Anything to Look out for on Used RAV 4

pharkurnell on 19/07/2024 - 10:25
Last edited 19/07/2024 - 10:41 by 1 other user

So daughter wrote off her Lancer (shame, it was a great car, went really gooderer), Skippy decided to leave planet earth and that was that.

She wants something economical and with a reason bar on the front (I've explained it won't make much difference if you hit an 80kg roo) and likes the idea of small SUV like RAV 4. Not having a huge budget doesn't help

I know nothing about the RAV 4 to be honest, few google searches - they seem to be reasonable, but few reports of using oil as a known issue. Local mechanic says they are a good thing, possibly best in that type of car.

I know there's a few good mechanical people on here, anyone got/had a RAV 4 and anything I should look for when buying.

Thanks

Automotive Car SUV Toyota

Comments

  • randomusername2017 on 19/07/2024 - 10:29
    +16

    Some models come without Roofracks apparently 🤔

    • CheapandUsed on 19/07/2024 - 10:30
      +7

      Yep, and limited kayak carrying capability

      • Drakesy on 19/07/2024 - 13:44

        Just when you thought the reference was dead…
        Kudos.

        • randomusername2017 on 19/07/2024 - 16:06
          +1

          Ah..if only a Rav4 with kayak strapped to roof didn't look out of place in the Westpac executive lounge… it may well yet be immortalised in the Pam diaries..

    • mapax on 19/07/2024 - 10:35
      +2

      @Jimothy Wongingtons do you understand that reference?

    • SBOB on 19/07/2024 - 11:26
      +6

      Came for the roof racks reference , did not leave disappointed

    • bdl on 19/07/2024 - 12:38

      Came here to see this :D

    • HeWhoKnows on 20/07/2024 - 09:00
      -2

      The problem wont be above the car.

      OP needs to look under the hood and under the body.

      Given OP admits..
      "I know nothing about the RAV 4 to be honest, few google searches"

      OP should engage a professional used car inspection service.

  • Jimothy Wongingtons on 19/07/2024 - 10:38
    +3

    We have an older rav4 , goes alright. No troubles as long as regularly serviced.

  • jv on 19/07/2024 - 10:39
    +1

    Anything to Look out for on Used Rav 4

    Coins under the driver's seat.

    • Murkymerv on 19/07/2024 - 12:11

      Everything !

  • Euphemistic on 19/07/2024 - 10:41
    +3

    They use a camry engine which is cheap as chips from wreckers in the highly unlikely event that something major goes wrong. Just kake sure its had a service history.

    • pharkurnell on 19/07/2024 - 10:51

      Thanks :)

    • jv on 19/07/2024 - 10:58

      Just kake

      chocolate kake ?

    • HeWhoKnows on 20/07/2024 - 09:02

      Can I have icing on the kake?

      • pjd24 on 20/07/2024 - 12:00

        Sure, whatever rolls your balls

  • AustriaBargain on 19/07/2024 - 10:47
    +2

    Rav4 is too popular, everyone "knows" it's the best car to get so they are overpriced used and out of stock new.

    • mapax on 19/07/2024 - 10:48
      +2

      You spelt Jimny wrong…

    • pharkurnell on 19/07/2024 - 10:52

      yea shame they arent going pre-covid prices, but everything is still stupidly overpriced in used cars.. Not much you can do about it but bend over and think of a happy place.

      • altomic on 19/07/2024 - 12:28
        +2

        Shame you are in melb. Bris used car prices are returning to normality

        • pharkurnell on 19/07/2024 - 12:40

          yea im sorta in shock lookin at prices…

          Out of interest i looked at 2wd Hilux utes …400,000klms and still pulling phone number prices.

    • HeWhoKnows on 20/07/2024 - 09:04
      -2

      "the best car to get" ???

      says who?

      for who?

      for what purpose?

      with how many kms?

      from what sort of seller?

      How do you know any one RAV4 is any good at all?

  • youfnc on 19/07/2024 - 11:41
    +10

    Redriven is a fantastic source for all things used cars. As expected, the Rav4 received a great write-up.

  • Brucet on 19/07/2024 - 12:21
    +2

    RAV4 is good car.If possible get one with all wheels drive.But it waste petrol.

    • Shoocat on 19/07/2024 - 20:31
      +2

      We own one - 2021. It's…fine. Uninspiring design, unremarkable tech, not that pleasant to drive and a bit underpowered. Also has a really poor turning circle.

      Really don't understand why it's so popular to be honest?

