Latest news with #CarEdge
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
This 3-Row SUV Blends Reliability With Everyday Practicality
If you need a family SUV that will keep running smoothly for years, few three-row options have a stronger track record than this one. Blending dependable performance with smart practicality, it's become a go-to for drivers who prioritize long-term peace of mind. This SUV delivers a roomy interior, user-friendly tech, and fuel-efficient engine options, all backed by a reputation for lasting reliability. Whether you're hauling kids, cargo, or both, its versatile layout and proven dependability make it a standout in a crowded segment. While rivals might offer flashier styling or more aggressive powertrains, this three-row SUV wins over families with its quiet confidence and worry-free ownership. If you're looking for a daily driver that's as durable as it is practical, this is one of the safest bets on the road today. In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturer websites and other authoritative sources, including J.D. Power, CarEdge, RepairPal, and the EPA. The 2025 Toyota Highlander is Exceptionally Sturdy When buying a family car, one that you plan to keep around for a long time, it is likely that reliability is at the top of your list of priorities. Peace of mind when you and your family hit the road is invaluable. This is why the Toyota Highlander should be at the top of your list of options, with a proven track record when it comes to reliability and a reputation for lasting. Reliability Scores and Owner Testimonials There are a number of sources that collect information from verified owners to underline the reliability of vehicles. One of the most reliable sources of this data is J.D. Power. According to them, the Highlander is among the most reliable vehicles on the market, with a score of 81 out of 100 for quality and reliability for 2025. In the last ten years, only one model has dipped below 80 out of 100, and that was with a score of 79. When looking at reviews of owners on it is easy to see that most people concur with J.D. Power. While some have had issues with more recent model years, the overall sentiment is still a positive one. The 2020 model year, which is the first model after it was redesigned, has a score of 4.8 stars out of five for reliability. Overall a good reliable 3-row SUV, with a comfortable ride, decent trip mileage, and good acceleration... Maintenance Costs One of the best things about opting for a Toyota is low maintenance costs. For example, CarEdge estimates that you'll spend around $6,291 on maintenance for your Highlander over ten years of ownership. This is $1,917 less than the average popular SUV. RepairPal concurs, estimating that you should put aside around $489 annually for maintenance and repairs. CarEdge also estimates that there is a 16.6 percent chance that you will need to perform a major repair on the Highlander in its first ten years on the road. They define a major repair as anything that costs more than $500. This is around eight percent lower than average for the segment. Warranties and After-Sales Support Limited Warranty - Three Years or 36,000 Miles Powertrain Warranty - Five Years or 60,000 Miles Complimentary Maintenance - Two Years or 25,000 Miles When buying a brand-new Highlander, you get the benefit of Toyota's warranty packages. Compared to what is on offer from other automaker's, the bumper-to-bumper coverage and powertrain coverage are about average. If you're looking for a better plan, Hyundai and Kia have the best in the business, with a ten-year, 100,000-mile plan. Toyota does sweeten the deal by covering your first two years of maintenance on the house, though. Toyota Equips the Highlander With a Comfortable and Spacious Interior Three-row mid-size SUVs are among the most popular vehicles for families, and it isn't hard to see why. The Highlander is an exceptionally versatile SUV, with plenty of room for up to eight passengers. It may not be the most exciting, nor the flashiest option on the market, but Toyota focuses on functionality, which they deliver in spades in the 2025 Highlander. Interior Dimensions and Comfort Depending on its configuration, the Highlander has seating for up to eight. Opting for the optional second-row captain's chairs reduces capacity down to seven. Those in the first and second row are spoiled, with tons of room to stretch out and relax. The third row is a little tighter, with it only really being suitable for children. If you want more room in the way back seats, we'd suggest the Grand Highlander. The Grand Highlander is brand new though, so it doesn't have a record when it comes to quality and reliability, and it is more expensive. Toyota sticks to its utilitarian ideology when it comes to the interior design of the Highlander, with things