Did it again, part 2, revision 2, chapter 4! (For real this time)

[TollKeeper]

So as I posted in the other Part 4 thread, they changed the title on the Envoy I wanted to one I couldnt bid on it...

So I had to move on to the next candidate.

After yesterdays fiasco with stupid high bidding, I was not expecting to pick this up for what I did.

$1100.00!

Plus fees, and delivery, I am at $1835.14. But still far less than I would be paying for this on the market!

https://www.copart.com/lot/84949005

2005 Highlander Limited, with 169k miles, and no work needs to be done on the body!
There is damage on the body, but nothing that affects safety, or function of the truck.

Hell, the tires are nearly new, GoodYear Assurance. Thats like $800 bucks right there!

Will have to likely replace a wheel bearing, or two, to get rid of the ABS and VSC lights, probably a couple TPMS to get rid that light, and to polish the headlights. But I am not really seeing anything else wrong.

Of course I will know more when it gets delivered. It might need a timing belt, and a Transmission service. Carfax shows the battery is 2 years old, alternator is 1 year old.

 

[Mooseman]

That is a nice find. Body could be fixed up but if you're not looking for perfection, it's acceptable.

Will have to likely replace a wheel bearing, or two, to get rid of the ABS and VSC lights

Hope they're actual hubs and not pressed-in bearings, like most imports, which are a PITA to replace. If pressed-in, I'd suspect defective sensors and tone rings if the bearings look and sound good.

 

[TollKeeper]

The fronts are pressed in.. But, there is a alternative..

AWD Front Steering Knuckles Rear Wheel Hubs for 2004 - 2007 Toyota Highlander | eBay

Steering Knuckles and Wheel Hub Bearings + Rear Wheel Hub Bearings Kit. TOYOTA HIGHLANDER 2004 - 2007 AWD; 2.4L. 1x Front Steering Knuckle & Wheel Hub Bearing Assembly - Driver Side - KA698443. 1x Front Steering Knuckle & Wheel Hub Bearing Assembly - Passenger Side - KA698442.

www.ebay.com

 

[TollKeeper]

Lots of work done over my 3 day weekend..

Front Bearings not needed! Resetting the ABS System cleared all lights on the dash.
Front Struts needed and done
Front Brakes needed and done
Front headlight assemblies ordered
Rear brakes needed and ordered
Timing belt needed, parts ordered
Bluetooth adapter ordered
Oils for Trans, PTO, Rear Diff Ordered
Title work done
Inspection scheduled for the 20th.

Still need to order the HVAC Control repair

This highlander is truly a homerun.
New tires with date codes of 31st week of 2025
Runs and drives AWESOME!
Like I like it enough that I am considering selling my Rivian for one.

Only had 3 surprises..
Timing belt, I suspected it needed done.
HVAC Control needing repair. Didnt know this was a thing.
Front Struts being completely blown. These ones are kinda pricey at $200 a side

Went to the Salvage yard hoping to find a HVAC controller. None to be found.
What I did find was a 2002 Highlander that had Brand New Front Struts, and Brand New Front Brake Pads. Both strut assemblies were $100, Brake Pads were free. Thats a $340 dollar savings!

I normally wouldnt do the junk yard Brake Pads, but I was there taking the struts out, they were new, and they were free!

Other than Routine Maintenance, I dont have to make any repairs.

As a side note, on this generation of Highlander, when you replace the struts, no alignment is needed. They are staked Struts. The can only go into one position, with no adjustments.

 

[TollKeeper]

All parts show they will be here today. I think I am going to hire out the timing belt. I just dont feel comfortable doing it, and I have never done one before.
Bluetooth adapter will be easy.
Headlights will be a 50/50 pain.
Rear brakes will be easy.
Rear diff and PTO oil change will depend on if I can get to the fill port on the PTO.
Trans Filter will be a pain. Gotta disconnect a motor mount next to the trans, lift the engine up, to get the pan off. But at least it has a drain plug!

 

[TollKeeper]

Also, I was bidding on a low mileage 2007 Highlander Limited yesterday, as I was considering using it to replace my Rivian. Someone else wanted it more than I did, and they were in Yemen!

 

[Mooseman]

So what happened with the Rivian? I know you talked about the politics a while back turning you off. Is that still hanging around?

 

[TollKeeper]

No.. I do like the Rivian, and the power is jaw dropping sweet. But the seats are just not comfortable for my larger frame. I still fear trying to take it on any trip. Charging at home is stupid cheap, charging at a "network" charger is more expensive than gas.

 

[Mooseman]

charging at a "network" charger is more expensive than gas.

I guess the profiteers caught on that they have a captive audience and can charge whatever they want. So much for saving money

 

[TollKeeper]

I guess the profiteers caught on that they have a captive audience and can charge whatever they want. So much for saving money

It works great if I stay local... Otherwise, not so much