SellCarAdvisor is reader-supported, when you sign up through links on this post, we may receive compensation at no extra cost to you. How We Work.
The bottom line: The Highlander holds its value better than almost any other midsize SUV, so getting your price right matters. Use KBB and Edmunds for a baseline, then check what similar Highlanders are actually selling for locally on Facebook Marketplace and Cars.com before you set your number.
Your selling path depends on condition. If your Highlander is newer than 2018, under 100,000 miles, and has a clean title, a private listing or an instant offer from Carvana will get you the most. If it’s over 150,000 miles, has mechanical problems, or needs work, Peddle or Wheelzy will give you a fair offer without the hassle of finding a private buyer.
Before you accept any offer, compare offers from multiple services with Sell Car Advisor. Even on a Highlander in great shape, a second quote often gets you a few hundred dollars more.
Key Takeaways
- The Highlander loses approximately 36% of its value after five years, well below the 46% average for midsize SUVs, so you have more room to negotiate on price than you might expect.
- All 2008 and newer V6 Highlanders use a timing chain, not a timing belt. There’s no expensive belt service to disclose, which removes a common buyer concern at high mileage.
- The 2017 to 2018 3.5L V6 models had documented oil consumption issues, and buyers will ask about this regardless of the condition of your specific car.
- The Highlander’s tight third row limits your buyer pool. Expect families with young kids or couples, not buyers who need adult-usable rear seating.
- A private sale on Facebook Marketplace or Cars.com typically gets you the most money but takes 2 to 3 weeks for a properly priced, clean example.
- If you don’t have maintenance records, a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic gives buyers a substitute they’ll trust almost as much.
Compare Instant Offers
Toyota Highlander Overview
The Toyota Highlander has been Toyota’s midsize three-row SUV since 2001, sitting between the compact RAV4 and the full-size Sequoia.
Toyota introduced it as a car-based crossover when most families were still buying minivans or truck-based SUVs. It worked. The Highlander became one of Toyota’s bestsellers by offering minivan space with SUV styling.
What sets the Highlander apart from competitors like the Honda Pilot and Ford Explorer is Toyota’s focus on reliability over performance. The Highlander won’t win drag races, but it’ll start every morning for 200,000 miles.
It’s the SUV equivalent of a Honda Accord: dependable, practical, and holds value well. When you’re selling a Highlander, you’re selling peace of mind. Buyers choose Highlanders because they last.
Your job is proving your specific Highlander has been maintained well.
How to Price Your Toyota Highlander?
Use Online Valuation Tools First
Start with free online tools to establish a baseline value range:
- Kelley Blue Book Private Party Value: Input your Highlander’s year, trim, mileage, condition, and zip code. KBB gives you a realistic range based on actual sales data.
- Edmunds True Market Value: Shows what similar Highlanders sold for recently in your area, not just asking prices.
These tools automatically factor in depreciation, mileage, and condition. You don’t need to do complicated math. Just answer their questions honestly about your Highlander’s condition.
Research Your Local Market
Online tools give you national data, but cars sell locally. What matters is what Highlanders are selling for in your specific market right now.
Search these platforms for Highlanders matching your year, trim, and similar mileage:
- Facebook Marketplace: Filter by location radius and sort by newest listings. Look at what sold (marked as “Sold”) not just current listings.
- Cars.com: Search your area for comparable Highlanders. Note asking prices and how long listings have been active.
- Autotrader: Particularly useful for seeing dealer asking prices, which are typically higher than private party.
Do Highlanders in your price range sell within a week or sit for months? If they move fast, the market is hot. If they sit, prices are too high.
Are 2020 Highlanders with 50,000 miles listed at $32,000 or $28,000 in your area? That’s your competition. What features do the higher-priced Highlanders have? Platinum trim, navigation, low miles, one owner?
For example, if you’re selling a 2019 Highlander XLE with 75,000 miles and see similar ones listed at $25,500 and $27,000 locally, but one just sold at $26,200, that tells you the market is around $26,000 to $26,500. Price yours at $26,800 and you’ll have room to negotiate down.
