Hi,
Looking for a used 2018 RAV4 FWD.
It’s hard finding cars in general now, I can’t believe the increases from two years ago!
When will it correct itself?
I’m looking at this particular year because it’s still multi-port injection with a 6 speed automatic…simple.
The engine code is 2AR-FE, there was an issue with that engine in 2008 with piston rings?
Not sure if 2018 will experience the same oil burning.
Here in Ontario, Canada we have a report on any used vehicle sold called Carfax.
Carfax reports a lot of info. on the vehicle even services if done by reputable garages.
Accidents…damage area on the vehicle and cost, even if glass was repaired and it’s cost.
If car comes from the USA or outside province better stay away because Carfax unable to report data.
I see many have oil and filter replacement at high intervals way too high, about 10K miles (or 15K Kms)!
This particular vehicle had even a one interval of 20K miles (or 30k Kms)!
At present it is close to 65K miles, no warranty left.
My Mazda 6 2.5L doesn’t burn any oil in between oil changes as well as the other vehicle 2006 Vibe 1.8 1ZZ-FE level is the same.
Oil changes done every 3K miles (5K Kms).
Looking to replace the Vibe because it’s too rusty underneath and feel it’s no longer safe to drive.
What are the checks that one can do to see if it’s losing oil?
May be hard to check by looking in the tailpipe.
Will a mechanic by using a compression tester, or scanning the OBDII port for signs tell if it’s an oil burner?
Thank you for your attention.
Ren
It’s hard finding cars in general now, I can’t believe the increases from two years ago!
When will it correct itself?
Nobody knows.
The engine code is 2AR-FE, there was an issue with that engine in 2008 with piston rings?
That can easily be researched via internet searches. A good site for that kind of information is carcomplaints.com. They don't report any tendency to burn oil. (It was primarily earlier models with the 2AZ-FE engine that suffered from that problem.)
https://www.carcomplaints.com/Toyota/RAV4/2018/
Here in Ontario, Canada we have a report on any used vehicle sold called Carfax.
It might surprise you to know that in the U.S. we also have a report on any used vehicle sold called Carfax. It cannot be assumed accurate since not everything is reported to them.
I see many have oil and filter replacement at high intervals way too high, about 10K miles
Oil and filter should be changed at no more than 5000 mile intervals to avoid excessive engine wear.
This particular vehicle had even a one interval of 20K miles (or 30k Kms)!
I would run away from that deal. The engine might well start burning oil and/or develop other problems with that kind of treatment.
What are the checks that one can do to see if it’s losing oil?
Pull out spark plugs and check for oil residue on the electrodes, look for oily residue in the tailpipe (wipe inside of tailpipe with your finger). Of course a seller could install new plugs and clean the tailpipe to conceal the problem.
Will a mechanic by using a compression tester, or scanning the OBDII port for signs tell if it’s an oil burner?
No.
When will it correct itself?
When demand goes down. Maybe never. Car dealers have learned that keeping inventory low drives up prices.
Looking for a used 2018 RAV4 FWD.
The 2018 RAV4 is a great car.
The only complaint I have is that the seats are absolutely dreadful. But it can probably be corrected with some kind of strap on cushion.
Make sure you test drive, and get a PPI before purchasing.
Thank you guys for your useful tips.