Automotive Forums

My husband and I are considering buying an 02 Highlander. We want the flexibility of the storage capacity, as well as the ability to launch a 24'Corsair Trimaran (about 2900 lbs - boat and trailer) and recover when needed. We have a dock and a neighbor has a launch, we will only be moving the boat in/out of water for Hurricane or Painting.

Our question is - will the 2.4, 4 Cyl do the trick? We don't want a fancy car with bells and whistles and have read some reviews that the 4 cyl performs about as well as the 6 cyl with better gas mileage. We live in a very flat area and do not anticipate driving this car in very mountainous areas...or off road, for that matter.

We have test driven a 6 cyl and it seems nice, but not sure if we need to pay the extra.

Also, it has been so long since we bought a used car, how negotiable are the dealers on a 5 year old car, like Highlander, if we pay cash? Won't be trading in - our other car is a 95 Odyssey and still going strong.

Looking forward to advice and guidance from this experienced forum!

Cheers-

Jane  

I have an 02 Highlander "Limited" and I think you will need the V6  for towing your Corsair - coming up a slipery ramp with a boat and trailer needs a fair amount of torque and traction. The V6 is far better for highway passing and I believe it's quieter. Resale of the V6 is probably better. My vehicle has been excellent, if a little dull to drive. I can't comment on the negotiations with dealers as I live on Vancouver Island, which is probably far away from you.

Good luck

Martin