Opinions of the 97 Toyota RAV4 AWD?

[gold01ca]

I'm considering one for sale locally, 125,000 miles, rust free, $2000 obo.
Apparently needs front struts and a CV/drive axle.

Any opinions of this Toyota?

Thanks in advance!

 

[skyactiv]

If your a DIY'er, I'd buy it. Multiple the cost of this used one by a bakers dozen.

 

[oilmaven]

They weren't very powerful (engine horsepower is 120...slightly increased to 127 in 1998) but are ridiculously reliable. Also, the AWD system is top-notch in these vehicles...they'll go anywhere. My nephew had a purple (he really HATED the color)1997 AWD 5 speed and I drove it a couple of times. It was a surprisingly good driving vehicle and he drove it for quite a few years before selling it with somewhere north of 175K miles...still running well at the time.

 

[gold01ca]

Originally Posted By: skyactiv
If your a DIY'er, I'd buy it. Multiple the cost of this used one by a bakers dozen.


I am a DIY'er, thanks for your input.

 

[CharBaby]

My cousin in FL just bought a similar generation for >$5000 with similar mileage. FL car and completely rust free thought, some faded paint. I wouldn't have paid 5 grand but, he liked it! 2 grand sounds decent.

 

[sciphi]

I'd be all over it. Those issues aren't too expensive to DIY, but are expensive to fix at a shop. Give them a lower-ish offer and point out that struts and an axle would be easily over 1/4 of their asking price to have fixed at a shop.

 

[HerrStig]

AS I understand it that model was based on the Corolla, which is not a bad foundation.

 

[mehullica]

I have a 1998 2wd with 206,000 miles. Oil pump seal, both axle boots, struts & mounts were bad. Fixed everything myself & it's super reliable.

 

[gold01ca]

Great input everyone.....thank you!

 

[artificialist]

They have timing belts. Do you know when the belt was last replaced?