kept relatively low-key. However, this doesn't mean that quality is bad, with upscale materials used throughout the cabin, particularly on top trims. Things like leather upholstery and heated and ventilated seats are available, ensuring that you and your family are kept comfortable on long hauls. Infotainment and Technology The Highlander continues its substance-over-style approach when it comes to the infotainment system. Base trims make do with an eight-inch infotainment screen fixed to the center of the dashboard. However, a 12.3-inch unit is available on higher trim levels. Trims with the larger infotainment screen also replace their analog gauges with a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster. There are plenty of features to keep the family connected and entertained on journeys, including standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. You also have access to SiriusXM satellite radio and a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot. As well as the many USB ports throughout the cabin, most trims come with a wireless smartphone charging pad. Base models get a six-speaker sound system, but you can upgrade to an 11-speaker premium JBL system instead. You Don't Have To Climb the Trim Ladder Very Far To Find Good Value A lot of modern automakers reel you in with low starting prices. However, it is often the case that to find a model with the features that you actually want, you have to skip a couple trim levels and shell out a lot more cash. This isn't the case with the 2025 Highlander, though, with Toyota ensuring that even the most affordable models offer plenty of value. 2025 Trims and Pricing The 2025 Highlander starts at just above $40,000, which is pretty standard for a three-row mid-size SUV. Most of its competitors sit in the same price bracket. For the 2025 model year, Toyota has made some changes to help improve the value proposition of their crossover. This includes adding all-wheel drive as standard on the XSE and Platinum models. All hybrid models also come standard with all-wheel drive now. Whether you're looking for a hybrid or a gas-only model, we think that the XLE represents the best value. It is a relatively small jump in price over the base model, but it comes with a ton of equipment to justify its higher price. Things like second-row captain's chairs, heated seats, a wireless smartphone charging pad, and the option of upgrading the audio system all make it worth it. If you're willing to spend more upfront for savings later, we'd also suggest going with the hybrid over the gas-only model. Performance Specifications You can either go with the turbocharged gas-only Highlander, or one equipped with a naturally aspirated hybrid setup. While the gas-only model may entice you with higher power figures, the reality is that both accelerate at pretty similar rates. In either guise, the Highlander is reasonably peppy, and you're never going to feel like you can't keep up. Toyota's mid-size SUV is not a particularly exciting vehicle to drive. While the traditional automatic and turbocharged engine might be alluring to some, it doesn't result in a much more entertaining experience than the hybrid with the CVT. Both models do, however, deliver a pretty smooth and comfortable ride, which is more important in a family car in our opinion. The hybrid is more expensive upfront, but will save you plenty on gas in the long run.
Yahoo
13-07-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
6 Used Luxury Cars Retirees Should Avoid
Driving a luxury car is one way to reap the reward for years of hard work, but not all high-end vehicles age gracefully — or affordably. According to the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis (FRED), it takes an average of $5,000 a month to live comfortably in your golden years and transportation costs are $9,033 per year, which could easily skyrocket with the wrong vehicle. Discover More: Read Next: For retirees living on a fixed income, certain used luxury models can become money pits, thanks to costly repairs, expensive parts and declining reliability. Before you splurge on that dream ride, take a look at the used luxury cars experts say retirees should steer clear of to avoid taking a serious bite out of your savings. While it's famous for its luxury and performance, it's also famous for being expensive to repair and maintain. According to CarEdge, the 7 series will run around $15,991 for maintenance and repair costs during their first 10 years of service, which is $4,007 more than other luxury brands. In addition, there's a 47.1% chance that a BMW vehicle will need a pricey repair in that time frame. 'The electronics, air suspension and various parts of the drivetrain can be costly to repair, and common issues include both engine and transmission woes that can develop into very expensive issues over time,' Rob Dillan, automotive expert and founder of EVHype said. Consider This: The Land Rover Range Rover has a luxurious interior and off-road ability, but high maintenance expenses. 