Hey scottie, i need help. I currently have a 2004 rav4 manual transmission and im planning to upgrade to something newer. Either a used 2018-2020 Subaru Crosstrek ( auto ), 18-20 Honda Passport , or a 18-20 rav 4. Im concerned about reliability and safety due to the wife and i planning to have a child next year. We're in PA in the middle of no where so breakdowns are not an option. I'll probably turbo the 04 and see how long it lasts. Also, i'll be in the market for my wife's first car. I was thinking a 2017 Lexus rc 300. What would you recommend? Thanks!
I would go with the 2018 Toyota RAV4. For best reliability go with the 2013-2018 generation as it featured the I4 (no V6 this generation, whereas previous Gen had it) along with the true and tried 6-speed AT. And being 2018, usually by then the bugs/issues would be ironed out. The 2019, meanwhile, is the beginning of the new (current) generation along with the 8-speed automatic transmission and newer tech, and jury is out on the long term reliability/durability of this newer generation. Although if you find yourself looking at the new generation Rav4 (so 2019-newer), it is still better a better choice than the Subaru or the Honda.
https://www.carcomplaints.com/Toyota/RAV4/
https://carkiller.com/scottykilmer/qa/toyota-rav4-best-year-to-buy-used/#post-45714
https://carkiller.com/scottykilmer/postid/55322/
As for safety, 2018 model year was an IIHS Top Safety Pick: 2019+ did even better
https://www.iihs.org/ratings/vehicle/Toyota/rav4-4-door-suv/2018
https://www.iihs.org/ratings/vehicle/Toyota/rav4-4-door-suv/2019
https://www.iihs.org/ratings/vehicle/Toyota/rav4-4-door-suv/2020
Why spend the money to turbo the car you are planning on getting rid of?
You would be sacrificing your reliability for power which doesn't seem to make sense in your situation.
Looks like you are looking at a second car (for the wife). Yes, that Lexus RC300 (which has the naturally aspirated 3.5L V6) with 6-speed automatic is a stout powertrain combo and overall the vehicle is holding up well. I can definitely recommend it. It is a little tight inside, so make sure you both are OK with it. Realize that 2017 RC300 was only offered in AWD and being a Lexus parts can be expensive in the future if you keep it long enough and something in the AWD system (or on the Vehicle in general) needs to be repaired. Normally, I would say don’t get AWD unless you need it, especially on a luxury car (where parts and labor - book time - will be more expensive), but in PA you’ll need it.
For both vehicles I responded about be sure to have an independent, honest mechanic like a Scotty check it out before you buy, even on Toyota/Lexus products.
Good luck trying to get a baby (and car seat) in a RC300..
Who’s the SUV really for, you or the missus?
