Eggplant-EX

I do not want to ask my Lexus guys but thought I would get better feedback here.inkg

Current car is a 05 Lexus IS250 AWD with 70k. Thought I alwasys wanted a Lexus but this one has been a pain. Recall on carbon build up, rattle on start up, now it is wipers. The carbon problem is beginning to appear again. And if this thing breaks, I am up the creek. Changing plugs alone is $400.

Well, am thinking of another AWD but easier on fuel & maintenance. I am thinking of a 2013 Rav4 fully loaded with leather seats and NAV. Sticker is about $31.6k but it is a 4 cylinder.

Just thought I would throw it out here and see if anyone has constructive comments.

Thanks in advance,

AZuser

:ib4move2cartalk:

If you're not happy with it.....

bkknight369

We've been happy with our rav 4 for almost 6 years now (bought it new in 2007). Its definately not a luxary car, but a very reliable people mover with tons of space

bkknight369

P.S. while I'm all for luxary seating (and can't live without heated seats in my g35), the cloth seats in the rav are actually very comfortable. So if you decide to save ~6k and get the base awd, you'll be just fine

Eggplant-EX

I love heated seats and Nav. Cannot do without that. The premium sound will need o be checked out. It does come with a woofer which is a pity as I have a Kicker woofer with a PG amp in my garage waiting for my next car. I will test drive it this weekend. The 2013 looks good and I just hope it has decent pick up & go.

1StGenCL

that's a huge difference, no G37 option and do you have 2 lexus or is the year just off in your sig/post?

NightHawk CL9

The wife has a 2010 Rav 4, 4 cyl. and honestly it's a great car, no warranty issue, just 1 recall for a rear suspension issue. It has great utility and overall it's a great vehicle. One thing I would say is to look for the V6. I get about 26-27 mpg on the Highway while I understand the V6 is 23-24 mpg. The I4 is underpowered in my opinion (base RAV 4 AWD) and I always wish it had a bit more power. The throttle tip-in is very harsh where starting from a stop it's snapping heads the majority of the time, very annoying.

Edit: SuperTrooper169 has a V6 Rav4
https://acurazine.com/forums/car-talk-5/added-another-sleeper-garage-877355/

charliemike

Why not look at FWD? Do you get enough snow to justify the extra cost?

Moog-Type-S

Catch can will solve your carbon problems.

Sarlacc

My father has an 07 IS250 AWD that he bought pre-owned about 2.5/3 years ago....took it to the dealer for an interval service about 4 months ago...they said, you've got the sludge problem...we'll replace the engine block and everything at no cost, here is your brand new loaner...we'll see you in a week.

So, he basically got a new engine (with whatever supposed fix so it doesn't happen again) and the usual Lexus treatment. No drama, no hassle. He likes the car a lot.

I think the build up issue has to due with flow/opening being smaller than it should...it was fixed for later engines such as the one in my highlander.

oo7spy

Check out the Rav4 tranny recall, and maybe see if you can get one that has already been fixed or one that it doesn't apply to.

My vote is V6 as well unless you are doing a majority of city driving. My wife's CR-V gets ~25 mpg in town. Open it up on the hwy, and *BAM* you get a whopping 26. It just doesn't have the power to cruise at hwy speeds and overcome all the resistances. If we have to road trip and can spare the space, my RL gets better mileage at 70+ mph. In addition, that V6 Rav4 is a beast for what it is. It's pushing 2G RL numbers in a straight line.