Advantages and Disadvantages of the Second Generation Toyota Harrier
There are several advantages and disadvantages to the second generation Toyota Harrier which make it still attractive as a daily vehicle option. Apart from the Fortuner, Toyota actually has another SUV variant that was circulating in Indonesia, namely the Harrier.
But unfortunately the Toyota Harrier is mostly imported through General Importers (IU) and not officially sold by PT Toyota Astra Motor (TAM), but even so, this car, which is generally imported directly from Japan, has a lot of interest.
The Harrier model that has quite good reputation in Indonesia is the second generation Toyota Harrier which was recorded to have entered Indonesia in 2003. At that time the options offered were 2.4 G, 3.0 G and L Premium types.
There are two engine choices, namely a 2.4-liter engine coded 2AZ-FE with 162 hp of power and 221 Nm of torque. As well as a 1MZ-FE 3.0-liter engine with peak power of 220 hp with torque of 304 Nm. However, all Toyota Harrier variants use a 4-speed Triptonic automatic transmission.
The Toyota Harrier is indeed in the premium segment, positioned below the Lexus RX SUV. However, the Harrier and RX are both fully imported from Japan. Now the price of a used Toyota Harrier for the second generation is very tempting, it can even be cheaper than the price of a new LCGC.
So, before proposing, here are the advantages and disadvantages of the second generation Toyota Harrier that you need to know.
Advantages of the Toyota Harrier Gen 2
First of all, let's review the appeal of this SUV with the three oval logo, which was once synonymous with the cars of the rich.
1. The appearance of the Second Generation Toyota Harrier remains classy
If you are looking for a Toyota SUV but with a more premium feel than the Fortuner, then we recommend the second generation Harrier. Of course, the advantage of the 2003 Toyota Harrier that can be felt most is the premium taste of the car, especially if you choose the Toyota Harrier 2.4 L Premium.
The external appearance looks classier with a vertical grille and a different logo than most other Toyota cars. Then the face also appears to protrude forward, while at the back it appears rounded. Moreover, if the bumper uses a bodykit, it will look sexier, far from the muscular impression that is usually found in SUV cars.
2. Premium Flavored Interior
Apart from the outside which still looks dashing and classy, the Harrier Gen 2 cabin also feels luxurious and comfortable. The dashboard layout is simple, unlike contemporary SUVs where there are lots of sharp corners or the dashboard is made of steps.
However, the Harrier comes with dynamic flowing design lines without many excessive chrome accents, except for the center of the dashboard including the AC grille which is finished in silver. Meanwhile, the entire dashboard, door trim and seats use black leather material combined with wooden accents so it looks luxurious. This is natural considering that the Harrier is positioned in Toyota's Premium SUV class.
3. Powered Engine
If the current Fortuner can be a bit arrogant because it uses a 2,800 cc turbo diesel engine, then the Harrier is actually not inferior in terms of power. You can choose the Harrier with a 3.0-liter V6 engine which will definitely have lots of power and torque. But of course the consequence is that fuel consumption is more wasteful.
4. Maximum driver and passenger comfort
As we mentioned at the beginning of this article, when choosing a Harrier, one of several reasons is the comfort offered by this SUV. The seat design, suspension support and smooth acceleration of the engine and transmission are indeed worthy of a thumbs up. If you choose the Toyota Harrier Airs type, the suspension of this car also uses air suspension, which has an impact on comfort while driving, which is something that you will really admire about this car.
5. Complete Features
If we talk about a premium SUV, it feels like consumers will be presented with premium technology as well. Likewise with the Harrier, the features of this car, both for entertainment and safety and security, were very complete for its time. For example, in 2003, the Harrier had an audio steering switch, and also a panoramic sunroof, which may not have been available on other Japanese SUVs at that time.
Weaknesses of the Toyota Harrier
Apart from the advantages, of course there are weaknesses to this car, so before moving to buy it from the dealer to bring it to your house, let's first understand what you should pay attention to about the Toyota Harrier Gen 2.
1. Cracked Seat and Dashboard
In general, the weakness of the Toyota Harrier Generation 2 that is most complained about by users is that the surface of the seats or dashboard becomes cracked. This is due to the age of the car which is no longer young and exposure to sunlight into the cabin. Apart from that, considering that this car is produced in Japan, where the climate is not as hot as in Indonesia, the dashboard surface material which is most easily exposed to sunlight is the victim.
2. Beware of Damaged Air Suspension
Then the complaint that is also quite often part of Toyota's weaknesses is the air suspension problem. Considering that this car is more than 10 years old, especially for the Harrier AIRS type, the suspension system's useful life is also time for the condition of its components to be rejuvenated. Unfortunately, the cost of repairing air suspension is still quite expensive considering the technology used is different from other types of suspension.
3. Repair costs are quite expensive
Even though the Toyota Harrier is widely considered to have a driving sensation similar to other Toyota cars with 2,400 cc - 2,500 cc engines, the cost of repairing this car is apparently not as "cheap" as other Toyota cars of the same age.
Moreover, the 3.0 G variant does provide a much better driving experience, but the 6 cylinder engine it uses also requires extra maintenance. A number of users said that some of these car components are quite expensive because they have entered replacement age.
Apart from spare parts, the body parts of these cars are also not cheap, in fact at some points they are often targeted by thieves, for example the outside mirrors.
4. Wastes fuel
The final issue that is often highlighted by used Toyota Harrier users is regarding engine performance compared to fuel consumption. Especially in the 3.0-liter engine variant, the fuel consumption of the 2nd generation Toyota Harrier cannot be said to be economical. However, it is worth the power produced by the car.
Conclusion
With several advantages and disadvantages of the second generation Toyota Harrier, this car is indeed a premium SUV that is tempting to own. The reason is, the price of this used car is under Rp. 300 million but provides luxury and comfort in driving.
But of course you have to prepare quite large ownership costs, especially for periodic maintenance. How interested are you in buying a used Toyota Harrier? Advantages and disadvantages of the Toyota Harrier Gen 2.
