Some advice on RAV4, CRV or Sportage

Should have said the tears were from the girls not me....

What about an X-Trail they are about the same size & 2t towing.
Saying that I had a 05 model X-Trail & a 20ft boat when when towing I didn't feel safe as the boat was a foot wider on both sides.

Hi Josh,

Can I toss in another couple to consider, Subaru Forester and Suzuki Grand Vitara
You can get 97-00 models of either make in good order for about your top budget figure.

Of the ones on your list I would put the Sportage on top, only one with low range and has a generally good writeup as a well built vehicle.

On the offchance that you would consider one, you could buy a good Landrover DiscoveryTdi for the same money.

Hope this helps

Disco.

Josh,
If you intend to tow anything at all ,you can cross the crv off your list.We had a 2003 crv and they are a great car to drive and very economical, but the allowable weight is only 50kg even though they have a towing capacity of 1400 kg.the ball weight only allows for a lightly loaded box trailer or tinny on a trailer.The chassis is very light where it joins the towbar and the couple of bolts on each side would not even be 1/2 inch. The owners manual states ,this vehicle is a passenger vehicle and not recommended as a tow vehicle.Hope this helps.

Hi Josh
In my job i have been provided with a Rav 4 as a co car,and have had each model since 98 that toyota has produced always auto and currently got the current model,always the entry level model ie CV or Edge or whatever they are called at the time. [I own and use a Prado for my touring needs].
The problem with the Rav4 s are always the cost [unless your selling] like most toyotas they retain good resale value,for $7k -$10 you would be looking at a 1st series SXA 11R which has the 2lt motor that was also fitted to the camrys , celicas of the same vintage and are knowned to be very reliable, I have not towed with one as my criterea for towing includes 2 diffs and a chassis but have thought about the down sizing idea and using a rav but i would look at the new V6 current model.I'm sure that all the models would cope with a box trailer or camper trailer but i think that 1000kg would be a max.I in fact brought this SXA 11R model in a 2 door for the daughters 1st car it was hail damaged and did only cost $2700 but it has been a great car and has now got 265000 kms on it and i only replaced the cluch which i did only because i figured this would assist her as she learned to drive.The other repair was to replace the rubbers that support the rear diff as there was a bit of drive line back lash all up cost of $850 including a service.The motor does not use oil and does not leak oil.
If you could stretch the budget i would be considering the 2nd Rav4 model sold the ACA21R which arrived later in 2000 and ran until 2003/4 .This model was more refined had a new motor with a bit more kws,but you also got the now standard airbags,cruise control etc and was available in base model edge or a cruiser and at the end of model life an extreme with the usual toyota upgrades to run out a superceded model.
I think the best model toyota produced was the 2004 on ACA23R model that received the new 2.4ltr motor that is still used today in both the ravs and camry
This model still retained the compact awd size but had more power again and was the last of this smaller size but are still fetching good $ 2nd hand.
The current model ACA33R which i'm now driving are a nice car but IMO they have lost the compact size and are in fact as roomy as my 90series Prado,comfy but large ,but with the extended wheel base would be a stable car to tow a light van or similar.
I won't comment on the other makes as suggested as i have had no experience with these [only to offer the comment that at work we have been switching to the diesil Xtrails and the 2 drivers who have received these although impressed with how they perform for a 2ltr diesil they are not impress with the comfort offered in comparision to their last ACA33 RAVS and i not looking forward to the change after 10+ years of Ravs but this is what happens when someone looks at the bottom line in a fleet of cars]
Hope this helps [i do prefer toyotas]
Russ

why not look at a 2000/2002 pathfinder. Great 4x4 with good off road cabablilities with a stationwagon like feel. 6 cylinder engine can be a little thirsty (13/14 ltrs) but a very reliable 4by. Can get a low Klms for that money.
Steve

Its important to get the first series RAV4 if you wish a little real adventure Josh, this is because it had mechanically coupled centre diff and has significantly better off road performance.

They are all good though for general stuff up until the current model which has gone backwards with a sense and connect operation.