Hello everyone!
Thank you Scotty for such an informative and entertaining YT channel. I've learned so much about cars during quarantine because of your channel.
I live in NJ and want to purchase a used SUV for me and my small child. I don't drive much but want something easy to maintain and reliable. Here are my choices that I've narrowed down so far:
1.) Honda CR-V EX(2012-16)
2.) Toyota Rav4 (2013-15)
3.) Lexus RX 350(2009-14)
I have a budget for nearly $16k. What would you recommend to your sister, niece, etc as a first time SUV? Thank you so much for your recommendation s. Appreciate your help.
Regards,
Lexusluv
Thank you so so much everyone for your insight!! Between watching both Scotty and Kevin Hunter's YT videos I'm more confident to purchase my next vehicle via private sale or dealership. My only hope is to find a honest, experienced and knowledgeable mechanic in my area🙏🏾. Again thank you so much for answering my questions😊😊😊
Glad you got the help you wanted from everyone here, as for the mechanic, we have a page for it in the FAQ: https://carkiller.com/scottykilmer/qa/mechanics/
Here is my ranking:
1. 2016-2018 Toyota RAV4
2. 2010-2015 Lexus RX
3. 2013-2015 Toyota RAV4
4. pre-2009 Lexus RX
5. 2012-2014 Honda CR-V
6. 2015-2016 Honda CR-V
Honestly you have some good picks but I would avoid the first years of models (even Toyotas) as they had some problems thats why the ideal choice would be 2016-2018 RAV4 which I can find plenty under 15 grand. The Lexus RX is the best luxury SUV out there. The 2012-2016 CR-V is also pretty well made but the Earthdreams engine has a tendency to grind at startup but if you are fine with it you might consider it. I would avoid 2015-2016 CR-V as it has a new CVT transmission which is prone to more problems than the conventional automatic transmission found in the pre-refresh models.
Considering its a first time SUV, you might just want to stick to a conventional well made SUV like the RAV4 instead of the luxury RX. I have nothing against the CR-V and they are well made, its just that Honda quality went down a bit with their EarthDreams technology (debut in CR-V 2012) and CVT transmissions (debut in CR-V 2015).
No matter what you buy, make sure to have a mechanic check it out to make sure its in good shape. For more information on buying used cars, check out the Used Car Buying Guide page of the FAQ below.
Thanks Kerem for the insight yet after reading some of the complaints I'm worried about if the Rav4 is dependable. I need something that's safe, comfortable and reliable; I can't afford to make an expensive mistake😞
I see the dilemma you are going through. The transmission in those are pretty solid but many people have issues with them because they don't change the transmission fluid. On the other hand, the same transmission unit in the Camry got a Bulletin for transmission shudder. Sometimes I don't even get where Toyota is trying to go with this but thats the situation.
I mean the RAV4 is one of the best choices out there for reliability. If it helps my friends own a 2006 and its still going down the road problem free except for some oil burning. @Kaizen owns a 2015 RAV4 he might be able to add some insight here.
You could avoid problems by having a pre-purchase inspection by a mechanic.
@Lexusluv I own a 2017 RAV4 and it has been excellent so far. Make sure to get whatever you want inspected
@Kerem, since I'm purchasing the vehicle used, when should I change the transmission fluid? What if the previous owner never changed the fluid?
We have a topic for it in the FAQ check it out.
So, first thing to do would be to check your owners manual. If it doesn't give an interval or unfortunately says "life-time" then do it every 40-50k miles.
After 60 70k miles, if owners don't change the transmission fluid on those 6 speed automatics for the Toyota, they sometimes have issues, so make sure to have the service records for a transmission drain and fill (don't buy it if the transmission fluid was "flushed").
The CVT in the 2015+ CR-Vs are somewhat weaker so you would want to change those more often but depending on many factors, generally its recommended to change transmission fluid every 30-60k miles.
@Kerem Thank you so much for explaining the transmission issue. I will be sure to ask to review the service records and inquire if the vehicle ever had a drain+fill service.
@lexusluv I drive both the generation of CR-V and RAV4 regularly. I don’t own them myself, but I drive them enough to know their quirks and maintenance/repairs.
Both are 2015. And I’ve been driving them since brand new. The CR-V has 90K+ miles. The RAV4 has 50K+ miles.
Both have been amazing vehicles, just basic maintenance. And they both are solid vehicles.
The RAV4 drives more sporty, probably due to its automatic transmission with manual shifting and sport mode. It just knows when to shift. And feels me. It knows me. It’s like I am almost driving a stick. It is more compact and agile. This is the one I want to take with mountainous curves, and when I need more on demand acceleration.
The CR-V has more of a premium feel to it . It’s not sporty. But feels more roomy. And slightly bigger than the RAV4. The shifting takes some getting used to since it is a CVT. This is the one I want to take in long crowd trips or sitting in rush hour traffic
Both are great, and it really depends on your preference in looks and driving style.
I wish I could comment on the Lexus. I don’t have experience with that one, but I believe it is the same platform as the RAV4, FWIW.
@kerem Thanks for the heads up on this question.
Thank you Kaizen. Between the RAV4 and CR-V which has a quieter cabin? I thought the ride with my previous 06 Accord was not as quiet as I would've liked
TBH, they are about the same, but if I had to pick one, the CRV seems quieter (probably because if the CVT. )
Kerem’s assessment is correct. Of those three you list, I would recommend the RAV4 - total cost of ownership will be less than the Lexus. And for longevity and better engineered product, Toyota is better than Honda so stick with the Toyota if your budget allows. Honda is fine still but not my top choice. That being said, go for a later MY in that generation Rav4. 2013 was the first MY of that generation and you said 2013-2015, so aim for a 2015 > 2014 > 2013 if within budget still. No matter what, have a good, independent honest mechanic with a fancy scan tool like Scotty’s thoroughly check it out before you buy.
Also, don’t forget to cross check your choices against our Toyota/Honda common problems sticky under the Car Buying Guide:
as well as here:
Thank you DayWalker for the advice. I checked out the complaints and now I'm concerned about the Rav4. The 2017 had less complaints than the 2015/16 models but there were complaints about the transmission. Last thing I need is for it to stall or jump gears while I'm driving with my toddler in the car😰
If you can, all other things being equal, get a vehicle with a history in the West or Southwest. Rust is an issue, in NJ, from ice, road salt and ocean salt. Having lived on the Southeastern Coast of Massachusetts for years, I've seen (and smelled) what offshore winds contribute to the rust process.
Good point. I recall seeing a video by Scotty advising to look out for rust in vehicles purchased in the NE
I'd also throw 2013-2016 Highlander into the list since it's basically same as the Lexus RX350 but probably more affordable.
Honestly, they’re all solid choices. I’d go with the one that was in the best mechanical shape.
As always, you want to have the vehicle thoroughly checked out by a professional mechanic, before purchase.
Test drive all 3 & do the PPI on the vehicle which you liked (& drove the best) the most.
How would I arrange a PPI for a potential vehicle from a dealership? I definitely want and know to get the vehicle inspected before purchase.
Tell them you’ll drive it to your trusted mechanic for an inspection, or ask your mechanic if they can accompany you to the dealership, after you’ve shortlisted the one you like.
Parts for Lexus are more expensive so any future repairs will likely be more expensive over Toyota/Honda
Thanks Joec. I know it's a luxury brand but I don't want to pay an arm and leg for parts or routine services such as an oil change