My 2004 RAV4 transmission just died … should I fix it or get a new car … what would you do …

Toyota Truck, SUV and Vans Forum Toyota RAV4
1

I’ve taken really good care of my 2004 RAV4 but this weekend the transmission died. A remanufactured all-wheel drive transmission costs around $4500 and with labor, diagnostics, and the work they did to try to save the old one, the total comes to $8200.

Added info … the car has 170k miles. Since 2020, I’ve replaced the radiator and ignition coils. It also has new brakes and tires.

A used RAV4 in my area (2016-2020 models) is around $20-25k. I really don’t like debt and don’t want a car payment, but is it worth fixing this one or should I just get a newer model?

2

The car’s value is way less than the $8200 you’re about to spend on it. Even after the repair, you still have a 20+ year old car that could need more expensive fixes soon. That $8k might be better as a down payment on something newer.

3

@Finian
I agree with this.

4

Kimberly said:
@Finian
I agree with this.

Same here, totally agree.

5

The repair is cheaper than buying a new car. I’d probably just fix it, but that’s just me.

6

Cairo said:
The repair is cheaper than buying a new car. I’d probably just fix it, but that’s just me.

That’s what we did. Our 2011 RAV4 had 170k miles when we replaced the transmission for $7k in 2019. Now it’s at 230k and still running strong.

7

@Oran
I’m looking forward to paying off my 2014 RAV4 in 2027. I’d rather take a loan for a transmission repair than start over with a new car loan. Mine’s at 245k miles and still going.

8

If you hate payments and can afford the repair, I’d say fix it. Especially if you think the car still has a lot of life left.

9

170k miles isn’t bad. You could probably get 300k out of it if everything else is in good shape. Transmission issues aren’t common with Toyotas though.

Try shopping around with that $8k and see what else you can find. That might help you decide.

10

My 03 RAV4 has over 200k miles. I like the charm of older cars. If you got 170k out of the first transmission, you’ll likely get the same from the next one.

11

Tobin said:
My 03 RAV4 has over 200k miles. I like the charm of older cars. If you got 170k out of the first transmission, you’ll likely get the same from the next one.

That charm and a 22-year-old airbag won’t help much in an accident. A lot has changed in car safety since then.

12

@Chancey
I rolled my 00 Celica GT-S twice, and no airbags went off. I was checked by EMS and had no injuries. Proper seating position matters. My 20+ year old Toyotas have kept me safe, and I trust the ones I have now (96, 00, 03) to do the same.

13

@Tobin
Two accidents where you were fine don’t prove much. New cars are way safer.

14

Cael said:
@Tobin
Two accidents where you were fine don’t prove much. New cars are way safer.

It proves they’re safer than you think. They’re not like 80s steel boxes.

15

It might be time to replace the car. It’s 20 years old, and the repair costs could be a good down payment on something newer. Check your budget and see if you can handle a car payment. If not, fixing it might be the better option. Just remember, it’s an old car and this might not be the last big repair.

16

@Chandler
Good point … the car has 170k miles.

17

Tao said:
@Chandler
Good point … the car has 170k miles.

At 170k miles, it might be time to let it go. Take your time looking for a new car and be ready to walk away if the prices are too high.

18

@Chandler
I thought Toyotas could easily hit 200-250k miles?

19

Ellery said:
@Chandler
I thought Toyotas could easily hit 200-250k miles?

They can, but it depends on how it’s been driven and maintained. Sometimes things just fail no matter what you do.

20

@Chandler
170k miles and it’s scrap yard material? My 2014 RAV4 is at 245k and still runs great. My sister’s 2009 Camry has over 352k and it’s still going strong.