Dealer visit checklist
2020 Toyota Highlander checklist
Print it or keep it on your phone. Tick each item as you go so nothing gets missed.
Inspect the car
- Check every panel gap and look for mismatched paint (signs of past accident repair)
- Look at the tires: even wear, matching brands, at least 4/32" tread
- Check under the car and engine bay for oil, coolant or other leaks
- Start the engine cold; listen for knocks, ticks or squeals and watch for smoke
- Test every window, lock, seat, light, the A/C, heat and infotainment
- Test drive on city streets and highway: straight braking, smooth shifts, no pulling
- Ask for the service records and a vehicle history report
- Have an independent mechanic do a pre-purchase inspection (about $100–$200)
Known 2020 Toyota Highlander problems to check
- Oil consumption on the 3.5L V6 engine — monitor levels between changes, especially past 80,000 miles
- Infotainment system (Entune 3.0) can be sluggish and unresponsive; software updates help but don't fully resolve it
- Pre-collision system false alerts reported in certain lighting or weather conditions
- Third-row seat comfort is limited for adults on longer trips — primarily useful for children
- Paint chipping and minor rust susceptibility on the hood and lower rocker panels in northern/salt-belt states
Ask: have these recalls been fixed?
- AIR BAGS: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020 Highlander and Highlander hybrid vehicles.
- FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020 Highlander vehicles equipped with a 3.5 L, V6 (2GR-FKS) gasoline engine.
- STRUCTURE:BODY:BUMPERS: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Highlander & Highlander Hybrid vehicles.
- AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Avalon, Avalon Hybrid, Corolla, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, RAV4, RAV4 Hybrid, Lexus ES350, Lexus RX350, Lexus RX450H, 2021 Sienna Hybrid, Lexus ES250, 2020-2022 Camry, Camry Hybrid, and ES300H vehicles.
Negotiate the price
- Know the typical price: about $28,500 for this model year
- Negotiate the out-the-door price, not the monthly payment
- Get the full price with every fee listed in writing before you sign
- Bring your own loan pre-approval so the dealer has a rate to beat
- Say no to add-ons you didn't ask for (paint protection, VIN etching, nitrogen tires)
- Negotiate your trade-in separately, after the car's price is agreed
- Be ready to walk away; another listing is usually a click away