Vehicle Questions and Answers

Welcome to the Vehicle Q&A Hub. Find answers to your automotive questions, share your experiences, and get expert advice on vehicle maintenance, troubleshooting, and more!

How long does a Toyota Highlander typically last?

18700 views

36 answers

★ Top Answer
Samuel S.

Toyota has a strong reputation for manufacturing durable trucks and SUVs, and the Highlander is no different. Many Highlander owners have successfully surpassed the 300,000-mile mark without requiring major repairs, such as rebuilding the engine or transmission. To achieve this milestone with your vehicle, it is crucial to adhere to the recommended maintenance schedule. For older models using conventional oil, the oil should be changed every 3,000 to 5,000 miles, whereas newer models utilizing synthetic or synthetic blend oil only need changing every 7,500 to 10,000 miles. Additionally, it is wise to schedule a tune-up for your vehicle once every 12 to 18 months.

More answers

  • Jennifer C

    My 2005 Highlander is still running well with an impressive 383,500 miles on the odometer.

  • Angel Rosario

    I got a 2003 Toyota Highlander three years back for around $4000-5000. It had approximately 210,000 miles then, but now it's at 265,000. Despite minor problems this past summer, like having to replace the AC, it's still the best purchase I've made. The dealership fixed the AC issue that existed when I bought it, but it eventually needed replacing at the start of this summer. Can't survive without AC in western Massachusetts, haha. Besides that, it's been standard wear and tear - brakes, rotors, oil changes, and a tranny flush every 50,000 miles, plus new tires and some belts. The only annoying thing is that in January this year, I lost control of the back windows from the driver's seat - can't roll them up, only down unless I use the buttons in the back. Not a big deal though. I intend to drive this thing until it dies on me. Planning on getting a newer SUV next time as this was my first one, won't go back to a car or sedan. Never! Hoping to hit at least 300,000 miles on this one. Came to this page to check how long others' have lasted. I notice another Highlander of the same year everywhere, so that's a good sign of reliability.

  • willard

    I drive a 2007 car that has 313,000 miles on it. It's still running like a champ!

  • Shahzad

    I own a 2008 Highlander Limited with 265,000 miles on it, and it's still running pretty smoothly! Toyota is the only brand of car I trust – they are the most reliable with the fewest issues over time.

  • william o

    I own a 2003 Highlander that I bought straight from the dealership in 2002. It's got nearly 186,000 miles on it now, but it's running smoothly without any problems. I've been diligent about getting regular maintenance done like oil changes every 5,000 miles, replacing tires, brakes, rotors, transmission, coolant, power steering, and brake fluid every 90,000 miles. I've also replaced the timing belt, drive belts, thermostat, water pump, and spark plugs twice at 90,000-mile intervals. The car is in fantastic shape and feels as good as new.

  • Jeremy W.

    Our 2002 Toyota Highlander is still going strong with 187,500 miles on it. It runs and looks fantastic - truly the best car we've ever had!

  • Abe

    We're still driving our 2002 Highlander that we bought back in 2007. It has 175,000 miles on it, and we've been keeping up with regular maintenance without experiencing any major problems. Recently, we've noticed that it tends to consume more oil during long journeys, but that's probably normal for a car of its age and mileage.

  • Wilbur C

    I'm still cruising around in my 2006 Highlander with 265,000 miles on it. It runs smoothly without any oil consumption, and the transmission is still in excellent condition. I absolutely adore this vehicle!

  • Geno

    Purchased a brand-new 2003 limited edition car and have been using it regularly ever since, now racking up over 310,000 miles on the odometer!

  • Bre

    I can't believe how impressive the first generation Highlander is! Some may have oil burning issues, but I've found a solution for that - it's the rear valve cover! Every so often, you come across a generation of vehicles that just perform flawlessly and hardly ever require significant repairs...like the Corolla, for instance, and now the Highlander is joining that elite group. I own a 2002 model that's approaching the 400,000-mile mark soon - I believe it's currently at 388,000 miles - and it's still running amazingly well. Despite the rough treatment I give my work vehicles, this Highlander has proven to be exceptional in every way. I wouldn't hesitate to purchase another one in the future.

  • Cecil T.

    We own a 2001 Highlander Limited v6 4wd with 337,900 miles on it. It keeps going strong and just needs a new owner to hit the road. Still using the original starter, alternator, and radiator. We change the oil every 3000 miles and do a tune-up annually. Had to replace the oxygen sensors and catalytic converters two years ago. This SUV is driven daily, and the transmission is in excellent shape!

  • Janette A

    Next week, I'll be driving my 2004 Highlander, which has almost 300,000 miles, for a 500-mile journey each way.

  • Rita A.

    I have a 2005 Highlander that is running well despite having 300,000 miles on it, it's just a bit noisy.

  • Shaunelle

    I own a 2001 Highlander that has racked up a whopping 318,000 miles! Sadly, it has some wear and tear issues that need repairs, which could end up costing more than the vehicle is valued at.

  • Cham Alhallak

    I own a 2003 Toyota Highlander Limited that has clocked 225,000 miles. I purchased it when it had 34,000 miles on the odometer. Aside from routine upkeep, it has performed admirably. I appreciate its smaller dimensions compared to the newer versions.

  • DLF

    I've heard that some folks have driven that car for 500,000 miles. Information from Toyota forums on Google suggests that a Highlander can last up to around 350,000 miles with regular part replacements and good maintenance practices.