      • HeWhoKnows on 20/07/2024 - 09:06
        -2

        Lots of people here have absolutely NO IDEA.
        Professional ex-spirts

        So thanks for shedding some light on the subject.
        I've been in one but dont own one - but fully agree

        They are a rather clunky car with unecessary complications compared with a Camry or Corollla.
        Hence a Camry or Corollla would be a much better choice

        Coming from a Lancer the daughter would be very disappointed.
        So Corolla is the obvious choice

      • WT on 20/07/2024 - 09:50

        MIL has one around that, the screen looks low res, engine is noisy when cold, touchy gearbox from standstill, feels big when parking but doesnt matching interior space. Average late model car. Apparently some have a CVT

  • Brucet on 19/07/2024 - 12:22
    +1

    Had RAV4 years back,drove for 5 years never had any problem with it.

  • barge-in hunter on 19/07/2024 - 12:31
    +2

    Others have mentioned - most are basically a Camry engine so great cars

    Folks have a 2020 base model (2.0L) though. A little gutless but drives ok.

    Only catch is for a long time Toyota (along with many other brands) treated safety features as an optional extra. I know, I know, adas blah blah - but i personally don’t think 2 airbags and no abs is ok in this day and age. Check for the specific trim level, and any optional safety packs

  • Gdsamp on 19/07/2024 - 15:23

    surprised no one has mentioned looking for signs of heavy off-road use and avoid accordingly
    unpainted plastic cladding and AWD might make some people be a bit more adventurous than they otherwise should be with an SUV

    • WT on 20/07/2024 - 10:02
      +1

      not likely, they havent really been made for anywhere near heavy off road, they lack the 4wd system and you can only get so far electronically

  • Benoffie on 19/07/2024 - 15:51
    +1

    Honestly, if I were constantly driving country roads and couldn't afford a bew RAV or Landcruiser, I would be looking at a Ssangyong. Friend gave up their Landcruiser for one and I was quite surprised by the bells and whistles for the $$$. No complaints on the ride if all you're doing is country highway and dirt roads.

    Atm though I would try and hold off on any car purchases if possible. New models are due over the next 12 months giving you either new options or cheaper old ones.

  • EightImmortals on 19/07/2024 - 16:18

    Which model Rav is she looking at?

    We've got a '21 Cruiser Hybrid with zero issues, great car.

    • pharkurnell on 19/07/2024 - 16:37

      Not much budget for teenager sadly… still working the budget out.

      • Seaword on 19/07/2024 - 16:43

        Ford Territory? Cheap to fix, easy to work on. Thirsty but would be fair bit cheaper than a RAV 4. Assume lower insurance as well?

        • pharkurnell on 19/07/2024 - 16:53
          +2

          mate had one, nice car, but his was thirsty as hell

        • magic8ballgag on 22/07/2024 - 09:47

          Thirsty but would be fair bit cheaper than a RAV 4

          Or more expensive in the long run, depending on repairs required during ownership.

  • pharkurnell on 19/07/2024 - 22:03

    PPSR reports - the freeby from budget direct - are they equal to the one for 40 bux?

  • BigBirdy on 20/07/2024 - 09:23
    +1

    If she’s a relatively new driver, avoid the very early RAVs that lacked safety features like ABS and airbags. We’ve had two RAVs, a 2004 2.4lt AWD and a 2014 2.0lt FWD. The 2.4lt was a fun little go’er, the 2.0lt a bit underpowered, but did the job. Boot space is small, but I like the vehicle size, easy to park, good seating position, very reliable.

  • OZBargainer in SA on 20/07/2024 - 10:39
    +1

    It may be worth having a look at Mitsubishi Outlanders?

    • OZBargainer in SA on 20/07/2024 - 14:29

      Or even the ASX, which is a Lancer on stilts

  • drick on 20/07/2024 - 16:28
    +1

    I've been driving a manual Rav4 for around 8 years.
    i'd have to say the downside is it doesn't have much zip, with a full car of people it can be a bit sluggish.
    Besides the power i'd have to say it won't cause you an issue. it's extremely dependable.
    The heating and aircon are also very good compared to other cars I've driven.

  • pharkurnell on 20/07/2024 - 18:24

    What is the go with oil usage..

    Seller just informed me its an issue with that model (2.4 2009),, that concerns me.

  • lew380 on 21/07/2024 - 13:53

    Its a toyota so be prepared to pay at least 5k extra for the badge.

  • pharkurnell on 21/07/2024 - 17:55

    Wasted a day with peoples ideas of excellence condition and a real pile of shit very common..

    But one said he would drop $300.. his unit was 4 different colours with 1/2 the car looks like it was repainted using a garden hose and the roof looked like was painted with blackboard paint

    Interesting quite a lot of ads on Carsales dont have contact numbers, not sure why… Not a huge fan of the Carsales message/chat system

    The search goes on.

    • magic8ballgag on 22/07/2024 - 09:49

      Have you checked out Facebook Marketplace?

      • pharkurnell on 22/07/2024 - 10:12

        Na not on stalkerbook

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