It took two Saturdays, and a few hours of online researching, and a few calls with local dealers. We settled on the 2008 Toyota Highlander Limited. We did a lot of negotiating, and walked away happy with our deal. Today, we are the proud owners of a new 2008 Toyota Highlander Limited in “Magnetic Grey”, which I think looks pretty classy. We certainly wanted the Limited, as it offered a lot of interesting features in one package.
2008 Highlander Limited
Some highlights:
- all-wheel drive
- rear-view camera
- keyless ignition
- mudguards, 19″ alloy wheels
- foglamps
- power rear door (separately opening glass hatch)
- leather seats (both driver and passenger adjustable power seats)
- cold weather package (heated seats, heated sideview mirrors, heated windshield)
- 9 JBL speakers (and subwoofer), MP3 jack, 6-disc in-dash CD changer
- 3 climate-controlled zones
- Power tilt/slide moonroof with sunshade
- remote start (getting installed later this week)
The drive home was certainly different. I’m more of a sedan-driving kind of fellow. Driving a larger vehicle has a different feel that will take some getting used to. I don’t think I’ll be able to slalom around other cars at 90 MPH anymore. However, everything in the car works right now, so I will enjoy the simpler joys.
I was sad to complete the final once-over on my Little Honda That Could. I very much wanted to surpass the 200,000 mile mark, and I certainly came close. However, the last 9,000 miles was becoming impossible. For the past few months, the car itself was producing a significant level of noise while driving at varying speeds, and was extremely sluggish. I had attributed it to a dying transmission, but one of the mechanics at a dealer diagnosed it as a rotted out front axle, which would have required an expensive replacement.
My poor Honda Accord. I took the EZ-Pass tag out, did the once over, locked the doors, and handed over the keys. It was a good ride, but all good things must come to an end.
Congrats, I think you made a nice decision with a growing family and all. (Easier access for those car seats and safer than a car as well). A Rav4 owner salutes you, but I will miss that Honda too. I remember the day you first brought it to church!
Congrats on the new car! Too bad you didn’t make it to 200k with your Accord but now you can try with your Highlander 🙂 I wouldn’t mind a new car but not a minute before Sanjay’s Expedition is paid off! 2 car payments is brutal…been there!