Forget Toyota...they are all POSs now.
Well I’m pretty darn satisfied with my POS Camry, so satisfied I decided to stay with Toyota as I just bought a 2010 Highlander Limited 4x4. The Camry (2005 XLE V6) has given me 210,000 trouble free miles and my gas mileage is actually now at it’s all-time best (30mpg hwy, guess she just got broken in, lol). I’m more than confident it’s got at least another 100,000 miles in it and based on my experience I expect it to remain reliable and likely absent major maintenance issues. It’s comfortable for long trips and I never worry about breakdowns. I’ve put over 13,000 chasing miles on it this year with 3 days logging over 1,000 miles each and another 2 with over 800 each. Since I chase solo I have no problems fitting all my gear, I guess my only issue in that department is stowing the tripod fully extended in the back seat for easy access; it fits but has to be placed at an angle and carefully positioned in order to prevent damage to the head. I love the car and would continue using it but for the limited road access due to the low clearance and lack of AWD. I tend to be very judicious in considering gravel road options but have still come very close to getting stuck. After barely escaping the muck May 23 this year near Leoti, Kansas I swore I’d never go off pavement again. The very next day I found myself back on gravel as it was the only option if I were to stay with the circulation. I realize that’s how I am, I can make all sorts of rules (no core punching, no non-paved roads, no chasing after dark, etc.) but in the heat of the moment I’ll break them if the opportunity is tempting enough. July 13 in North Dakota was the last straw (punched a core, got cored, drove multiple times on gravel, chased after dark…on gravel, lol). After making it through a harrowing stretch of wet gravel I made a solemn vow, even voiced it aloud, that I’d never go on gravel again. 30 minutes later I’m escaping golfballs from a core and the paved road (not even marked on Delorme) becomes gravel. Turn back and get cored again? Heck no, back on gravel again. It was then that I firmly decided if I’m going to chase the way I chase then I need to get a vehicle with AWD.
My criteria:
-Truck or SUV
-4x4
-Wheels >17â€
-Reliable
-Durable (life > 10 years, >300,000 miles)
-Fuel efficiency >20mpg hwy.
-Comfort
-Price <$40k
I looked into other brands but based on my satisfaction with Toyota I narrowed my choices to the RAV4 Sport & Highlander Limited. The RAV4 looked appealing but didn’t offer the space or comfort of the Highlander and that ultimately led to my final decision. I bought my new Highlander last Friday and I couldn’t be happier with my purchase. Great ride, lots of space, 19†wheels, 4x4, averaging 25mpg on the highway, looks sharp and should last me many years and provide me the access I want when the best road options are non-paved. Dents are a concern but I really shouldn’t worry; I made a firm vow, even voiced it aloud, that I’m never gonna punch a core again…
