Hi,
I came across a 2012 RAV-4 4cyl yesterday in my favorite color and with about 75K. I hear so many stories of the 2.5 L burning oil due to low tension piston rings and people preferring the 3.5 L instead. I understand it's a common problem with the 2.5's of that era. If it checks out by mechanic, should I hesitate and wait for a 3.5 to appear? I don't drive much anymore, but take excellent care of my vehicles. I want something to last awhile for me. Thanks.
Actually it was the earlier 2.4 engines that had the oil burning problem due to defective piston rings. Transmission shudder due to defective torque converter is the problem to watch out for in Camrys and RAV4s from that time period. (In the RAV4 the issue is supposed to have surfaced in the 2013 models but I would still be cautious.)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EtGIUIPE6ik
On the other hand, the 3.5 V6 will of course use more gas and it will be more expensive to maintain. It is also prone to developing a costly oil leak in the timing cover.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RMvjhUVjyc0
Hi, I appreciate the feedback. What stumped me was watching the vid below and at the 10 min mark noting that they would avoid 2009-12 RAV-4 2.5 l 4cyl due to similar issues they had with the 2.4l. I wish I was in market for a Corolla with the 1.8 L. My brother had one that made it to 275 K before the trans.mssion went out. Thanks
https://youtu.be/j-EI1BuISa0?si=BDW4y5sPkxvtZPne
Get the V6. Only gets 1 MPG worse than the I4 and is a lot quicker. In the RAV4, the V6 is also quite a gem.
