Looking at getting into the RAV4 in either an 04 or an 09, any advice?

Hey all, after my beloved, yet slightly temperamental, Subaru Outback decided it was its time just shy of 200k miles, I am looking to switch to the RAV 4 since my family has loved every Toyota they've had. I've got two options as of right now. The first is a 2009 v6 AWD with 149k miles. The second is a 2004 v4 FWD with 108k miles. Both are priced about the same at just shy of $7,000 but both sellers say they are willing to negotiate.

I figured I would come to those more well versed in the RAV4 while I am trying to do my research and get as familiar as I can with them. AWD is nice, but my priority number one is reliability. My subie had a big repair almost every other year, the kind I don't have the proper tools to do myself. It was worth keeping until the transmission went because I didn't have a payment on it and was still averaging less than $100 a month in repairs. I do my own oil changes and general maintenance on regular intervals because I have had my car damaged multiple times by having other people do it, and try to treat my cars as best I can to get the most out of them. My question is, which one of the two is most likely to give the least amount of headaches with it receiving tender love and care? I know used cars with higher mileage is always a risk, but it is what makes sense financially at the moment. Based on you all's experience, and general knowledge of the car line, what option pulls ahead in the race? Any specific to the car related things I should keep a look out for as I inspect them?

Thanks for helping in any way you can :)

Posted Feb 11, 2026, 10:19 PM UTC

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