Price Strategy by Condition
Your Highlander’s condition dramatically affects pricing.
Excellent Condition (no issues, clean interior, recent maintenance): Price at the top of your range or slightly above. Buyers pay a premium for clean Highlanders with records.
Good Condition (minor wear, maintained regularly, small cosmetic issues): Price in the middle of your range. This is where most Highlanders fall.
Fair Condition (needs some work, higher mileage, visible wear): Price below market average. Be honest about issues in your listing.
Needs Repairs (mechanical problems, body damage, maintenance overdue): If repairs cost more than half the value, skip private sale and get instant offers from Peddle or Wheelzy.
Common Buyer Concerns About Used Highlanders
The 2017 to 2018 Oil Consumption Problem
Some owners of 2017 to 2018 Highlanders with the 3.5L V6 engine reported excessive oil consumption, sometimes requiring a quart every 1,000 to 1,500 miles.
If you’re selling a 2017 to 2018 Highlander:
Have you been adding oil between changes? Look at your maintenance records. If your Highlander burns oil, disclose it upfront and price accordingly.
If it doesn’t burn oil, explicitly state that in your listing. Include oil change receipts showing proper maintenance and note that oil levels were monitored between changes.
If you’re selling any other year:
Mention in your listing that your year doesn’t have the oil consumption issue. Buyers worry about it across all years, so proactively addressing it helps.
Learn more: How to Sell a Car with High Oil Consumption?
Maintenance History Concerns
Highlanders are reliable, but buyers still want proof yours was maintained. They’re looking for regular oil changes every 5,000 to 7,500 miles, transmission fluid changes around 60,000 miles, and brake work done as needed.
Organize your maintenance records before listing. If you have gaps or missing records, get a pre-purchase inspection from a trusted mechanic before you list.
This inspection report serves as proof that the major systems are solid. Buyers will pay more knowing the car was independently verified, especially if maintenance records are incomplete.
No records at all? Be honest about it. Some buyers won’t care if the price is right and the Highlander drives well.
High Mileage Worries
Highlanders regularly hit 200,000+ miles, but buyers get nervous around 100,000 to 150,000 miles. At this point, they’re wondering about upcoming maintenance.
If your Highlander is at 100,000 to 150,000 miles:
Tell buyers what’s already been done. “New transmission fluid at 120,000.” “Front brakes done at 95,000.” “Water pump replaced preventively at 110,000.” List recent maintenance in your listing to show the car is current.
One thing that works in your favor: all 2008 and newer V6 Highlanders use a timing chain, not a timing belt. Chains don’t need scheduled replacement, so there’s no looming service cost for buyers to worry about. Only 2001 to 2007 V6 models used a timing belt, due around 90,000 miles.
If your Highlander is over 150,000 miles:
Price it for what it is: a high-mileage vehicle. Emphasize Toyota reliability and any recent major services. The buyers shopping at this mileage are looking for cheap transportation, not a showroom vehicle.
Third-Row Space Questions
The Highlander’s third row is smaller than the Pilot or Palisade. Buyers with teenagers or adults who’ll use the third row regularly will ask about it.
Honest answer: The third row works fine for kids under 12 or adults on short trips. It’s not comfortable for adults on long drives. The Grand Highlander solves this, but regular Highlanders are tighter.
If you have a Grand Highlander, emphasize the larger third row in your listing. It’s a key selling point that differentiates it from the regular model.
Accident History and Title Concerns
Buyers will run a vehicle history report on your Highlander. Don’t hide accidents.
Minor accidents (fender bender, bumper replacement) with proper repairs at a reputable shop don’t kill deals if you’re transparent. Include repair receipts and photos of the fixed areas.
Major accidents (frame damage, airbag deployment) hurt value a lot. Price between private party and trade-in value. Expect reductions compared to a clean history.
Salvage or rebuilt titles make private sales difficult. Most buyers won’t even consider these. Your best option is getting offers from companies that buy damaged vehicles.
Learn more: How to Sell a Car with a Salvage Title
Used Toyota Highlander Key Selling Points for Each Generation
Your listing needs specific features that set your Highlander apart. Generic phrases like “runs great” don’t work.
