[22enigma]

Like title states, I need some opinions and experienced people to help me make my decision, I have fallen in love with the look and moddability for off-roading that the 1st gen RAV4 has and I really want to know if it's worth the money and work it will take to get one to that point. I watch a lot of Lab Coat Paul and his 1997 RAV build and it has me very motivated to do it but also hesitant as the cost is scary with my low paying job, parts seem to be very hard to come by, and I'm not even a certified mechanic! Thanks all for your help!

 

[let_us_rav(e)]

Well these Rav4s are very reliable and parts are pretty easy to come by.
The mods you can do are limited, but it is very capable off road in its stock form.

Also I'm not a certified mechanic by any means and the only thing I've had to bring it into the shop for (because I was unable to complete it) was the timing belt. Regardless, I think I could do it now if I had to. The resources available here are really great.

I would say if you can find one that's within your budget then go for it - they are great cars

 

[LugNut]

Rust of the "frame", K-member, rear control arms, and around/under the windshield are things to look for closely, before buying. Also for prior major crash damage. Other things are, IMHO, fixable.

 

[eodgator]

You don't have to be a mechanic to enjoy these old girls. There are plenty of great how to videos on YouTube that are easy to follow.

A few recommendations for anyone: get some metric hand tools, a good Bluetooth OBDII scanner with Mode 6 Fault Code (Mode 6 Fault Code preferred) along with an app called Torque, a good digital autoranging multimeter, a fox & hound (for tracking electrical problems), a set of torque wrenches, and do most of the work yourself. You'll be surprised at how good it feels to do your own maintenance and not have to pay out the big bucks for work on your car. The alternative is sending a 20+ year old car to the mechanic every time she hiccups and being sent to the poor house.

Keep us posted.

 

[DL175]

Rust would be a major concern so find one that is not rusted. For me I would take the easier route and try to wait for one that is a good deal so there is not too much work required.

 

[Rocksloth]

Well your have to take account of the rustoration triangle, money, time skill. the more skill you have means it cost less in money more in time and skill the other way is no skill or time on your part but the money side go's right out there so buy good as you can but take account that there are lots of things you just cant check but there not overly hard to work on and once problems are ironed out they stay good and solid.