2012 TOYOTA Highlander

Purchased New February 2012, Would Buy Again

Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 3 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5 Safety Rating: 4 Technology Rating: 3 Value Rating: 5

After putting 61,000 miles on the car as of 09/2016, the car has been very reliable. I purchased the SE 2WD version with leather interior. The only problem we have experienced so far has been with the power auto liftgate. People looking to purchase this car used should pay careful attention to the lift rod mechanism where it meets the tailgate if they purchase one with the power liftgate. This is the rod assembly that opens and closes the liftgate. Make sure to inspect where this rod attaches to the lift gate side (shake to see if secure). Ours became detached because the nut on the inside of the tailgate that secures the rod became detached. They apparently didn't use locking compound at the factory. Anyway, the dealership replaced the entire tailgate because they could not get to the nut that held this in place. Luckily I was under 3 year bumper to bumper warranty when this happened. Oh, and by the way, I purchased the "platinum" 100K warranty, but the liftgate is conveniently excluded (lesson learned on extended warranties). I'd still recommend this car based on overall reliability and resale value.