Man Loses 1 Million-mile 2006 Highlander During Hurricane, Gets 2023 Model From Toyota

Owner loses his 1 Million-mile 2006 Toyota Highlander SUV during Hurricane Ian, gets new one from Toyota Dealership.

His SUV was damaged by floodings caused by the remnants of the storm that swept through Florida in September 2022.

After sharing his story with the dealership, the owner handed him the keys to 2023 Highlander and thanked him for his loyalty.

A dealership in the United States has handed a brand new 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Bronze Edition to a loyal customer, Mark Miller, following the lose of his favorite 2006 model Highlander to Hurricane Ian.

Miller’s Highlander SUV had gone over 1 Million miles before been damaged by flash floodings caused by the remnants of the catastrophic Category 4 storm that swept through Florida in September 2022.

During its over 1 million miles on the road, the Highlander was Miller’s “workhorse,” often used for towing trailers for his asphalt paving business and even serving as an office during his almost daily work trips.

“I’ve probably done about 8,000 trips across Alligator Alley in that Highlander… That vehicle was so dependable… I think I took it for granted at times.” said Miller.

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“After 17 years, only a catastrophic flood could kill it… Well, the storm surge was bigger than anything I’d ever seen or heard of. By the time the water receded, we had someone’s floating dock in our backyard.”, he added.

The surprise gift was handed over to Mark On Jan. 21 2023, after walking into Germain Toyota of Naples to share his story. This is the same dealership Mark long trusted to care for his 2006 Highlander Hybrid.

After sharing his story with everyone at the dealership, Richard Germain, the owner of Germain Toyota of Naples, and Wendell Hardy, the GM approached him to thank him for his loyalty.

“The fact that you rode your Toyota for over 16 years, put over 1 million miles on it and allowed us to be a part of keeping that vehicle going for you, in my mind, probably makes you the most loyal customer that we’ve ever had,” Germain said to Miller.

“We wanted to thank you for that loyalty. So, on behalf of Toyota and the Toyota family, we would like to reward you for your loyalty by replacing that 2006…”

Reacting to the surprise gift after Germain handed him the keys, Mark said :

“Oh, you’re kidding me… Oh, my God.”

“This is tremendous,” he gushed. “My heart is just all over the place. I’m overwhelmed. This is just an incredible thing.”

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