The following 2003 Rav4, with 137k miles, is being sold for 1,200 near me, but there is a catch:
2003 RAV4 Very nice, rust free body except for some dents on the back. Interior super clean. 5 speed AWD. Motor has very little oil pressure. The woman that owned it was a clean freak so the inside is very nice, unfortunately she didn't get the oil changed (completely sludged up). I put new timing chains and oil pump in, still no good. Oil pressure light is still on. Engine runs, but not for much longer. Needs brakes, rotors, tires and engine. If you have a 1AZFE engine or know where to get one, you're golden.
Would it be worth the hassle of finding and having a used engine installed? Sounds like it could potentially be a good deal. Thoughts?
Thank you,
Vincent
You can bet the transmission has not been maintained either, or much of anything else. I'd say it's a hard pass. Even if the thing was free it could cost thousands to put it right.
heck no. Run away. Quickly.
If you were doing the work yourself I think so. You could try and engine flush on it and cross your fingers. If you gotta pay someone to swap it I would walk away.
If I was doing it, I would get a re-manufactured engine with a warranty from NAPA, ATK, Jasper, etc.