'For models from 2002 to 2012, you can face $19,000 in repairs over 10 years for things like air suspension failures and electrical issues,' Dillan said. CarEdge also puts the amount of repairs around that figure. The site estimates $20,136 for maintenance and repairs during its first 10 years of service, which is $7,642 more than other luxury SUV models. Plus, there's a 51.26% chance a Land Rover Range Rover will need expensive repairs within the first decade. Mercedes S-Class is known for luxury and features, but it can be expensive to maintain, particularly for older cars. In the first five years of ownership, expect to shell out $12,406 for maintenance and repairs, per Edmunds. 'Air suspension and electrical repairs can add up and make it a less dependable option for retirees,' Dillan explained. The Audi A8 is a sleek design and high performing full-sized sedan, but it puts a dent in your savings. 'High repair costs are another common complaint with the otherwise solid-performing Audi A8,' Dillan said. 'That air suspension, in particular, can be a nightmare and costly to retrofit. Even the technology systems in those cars typically need to have repairs done after several years, further contributing to the expense.' In the first 10 years of service, CarEdge estimates it will cost owners $10,618 for maintenance and repairs, which is $828 more than the industry average. In addition, there's a 27.7% chance of a big repair needed in that time period. It may not be very reliable, which is bad news for retirees and car owners, but the Jaguar XJ is a beautiful and stylish car. 'Maintenance costs — especially for the engine and the electrical systems — can be expensive. Older ones in particular may be in need of frequent repairs,' said Dillan. According to CarEdge, in the first decade of ownership, Jaguar models typically average $15,662 for maintenance and repair costs — that's $3,678 more than the industry standard. There's also a high chance — 44.9% — that something major can happen in the first 10 years. The Porsche Panamera delivers world-class performance, but ownership costs are quite a barrier. 'The repair and maintenance costs can easily reach the thousands, especially with your transmission and suspension,' said Dillian. It's not cheap to take care of a Porsche and the brand doesn't hide it. According to Porsche West Palm Beach, it's here's what owners could look at cost-wise: Routine service: $300 to $800 Major service needs to be done every 40,000 to 60,000 miles: $1,200 to $2,500 New brakes: $1,500 to $3,000 Transmission service: $800 to $1,500 Before purchasing a luxury car, or any car, research what the associated costs are like insurance, gas, repairs and maintenance to ensure you won't blow your budget and can still live prosper in retirement. Editor's note: Photos are for representational purposes only. More From GOBankingRates 25 Places To Buy a Home If You Want It To Gain Value This article originally appeared on 6 Used Luxury Cars Retirees Should Avoid
Miami Herald
06-07-2025
- Automotive
- Miami Herald
Why Used Tacoma Retains More Value Than a BMW
Your five-year-old Tacoma, a veteran workhorse, still commands 60.2 percent of its sticker price on the used-lot-well above the 54.4 percent industry average and miles ahead of a BMW 3 Series, which limps in at 48.6 percent retention. That gap translates into thousands more in your pocket when you trade in or sell. It's not random luck: Toyota's rust-proof reliability, fleet-tested durability and no-nonsense mechanics keep Tacomas in demand. Toss in contractor fleets swapping low-mile examples, easy-to-service parts, go-anywhere towing chops and die-hard brand loyalty, and you get resale resilience no luxury sedan can match. Here's how these factors turn depreciation from a horror story into a footnote. Over the past decade, detailed resale analyses from CarEdge and iSeeCars have peeled back the myths around depreciation, revealing a clear pattern: the models topping the charts aren't flashy coupes or high-tech sedans, but rugged trucks and SUVs built to last. These vehicles, backed by high-volume dealer and fleet demand, straightforward mechanical layouts and proven longevity, regularly return well over 60% of their original MSRP after five years. Below is the verified lineup of the best performers in five-year value retention. All of these models substantially outperform the industry average (the blue line), which stands at 54.4% retention after five years. This means that, on average, flipping that on its head, the average new vehicle loses about 45.6% of its value in the same period. Not all trucks and SUVs stand out for retaining their