Car financing: 2020 Toyota RAV4 LE in Yameri

Thinking of buying the 2020 Toyota RAV4 LE?

CarmaCars is a rental company and does not have the 2020 Toyota RAV4 LE for sale right now. Rent one for a week first, or ask us to look for one. CarmaCars does not finance cars. Renting is not a loan, so there is no credit check to rent. The 2020 Toyota RAV4 LE for buyers: what the numbers say, what to check, how to try it.

Recalls and complaints

Owners filed 648 complaints with NHTSA, most often about engine, electrical system and unknown or other; have those parts checked. Check whether every recall was done, by the VIN, before you pay. Look at the tires, brakes and battery; they are costly to replace. NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns for this model; ask the seller for proof each one was fixed.

What the figures tell you

Its powertrain is the 2.5L 4-cylinder with all-wheel drive. It runs on regular gas. All-wheel drive helps when pulling away on snow; braking and steering still depend on the tires.

Fuel use is rated 7.9 L/100 km combined, so 300 km needs about 24 litres. Per 100 km, plan on roughly $12.25. The EPA estimates US$2,250 a year in fuel for 15,000 miles.

Living with the RAV4

As a compact SUV, it sits higher than a sedan, which makes getting in and loading easier.

Good uses for the RAV4

It suits anyone who needs a car for a few days, a week or a month without buying one. It suits a weekend away when the train does not reach where you are going.

A longer test drive

If the RAV4 is in our fleet, its page shows the rates; if not, a similar car helps you judge. Load it with your things and park it where you park; then decide. Rent the RAV4 for a week, or up to 365 days, before you commit to buying one.

Money matters

A 1,000 km month costs roughly $122.50 at our price setting. A pre-purchase inspection is a small cost next to the price of the car. Ask what a set of tires costs for this trim; sizes and prices vary.

Which one to look for

Look at a few listings of the same year and trim to get a feel for fair prices. If two trims share a powertrain, the difference is equipment, which you can check in person. Compare the LE with the other trims of the same year before you decide.

A note on Yameri

If you are starting from Toronto, rent the car here and drive it to Yameri. CarmaCars is based in Toronto, about 3,364 km from Yameri, and does not deliver there.

Talk to a person

Ask about renting first, and buy with a clear head.