Looking for a car for my 16 year old son. My wife insists on a small SUV and, of course the CRV and RAV4 are at the top of the list. The CRV is a 2014 FWD with 183,000 miles, one owner. The RAV4 is a 2012 4WD with 217,000 miles, 3 owners. Living in Georgia, 4WD isn’t a requirement. Anyone have experience with higher mileage examples of these? I know that oil consumption is an issue with both.
High mileage CRV or Rav4
- Thread starter iontrap
- Start date
Cruel punishments? Pushing the kid towards a clapped-out wreck with 200k? Ha ha. Sorry, just joking.
Condition is everything. A lot of stuff can happen in 200k miles. Check each vehicle as an individual, and use your judgment from there.
Condition is everything. A lot of stuff can happen in 200k miles. Check each vehicle as an individual, and use your judgment from there.
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You just have to take each example individually and drive both of them.
I agree condition is everything.
Having said that - 2014 CRV is the last without a CVT, and also had the K24 which is legendary. You should likely look into the VCT rattle - very common, several threads here on that.
2012 Rav4 I think was subject to the oil ring recall. Could be an oil burner - but otherwise likely reliable as well.
Having said that - 2014 CRV is the last without a CVT, and also had the K24 which is legendary. You should likely look into the VCT rattle - very common, several threads here on that.
2012 Rav4 I think was subject to the oil ring recall. Could be an oil burner - but otherwise likely reliable as well.
My oldest son is driving the clapped out wreck with almost 200k, a 2009 Jetta. He has put a beating on that car.
I vote CRV as well.
My teenage son is driving a 2011 CR-V with 222K miles. If it’s in good condition, go for it.
I'm leaning towards the CRV.
The maintance history has a lot to do with determing which one is the best choice.
If maintained well, either still would have many miles left in it.
Likewise, if neglected either could quickly become a money pit that might be better off just being sent to the bone yard.
Regardless of what one you get, they likley could use a good refresh. ALL FLUUDS, and Radiator and thermostat ( they are both aged out ) serpentine, tensioner, pcv, spark-plugs, 4 quickstruts, tires if required, any front parts related to steering if worn out, and very likley an alignment with a Hunter Alignment Macheine ( makes a huge difference in how they track and handle ).
If maintance and conditions are similar, I would perfef the Honda with the K24 even though it needs the valves adjusted every 100,000 miles and likley needs it now.
Even ordering parts online, a complete going over refresh of parts and fluids can easily cost two to three thousand dollars. And that is not counting labor.
They both have many miles left if refreshed.
If not refreshed, either will have breakdows randomly occuring.
If maintained well, either still would have many miles left in it.
Likewise, if neglected either could quickly become a money pit that might be better off just being sent to the bone yard.
Regardless of what one you get, they likley could use a good refresh. ALL FLUUDS, and Radiator and thermostat ( they are both aged out ) serpentine, tensioner, pcv, spark-plugs, 4 quickstruts, tires if required, any front parts related to steering if worn out, and very likley an alignment with a Hunter Alignment Macheine ( makes a huge difference in how they track and handle ).
If maintance and conditions are similar, I would perfef the Honda with the K24 even though it needs the valves adjusted every 100,000 miles and likley needs it now.
Even ordering parts online, a complete going over refresh of parts and fluids can easily cost two to three thousand dollars. And that is not counting labor.
They both have many miles left if refreshed.
If not refreshed, either will have breakdows randomly occuring.
What about a used Bolt EUV? It's a little smaller than a RAV4 or CR-V, but it'll be more reliable with no maintenance.
CRV guy here.
How many times has the transmission fluid been serviced on each of these units?
I buy a lot of RAV4's and CR-V's for my dealership. The good ones aren't cheap, and the cheap ones aren't good.
Your money will go a lot further if you get a Passat or Jetta instead. Compact SUV's cost about 50% to 70% more than the equivalent compact or full-sized car.
I buy a lot of RAV4's and CR-V's for my dealership. The good ones aren't cheap, and the cheap ones aren't good.
Your money will go a lot further if you get a Passat or Jetta instead. Compact SUV's cost about 50% to 70% more than the equivalent compact or full-sized car.
That generation of Rav4 (the 3rd gen), you want AWD w/ the 2GR-FE. The 3rd gen was the last of the real Rav4's. Even that's debatable, but at least the 3rd gen retained the rear mounted full size spare on the side swinging door, and with the optional V6 it had guts and character.
The modern Rav4's which are neutered, fuel economy focused, generic crossover grocery getters have nothing in common with the original Rav4 Recreation Activity Vehicles. The vehicle should have been renamed to something else starting with the 2013 refresh.
The modern Rav4's which are neutered, fuel economy focused, generic crossover grocery getters have nothing in common with the original Rav4 Recreation Activity Vehicles. The vehicle should have been renamed to something else starting with the 2013 refresh.
Can’t convince my wife to spend more for a bolt euv.
Don't overlook the Mazda CX5 as many consider it the overall best and, it most certainly drives and handles better.
Buy whichever is cheaper, because he is going to wreck it anyway.
Why does your wife want him to drive a girls vehicle?
