Here's s Toyota question for the group.
My Father wants a new vehicle. He currently has a 4WD Super Cab Ford Ranger. My Father is 84 years old, and in poor shape. He has a Powered Wheel Chair that he uses to get around. He can walk, but with great difficulty. The wheel chair is moved on a lift that attaches to a receiver hitch at the rear of the Ranger. He wants to replace the Ranger becasue it is too far off the ground and is difficult for him to enter. He wants a small SUV like vehicle to replace the Ranger. One of the vehicles he is interestd in is the Toyota Highlander. I think he picked the Highlander principally because he trusts Consumer Reports (despite my warnings). I need to know a few things. 1) Is the step-in height of a Highlander any lower than a 4WD Ranger? I looked at a co-worker's and it was a little lower, but I am concerned that it varies. The co-worker's Highlander is FWD. My Father wants AWD. 2) Can the Highlander support approximately 300 lbs of wheel chair and ramp attached to a reciever hitch at the rear? 3) How much can he expect to have to pay for an AWD Highlander. He doesn't need one loaded with stuff, just power windows, automatic transmission, air conditioning, and power seats. My SO looked at Highlanders last year and gave up on them becasue she said they were way over-priced. But then she only saw ones loaded with stuff. Is this typical of what the dealers stock?
Ed