Review of a 17-Year-Old Toyota Highlander Hybrid with 180,000 Miles

Original Owner's Hybrid Experience

• 🚗 The video features a 17-year-old Toyota Highlander Hybrid with 180,000 miles, originally purchased by the current owner.
• 💡 The owner recently replaced the hybrid battery for $200 from a salvage yard, significantly cheaper than a new one from Toyota.
• ⚙️ The vehicle still has its original V6 engine, which requires timing belt and water pump maintenance, a normal upkeep cost.

Hybrid Battery and Durability

• 🔋 The original hybrid battery was replaced after 180,000 miles, with the owner noting that new batteries from Toyota cost thousands, while remanufactured ones are around $1,000.
• 💡 The battery pack is located in the back seat, sealed from the elements, which is preferable to under-car placement where corrosion is a greater risk, especially in areas with road salt.
• 📊 A scan tool revealed that 15 out of 240 cells in the used battery exceeded thresholds, but it was still functioning well.

Vehicle Performance and Maintenance

• ⛽ The early Highlander Hybrid gets about 29-30 MPG, less than newer four-cylinder hybrids that can achieve 40+ MPG.
• 🛠️ Diagnostic codes indicated system too lean and mass air flow sensor performance problems, likely due to a dirty or failing sensor.
• 🧪 After clearing codes and a road test, fuel trims improved, and a fuel system cleaner was added to address potential injector issues.

Hybrid vs. Non-Hybrid and Brand Comparisons

• 📉 The owner mentioned that if he had to choose again, he might opt for a non-hybrid, as the gas mileage difference wasn't significant on this older model.
• 🏆 Toyota hybrids are highlighted for their reliability and continuous improvement, contrasting with potential issues in other brands like Ford, which may use less durable bearings.
• 🔌 The video advises against plug-in hybrids due to their under-car battery placement, which is more susceptible to corrosion.

Electric Vehicle Market Trends

• 📉 A Chinese electric car company, Neta Auto, is facing a severe financial crisis, with sales down 98% and significant layoffs and salary cuts.
• ⚠️ The speaker suggests that the market is showing a preference against new technology like electric cars if they don't offer a significant improvement over existing technology.
• 📈 Ford may need to increase prices due to potential tariffs on imported parts, impacting consumer costs.