Buyers want to know what your specific generation offers that competitors don’t. Use these talking points in your listing description and when talking to buyers.
First Generation (2001 to 2007)
These are high-mileage vehicles now, so lean on Toyota’s reliability reputation and disclose everything upfront. The 3.0L or 3.3L V6 is well proven, with many examples reaching 250,000 miles with regular maintenance.
Note that 2001 to 2007 V6 models have a timing belt, not a chain, and it’s due around 90,000 miles. If yours has been done, say so. If not, factor the cost into your asking price.
Second Generation (2008 to 2013)
These models switched to a timing chain in 2008, so there’s no belt service buyers need to worry about. If you have the Hybrid, the approximately 27 mpg combined is a real selling point. No other three-row SUV offered that efficiency when these were new.
Emphasize any major services already done (water pump, brakes, transmission fluid) and let buyers know the chain-driven engine is maintenance-friendly.
Third Generation (2014 to 2019)
The biggest value point here is Toyota Safety Sense P on 2017+ models: automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control were optional extras on most competitors. If your Highlander has it, lead with it in your listing.
The 2017 to 2019 3.5L V6 puts out 295 hp, which buyers actively compare against the Honda Pilot’s 280 hp. The oil consumption issue is specific to the 2017 to 2018 model years. Address it proactively either way.
Fourth Generation (2020 to Present)
The 2.4L turbo four-cylinder replaced the V6 starting in 2020 and gets 24 mpg combined with AWD, a real improvement over the previous generation. Standard Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ on every trim means even base models have pedestrian detection and lane-tracing assist. If you have the Hybrid, the 35 mpg combined is the headline number buyers are searching for.
How to Sell Your Toyota Highlander
The process is the same whether you go private or instant offer, but the steps happen in a different order. Here’s the full sequence from start to cash in hand.
Step 1: Find Out What It’s Worth
Run your Highlander through KBB and Edmunds using the Private Party value option. Then search Facebook Marketplace and Cars.com for Highlanders in your area with similar year, trim, and mileage.
The local listings tell you what real buyers are actually paying right now. The national tools give you a starting point, not a final number.
Step 2: Gather Your Paperwork
Find your title, current registration, and as many maintenance records as you have. If your title has a lien on it, call your lender and get the exact payoff amount before you list. Buyers will ask, and knowing the number upfront avoids delays.
If you’ve lost your title, order a duplicate from your state DMV right away. Processing takes 7 to 10 business days in most states, and you can’t legally transfer ownership without it.
Step 3: Get at Least Two Quotes Before Deciding How to Sell
Before you decide whether to go private or take an instant offer, get quotes from Carvana, Peddle, or Wheelzy depending on your car’s condition. This takes about 10 minutes online and gives you a real floor price to compare against private sale offers.
If the gap between an instant offer and what private buyers are paying is small, taking the instant offer often makes more sense. If the gap is big, the extra weeks of a private listing are worth it.
Step 4: List It or Accept the Offer
For private sale: write a listing that addresses the specific things Highlander buyers ask about: maintenance history, oil consumption (if a 2017 to 2018 model), mileage context, and what’s been done recently. Take clean photos in good light. Post on Facebook Marketplace and Cars.com at the same time for the most reach at no cost.
For instant offers: confirm the quote, schedule the pickup, and have your title and keys ready. Most buyers complete pickup within 1 to 3 days of scheduling.
Step 5: Handle the Sale Safely
For private buyers: meet at your bank or a public location, never alone at your home. Accept a cashier’s check or a verified bank transfer, not personal checks or, no payment apps for large amounts. Sign the title over only after payment clears.
Fill out a bill of sale and notify your state DMV that you’ve sold the vehicle. This releases you from liability if the new owner gets a ticket or is in an accident before they transfer the title.
What Are the Best Places to Sell Used Toyota Highlander?
