All right y’all got kind of a weird question.
I currently have a 2024 Kia Sportage X pro prestige(highest trim level) my grandma had just bought in the car and then she got told she can’t drive anymore so she gave it to me. it’s paid off 30,000 miles on it
A good trustworthy friend is selling his 2013 RAV4 limited with 130,000 miles. he’s kept up on the maintenance, etc. Gonna give me a good deal on it because he needs to move.
Here’s my question I’m considering buying the RAV4 and selling the 2024 Kia Sportage. My reason for this is I know absolutely nothing about Kia longevity which makes me nervous a little bit, on the other hand I’ve always been a fanboy of, Toyotas so I trust their vehicles. I also don’t like how the Kia has all these fancy electronics on it which are harder for me to fix when it does start breaking. It would also be nice to sell the Kia and get some cash in the pocket, but forget about the cash in the pocket.
My main question is, is it crazy to be considering this?
I know absolutely nothing about Kia longevity
We have a lengthy thread on that topic:
https://carkiller.com/scottykilmer/qa/hmg/
In short the words "Kia" and "longevity" really don't go together well.
My main question is, is it crazy to be considering this?
It's hard to argue with getting a free late model, nearly new car. However the long-term prospects for the Kia are not great and it may even crater in the short term. Get some quotes on the Kia online from places like Carvana and Carmax to see what you can get for it.
You would need to have the RAV4 examined by a mechanic before purchase to determine it's true condition so you can make an informed decision. Also be aware that RAV4s of that vintage had issues with serious transmission shuddering problems due to faulty torque converters. There was a warranty extension but it expired in 2018:
https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2017/MC-10140600-9999.pdf
It is possible that particular RAV4 was repaired, Toyota would have the information if given the VIN. It is also possible at that age and mileage that repairs are needed to normal wear items such as ball joints, bushings, seals, suspension parts, brakes, etc. You need that pre-purchase inspection.
@chucktobias good stuff, thank you