value. For example, while the Jeep Wrangler is often praised for holding its value, recent data is inconsistent: some sources report a 5-year depreciation as low as 10%, but others find it loses up to 55% of its value over five years, making its performance highly variable depending on model and market. Similarly, the Ford F-150, despite being America's best-selling truck, depreciates more than the segment average, with a typical 5-year depreciation of about 46.5% - leaving it below many of its competitors in terms of resale value. This underscores that popularity and high sales don't always translate into the best long-term value retention. For context, the BMW 3 Series - a popular luxury sedan - retains only 48.6% of its value after five years, falling below the industry average. Mercedes? Brand average 50.7%. Cadillac? Brand average 48.9%. This highlights the exceptional performance of the top trucks and SUVs, which not only beat the average but also demonstrate the resilience of certain segments against depreciation. Doing a deep dive into why this is so, why do these 5 trucks hold their value far better than a BMW, a brand renowned the world over for its retention, here is the secret code: Rock-Solid Reliability & DurabilityToyota's body-on-frame engineering and proven powertrains rack up miles with minimal fuss, earning a reputation for trouble-free ownership and strong demand in the used-vehicle Cost of OwnershipPickup parts and service for Tacomas and Tundras are mass-market staples-widely available and competitively priced-keeping maintenance bills down and resale values & Commercial DemandTradespeople, municipalities and rental fleets churn through pickups at high volumes. Those well-maintained, low-mileage ex-fleet Tacomas and 4Runners flood the used market-still commanding premium prices thanks to documented service SimplicityUnlike tech-dense luxury sedans, these trucks stick to mechanical basics and sturdy electronics. Fewer high-tech modules mean fewer post-warranty surprises-and gentler depreciation when the factory bumper-to-bumper coverage & Hauling VersatilityWhether it's a weekend boat launch, a landscaping trailer or a tailgate cooler, Tacomas and Tundras do double duty for work and play. That multi-use appeal outlives the fashion cycle of compact Brand LoyaltyToyota-truck buyers come back-again and again. Repeat customers know the resale auction lanes and dealer-trade-in premiums, reinforcing high retail values on every new-for-used transaction. Don't mistake "truck" for "throwaway." If you want a ride that still sells for strong money five years down the road, put the 4Runner, Tacoma or Tundra at the top of your shopping list. Their bullet-proof reliability, simple mechanicals, fleet-proven histories and go-anywhere versatility combine to crush depreciation the way a Haul-Master trailer conquers a steep grade. In contrast, even prestige nameplates like the BMW 3 Series can't match that resale resilience. Shop your next truck with an eye on those value-drivers, and watch your investment outlast the head-turners and hold its worth where it counts. Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Auto Blog
06-07-2025
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
Why Used Tacoma Retains More Value Than a BMW
By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. The Real Story Behind America's Most Resilient Trucks Your five-year-old Tacoma, a veteran workhorse, still commands 60.2 percent of its sticker price on the used-lot—well above the 54.4 percent industry average and miles ahead of a BMW 3 Series, which limps in at 48.6 percent retention. That gap translates into thousands more in your pocket when you trade in or sell. It's not random luck: Toyota's rust-proof reliability, fleet-tested durability and no-nonsense mechanics keep Tacomas in demand. Toss in contractor fleets swapping low-mile examples, easy-to-service parts, go-anywhere towing chops and die-hard brand loyalty, and you get resale resilience no luxury sedan can match. Here's how these factors turn depreciation from a horror story into a footnote. Top Performers: Trucks and SUVs Lead the Pack Over the past decade, detailed resale analyses from CarEdge and iSeeCars have peeled back the myths around depreciation, revealing a clear pattern: the models topping the charts aren't flashy coupes or high-tech sedans, but rugged trucks and SUVs built to last. These vehicles, backed by high-volume dealer and fleet demand, straightforward mechanical layouts and proven longevity, regularly return well over 60% of their original MSRP after five years. Below is the verified lineup of the best performers in five-year value retention. All of these models substantially outperform the industry average (the blue line), which stands at 54.4% retention after five years. This means that, on average, flipping