  • Jones

    I'm still driving my 2008 Highlander Sport with 194,000 miles on it. The air conditioning stopped working after a mouse entered and gnawed on some wires.

  • Armand D.

    I bought a 2008 Highlander Hybrid Limited with 150,000 miles on it, and it now has 289,000 miles. I've taken good care of it with regular maintenance like changing fluids, filters, and tires. The priciest fixes were replacing the exhaust system and struts. I'm now thinking about whether to upgrade to an electric vehicle or continue driving this one.

  • Edna R

    I'm still using my 2007 Highlander with 172,000 miles on it. While some joints make noise, there haven't been any significant problems.

  • Machalle Brown

    I'm still using my 2011 Highlander with 145,000 miles and I've kept up with all the maintenance on it. It was running smoothly until last month when I had to replace the alternator, front struts, and oil hose one by one. Hopefully, it'll hold up for another year or so until I'm ready to get a new one. I've really enjoyed driving this car!

  • bank 1

    I still own my 2011 Highlander with 4-wheel drive and 185,000 miles on it. I recently had the air conditioning system replaced for $1200, fixed an oil leak for $800, got the driver's side mirror with auto adjustment repaired for $500, and spent $1800 on new rotors and bearings. Now, Firestone says the shocks in the front need to be replaced for $3000. Despite the high maintenance costs, this car remains reliable. I reside in New Jersey.

  • Johnny C.

    I own a 2006 vehicle that has clocked 285,000 miles, and it is still running smoothly.

  • John Regan

    I still own my 2011 Highlander 4WD with 120,000 miles on it, and I haven't had any issues. I plan on getting the spark plugs and transmission oil changed soon.

  • Luci

    According to user feedback, the Toyota Highlander stands out as a vehicle that many original owners continue to drive even after 15 years, with nearly 20% still behind the wheel. Users have shared that with regular maintenance, this vehicle is known to exceed 300,000 miles on the road.

  • Carolyn J.

    I own a 2004 V6 Toyota Highlander that I bought used in 2015 with 223,000 miles on it. It now has 400,000 miles and I am still in love with my Highlander! I recently replaced the A/C unit and am dealing with the common problem of the back passenger window getting stuck when going up. I use it daily in rural Texas and haven't had any major issues. I'm planning to change the timing belt soon as a proactive maintenance measure, even though I've never had any issues with it because the car runs smoothly!

  • Jesse b

    We own a 2005 Toyota Highlander that has traveled over 309,000 miles. It's in excellent condition and has never had any issues other than regular maintenance and a radiator replacement in the recent past. We expect it to stay reliable for a few more years until I decide to upgrade to a new one of the same model and brand. Without a doubt, it's the greatest vehicle I've ever had.

  • Sasha L.

    My dad drives a 2005 2-wheel-drive, 4-cylinder vehicle that recently hit 300,000 miles and is still running and looking fantastic. He hasn't faced any issues with it, sticking to regular maintenance only. Surprisingly, he mentioned he's never had the transmission serviced - pretty wild, right? He just shared that with me a couple of weeks ago.

  • Leah R.

    I bought a 2003 Toyota Highlander new back in 2003, and it's almost reached 200,000 miles now. The car runs perfectly with no problems at all. I stick to the regular service schedule, like changing the oil every 3,000 miles, flushing and replacing the coolant and transmission fluid every 15,000 miles, and changing the brake fluid and power steering fluid every 30,000 miles. I also made sure to replace the timing belt, water pump, spark plugs, and drive belts at the recommended 95,000-mile intervals. And I always replace the brake pads when they're a quarter worn so I don't have to resurface the rotors.

  • Marian desimone

    I've been the proud owner of a 2001 Highlander for two decades now, and it's been a reliable companion. While it's hard to part ways with my trusty "Old Blue," I'm excited to trade it in for a 2021 Venza today.

  • Jay P

    I own a 2007 vehicle with 89,000 miles on it, and it runs amazingly well!

  • Bobbie J

    I found this online discussion board and couldn't resist sharing my experience. I own a 2002 4-cylinder Highlander that's still going strong at 240,000 miles! I make sure it's well-maintained, and so far, I haven't run into any significant issues. My goal is to keep driving it well past 300,000 miles.

  • ron r

    I recently purchased a 2006 SUV a few months back with 205,000 miles on it, and now it has 213,000 miles. I really enjoy it! It's a straightforward, sturdy SUV with good power and a nice appearance. I'm looking forward to getting many more years out of this one so I can upgrade to a second-generation model for my next vehicle.

  • Marla P.

    I bought a 2009 Toyota Highlander Limited that has accumulated 225,000 miles. So far, it has been running smoothly without issues as it nears 240,000 miles. However, I will be replacing the sway bar links and ball joints soon.

  • Dante

    In 2017, my Highlander hybrid has driven around 100,000 miles without any issues, and I haven't had to spend a dime on repairs, except for routine oil changes and lubrication. I'll update you again after the next 100,000 miles.

  • Shannon lake

    I've been driving my 2013 Highlander with 121,000 miles on it and it's still running smoothly. I changed the water pump myself at 100,000 miles which saved me some money. Other than that, everything is working well.

Buying a Used car?
Check it by Epicvin
  • Safe checkout guaranteed
  • Niada logo
  • Blockchain confirmed data