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2016 Toyota Highlander V6 - $31,000

My 2016 Toyota Highlander: Years of Reliable Service

Initial Purchase and Why I Chose the Highlander

I bought my 2016 Toyota Highlander brand new for $31,000, aiming for a vehicle that could offer both performance and reliability over the years. I chose the V6 engine model primarily because of Toyota’s reputation for this engine’s durability and balance of power and fuel economy. 

If there had been a similar option for my 2015 Camry, I’d have chosen it as well, but the Highlander offered everything I needed in a daily-use vehicle.

Specs and Performance

2016 Highlander V6 LE FWD

  • Engine: 3.5L V6 - 2GR-FE
    • Horsepower: 270 @ 6200 RPM
    • Torque: 248 lb-ft @ 4700 RPM
  • Transmission: 6-speed automatic
  • Performance:
    • 0-60 mph in 6.9 seconds
    • 1/4 mile in 15.2 seconds @ 89 mph
  • Fuel Efficiency: 19 MPG city / 25 MPG highway
  • Dimensions:
    • Length: 191.1 inches
    • Wheelbase: 109.8 inches
    • Height: 68.1 inches
    • Width (without mirrors): 75.8 inches
  • Model: XU50 (3rd Generation)
  • Key Fob Battery: CR2016

The V6 engine has been a highlight, providing smooth power delivery and making highway merging and city driving equally manageable. It's proven to be a solid choice in terms of reliability, and even after seven years, the performance is consistent.

Maintenance and Care

With regular maintenance, my Highlander has held up remarkably well. Preventive care has been key to its longevity, and below is the schedule I follow:

Routine Maintenance

  • Oil Change: Every 5,000 miles or 6 months
  • Tire Rotation: Every 7,500 miles
  • Cabin Air Filter: Every 12 months
  • Engine Air Filter: Every 12 months

Multi-Year Intervals

  • Transmission Fluid Change: Every 50,000 miles or 6 years
  • Engine Coolant Flush: Every 5 years
  • New Tires: Every 40,000-50,000 miles or 6 years
  • Wheel Alignment: Every 3 years
  • Brakes & Rotors: Every 30,000-50,000 miles
  • Brake Fluid Flush: Every 30,000 miles or every 3 years
  • Battery: Every 4-5 years
  • Windshield Wipers: Every 12-18 months

As-Needed Maintenance

  • Shocks & Struts: Likely around 100,000 miles
  • Control Arm Bushings: Around 100,000 miles
  • CV Boots

AWD-Specific Exclusions

As I have the FWD model, maintenance on the transfer case and rear differential isn’t necessary.

Maintenance Reset Instructions

To reset the oil change maintenance light on a 2016 Toyota Highlander with a key ignition, follow these steps:

  1. Power off the car.
  2. Insert the key and turn it 2 positions to the ‘on’ position.
  3. Press the odometer button to select Trip A.
  4. Turn the key to the off position.
  5. Hold the odometer button and keep holding it, then turn the key to the ‘on’ position.
  6. The maintenance light will flash, indicating that the reset is in progress. Once it's done, you can release the odometer button.
  7. The car maintenance light is now reset.

Overall Experience

After seven years, I’m pleased with the Highlander’s performance and reliability. Beyond routine maintenance, it hasn’t required significant repairs, making it a worthwhile investment. I plan to keep it for many more years, appreciating its balance of comfort, power, and practicality.

Planned Retirement 2031

I’m hoping to get about 15 years from the car (2016 - 2031) or before any major repairs are needed.  It’s one of the last year of the V6 with 6 speed automatic.



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