Older Rav4

[Whaledriver]

Looking to purchase an older Rav4 for my daughter. Probably a 2010 to 2016 model. Anything to look at specific on them? Thanks in advance.

 

[alexnelon]

Check for rust, test drive it and feel for transmission shudder, and make sure there's oil in it.

Other than that, that 2.5L is basically eternal.

 

[MHWASH]

I'd ask about the timing belt. Mine let go at about 120,000.

 

[mt terry d]

I'd ask about the timing belt. Mine let go at about 120,000.

Going to pick up a 2008 for my wife today. Hopefully it will be less a PITA than the old Audis.


Do any year models of the Rav4 have timing belts?

Searching the web
24 results
Some year models of the Toyota RAV4 do have timing belts.Specifically, the first-generation RAV4 (model years 1996–2000, with some sources noting 1994–2000 in certain markets or references) came equipped with a timing belt on its 4-cylinder engines (primarily the 2.0L 3S-FE engine). Toyota's official parts listings and maintenance guides confirm timing belts for these years, with replacement intervals typically recommended at 60,000–90,000 miles depending on the specific schedule and driving conditions.Starting with the second generation in 2001 and continuing through all subsequent models (including current ones), the RAV4 switched to a timing chain, which is designed to last the life of the engine and generally doesn't require scheduled replacement unless there's an issue.

• Timing belt years: 1996–2000 (first-gen models)
• Timing chain years: 2001–present (all gas, hybrid, and other variants; note that EV models have neither, as they use electric motors)

 

[alexnelon]

Going to pick up a 2008 for my wife today. Hopefully it will be less a PITA than the old Audis.


Do any year models of the Rav4 have timing belts?

Searching the web
24 results
Some year models of the Toyota RAV4 do have timing belts.Specifically, the first-generation RAV4 (model years 1996–2000, with some sources noting 1994–2000 in certain markets or references) came equipped with a timing belt on its 4-cylinder engines (primarily the 2.0L 3S-FE engine). Toyota's official parts listings and maintenance guides confirm timing belts for these years, with replacement intervals typically recommended at 60,000–90,000 miles depending on the specific schedule and driving conditions.Starting with the second generation in 2001 and continuing through all subsequent models (including current ones), the RAV4 switched to a timing chain, which is designed to last the life of the engine and generally doesn't require scheduled replacement unless there's an issue.

• Timing belt years: 1996–2000 (first-gen models)
• Timing chain years: 2001–present (all gas, hybrid, and other variants; note that EV models have neither, as they use electric motors)

The 2.5L 4 cylinder has a chain.

Sometimes the tensioner will wear out, but there is no maintenance schedule for the timing chain in that engine.

 

[Maverick1]

Have seen a few with rust so bad on the pinch welds you wouldn’t even be able to use the jack to change a tire if you got a flat. An entire lift would have been needed. Something to consider.

 

[MHWASH]

Mine was a Gen 1, so that explains my issue. I was a great run around car. I used it in the mountains for a few seasons until it didn't fit my needs anymore.