I want to buy a brand new 2021 Toyota RAV4 hybrid. This will be my first new car purchase. I have heard a few things about the fuel tank for the cars, but are there any other objections as to why I shouldn’t get this car? If anyone has heard anything or thinks there’s a better reliable car, please comment below. Thanks!
I think the RAV4 Hybrid is a wonderful car, especially when buying it new. Toyota is the only hybrid brand I can recommend freely without reservations.
They have time tested hybrid technology, that can last a long time, assuming you do proper maintenance.
For a hybrid SUV, the RAV4 hybrid would be my top choice.
That's a good choice for a Hybrid.
For the fuel tank, what did you hear? One of my friends complaint is with the fuel tank reading. Like it starts off slow, then moves really fast at the end. But that’s nothing in the whole scheme of things.
I heard that the mpg rating that they gave it was slightly incorrect but that’s not a big deal to me.
The MPG "they" give cars is pure Fairy Dust.
@Doc Toyota’s MPG ratings tend to be usually close to reality. Toyota claims 38 Highway - and people are getting about 35-36.
My old Corolla was rated to do 36 Highway and it ended up doing about 33.
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On the Kia Niro i’ve been actually exceeding the EPA MPG (I was shocked too) when I drive it in adaptive cruise with the AC on I get better than sticker, when I drive manually and baby it I manage to get even better results.
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I’m not saying that you should trust the EPA rating (you shouldn’t) but quite often it represents a guideline for what you should theoretically be able to achieve.
The RAV4 Hybrid is a great buy as far as Hybrids go.
The only thing I'd be cautious of is the battery's lifespan (I wouldn't rely on it to last over 10 years), but other than that although hybrids are more complex, from my experience, they wear out slower. I'm seeing Priuses serving for much longer than Corollas do - although this is debatable.
This being a Toyota, I'd assume nothing will break for many years and hundreds of thousands of miles - But when it does, it's going to cost a lot because most hybrid’s drivetrains are much more complex than conventional gasoline ones.
If you plan to keep the vehicle for as long as possible, I would stick to a regular gas Rav4. They will last longer than a hybrid version, and more mechanics can work on regular gas vehicles over hybrids. Regular gas vehicles have enough complexity as it is; going hybrid adds to that. Usually Toyota Hybrids can go 150,000 to 200,000 miles (generally, even a little more) before battery replacement or something in the hybrid system needs repair and that will cost $$$. Also, finding a competent mechanic that knows how to work on hybrids will be a challenge and being a specialty expect to pay more; out of warranty, going to a dealer would be very expensive as well.
For a hybrid they are great. When they age they can get expensive to maintain. How long would you plan to keep the vehicle and mileage put on? With that answer you will get a clear picture if the vehicle is for you.
I would keep the car at least five years but is keeping a hybrid car for 10 years not a good investment? When do you think is the ideal time to trade it in for the newest model? It would take me at least three to four years I’m thinking to get 100,000 miles on it because I don’t drive a whole lot.
For 10 years and 100000 I would not see you having any issues. When to trade in I couldn't say. Vehicles loose value constantly. I don't know the price cost difference between hybrid and not hybrid. In your situation it might be more cost effective to get the non hybrid as you would not make up the money for the hybrid version.