I’m just under 6ft and wish the CR-V’s seat went back just a bit further when I drive it. Not the end of the world though. Son says it is perfect for him at 5’9 but he is still growing so we’ll see if it lasts. Definitely not ideal for the over 6 ft crowd I imagine.Same with short. My wife and both daughters are under 5 foot. Once your outside the standard deviation its a challenge.
Generically speaking Asian vehicles seem to work better for short people. I would assume that means they don't work well for tall people - in general
High mileage CRV or Rav4
- Thread starter iontrap
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Interesting point. I’ve got short legs and a tall back. I fit far better in the ford seat than the Toyota seat I have now. Headroom and angles is all whack but I make it work.Same with short. My wife and both daughters are under 5 foot. Once your outside the standard deviation its a challenge.
Generically speaking Asian vehicles seem to work better for short people. I would assume that means they don't work well for tall people - in general
Zero problems fitting nicely into bmw or Volvo.
I might be shifting my focus. Found a 2018 Ford Escape with 108k, with the 2.5.
AutoMechanic
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I vote RAV4 not just because I’m a Toyota mechanic but because I think it would be a little bit better. When I bought my RAV4 I also test drove a CRV and ultimately decided on the RAV4 because it was more comfortable and seemed to ride better and also I’m more familiar with Toyota too.
I’d also consider looking at Ford Escapes too especially the 08-12 generation I’ve got one as my other vehicle and it’s been so good it’s still going with almost 267,000 on it. The V6 ones are gas hogs but the 4 cylinder ones do much better on gas. When I had my V6 Escape as my daily I was using a 1/4 tank of gas per day for a 60 mile round trip. Had to fill up at least twice a week so in that case a 4 cylinder is definitely better.
I’d also consider looking at Ford Escapes too especially the 08-12 generation I’ve got one as my other vehicle and it’s been so good it’s still going with almost 267,000 on it. The V6 ones are gas hogs but the 4 cylinder ones do much better on gas. When I had my V6 Escape as my daily I was using a 1/4 tank of gas per day for a 60 mile round trip. Had to fill up at least twice a week so in that case a 4 cylinder is definitely better.
2012 Rav4 I think was subject to the oil ring recall. Could be an oil burner - but otherwise likely reliable as well. The 2006 through 2008 2.4l were the oil guzzlers. 2009 & forward had the 2.5l. Assuming the CRV is in decent shape, it would be my choice. Teach her how & when to check the oil regardless. I still drive a 2008 RAV4 V6.
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wondering if these Rav4s (and other Toyotas..the matrix, etc) would beneifit from the Valvoline Restore and Protect 5w30 ?
Here in Canada, that Valvoline oil was finally offered for sale last Fall of 2025. I bought a 5 liter jug on sale at $42 (yup..on ''sale''...was/IS $59.99!!!..Holy . Made of Gold?)....and I used it on my 06 Nissan Xtrail (never sold in USA....basically a sport ute that was replaced in 2008 by the Nissan rogue/2.5L, 4cyl). With 233,000 klms , never leaked or burnt oil, but I like to maintain whatever vehicle I own, read so many good things about this oil. Only 485 klms on this recent oil change, but I pull the dipstick almost everytime I go for a drive and inspect. Very clean oil, no varnish on the dipstick. Engine chatter much quieter, seems smoother on start up/at 750 rpm warmed up idle. I'm sure you can buy a jug of this Valvoline R&R in Texas for $34 or less. It's been discussed on here often, on Reddit, Youtube, etc....maybe investigate if worth buying for your 08 rav4.
Feel like I should give an update on my search. I had to pass on the CRV and RAV4. This morning I found a one owner 2012 Lexus ES 350 with 170000 miles, well cared for car. Other than some cosmetic blemishes, it was in good shape (seats were in good condition). Offered $5000 and settled on $5100. The wife and I are happy with the deal and my son is excited.
"she was top tall bro"
"torso's too long legs are too short she was inverted"
And how about the pedals? One complaint I've had with all three Japanese cars I've owned is that the pedal sizes and spacings seem to be designed for tiny feet. (I wear 13s.) I had a welder modify the accelerator of the Mazda to get it a bit higher off the floor.