Best for Newer Cars
Buys newer, low-mileage cars
Offers pickup or free drop-off
Competitive trade-in value
Best for Used Cars
Instant offer in 2 minutes
Instant offer and free pickup
Get paid on the spot
Best for Junk Cars
Sell your car in 30 minutes
Easy-to-use
Buys non-running cars
Compare Instant Offers
Compare Instant Offers
Carvana
Best for: Clean 2018+ Highlanders under 100,000 miles with no accident history
Carvana focuses on near-new vehicles they can resell quickly. They prefer Highlanders that are still under manufacturer warranty or close to it.
Their instant offers work well for sellers who want simplicity. You get a quote online, they inspect at pickup, and payment happens same day if everything matches.
Why it works for newer Highlanders: Carvana’s algorithm prices popular models like Highlanders well because they know they’ll resell fast. A 2021 Highlander XLE with 35,000 miles will get a strong offer because Carvana can resell it quickly at a profit.
Why it doesn’t work for older or high-mileage: Carvana typically declines or gives low offers for Highlanders over 100,000 miles or older than 7 to 8 years. They don’t want the reconditioning cost.
Peddle
Best for: High-mileage Highlanders over 200,000 miles or those needing repairs
Peddle specializes in vehicles other buyers reject. If your Highlander needs transmission work, has engine problems, or you just don’t want the hassle of a private sale, Peddle gives fair offers based on the vehicle’s condition.
Why it works for problem Highlanders: They buy Highlanders for parts value and wholesale auction. High-mileage Highlanders with transmission issues can get reasonable offers from Peddle when private buyers won’t even look at them.
Process: Online quote in minutes, free pickup within 1 to 3 days, payment by check or cash at pickup. No fees, no repairs needed.
Wheelzy
Best for: Highlanders with major damage or mechanical failures
Wheelzy offers more than junkyards because they evaluate parts value, not just scrap metal weight. If your Highlander was in an accident, has frame damage, or won’t run, Wheelzy often beats other cash offers.
Why it works for damaged Highlanders: Their network includes dismantlers and exporters looking for Highlander parts. Certain years like 2008 to 2013 have valuable engines and transmissions that are worth more parted out than as whole vehicles.
Facebook Marketplace
Best for: All Highlanders, especially under $12,000
Facebook Marketplace is completely free and reaches millions of local buyers. It’s the best option for getting the most money on any Highlander because you avoid platform fees entirely. The downside is safety concerns and dealing with low offers.
Why it works for Highlanders: Toyota SUVs sell themselves. You’ll get serious inquiries within hours of listing. The ability to see buyer profiles reduces scam risk compared to Craigslist.
Autotrader Private Seller Exchange
Best for: Highlanders valued at $15,000+ where buyers want transaction security
Autotrader’s Private Seller Exchange verifies buyer identity and handles secure payment transfer. Sellers pay a listing fee plus a transaction fee, but you avoid dealing with scammers and fake buyers common on free platforms.
Cars.com
Best for: All Highlanders, especially if you want free listings
Cars.com offers free private listings with no expiration date and secure payment handling. There are no seller fees for vehicles over $1,000.
Best strategy: List on both Facebook Marketplace and Cars.com at the same time for maximum exposure at minimal cost.
Things You Need to Know
If you’re going the private sale route, paperwork and safety matter as much as pricing. You’ll need to handle buyer inquiries, schedule test drives, and close the deal without the support of a platform or dealer.
The guides below cover each part of that process in detail. You don’t need to read all of them. Pick the ones that apply to your situation.
Selling Toyota Highlander FAQ
What is the best year Toyota Highlander for resale value?
The 2024 to 2025 model years offer the best value retention right now, retaining a large share of useful life while still available at a discount from new. The Highlander loses approximately 36% of its value after five years, well below the 46% average for midsize SUVs overall.
Two to three year old Highlanders (2022 to 2023) give the sweet spot where you avoid the biggest new-car depreciation hit but still have most of the warranty remaining.
The Highlander Hybrid from any recent year holds value better than the gas model, making it a stronger resale proposition regardless of the model year.
What maintenance records do Toyota Highlander buyers want to see?
Buyers prioritize oil change receipts showing regular 5,000 to 7,500 mile intervals, transmission fluid changes around 60,000 miles, and brake work as needed.
