I Downgraded to a 90s RAV4 - A Surprisingly Great Decision (Why?)

[@IamGroot786]

Not everyone gets it, but there is something unique and special about driving an older vehicle. It's just a joy to drive something with simplicity and not overloaded with nonsense electronics. I drive around in a 2004 Ranger 5-speed manual and wouldn't get rid of it.

[@Owen_Earl]

Love the rangers! It’s a nice way to disconnect for sure.

[@LiamLC4]

There's just something about driving a 90's Toyota that makes you feel good

[@drewmorg.]

My first vehicle was a '93 Ford Ranger 5 speed manual 4.0 and it was excellent for 7 years. I've taken it all around the sand in Glamis, the hi-deserts of Southern California, snowboarding, and many road trips to Las Vegas all without cruise control and cheap Chinese tires.

[@mbc1994]

I had a lot of cars, still have 3, the oldes a 1971 and my "modern car" is a '12 XC70 (diesel, manual).. I like it, but would prefer it with a lot of the modern things not there.. I like the ABS and airbags, but could do without EGR, DPF and Electronic handbrake to name a few

[@IamGroot786]

@@drewmorg. There's a reason Ford sold tons of them. They can be super durable if taken care of. I've seen some with over 300K milies on them. If I can get to 250K miles on mine I'll be extremely happy!

[@Jay-bw3fl]

Man these old fav 4s look SO MUCH BETTER than the new ones. Congrats on the whip!

[@Owen_Earl]

I appreciate it! Thanks

[@TripReviews]

They were smaller too. The new ones look like they visited Tim Hortons and ate more doughnuts than the drivers did.

[@PeterHernandez-lg2eh]

My wife has a 2021 Toyota rav4 xle hybrid, I have a 1999 Toyota rav4 4wd automatic best vehicle I have owned.

[@MichaelHayes-j4c]

The newest CRV (Hybrid one) is only really driven by SUV moms anyways now. It’s no longer an outdoors car as it was in the 90s. Back in the 90s, people (and families) who stayed in the city or suburbs would buy a sedan (ie a Buick PA, Lesabre, Crown Victoria, etc). Now, everyone drives an SUV, no matter how outdoorsy they are.

[@victorkreig6089]

That's because the CRV and Rav4 took direct design cues from the goliath that was Mitsubishi and our good friends at Isuzu

[@Shermantheone]

What a lovely car, certainly not a downgrade. Got a 98 4Runner after having a 2011 Jetta. Sometimes older is better and more times than not, more reliable

[@Owen_Earl]

@@Shermantheone Well said! 😄

[@MiguelGarcia-vj7oo]

Did you have the 2.5 07k in the jetta? Those are reliable......

[@Shermantheone]

@ It was but the car had electrical problems. ABS module burnt out, ECM crapped out, taillights needed rewiring. Engine did fine, the transmission was on its way out. Only other issue I had was it was going to need cooling parts, radiator, new hoses and things like that. I liked it but the previous owner needed to do more

[@veganpotterthevegan]

With few exceptions, newer cars are more reliable. It's just that not enough of them have accumulated high miles to negate online anecdotes. Older cars absolutely pollute more and are far less safe too.

[@Smarterthanyou-mthrfkr]

Vw suck now

[@bobmcl2406]

The key is that you have to find one (one whatever) with minimal rust. Keeping mid-90s to mid-00s mechanicals going is the easy part. Great find, and happy motoring.

[@Owen_Earl]

Exactly! Rust is killer. Cheers

[@garethrowlands6407]

I was looking at one once, didn't look too rusty on the outside but I almost put my thumb through the sill!

[@chkndnts]

Fluid Film is religously

[@overratedprogrammer]

​@@chkndntshow often?

[@ashchaya7676]

I owned two of these. The last of the RAV4s with TRUE all-wheel-drive and no bullsh!t electronics trying to take control of the vehicle while you drive in dicey situations. They were great for my muddy rural location.

