Nothing was wrong with the car. The new generation Highlander Hybrid is a vast improvement over the old Highlander, and I just wanted to get back into a Highlander.

The Camry was great, and all the good things about it and more are in the new Highlander Hybrid.

 

2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee. 'Nuff said...

 

1999 Chevrolet Silverado single cab w/5.3 V8 and 147K miles. Was fun to drive, but don't like paying that gas bill every month.

 

2003 Toyota 4Runner. I went from 19MPG to . . .

 

Who in the world ... Trades cars in???

Why would you give $$$$ to the dealer???

Sell first then buy.

AND ... If you bought your Hybrid from a local dealer (and not on-line) -- You paid approx $1,500 ++ toooo much.

 

You can get screwed on sales tax. You'd need to sell your old car for at least what you would get in trade PLUS the additional sales tax you have to pay since most (all) states charge sales tax on the price of the car LESS the trade-in. If you don't trade you pay more sales tax. Plus if you still have an outstanding loan on your old car it's infinitely easier to trade it in and have the dealer deal with your financial institution regarding closing out your old loan. Sell it privately and it's a nightmare closing out the old loan. Of course you (and I) pay cash for our cars so that doesn't apply.

 

I traded mine in because I could no longer drive it. It stalled at every stop (or slowing down close to a stop). My car was unusable and my service place had no clue what was wrong without spending days more on it. I thought of donating it but trading it allowed me to drive it off the lot the day it arrived at the dealership.

And yes I paid too much but then in June 06 there was no way to negotiate, they were so hard to come by I literally had to call every dealer in the area to find one who had an unclaimed TCH coming in within a week (vs the 6-8 weeks or 2-3 months I was hearing at many dealers).

On the other hand I did get the full $2600 credit....

 

No trade, but it replaces a 2004 VW Phaeton. Which was the best and worst car I have ever owned.

 

I traded in my 2006 Subaru Tribeca. I went from a disappointing 18mpg (small 3.0 liter V6)
to...

 

oh wow!!! A Phaeton??? One of the rariest birds on this planet. Can you please say a few words about how this was the "best and worst" car you ever owned?? I love the Phaeton, and methinks it may be a collectors item someday... I won't mind owning a used one myself... But I am really curious to hear your experience with this car... Thanks.