I am choosing between the 3 options -
Get a used RAV4 GXL Hybrid (2021) pre-facelift model for $38k under 50k KMs on the odometer and just about a years worth of warranty remaining.
Get a Corolla Cross Hybrid GX for $40k ready for collection early next month.
Get a brand new 2024 RAV4 GX (facelift) base model for $44k.
Current RAV has been out since 2019, with a (minor) facelift and some tech updates in 2022, meaning 2025 will be the sixth and most likely final year of current 5th Gen RAV4 (going by historical trends). I expect prices to drop sharply after that .
2021 RAV4 GXL is still asking roughly 80% of the value of a brand new example, whereas it should really be closer to that 65-70% mark. From what I can see brand new RAVs have just started coming back in stock at dealerships so there's some price corrections there waiting to happen (just last year there was a "2 year wait list".)
I expect prices to drop sharply after that
I see you're new to Toyota's.
Maybe a little bit! A 3+ year old car only depreciating 20% is just insane!
What about option 2 and 3? Honestly don't think it's even worth getting a Toyota at this point?
It depends. I wanted the RAV as Im addicted to Street Bounty and buying antiques. Not gonna lie. So a Corolla wouldn't cut it. But if you're not planning on tetrising junk in the boot like the second coming of the tardis, then go with God and buy the Corolla. Itll last 20 years.
Do you mean you wouldn't be buying a 2021 RAV4 atm or does that include new ones as well?
Wouldn't touch the old model and I really think twice about the current one at current pricing.
That being said, if rumbles start that next Gen is rolling say Q4 25, and Toyota are still backlogged by 12 months, then there's every chance youd get a new one. But people got stung last time over the screen increases and complained incessantly.
For me, Id wait. Or buy the Corolla. They're a good car if boot space isnt a big factor.
hmm fair point but if you need a car in the next few months…
Get the used one, but its too expensive at that price.
Get a used RAV4 GXL Hybrid only if you don't have a kayak.
That's not a kayak, that's a canoe!
A mere technicality.
@MS Paint: Akshully, that's an image of a RAV4 being prepared to be transported by river. Can't go right way up or the wheels get wet.
Not a GX tho ;)
A mere technicality.
The Cross. Its only marginally smaller than the Rav4 and is more updated Tech and you have full new car warranty.
We have one and a friend has a new Rav4 The Rav4 is slightly wider - which has no real effect in front but more in back (no middle console)
Major difference is Rav4 has 20% more boot space.
Cross is much more efficient with its hybrid - ours regularly sits at 4.7L/100 which sorta matches their claimed consumption (4.3L/100) - Also the hybrid itself in a Corolla is an improved version of the hybrid in the 3 year old Rav 4
Note: your New Rav4 option isnt hybrid so that means it's far worse for consumption which will be about 40% more fuel (based on manufacturers specs 6.0L/100)
Also Hybrids are hot market items. Non Hybrids arent as popular (affects your resale)
New RAV option is Hybrid, I was able to get that pricing from one dealership. But its still a $5k diff in pricing going from new Corolla X Hybrid to new RAV Hybrid…
But you are right, full new car warranty is a big bonus cross shopping between a used RAV and a brand new Corolla Cross.
Another thing to consider is this current RAV has been out for 6 years now, so its highly likely new RAV is coming out next year which will affect current gen RAV pricing.
But you are right, full new car warranty is a big bonus cross shopping between a used RAV and a brand new Corolla Cross.
More important is: can you live with the space difference?
I honestly don't think space is a big issue for us it's only for me and my partner. In fact after test driving the RAV4 earlier today I think the Seltos and Kona with the 1.6 turbo engines were a lot more fun to drive (at the cost of fuel efficiency)
I'll try the Corolla Cross later today and see
I'll try the Corolla Cross later today
Test drive should be the ultimate way to decide.
My last upgrade id narrowed down my selection to a couple. When I test drove my preferred option and ruled it out straight away. Just didnt like the drive experience. I'd already ruled out a couple based on sitting in them - particularly the back seats because my kids have grown way too fast.
Also, what trim of Corolla Cross did you go for? GX? GXL or the Atmos? Any reason for what you chose?
GXL - Has AWD option and better appointed over GL. Didnt want the sunroof at the Atmos had or the budget as well.
PLUS at the time the GXL was available for immediate delivery - hence the AWD decision which we probably dont need.
In our case its for 2 with occasional young relatives in back seat and bicycle can fit in back with seats down.
I see, nice. Did you get any discounts at all? Or buy it for full retail price?
@Perth027: Bought 18 months ago so no. But sold 6 year old Camry for $4K more than I paid for it (Ex Toyota staff fleet car) so lost some but gained some.
If you think you don't want RAV4 because it's long overdue for the next gen update, well the Corolla Cross is also overdue. Corolla Cross was released in 2020, only 1 year after the RAV4, and it has already got a facelift in South East Asia this year (though their version is on an older Hybrid setup).
Corolla Cross didn't hit the Australian market until late 2022 though
Doesn't matter, it's an old car released in 2020, not a new car. When Toyota update to next gen, they would be dumb not to sell next gen here in Australia.
It's released elsewhere first because it was a "lower cost" RAV4 for developing countries where they don't sell RAV4, i.e. South East Asia, outside of Japan.
A mute point given that it was originally 2 years later when we got the Cross and it was a year later then than the Rav 4, so how overdue will be overdue.
@RockyRaccoon: You seriously think when they update the Corolla Cross, we will keep having the old gen? And that's somehow is a good thing?
Nope, it's already got the facelift that the RAV4 was supposed to be having this year. Once the RAV4 got updated in 2026 it will follow suit at the same time or very shortly. You aren't going to delay the inevitable much.
I wouldn't be buying a RAV4 atm (and I own one). It's overdue for a mid cycle refresh which people anticipated would come this year and never did. The next gen is somewhere 25/26 so if you buy, you have to factor that in.
I would avoid option one like the plague due to this and that price point.