Hi Scotty,
I've taken your recent advice and passed on a Honda Element to replace my 07 Grand Marquis. I've narrowed it down to a RAV-4 and looking at one tomorrow at a local dealership. It is a 2011 with 71 K and carfax notes no accidents and one owner. Has the 2.5 L and 4 wheel drive. Is there anything I should look out for with this particular year and model? I'm not sure if the 2.5 leaks at the timing cover like other engines. I know rust can be a concern as well.
Thanks, Joe
Is there anything I should look out for with this particular year and model?
You should look out for dirty tricks from a dealer selling a 14-year-old vehicle. Don't believe anything you are told. Be sure to have a good mechanic give it a thorough examination before purchase. If the dealer won't let you do this, run away.
A quick internet search will reveal any inherent issues with that year and model.
@chucktobias
I agree with you. I reviewed the carfax on the RAV4 and see the engine was cleaned at a local shop a week before it was traded in. The shop told it was most likely to check for leaks somewhere, but the owner never came back. I haven't spoken to the dealer about wondering if they know and if it's an issue. will they care to say anything? I'm thinking this is a red flag
Sounds like a red flag. Also you cannot trust CarFax for much beyond verifying mileage. (Not everything is reported to CarFax and they are not always up to date.) That's one of the reasons it is imperative to have a thorough pre-purchase inspection done.
I'm planning on doing so and have someone in mind. Two actually. One of them said the owner may have had the engine detailed in prep to trade in the car as a leak would be noticable otherwise. I like my Marquis but it rides so low and it's hard to get my walker out of the trunk. Besides it's nearing the 20 year mark as well. We'll see Thanks
I passed on the RAV 4 due to the many things I've read about the oil consumption of the 4 cylinders of that era. I'm going to stick to the 3.5 l instead as I heard their main issue was the timing chain cover leaking which I read was a design flaw from the factory and doesn't affect all these engines.
Thanks, seeing that they are all closing in on the 20 year mark, for a reliable daily driver, which would you choose as being the most reliable if they are have been similarly and well maintained with original engine and transmission and no accidents or flooding.
1) 2007 Grand Marquis 4.6 L with 101k.
2) 2011 Rav-4 2.5 L with 71 K.
3) 2009 Venza 2.7 L with 60 K.
4) 2008 Honda Element 2.4 L with 77k.
Thanks