2006 RAV4 4WD V6 with 175k miles for $7k, good buy?

[ravyoli]

I found a 2006 RAV4 4WD V6 with 175k miles for $7k on craigslist locally. Seller said its mostly highways miles in the posting.

- Are 3rd gen models reliable with this high of mileage?

- When I go take a look at this in person, what should I look for?

- How much should I offer this assuming its in fair/good condition?

[SirKronan]

Originally Posted by ravyoli

I found a 2006 RAV4 4WD V6 with 175k miles for $7k on craigslist locally. Seller said its mostly highways miles in the posting.

- Are 3rd gen models reliable with this high of mileage?

- When I go take a look at this in person, what should I look for?

- How much should I offer this assuming its in fair/good condition?

Please see this thread for all I have fixed on my used RAV4 V6 so far:

I have NEVER needed to fix this much on a car with this low of miles this quickly!!!

From what I've read and heard from others, I am having to do above average repairs. Definitely inspect the heck out of that thing. In that price range, there is an alternative vehicle I would consider - a Ford Escape. I had one for a few weeks that I paid $8000 for. Was a 2006 V6 4WD model with 120k on it. I wish I would have kept THAT. Instead, I traded it "up" for a Mountaineer to get back the third row seat I thought I needed. When the Mountaineer started having mechanical problems right away, I decided I didn't want to be stuck with a lemon, so before anything else went wrong, I traded that in on the RAV4 I have now, a 2006 V6 w/AWD.

So far it has been repair after repair after repair after repair. I thought I was switching to a Toyota to get a better warranty.

On something with 175k you want a detailed list (or receipts) for everything they've fixed. I would look long and hard at that before buying, based on my own experience with my problematic RAV4.

Edit: Truth be told, I wish I would have kept that Escape. My payments were much lower, not to mention nothing went wrong with it in the few weeks I owned it. I need to learn to be happy with what I have that works, and not always be trying to get something "better". In three weeks of owning my RAV, I had already racked up hundreds of dollars of repairs. Granted, my resale value will be better in a few years on the RAV4, and it's speedier at 0-60 while getting a little better mpg, but I am sick of making repairs.

[Dr. Dyno]

Sounds like a real steal deal to me. And by now all its ills have probably been fixed. It's not red is it?

[mrodgers]

Nothing is worth $7k with 175,000 on it in my opinion. Especially if up here in the north running through the salt every winter. I would buy a car with 75k miles for $7000 before I ever thought to spend that much for that many miles.

I make it close to 200k before I get rid of my cars because the vehicle is a pile of rust and I get tired of fixing.

[vanib]

Look for "trasmission whine" on this forum. You have to be at the right speed and listen well to find it. The whole transmission needs to be replaced with an updated one to fix it.

Check if the oil line has been replaced with a metal one. There was a Toyota campaign to have them replaced which I believe ended recently. Otherwise, the oil line could blow.

For that age, there will be many wear items(brakes, rotors, anything linked to the wheels,sensors, water pump, ...). A well documented maintenace log is key. I would also check if suspension if spongy, leaky mufflers and, as mentioned above, RUST.

Personally, I would get into a newer RAV4 V6 at the dealer and test drive it. Get a feel for it and then test drive the 2006. You should be able to notice odd sounds/squeaks.

2006 is the first year. So technically, it would have more glitches which hopefully previous owners have taken care of.

Also, get the VIN and call the dealer to see if all Recalls are done; this will give you an idea of the care the previous owners put into it. I believe you can also check the scheduled maintenance work done by Toyota dealers at the Toyota USA website.

Personally, I would also look for Ford Escape/Mazda Tribute on the same price range. They make a no-so-shabby v6 and also have 4wd.

I really don't know what you could expect as far as reliability for anything with 175K miles. You can either put the money upfront and buy a car with less mileage or pay for numerous trips to the mechanic.

[Scout706]

Also, look up "craigslist scams". take the usual precautions.

[wevudo]

I personally wouldn't do it, all cars have problems as mileage increases. We thought about doing something similar but you are going to have to spend more to get a quality car. We went through hertz rent to buy (not for everyone but great for us) and ended up with a '11 with 30k at $15,800 about a year ago. Car has been perfect so far.

[BOBSfromNJ]

Originally Posted by ravyoli

I found a 2006 RAV4 4WD V6 with 175k miles for $7k on craigslist locally. Seller said its mostly highways miles in the posting.

- Are 3rd gen models reliable with this high of mileage?

- When I go take a look at this in person, what should I look for?

- How much should I offer this assuming its in fair/good condition?

Sounds like a lot of mileage for that price.

[ColoradoRav]

I would look to pay some where around $3,000 to $4,500 depending on all factors mentioned above. Clean record with maintenance logged and all major items fixed I would be willing to pay $4,500.

[kpadget]

I would not buy an '06 with that many miles on it. Why? Rust, unknown history (unless you have been offered records), and my having owned an '06 Limited. I had a host of issues - some of which were covered under warranty and others not.

If any of the electric boxes go bad, it will cost about $400 for the box plus labor. Engine is fantastic but its weak point is the water pump (leaks). I sold my '06 Limited last year for $15k and bought my '12 Base...addicted to the V6. If you want one, find one with lower miles, or pay much less for this one.