Batteries go flat. Tires flat spot. Gasoline goes bad (E10). Etc. It's one thing to have an older fun project car, but it's totally different to have a vehicle at the ready for long trips & vacations.
Either would be driven at least once a week. Condition wise they both have no mechanical issues I can find. The RAV looks practically factory new and the Mazda looks good for a 12 YO car.
I’m really leaning toward the Mazda as the smart choice. It will probably sell tomorrow.
We have a 2012 Mazda 5d and we have156 k on it. Never want to get rid of it since it is a comfy traveler. Returns 28 mpg at 70 ± mph and hauls all that we carry. I call it my wife's car since mostly she drives it. Never have taken it to the dealer since I do all my own service.
We have had no issues with our 2019 at all. Lots of specimens at 200K now. Only a few problems posted on the Toyota boards. Everything has fleas I suppose.
The Gen 4 Rav's were solid, but they were much smaller than the current gen and didn't get as good of mileage - if any of that matters. Not saying don't buy one, but $18K seems like a lot to me.
$6500 for anything that runs is a good price these days. If it meets your needs I might go that route.