Mat’s Car of the Day: here’s why I’d buy a used Toyota RAV4 over the new one
Car changing is a big deal
The all-new Toyota RAV4 is a great family car, but it’s a bit too expensive compared to its alternatives. Mat Watson has found a used example which is better value for money.
The new Toyota RAV4 is here, and just like the old one it’s a practical and comfortable family car with plenty of standard equipment. I like it, but at over £50,000 in mid-spec trim it does seem rather expensive – especially when you see the low-rent cabin materials.
That’s why I’d consider a used example of the old RAV4. It’s still a great car, but you can pick it up for a lot less money.
Used Toyota RAV4 prices and deals
You can pick up a used Toyota RAV4 from 2019 for as little as £18,000 at the time of writing, but the one which has caught my eye is this 2024 GR Sport version. It’s only done 24,000 miles, and it’s up for just under £37,000. That’s around £15,000 less than the equivalent new RAV4.
You get adaptive cruise control, heated front sports seats, a panoramic glass roof and a more aggressive-looking bodykit than the standard RAV4, as well as a plug-in hybrid engine with up to 46 miles of all-electric range.
Pros and cons of buying a used Toyota RAV4
One of the main advantages of buying a used Toyota is the warranty. You get three years of standard cover, and this can be expanded to 10 years if you keep the car serviced within Toyota’s dealer network. That means the car I mentioned above has up to eight years of warranty cover left.
I also reckon the interior quality is slightly better in the old RAV4. The dashboard design looks dated by modern standards, but you get more soft-touch materials in the previous car and it feels a bit more solid.
It’s also really comfortable to drive, and there’s plenty of space inside as well. The 520-litre boot is also 74 litres bigger than the new RAV4’s.
That said, the new RAV4 is quieter at speed, and it has a more responsive touchscreen. I also prefer the way the new car looks on the outside. If you prefer the look of the new RAV4, but want to save yourself some cash, you can get an ex-demonstrator with less than 7,000 miles on the clock for £43,400 right now. That’s around £3,700 less than the equivalent new car.
Car change? Carwow!
Looking for a new set of wheels? With Carwow you can sell your car quickly and for a fair price – as well as find great offers on your next one. Whether you’re looking to buy a car brand new, are after something used or you want to explore car leasing options, Carwow is your one stop shop for new car deals.
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