Buying 09 Rav4 Sport V6

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Seeking BITOG'ers opinion.

Thinking of buying a 09 Rav4 Sport V6 4WD. Has 15,500 miles for 19,980 from a dealer. It probably has no warranty given its age.

I think it's a good deal. What do you guys think?
 
We paid $23k for my moms 4 cylinder Rav4 brand new in 2008.

So its a 5-6 year old vehicle that depreciated $1k a year give or take, the first owner got the best deal.
 
*ppfffftttt* [spit take]

HECK NO!

Stretch yourself another $2-4k and get into a CX5 or Forester - BRAND NEW.

Sorry, but that Rav is way overpriced for 5 years old and no warranty.

As repeated many times on BITOG - Hondas and Toyotas are way overpriced when they are barely used with low miles. Better off buying new at that point. (or much older)
 
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I'd rather have the V6 Rav4. I think that was the last year or close to it for the rocketship v6 before they dropped it entirely for all 4 cylinders. A very good enginene match for the light SUV. Very good overall from all the reviews I read in the magazines.
 
Wow - I just searched autotrader and those Ravs hold their value!
Good for the first owner - bad for the second.

This is how I ended up with my Saturn Vue. 5 years newer and half the mileage of a comparable Rav4/CRV.
 
Originally Posted By: surfstar
Wow - I just searched autotrader and those Ravs hold their value!
Good for the first owner - bad for the second.

This is how I ended up with my Saturn Vue. 5 years newer and half the mileage of a comparable Rav4/CRV.


There's a reason they hold their value and for the same reason why he should get one.
 
Originally Posted By: onemig
Seeking BITOG'ers opinion.

Thinking of buying a 09 Rav4 Sport V6 4WD. Has 15,500 miles for 19,980 from a dealer. It probably has no warranty given its age.

I think it's a good deal. What do you guys think?


Make sure the VVTi Oil lines are metal and not the rubber ones that burst. That would be the first thing I would look for. Given the fact that it's using the 3.5L V6 that must be one heck of a fast Rav4. Check on Toyotanation.com for any other feedback you might want.

Regards, JC.
 
Originally Posted By: surfstar
Wow - I just searched autotrader and those Ravs hold their value!
Good for the first owner - bad for the second.

This is how I ended up with my Saturn Vue. 5 years newer and half the mileage of a comparable Rav4/CRV.


You get what you pay for.
 
Surfstar,

I see what you're saying, but I'm more interested in the power of the V6 engine rather than the refinements/amenities of the newer CUVs. Buying brand new means the 2014 Forester XT is the only choice (We are looking at Japanese brand only) which will set us back about $28K.

JC1,

Yup, I'm aware of that. It will be the first thing that I will look into, thanks. Another reason why I'm interested in this vehicle is because we had an 06 Rav with the V6 and it is very capable.
 
your better off with the 4cyl. That powerful V6 will quickly have the AWD system permanently disheveled if not already..try some turns with power on/off and rolling stops..if you find slack and slop like I suspect keep looking.
 
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If you need to feed your speed addiction you're made the right choice. You can embarrass plenty of unsuspecting motorists.

Acceleration is approximately 6.3-6.4 seconds 0-60 with a 14.6-14.7 quarter mile trap time.
 
Originally Posted By: 901Memphis
Originally Posted By: surfstar
Wow - I just searched autotrader and those Ravs hold their value!
Good for the first owner - bad for the second.

This is how I ended up with my Saturn Vue. 5 years newer and half the mileage of a comparable Rav4/CRV.


There's a reason they hold their value and for the same reason why he should get one.


They are nothing special. They ride like [censored], are to loud on the highway, and the quality is so so. We have had a few issues with it.

I really don't know whats that appealing about them other than they have the right badge on the hood and are very easy for women to throw stuff in.
 
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Bought ours new, all the bells and whistles. Twice the price you're looking at here in Australia when new. You do get what you pay for, those 4 cylinder Mazdas and subarus feel gutless with no torque or grunt. We got the colour, trim and spec level we wanted, exactly. Cost $$$$$$$ though.

My wife drives it mostly and has done 55000 km. No mechanical issues at all and still drives as new.

It does have a flaw though. Sucks exhaust fumes into cabin with the a/c on recirc when accelerating hard, especially uphill. This is a known issue that Toyota will not acknowledge and most dealership service personnel will feign surprise when you raise the issue, which I have at every service.

Toyota tend to be very arrogant when it comes to design faults in their vehicles and even though its been the subject of (US) factory service bulletins, Toyota Australia steadfastly deny any knowledge, responsibility or existence of any issue in this regard. [censored]. Test drive and don't believe any [censored] stories from the dealer/owner re fuel types causing the problem. It is a design problem relating to the location of the exhaust outlet and rear vents (behind the rear bumper)

Rav4world forum is the best online resource for Rav owners IMO. You pays your money and makes your choices. They do go like the clappers though.
 
Originally Posted By: onemig
Seeking BITOG'ers opinion.

Thinking of buying a 09 Rav4 Sport V6 4WD. Has 15,500 miles for 19,980 from a dealer. It probably has no warranty given its age.

I think it's a good deal. What do you guys think?


Actually its not a terrible deal but I'd have to know the details before buying. Was it garaged and well maintained?

With that mileage its practically still brand new mechanically. I wonder why it was only driven 3000 miles a year.

It sure would be fun to drive though. The 3.5 moves our Sienna very well I can only imagine a Rav4 with one.
 
Off the top of my head:
-some had whiney 5spd autos. 3rd gear? Been too long.
-oil line issue of some sort
-water pump can go. Pull engine to repair.
-Sport models have a more stiff ride?
-IIRC no auto up on the windows.
-I test drove one, and the doors did not close with the typical "click" of a Toyota. Maybe it was just that vehicle, it was a loaner from the dealer afterall.

Seems a bit high priced, it's 5 years old. I know it's got low miles, but still, for that price I'd want a piece of paper that says "we'll pretend to fix problems if they arise." But I haven't watched the market lately, and you can't get RAV4's new with the V6 anymore. The I4 gains a much-needed 6spd auto, but it's still an I4.
 
Thank you everyone!!

Negotiated w/ him and agreed with $20k out the door price.

We will be checking it out today or tomorrow.
 
And for everyone's perusal, my zip code is 22304. Use that to see the market value for this vehicle around my area.
 
Originally Posted By: supton
Off the top of my head:....
-water pump can go. Pull engine to repair......

Is this a typo, or does the engine actually have to be removed to replace the water pump?
 
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