised, emergency crews are not sure about procedure and if they hesitate in rescue because of fear of electrocution lives could be lost due to time evaluating rescue procedure, they may be perfectly safe...but nobody seems sure.

[Crash]

Originally Posted by kilby

Still nervous about all those expensive, heavy batteries, the Japanese seem to be going to the Hybrid and the Europeans with cleaner diesels, I prefer the diesel for the fact that they are relatively simple and require no more than oil changes as routine maintenance. The jury still seems to be out as to what's happening when a hybrid is involved in a serious accident and the batteries are compromised, emergency crews are not sure about procedure and if they hesitate in rescue because of fear of electrocution lives could be lost due to time evaluating rescue procedure, they may be perfectly safe...but nobody seems sure.

I think that Kilby raises a few good points there.

I personally lean towards the diesel route. The trouble is, North Americans are still having trouble believing that diesel engines can be of small displacement, clean burning and quiet.

I have just jumped out of a week in a Smart car, a little 800cc, 3 cylinder diesel vehicle, and I loved it.

Now don't get me wrong, I'm not saying that this vehicle is for everyone, but if that small diesel engine can propel two people and their luggage at speeds of up to 135kph, whilst also being easy on the ears, pleasant to the nose, and “extremely” kind to the wallet, what would a “slightly larger diesel engine do”.

That’s easy to see, just look at Europe where most the gasoline models that we see here are diesel powered. In fact, the new Mini D from BMW is reported to get over 70 odd miles to the gallon, and it looks like...well, a normal Mini of course!

So why don’t we get some of those fuel efficient models over here???

I’m afraid that I don’t have the answer to that conundrum; maybe you should ask your local Member of Parliament :roll:

[brioboy]

I dunno if any of these posters have one, I bought a 06 in May 07, with 8800 klicks from a local dealer in Greater Vancouver, and I must say it is an incrediblely good and versitile vehicle for West Vancouver to Whistler on the Sea-to-Sky. In addition, I can brag that I am "going Green" and I am saving tax to the tune of $3500 - which helps a lot considering the extra cost, which my wife thinks is well worth it - she loves the higher driving position - and it drives like a dream!