that on its head, the average new vehicle loses about 45.6% of its value in the same period. Not All Trucks Are Created Equal Not all trucks and SUVs stand out for retaining their value. For example, while the Jeep Wrangler is often praised for holding its value, recent data is inconsistent: some sources report a 5-year depreciation as low as 10%, but others find it loses up to 55% of its value over five years, making its performance highly variable depending on model and market. Similarly, the Ford F-150, despite being America's best-selling truck, depreciates more than the segment average, with a typical 5-year depreciation of about 46.5% — leaving it below many of its competitors in terms of resale value. This underscores that popularity and high sales don't always translate into the best long-term value retention. Autoblog Newsletter Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. Sign up or sign in with Google Facebook Microsoft Apple By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. How Do Other Segments Compare? For context, the BMW 3 Series — a popular luxury sedan — retains only 48.6% of its value after five years, falling below the industry average. Mercedes? Brand average 50.7%. Cadillac? Brand average 48.9%. This highlights the exceptional performance of the top trucks and SUVs, which not only beat the average but also demonstrate the resilience of certain segments against depreciation. Why Do These Models Excel? Doing a deep dive into why this is so, why do these 5 trucks hold their value far better than a BMW, a brand renowned the world over for its retention, here is the secret code: Rock-Solid Reliability & Durability Toyota's body-on-frame engineering and proven powertrains rack up miles with minimal fuss, earning a reputation for trouble-free ownership and strong demand in the used-vehicle market. Toyota's body-on-frame engineering and proven powertrains rack up miles with minimal fuss, earning a reputation for trouble-free ownership and strong demand in the used-vehicle market. Lower Cost of Ownership Pickup parts and service for Tacomas and Tundras are mass-market staples—widely available and competitively priced—keeping maintenance bills down and resale values up. Pickup parts and service for Tacomas and Tundras are mass-market staples—widely available and competitively priced—keeping maintenance bills down and resale values up. Fleet & Commercial Demand Tradespeople, municipalities and rental fleets churn through pickups at high volumes. Those well-maintained, low-mileage ex-fleet Tacomas and 4Runners flood the used market—still commanding premium prices thanks to documented service histories. Tradespeople, municipalities and rental fleets churn through pickups at high volumes. Those well-maintained, low-mileage ex-fleet Tacomas and 4Runners flood the used market—still commanding premium prices thanks to documented service histories. Proven Simplicity Unlike tech-dense luxury sedans, these trucks stick to mechanical basics and sturdy electronics. Fewer high-tech modules mean fewer post-warranty surprises—and gentler depreciation when the factory bumper-to-bumper coverage ends. Unlike tech-dense luxury sedans, these trucks stick to mechanical basics and sturdy electronics. Fewer high-tech modules mean fewer post-warranty surprises—and gentler depreciation when the factory bumper-to-bumper coverage ends. Towing & Hauling Versatility Whether it's a weekend boat launch, a landscaping trailer or a tailgate cooler, Tacomas and Tundras do double duty for work and play. That multi-use appeal outlives the fashion cycle of compact sedans. Whether it's a weekend boat launch, a landscaping trailer or a tailgate cooler, Tacomas and Tundras do double duty for work and play. That multi-use appeal outlives the fashion cycle of compact sedans. Iconic Brand Loyalty Toyota-truck buyers come back—again and again. Repeat customers know the resale auction lanes and dealer-trade-in premiums, reinforcing high retail values on every new-for-used transaction. The Takeaway: Buy Smart, Sell Strong Don't mistake 'truck' for 'throwaway.' If you want a ride that still sells for strong money five years down the road, put the 4Runner, Tacoma or Tundra at the top of your shopping list. Their bullet-proof reliability, simple mechanicals, fleet-proven histories and go-anywhere versatility combine to crush depreciation the way a Haul-Master trailer conquers a steep grade. In contrast, even prestige nameplates like the BMW 3 Series can't match that resale resilience. Shop your next truck with an eye on those value-drivers, and watch your investment outlast the head-turners and hold its worth where it counts. About the Author Brian Iselin View Profile
Auto Blog
04-07-2025
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
Tesla Model Y Trade-In Value: What's Your Model Y Actually Worth?
