1999 RAV4 longevity? advice please

Ecdysis · Jan 17, 2022

I am considering a well-used Rav4 1999 model, the vehicle itself has apparently been well maintained and serviced but the "body" of the vehicle has a very high mileage of around 450 000 km, however, the engine itself was swapped and has around 250 000 km. Other repairs have been done like a replaced timing chain and water pump etc. Will definitely take it in for an inspection, but should I be concerned about the automatic transmission (how expensive are these to fix replace?), rear differential etc. Apparently, the vehicle itself has very little rust but that doesn't mean there aren't other issues.

I was wondering about the remaining longevity of this vehicle. What to watch out for and if I am likely to run into numerous and expensive repairs etc. I mainly want to get this vehicle for backcountry hiking and camping access along rugged industry roads and possibly for some longer-distance trips on the highway. I heard these older generation Rav4's are very well built but also realize there must be a limit. Would I be better off saving my money for a newer used vehicle, the market is abysmal at the moment in terms of prices.

I realize that there will likely be issues and repairs needed, unfortunately, I am not mechanically inclined or knowledgeable so I would likely be reliant on paying mechanics at a garage for these fixes. Thanks for any input and opinions in advance.

LugNut · Jan 18, 2022

Wait, and buy a new, more substantial 4x4 for going on those roads. Or a highway vehicle and a dirt bike for the off-road.

darkwaterdives · Jan 18, 2022

Ecdysis said:
replaced timing chain

These models come with a timing belt. Typo or do you have another engine swapped in there? :O
In any case, these cars have been known to make it through 300,000+ with routine/preventative maintenance. My car sees all the use cases you describe (Hawaii, rough trails/roads, highways) and has ~260000km on the dash. I'm restoring the car to better-than-new, sparing no expense, but am restricted heavily by budget. I would definitely have the transmission fluid drained and refilled once or twice this year with a compatible quality ATF fluid. I use AMSOIL Signature, refilled twice this year. Shifts like new. If you are handy, all the factory service/repair manuals are available here on the forum, and parts usually aren't wallet-crushing, especially if you know where to shop. I would not beat the car up on poor terrain until you've taken stock of the current state of the engine, suspension, drivetrain (is it 4WD or FWD?). These cars were never rockstars on the trails. But if treated well, they'll get you through.

Ecdysis · Jan 18, 2022

darkwaterdives said:
These models come with a timing belt. Typo or do you have another engine swapped in there? :O
In any case, these cars have been known to make it through 300,000+ with routine/preventative maintenance. My car sees all the use cases you describe (Hawaii, rough trails/roads, highways) and has ~260000km on the dash. I'm restoring the car to better-than-new, sparing no expense, but am restricted heavily by budget. I would definitely have the transmission fluid drained and refilled once or twice this year with a compatible quality ATF fluid. I use AMSOIL Signature, refilled twice this year. Shifts like new. If you are handy, all the factory service/repair manuals are available here on the forum, and parts usually aren't wallet-crushing, especially if you know where to shop. I would not beat the car up on poor terrain until you've taken stock of the current state of the engine, suspension, drivetrain (is it 4WD or FWD?). These cars were never rockstars on the trails. But if treated well, they'll get you through.

Thank you darkwaterdives. Yes, that was a typo on my part about the timing belt, I realize it has one of these and not a chain (for some reason the vehicle ad also incorrectly says chain). Thanks for the tip on the ATF fluid. I unfortunately am not that mechanically inclined or handy, otherwise I think this would be quite a fun vehicle to work on and do my own repairs, etc. The roads I am intending to take the vehicle on are mostly local and are logging roads which are rough but generally in pretty good shape, not really planning on doing much offroading, still not as gentle as a highway though in any case. Would be nice to know if it is reliable enough for a longer road trip should the need/desire arise. I plan to get an inspection in any case and replace fluids and basics before taking it out and about on adventures. Tires are from 06' as well and despite having decent tread I think will need to be replaced so there are additional unforseen expenses always with older vehicles as things go. But the engine and body seem to be in good shape which is a plus and despite the high mileage the automatic transmission is running well (would be nice if it was a manual but I will make do). Thanks again

kamakeraion · Jan 19, 2022

Like any car with age and mileage, maintenance Isa key player. Mine has 245k miles, and I just did about 3k miles of road trips in December. The car never broke a sweat and sat at 80mph for hours and hours on end. These cars are well built, and can last a long time with basic maintenance. Being in CO, I've taken it on some roads like you describe, I think it's fine for that, if you have it inspected to make sure it's in good order.

Another member recently did around 5k miles while towing a trailer, which blew my mind a bit.

These cars are slow and pokey, but tough and nimble.

Rocksloth · Jan 21, 2022

I have had cars from the 60's 80's 90's etc keep the the rust out and protect all that you can't see (oil and wax's inside the body boxing, underseal/inspect yearly) and a chassis will go on and on.
The only reason cars of age get in a rough shape is down to care. I help at my mates local garage I call us the glitter boys cos just about every one we get is a turd we just roll it in glitter and send it back out to those who don't care and they wonder why the bill is so high at times.

1999 RAV4 longevity? advice please

Ecdysis

LugNut

darkwaterdives

Ecdysis

kamakeraion

Rocksloth

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