Missing one or two oil change receipts won’t kill deals, but having zero documentation typically reduces offers.
If you have record gaps, consider a pre-purchase inspection before listing. The inspection report provides independent verification of your Highlander’s condition, which buyers value almost as much as complete maintenance history.
How long does it typically take to sell a Toyota Highlander?
Properly priced Highlanders in clean condition sell within 2 to 3 weeks on Facebook Marketplace or Cars.com. Overpriced listings sit for months.
High-mileage Highlanders (150,000+ miles) or those needing repairs take 4 to 6 weeks to find buyers willing to deal with issues.
Instant cash offers from Carvana, Peddle, or Wheelzy complete sales in 1 to 3 days but offer less than private sale.
How to sell a Toyota Highlander with transmission problems?
Private buyers typically won’t purchase a Highlander with transmission problems unless deeply discounted.
Your best options are Peddle, Wheelzy, or CarBrain, which specialize in problem vehicles. Get quotes from multiple buyers since offers vary based on year, condition, and parts value.
How to sell a Toyota Highlander with accident history?
Run a VinAudit report yourself to see what buyers will see. Minor accidents (bumper replacement, fender damage) with professional repairs don’t kill sales if you’re transparent. Include repair receipts and photos of the fixed areas.
Price below clean-history examples. Major accidents with frame damage or airbag deployment require pricing well below market.
Many buyers won’t consider these regardless of price. Selling Highlanders with major damage works better through specialty buyers than private sale.
Should I sell my Toyota Highlander to a dealer or privately?
Private sales typically get more money than dealer trade-ins on higher-value Highlanders. The gap narrows for high-mileage or older models where dealers’ wholesale offers get closer to private market.
If you want simplicity and your Highlander is under 60,000 miles and newer than 2018, get offers from Carvana, CarMax, and local dealers.
Compare their offers to what private buyers are paying on Facebook Marketplace and Cars.com. If the difference is small, dealer convenience might be worth it. If the gap is big, private sale makes financial sense despite the extra effort.
What paperwork do I need to sell my Toyota Highlander?
You need the vehicle title (or lienholder payoff information if you have a loan), the current registration, maintenance records if available, and a bill of sale.
Most states require odometer disclosure for vehicles under 10 years old. Some states also require a smog certification or safety inspection.
Check your state’s specific requirements well before listing because title issues or missing inspections can delay sales by weeks. If your title is lost, request a duplicate immediately since processing takes 7 to 10 business days.
How to sell a Toyota Highlander with no maintenance records?
Be honest about missing records rather than making up information. Price your Highlander below comparable examples with full documentation.
Consider getting a pre-purchase inspection from a reputable mechanic before listing. The inspection report provides independent verification of your Highlander’s condition, which helps compensate for missing service history.
Emphasize current condition in your listing: “runs excellent, no warning lights, all systems working properly.” Some buyers won’t care about records if the vehicle drives well and passes inspection.
Can I sell my Toyota Highlander if I still owe money on it?
Yes, but you need to coordinate with your lienholder. Contact your lender to get the exact payoff amount. If the sale price exceeds the payoff, you can pay off the loan and transfer the clean title to the buyer.
If you owe more than the car is worth, you’ll need to cover the difference. Some banks allow buyers to pay them directly, they release the lien, then send you any remaining funds.
This process typically takes 7 to 14 business days. Private sales with liens are possible but more complicated than selling with a clear title.
Article Update History
This article was last updated to reflect the 2026 Highlander's standard AWD, the current 35 mpg combined rating on the Hybrid, and current depreciation data showing the Highlander loses approximately 36% of its value after five years.
Originally posted and shared with our readers.
Sources
"Toyota Highlander Repair & Maintenance Costs" Accessed Mar. 16, 2026.
"Toyota Highlander Depreciation" Accessed Mar. 16, 2026.
"Toyota Highlander" Accessed Mar. 16, 2026.
"Engine Burning Oil Problems of Toyota Highlander" Accessed Mar. 16, 2026.
"Toyota Highlander" Accessed Mar. 16, 2026.