Used RAV purchase advice: ‘21 XSE Hybrid (sporty spice) or ‘23 XLE Prem (refined spice)?
I’m leaning toward the hybrid despite some mild concerns about the HV cable (as far as I can tell from maintenance history, has not been repaired or “updated” by Toyota techs). I’m interested in fuel savings over time at the pump. Planning on keeping the car for at least 9-10 years. It’s got one owner and was in upstate NY (plenty of salt exposure and potential rusting issues).
Hybrid: https://www.carfax.com/vehicle/4T3E6RFV2MU039475?no_ul=1
XLE Premium: https://www.mcgeetoyotaofepping.com/used/Toyota/2023-Toyota-RAV4-3e5aff2aac181868f56101c422d18dc4.htm
Both cars are Toyota Certified (🤔) and the hybrid ‘21 is obviously beyond the basic warranty but still has the 10 yr 150k battery warranty (which would be meaningless if the HV cable corrodes and needs replacement). Have not confirmed if the drivetrain warranty still applies here. Have considered an extended warranty but most likely going to pass…
I live in Maine: salt, snow, ice, and slush.
Whatever car we end up with will be having anti-rust spray applied once a year to the under carriage (unless folks advise against). Some screws on the hybrid model are already rusting which is slight surprising for a 4 yr old car.
One nit picky thing: I don’t love that the hybrid tires are original - so there’s maybe a year (max 2?) left on the all-season treads ($1200 to replace all four). I negotiated hard to have dealer include a new set but they said no, nope, not happening.
Any advice welcome be it on price, mileage, hybrid vs non, etc. This would be our second RAV (wife had an ‘06 RAV that she had to part with in 2020).
Posted May 4, 2025, 4:47 PM UTC