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[Tyak]

On 3/26/2015 NYwoman said:

I have a Toyota Rav 4 and am very pleased with it. Some foreign makes are made in the US.

I would research the cost of ownership and the repair history of a model. I loved my Subaru but the repairs killed me and then it died!

The hybrids have the cost of replacing the batteries after a while, which are quite expensive.

Toyota considers the hybrid battery to last the lifetime of the vehicle. Replacement is a VERY rare occurrence on these cars, the batteries should last hundreds of thousands of miles.

[esmeraldagooch]

On 3/25/2015 Lynnj said:

On 3/23/2015 Buck-i-Nana said:

On 3/23/2015 ID2 said:

How about helping our own country and buy an American made vehicle?? I wouldn't be able to sleep at night if I drove anything other than American made. Just the way I am.

Good thing what the OP buys shouldn't affect your sleep at all.

geesh.

Lol, this response wins for best of 2015....so far, lol.

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2012-02-08/toyota-highlander-output-shifts-to-u-s-from-japan-...

Toyota will invest $400 million to expand capacity at its Princeton, Indiana, plant that already makes the mid-size light truck to produce an additional 50,000 units annually, the company said yesterday. The move, which includes production of the gasoline-electric version of the SUV, will add 400 jobs at the factory, Toyota said.

[Danielle46]

You should buy what you like and whats right for you regardless of where its made. I haven't owned an American made car in years. We love our Audi and we also recently got a new Acura (which is Honda's luxury line) and love it. We work hard for our money and plan on spending it where we choose. We give plenty of American companies our business and when it comes to cars - the best man wins - we will buy what we like and whats best regardless of where its made. Just remember that these foreign companies provide millions of jobs for the American people so your helping to keep them employed!!!

[KingCharlesSpanielMom]

We have had American made brand automobiles and trucks but all had problems and not minor. My brother has gone through several American made trucks because he says the ones he got have better towing power. But the key word there is 'several'. He had to change the motor out of his Ram truck after the warranty was up. We had a Toyota Highlander which we got a lot of use out of but after paid for we decided to trade it on a Honda Pilot and have not looked back. We had Honda Pilot for several years no problems with it once so ever but since we have no kids we decided it was just more car than we needed so we traded it in on a Honda Ridgeline truck. Since we liked that truck so much we went and bought another Honda Ridgeline truck. The first Ridgeline truck we had is still going strong but you know we have had new tires on it, had a few things repaired like a back seat latch that warranty covered, just recently steering issue was repaired. With routine maintenance we have had no real serious issues though. So I decided I wanted a Ridgeline myself so we went back to Honda and bought another Ridgeline. It has all the bells and whistles. It is not what I call a large capacity/weight towing truck but the Honda Ridgelines are serving us well. I like the locking trunk and that the back seats are adjustable. Trucks are not economical vehicles for sure but I think you might want to pay Honda a visit because I think they might have some more economical vehicles. I think they have an Accord Hybrid. And those that say buy American they need to look into where those Am made car parts are from and made. I think if you want a truck for heavy duty hauling though Honda might be off the mark. But I think that if you just test drove a Honda you would love them. Be sure to get the extended warranty because no automobile is perfect. Good luck.

[KingCharlesSpanielMom]

And I agree that Hybrids are pricey and not so sure you will really be saving in the end if you are financing. I think that most other Honda vehicles are economical that are not Hybrid and I still stand by the Honda brand. Bear in mind that no vehicle out there is perfect and getting the extended warranty is a life saver. It might make your payment go up a little but in the end I think it is so worth it.

[ChynnaBlue]

On 3/23/2015 ID2 said:

How about helping our own country and buy an American made vehicle?? I wouldn't be able to sleep at night if I drove anything other than American made. Just the way I am.

Like the Toyota Highlander, which is manufactured in Indiana? Both the hybrid and non-hybrid versions are made there. Honda Civics are also made in Indiana and Ohio. Did you know that many cars made by US companies are manufactured in Mexico, Canada, and other countries? Auto manufacturers spend lot of money shipping vehicles and parts overseas and save money when they make the vehicles closer to the consumers who buy them.

Toyota has factories all over the US, including here in Texas where I've toured the factory in San Antonio. That plant makes the Tundra because it's their most popular truck in Texas.

I'll sleep better at night when people stop making accusations without checking their facts first. Wish me luck!

[KingCharlesSpanielMom]

Another thing I would suggest that is most important I think. Is something someone told me a long time ago. That is to get online and do some research before even entering a dealership. You can find sites online that list what prices autos have sold for in your area. Look on the dealership website and look over various automobiles they offer and what is offered on them so you will know what you might want or need. That way you might not be steered into buying something you did not need or could not afford. Also, always and I stress always leave the dealership before signing on the dotted line. Tell the salesman you just want a written quote but are not prepared to buy today....can I get a written quote. Do not return for a few days (maybe even a week or two) and see what happens. When they give you a written quote they will ask for your phone number and I am almost certain will call you back. Works every time if you are looking for the best possible price.

[Allegheny]

I am going to add my two cent suggestion. After you do your research and narrow down to say three different vehicles, go out and drive them several times. Not just around the block but on varied roads, in traffic, up and down hills. Study the instrument panel, is it comfortable to view and easy to access to the accessories. Check the vision lines, meaning is it easy to see traffic without have to practically turning your whole torso to the right. Do seats and seat belts adjust to your liking.

[KingCharlesSpanielMom]

One more thing. If you want the best price when you are absolutely ready to buy go in at end of month and end of year if it applies. Best advice I ever got.

[Seannie]

My household has a 2007 Highlander. Also a 2013 Camry Hybrid and 2000 Camry. I can highly recommend the Highlander as it's wonderful to drive, comfortable, quiet, roomy and very safe. My 20-something kid lives in another state and drives all the fast freeways and I am at peace with this vehicle.

Hubby drives the Camry Hybrid (gets great mileage on his 25-mile commute). For the $ we spent on this, I feel it is a steal because it drives like a much more expensive vehicle--quiet, comfy. We bought extended warranty (7 years) so no $ worries for repairs--even dents are covered.

The Highlander hybrid is lots more $ than the standard Highlander. I would think you would have to be doing an extreme amount of highway driving to make it worth the extra $.

Seannie