Hello, I'm currently looking into purchasing a newer Rav 4 hybrid. I'm not quite sure what packages I should be looking for, or if there's anything I should know about these vehicles before purchasing? Any help or input is greatly appreciated!
Researching Rav4
1 - 12 of 12 Posts
best start would be to go to Toyota's website, and do a build price of one. Usually near the top, just below their banner, will be a link to compare models. I'd work your way up, and see if any features sound important to you. And ask about any specific ones your not sure about.
Joined
·
1,238 Posts
First thing you need to decide is if you want ICE, hybrid, or Prime (plug in Hybrid). Finding inventory is a different matter.
People that own the hybrid or prime will tell you that you absolutely must buy one like they have because of whatever reason. However there all the same size, will haul the same passengers and gear, and go to the same places, so buy based on your own needs or preferences not what someone on a board like this tells you. Having said that, with current gas prices the ROI on either is type hybrid is likely much better than when I bought mine in 2019.
I always found it easier to simply write down all the options I "must" have - and just buy the package that meets those needs, rather than trying to justify "its only $2K more and you get all these extra things. If you weren't looking for those extra things up front, you likely won't miss them if you don't have them.
People that own the hybrid or prime will tell you that you absolutely must buy one like they have because of whatever reason. However there all the same size, will haul the same passengers and gear, and go to the same places, so buy based on your own needs or preferences not what someone on a board like this tells you. Having said that, with current gas prices the ROI on either is type hybrid is likely much better than when I bought mine in 2019.
I always found it easier to simply write down all the options I "must" have - and just buy the package that meets those needs, rather than trying to justify "its only $2K more and you get all these extra things. If you weren't looking for those extra things up front, you likely won't miss them if you don't have them.
I'm always thinking in this way but than I start thinking about extra costs of hybrid and cost of battery replacement in future...
What I really like from hybrid is it's bulletproof and easy to service transmission.
Naturally take this for what's worth but I watched a video on youtube the other day where the guy (A Toyota sales/tech/?? guy) stated they'd never replaced a hybrid battery since he worked there since 2007 or 2008. They replaced one that the customer had tried to rig something up and destroyed theirs. IDK if that's true, but it was on youtube so it's gotta be right, right!?
Joined
·
1,238 Posts
Yes, everything is a trade off. Transmission is likely better in the Hybrid. However as mentioned you do have the battery and associated electronics to contend with, although historically Toyota hybrid batteries have done quite well - if that is an indication. Hybrid mileage in the city is much better. Mileage on the highway is not that much different, so how you drive matters as well. You might find a small discount on an ICE model. You likely won't get anything off for a hybrid - or possibly even a above MSRP surcharge.
A lot of people will say drive the hybrid you will love it, but I didn't think it was much different. The ICE model has a learning transmission, so a lot might have to do with the particular model you drive. Ours was slightly jerky at purchase if you tried to make it do so - I had read all the problems on this board prior to buying. After a couple hundred miles it smoothed out even more and it shifts as well as any automatic I have owned. Others have different luck so?
Joined
·
1,238 Posts
There are all kinds of places selling refurbished hybrid batteries for Prius / Camry / Highlander. If there was no market they wouldn't be promoting them. Even hundreds of youtube videos on how to change the battery yourself. Probably no one is dumb enough to pay the Dealer for a new battery on a older car - so they go elsewhere - so the toyota guy you mentioned may not technically be lying - no one comes to him
.Having said that - the batteries do seem to last longer than most think they will, and a refurb battery isn't all that expensive anymore: Toyota - 2nd Life Battery
If you live in a place with cold winter- routinely below about 15 F, do your research carefully on ANY totally electric vehicle. You'll have a mediocre heater at best and reduced range as the temps drop.
I have an XLE hybrid and live in Alaska. The heater does fine since the ICE runs until the engine is warmed up, thus providing cabin heat and a deforster for the wind shield. The 2021 XLE has heated seats and a heated steering wheel, both of which are very nice on a cold day.
I have an XLE hybrid and live in Alaska. The heater does fine since the ICE runs until the engine is warmed up, thus providing cabin heat and a deforster for the wind shield. The 2021 XLE has heated seats and a heated steering wheel, both of which are very nice on a cold day.
2022 RAV4 Limited Blizzard Pearl with Black Softex interior. Coming 3/29/2022.
Joined
·
16 Posts
Goodluck. In my research prior to ordering mine I found that new was the way to go right now. It took 3 months but as long as you don't pay over MSRP you should be ahead of the game. Used prices are outta control. Below are pics of a used and a built to spec from Toyota I did today. 2019 with over 55,000 miles for a whole $2,000 less than brand new. The brand new is fully loaded with factory options as well. If you go for one, like I said ordering seems to be the way to go. I'm picking my Limited Hybrid up at the end of the month at it's $42,557 MSRP.
We purchased a 2019 XLE Rav 4 Hybrid
Winter netted 37 mpg warmer months 41 mpg.
Wife loved it.
We now own two Rav 4 Primes in the SE
Obviously we enjoy not pumping expensive gas every week. We go 6 months on one tank of gasoline except for vacations and we get surprisingly good gas mileage.
I just drove 126 miles and the gas part I averaged 39 mpg and including the electric range I only put 2.2 gallons of non-ethanol 88 octane to replace the fuel we burned during the 126 mile trip.
It was a warmer day for March in Utah which makes economy much better for hybrids.
I test drove the 2019 gasoline version of the Rav 4 and hands down the hybrid transmission is superior.
Look up on Youtube Weber State University. They do an extensive review of the hybrid transmission. Don’t be fooled it is not the garbage pulley belt system in the Nissan. That is a disaster of a transmission. Toyota is solid.
Good Luck
Russ
Winter netted 37 mpg warmer months 41 mpg.
Wife loved it.
We now own two Rav 4 Primes in the SE
Obviously we enjoy not pumping expensive gas every week. We go 6 months on one tank of gasoline except for vacations and we get surprisingly good gas mileage.
I just drove 126 miles and the gas part I averaged 39 mpg and including the electric range I only put 2.2 gallons of non-ethanol 88 octane to replace the fuel we burned during the 126 mile trip.
It was a warmer day for March in Utah which makes economy much better for hybrids.
I test drove the 2019 gasoline version of the Rav 4 and hands down the hybrid transmission is superior.
Look up on Youtube Weber State University. They do an extensive review of the hybrid transmission. Don’t be fooled it is not the garbage pulley belt system in the Nissan. That is a disaster of a transmission. Toyota is solid.
Good Luck
Russ
Should you buy a Toyota Hybrid?
www.rav4world.com
1 - 12 of 12 Posts
