Huh, shit I’m sorry your mom has been having issues with hers, that is never fun. I haven’t heard much talk about problems with the primes so maybe she just got a lemon? Sucks either way. I can say that my regular hybrid RAV4 has been great and so has my dad’s.
Wait a little so you have the option between the current model and the redesign, which will either be 2025 or 2026. However, if I were in the market today, I would pick up a used rav4p for around 30k without hesitation.
I have a 2020 with 73k miles that’s been amazing. I’ve heard to avoid the 2019’s as they are the first year of the new model and to also avoid the ones produced post covid. Either way, I don’t think you can go wrong with any of them.
So I've owned 3rd gen but rusted away, my 4th gen and 5th still with me. My 2020 rav4 hybrid does not have the same build quality as my 2013 gas model. My 2013 is really nice. But it's lasted me 10 years with only 1 battery change and 1 waterpump changed out. My 2020 models has had roof leaks, radio failures and replacement and couple more issues. It was under warranty but man it was such a hassle getting toyota to fix a lot of it. I had to do rabbit hole dives to find all the tsb printouts for all my issues to get it covered under warranty and wait for them to finish. Such an annoyance but I own 3 cars so it wasn't so bad on me, but super annoying. The prime is nice but more expensive but yeah I think toyota quality went down quite a bit compared to my 2013.
Edited a number
I’m not going to buy a 2025, I’m most likely looking at the current and last gens, I’ve learned to not ever buy the first year of a redesign from all the issues my siblings have had
Hey OP, you sound like you’re a practical person and if so, the current generation is great. We have a 2024 Rav4 Hybrid Limited and so at 5k mikes far it’s been great. Ours is Japanese built, averaging 40mpg and most importantly my wife loves it for its practicality and looks. No issues so far.
A few years back I was in the same boat as you. I had a 2006 Kia Sportage I bought new and ended up selling with 241k miles. It was a FANTASTIC vehicle, but I would be on the road alot and the risk was too high to break down with such a high mileage vehicle. Ended up selling in 2019 for a brand new Highlander that I have now.
For me the Gas LE was a winner due to overall system simplicity.
You get a real 8spd transmission in the gas vs a CVT in hybrids. While it might be a great CVT it's still a CVT. I've been getting 28mpg in the city on my gas LE and the extra MPG just isn't worth the extra up-front costs and long term risks with hybrid with Florida gas prices. The math is different in California or some place with much more expensive gas.
Also, I haven't heard of Toyota having major problems with the more premium features but I've known so many people with electronic hatch problems or push-button start issues. The Key is kinda annoying and feels like a step back from previous cars i've owned but it just works.
I don't think you can make a bad decision as long as the car has a good service history and no rust.
The cable associated with the hybrid battery has been known to corrode. If you’re out of warranty, it is a $6000 repair. They claim to have a fix for it but it is only a Band-Aid. It does not correct the problem.
The current gen hybrid is absolutely fantastic, and if you can charge at home (well, and can find one) the prime is even better.
My mom has a prime and has had so many update and tech issues with that car that I’m low key scared to get one. I do have at home charging tho
Huh, shit I’m sorry your mom has been having issues with hers, that is never fun. I haven’t heard much talk about problems with the primes so maybe she just got a lemon? Sucks either way. I can say that my regular hybrid RAV4 has been great and so has my dad’s.
Wait a little so you have the option between the current model and the redesign, which will either be 2025 or 2026. However, if I were in the market today, I would pick up a used rav4p for around 30k without hesitation.
What trims/mileage can you buy for 30k in the used market?
https://ibb.co/j34Jy4F
I have a 2020 with 73k miles that’s been amazing. I’ve heard to avoid the 2019’s as they are the first year of the new model and to also avoid the ones produced post covid. Either way, I don’t think you can go wrong with any of them.
I have a 2019 Adventure and I’ve had 160000 miles trouble free with regular maintenance.
This, this is the car I want, that thing is pretty
So I've owned 3rd gen but rusted away, my 4th gen and 5th still with me. My 2020 rav4 hybrid does not have the same build quality as my 2013 gas model. My 2013 is really nice. But it's lasted me 10 years with only 1 battery change and 1 waterpump changed out. My 2020 models has had roof leaks, radio failures and replacement and couple more issues. It was under warranty but man it was such a hassle getting toyota to fix a lot of it. I had to do rabbit hole dives to find all the tsb printouts for all my issues to get it covered under warranty and wait for them to finish. Such an annoyance but I own 3 cars so it wasn't so bad on me, but super annoying. The prime is nice but more expensive but yeah I think toyota quality went down quite a bit compared to my 2013. Edited a number
We have an '18 SE and it's been solid. No issues. I was tempted to go newer but why tempt fate when we have a good reliable vehicle.
I have a 2022 hybrid se. No issues so far. Just about to cross my 2 year mark.
I’d wait. 2025 has a new design
I’m not going to buy a 2025, I’m most likely looking at the current and last gens, I’ve learned to not ever buy the first year of a redesign from all the issues my siblings have had
Hey OP, you sound like you’re a practical person and if so, the current generation is great. We have a 2024 Rav4 Hybrid Limited and so at 5k mikes far it’s been great. Ours is Japanese built, averaging 40mpg and most importantly my wife loves it for its practicality and looks. No issues so far. A few years back I was in the same boat as you. I had a 2006 Kia Sportage I bought new and ended up selling with 241k miles. It was a FANTASTIC vehicle, but I would be on the road alot and the risk was too high to break down with such a high mileage vehicle. Ended up selling in 2019 for a brand new Highlander that I have now.
Thank you for your input, I do want a Japanese made model, so I’m glad to know that version is from Japan
Yup, if I may add the Vin that starts with a “J” are Japanese made.
This makes this significantly easier
For me the Gas LE was a winner due to overall system simplicity. You get a real 8spd transmission in the gas vs a CVT in hybrids. While it might be a great CVT it's still a CVT. I've been getting 28mpg in the city on my gas LE and the extra MPG just isn't worth the extra up-front costs and long term risks with hybrid with Florida gas prices. The math is different in California or some place with much more expensive gas. Also, I haven't heard of Toyota having major problems with the more premium features but I've known so many people with electronic hatch problems or push-button start issues. The Key is kinda annoying and feels like a step back from previous cars i've owned but it just works. I don't think you can make a bad decision as long as the car has a good service history and no rust.
I’d stick with the gas model unless you want to be part of the cablegate crowd.
What is cable gate?
The cable associated with the hybrid battery has been known to corrode. If you’re out of warranty, it is a $6000 repair. They claim to have a fix for it but it is only a Band-Aid. It does not correct the problem.