A 2018 Toyota Highlander Limited V6 4WD with around 40,000 km on the odometer typically runs $27,000 to $30,000 FOB for export to Basra, Iraq. Ocean freight to Umm Qasr port is approximately $2,500. We are a direct exporter, not agency, not aggregator — you buy from the source, and we handle the export documentation on our side. You will need a local clearing agent in Iraq to complete customs release. For a detailed invoice with your exact configuration, message our WhatsApp +86 155 5692 0288.

What exactly drives the price of a 2018 Highlander V6 4WD?

The $27,000–$30,000 FOB band is not a random number — it reflects real variables in the used-car export market. Understanding them helps you judge whether a quote is fair or padded.

  • Trim level: The Limited trim sits near the top of the 2018 Highlander range. A Limited carries leather seats, a premium audio system, larger alloy wheels, and more driver-assist features than an LE or XLE. That pushes the price toward the upper end of the band. An XLE or LE in similar condition could land $2,000–$4,000 lower.
  • Mileage: 40,000 km over roughly six years is low — about 6,600 km per year. Low mileage supports a higher price because it signals less wear on the engine, transmission, and suspension. A 2018 Highlander with 90,000–120,000 km would typically drop $3,000–$5,000 from this range.
  • Drivetrain: The 4WD (AWD) system adds value, especially for buyers in Iraq where road conditions and occasional off-pavement driving make traction important. A 2WD version of the same trim would be cheaper by roughly $1,500–$2,500.
  • Engine: The 3.5L V6 is the more desirable powerplant in the Highlander lineup — stronger for highway driving and towing than the four-cylinder option. V6 models hold value better in export markets.
  • Condition and history: Accident history, number of previous owners, service records, and cosmetic condition all move the number. A clean, one-owner example with full service history justifies the top of the range; a repaired or high-owner vehicle should be priced lower.
  • Market timing: Used-car prices fluctuate with supply from source markets (often China, Japan, South Korea, and the US) and demand from Gulf and Middle East buyers. When supply tightens, FOB prices rise.

Because these factors interact, two 2018 Highlander Limited 4WDs with the same mileage can differ by several thousand dollars. That is why we quote per vehicle, not from a generic price list.

How much is shipping to Basra, and what about taxes and fees?

Shipping to Basra means shipping to Umm Qasr, Iraq's main deep-water port. The approximate $2,500 freight figure covers ocean transport from the loading port to Umm Qasr. It is a working estimate — actual cost depends on:

  • Shipping method: Container (usually 20ft or 40ft) versus RoRo (roll-on/roll-off). Container shipping is common for single vehicles and protects the car from weather and handling damage. RoRo can be cheaper but offers less protection and has stricter scheduling.
  • Port of loading and route: Freight rates vary by origin port, carrier, and season. Peak season and fuel surcharges can push the number up.
  • Vehicle dimensions and weight: A Highlander is a mid-size SUV; it fits standard container configurations, but oversized or modified vehicles cost more.
  • Insurance: Marine cargo insurance is optional but strongly recommended. It typically adds a small percentage of the vehicle's declared value.

On the Iraq side, budget for these costs, which are not included in the FOB price or the freight quote:

  • Customs duties and import taxes: Iraq applies import duties on vehicles. The rate depends on the vehicle's classification, age, and engine size, and on current Iraqi customs policy. Your local clearing agent will calculate the exact amount.
  • Clearing agent fees: A licensed Iraqi customs broker handles the paperwork, inspections, and release at Umm Qasr. Fees vary by agent and shipment complexity.
  • Port charges and storage: Terminal handling, demurrage if the container sits too long, and inland transport from Umm Qasr to Basra or beyond.
  • Documentation and translation: Some buyers need Arabic translations or attestation of export documents.

We handle the export documentation — commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, certificate of origin, and any export-side certificates required by the origin country. What we cannot do is act as your Iraqi importer of record. That role belongs to you or your clearing agent, which is why we tell every Basra buyer up front: arrange a local clearing agent before the vessel arrives. A good agent prevents demurrage charges that can quickly exceed the freight cost itself.

How do I verify the vehicle and the paperwork before paying?

Buying a car across borders requires trust, and trust should be built on documents, not promises. Here is how a serious export transaction should work:

  • Vehicle inspection report: Ask for a third-party or in-house inspection covering engine, transmission, chassis, odometer authenticity, and accident history. Photos and video walkarounds are standard.
  • Odometer verification: Confirm the 40,000 km reading against service records and, where available, auction sheets or manufacturer data. Odometer tampering is a real risk in the used-export market.
  • Title and ownership documents: The vehicle must have a clean, transferable title. Ask to see it before payment.
  • Export documents: After purchase, you should receive a commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, certificate of origin, and export customs declaration. These are the documents your Iraqi clearing agent needs.
  • VIN check: Run the VIN through a vehicle history service to confirm no salvage, flood, or major accident branding.
  • Photos of loading: Reputable exporters provide photos of the vehicle being loaded into the container or onto the vessel, plus the container number and seal number.

If a seller resists providing these documents, treat it as a red flag. As a direct exporter, not agency, not aggregator, we hold the vehicle and the documents ourselves, so there is no middle layer hiding the paperwork.

How do I place an order and pay?

The process is straightforward once you have confirmed the vehicle and the quote:

  • Step 1 — Inquiry: Send the model, trim, year, mileage target, and destination port to our WhatsApp +86 155 5692 0288. We reply with available units, photos, and a detailed FOB quote.
  • Step 2 — Vehicle selection: Review inspection reports and photos. Ask questions. Request additional angles or a cold-start video if you want.
  • Step 3 — Proforma invoice: We issue a proforma invoice listing the vehicle, price, freight estimate, and payment terms.
  • Step 4 — Deposit: A deposit (commonly 30%–50%) reserves the vehicle. Payment is typically by bank transfer (T/T). Confirm the beneficiary details directly with us before sending funds.
  • Step 5 — Balance payment: The remaining balance is due before shipment or upon presentation of the bill of lading, depending on the agreed terms.
  • Step 6 — Shipping and documents: We load the vehicle, send you the bill of lading, container number, and the full document set, and you forward them to your Iraqi clearing agent.
  • Step 7 — Customs clearance in Basra: Your agent clears the vehicle at Umm Qasr, pays duties, and arranges delivery.

Payment methods vary by buyer. Bank transfer is the most common for export transactions because it creates a traceable record. Some buyers use letters of credit for larger orders. We do not recommend irreversible cash transfers to unverified parties — always confirm company details and banking information through a direct channel.

Why buy from a direct exporter instead of an agency or aggregator?

An agency or aggregator sits between you and the actual seller. That layer adds cost, slows communication, and can obscure the vehicle's real condition and history. A direct exporter owns or directly sources the vehicle, prepares the export documents, and ships it. You get:

  • Better pricing: No intermediary markup baked into the FOB number.
  • Faster answers: Questions about mileage, condition, or documents go straight to the party who has the car.
  • Clearer accountability: One party is responsible for the vehicle and the paperwork from purchase to bill of lading.
  • Accurate documentation: Export documents are prepared by the exporter, not passed through a chain of brokers.

For a Basra buyer spending $27,000–$30,000 on a 2018 Highlander Limited 4WD plus $2,500 freight, that difference matters. It is the difference between a quote you can verify and a quote you have to take on faith.

Ready to move? Message our WhatsApp +86 155 5692 0288 with your target configuration and we will send a detailed invoice, current photos, and a shipping schedule to Umm Qasr. You can also browse in-stock Highlander listings to see what is available right now.