By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. Ready to trade in your Model Y? Here's how much you can expect to get for it The Tesla brand has taken quite a hit lately. Though it still makes quality EVs, many people are eschewing Tesla, and some of those who have already purchased a Tesla are looking to trade it in to avoid side-eye glares. Some are ready for an EV with more bells and whistles, while others may be ready to ditch electrification altogether. Whatever the case, if you're a Tesla Model Y owner and are looking to trade yours in, we'll help you know what a dealership will say when you offer yours as a trade-in on something new. Tesla Model Y — Source: Tesla What to know before you go to a dealership Dealerships are sensitive to what buyers want. Since Tesla's reputation is in trouble, many dealerships might find it challenging to sell a Tesla, even at auction, for a fair price. Expect an offer that might not be advantageous to you. The typical depreciation for a Tesla is about 25 percent in the first year. Over the past few months, depreciation has increased to nearly 30 percent, according to CarEdge. This assumes average mileage (13,500) and Model Y no older than one model year. Tesla Model Y Juniper — Source: Tesla How much is a 2022 (or newer) Model Y worth as a trade-in? A three-year-old Tesla has an average depreciation of 58 percent. Years one to three are when the Tesla Model Y sees its steepest drop-off in depreciation. A four-year-old Model Y (2021) by comparison, depreciates only 1.5 percent more than a 2022 model year Model Y, meaning your trade-in value is nearly identical. If a dealership is willing to pay you a fair price, a 2022 Tesla Model Y is worth about $21,960 as a trade-in. A four-year-old Tesla Model Y is worth $21,192 as a trade-in. Unless you're dead-set on getting a different car, waiting won't hurt your trade-in value too much. A two-year-old Tesla Model Y has a 27% depreciation rate and is worth approximately $32,366 as a trade-in. A one-year-old Tesla has a 30 percent depreciation and is worth $35,921 towards a new vehicle. What a 2020 Tesla Model Y is worth as a trade-in When the Model Y reaches its 3-year mark, depreciation tends to even out. Like the difference between a three and four-year-old Model Y, depreciation for a five-year-old Model Y is only 2.5 percent worse than a four-year-old vehicle. A 2020 Tesla Model Y is worth $20,424 as a trade-in, and has a depreciation of 60 percent. 2025 Tesla Model Y — Source: Tesla Autoblog Newsletter Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. Sign up or sign in with Google Facebook Microsoft Apple By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. How much the 2018 Tesla Model Y is worth as a trade-in At seven years old, the Model Y's depreciation starts to level off in the long term. Between the ages of seven and 10, the Model Y only depreciates about three percent. Typically, there are massive depreciation declines every 2-3 model years. A 2018 Tesla Model Y is worth $12,557 as a trade-in, and has a depreciation of about 75 percent. Much like a Tesla Model Y aged three to five years, holding onto a 2018 Tesla Model Y for a year or two won't hurt your trade-in value much. Source: Tesla Final thoughts Tesla is considered a luxury brand, with the only other brands showing a worse overall trade-in being Alfa Romeo and Maserati. Even Land Rover, widely panned for its reliability, has a better trade-in value than Tesla. The Model Y may be the automaker's best-selling vehicle, but those considering a new Model Y purchase should make sure they're simply enamored with it. We expect Tesla's resale values to decline over time, so by the time you're ready to trade in your 2025 Model Y, it may not be worth much to dealerships near you. About the Author Nate Swanner View Profile
