I am a recently single mother to 20 month old twins. I stumbled across your youtube pages, and have learned quite a lot! I am currently in a 2004 Toyota Matrix that is throwing a code for the O2 sensor and also having issues with the passenger wheel bearing. I have started the journey of looking for a newer vehicle. I can't afford brand new, so used it is. In my area in GA, I have come across a '17 forester, '19 CRV, '18 Rav4 that are all in my price range.
What are your recommendations? Any thing I should be looking for specifically, Since I am doing this by myself and don't want to be taken advantage of?
Thanks!
Out of those, I would pick the Toyota RAV4. 2018 is the last year of that generation and is basically the best modern SUV out there for reliability. Give it a test drive! You would of course want a mechanical inspection done before you buy it and maintain it after you buy it. For an in-depth guide on buying used cars, check out the "I need to buy a vehicle section" of the FAQ.
The Forester and CR-V are OK but in those years the Forester and CR-V have a lot more problems than the RAV4. The key in finding a reliable used car and not being scammed is to have the pre-purchase mechanical inspection done. If the seller/dealer refuses to do it, walk away.
I’m sorry, what exactly is wrong with your 04 Matrix, other than the wheel bearing & oxygen sensor?
Pretty drastic to spend 20 odd grand for what may be a $500 fix (assuming you only have those 2 issues).
Now, if you want a newer vehicle, I’d say test drive all 3 of them pick the one which you like best. They’re all safe choices with the RAV4 > CR-V > Forester for longevity.
What is the reason for wanting a newer car? Can you also list the codes you were getting when the vehicle was scanned? Inthrustwetrust is right - depending on what is causing the issue and cost to repair you may want to hold onto the Matrix (save money too over buying a newer vehicle). But of your 3 choices, I’d go with the RAV4 as it has the best chance of lasting the longest with minimal issues, and being the last year of that generation is likely to be most refined and the bugs/issues ironed out.