[@ItchyKneeSon]

Do you mean true 4x4? AWD essentially requires electronics to take over and send power to the different wheels. Subaru's symmetrical AWD rules supreme in that regard for daily drivers.

[@ashchaya7676]

@@ItchyKneeSon That's not true, electronics are not _required_ . You can have a purely mechanical true AWD system. Look up Torsen differentials or mechanical torque vectoring differentials.

[@07wrxtr1]

Yeah we rented a 2024 for a road trip recently. The coffee icon telling me I need a rest break and the stupid stop start “feature” were beyond annoying…. $40,000 = pass!!!!

[@ashchaya7676]

@@07wrxtr1 Coffee icon! 🤣🤣🤣

[@ShinGucci]

This was my daily driver for 15 years and before that, my mom drove it for 10! 25 years of service and it was SO perfect. Glad you're enjoying yours!

[@leegnichols7501]

a friend bought a used 2000 RAV4...he thought it was just an appliance...but one day in the mountains we slid down a snowy hill in that thing headed for trees😱he managed to stop it in time🧡and actually backed it safely up the hill, we were amazed❗ after that, we respected it😁 enjoy yours😊

[@Owen_Earl]

Woah! Thanks for sharing! 😄

[@jonathasfigaro4992]

90s / 2000s cars are confortable great quality internal materials and last forever , nowadays cars are expensive and disposable and cheap plastic.

[@Stevespecs]

I also drive older Toyota vehicles because of their simplicity and reliability, enjoy your ride, happy holidays

[@Owen_Earl]

Cheers! Thanks for watching

[@markkelley7084]

I purchased. New 2016 Toyota Tundra 1794 that now has 149, 000 miles, it’s pretty simple on the interior, has the 5.7 liter engine with the six speed automatic transmission, Everything works, no leaks of any kind and would drive this truck any where in the country, have no plans on updating.

[@Owen_Earl]

@ That’s a great truck!

[@ronanmc2112]

Great video. Definitely change the struts, it’ll transform the driving to have new ones in place. Ran old cars for about 10 years. It’s great to be able to work on the yourself and not care where you park them. You’ll never notice another ding in the car park!

[@ModernLifeStyle]

Love old cars. I have a 86 Ranger that just keeps running. I'll never get rid of it. The feeling of driving in something so raw and simplistic is an experience everyone needs to have.

[@Adreno23421]

That out of focus shot at 0:10 goes great with the vintage car. Nice vid. Congrats on the viral. What camera was it shot on? I'm not looking for that kind of look, unfortunately :)

[@sergeantbigmac]

One thing I like about this era of cars is the VISIBILITY! Oh man that cannot be stated enough. To look over your shoulder through the back window and actually see nearly everything by your rear quarter panel is so refreshing coming from newer cars. And if youve ever taught a new driver its a small but pretty critical thing until they understand a vehicles 360 awareness better. (But to play devils advocate the higher door skirts + more crumple zones and more side airbags do much better on crash tests so yes I understand why car design has changed, and id much rather be driving a 2024 Rav4 in a side collision than a 1998 Rav4!)

[@Owen_Earl]

I love the visibility of many early 2000s/ 90s vehicles… but as you mention, the safety downsides are unfortunately high! Thank you for this comment.

[@rhiantaylor3446]

Running an older model makes a lot of sense - provided you can find one in good condition by which I mean the things you can't really fix - chassis rust. My approach is to buy a "high mileage" quality car at 2 or maybe 3 years (provided the price is reduced to reflect the miles). I then keep it and eventually it becomes just like your rav 4.

[@Owen_Earl]

Nice approach! Thanks for sharing.

[@michaelthomas-fu8rs]

I would of liked to of bought a 2011-12 V/6 with run flat tires as they did not have the tire on the back door (and have a spare to throw in the back for long trips). People (including me) are getting tired of owning a new car and have to have a 10yr/100,000 mile extended warranty just to cover all of the electronics much less the drivetrain. Some people are going back to the 1960's models so they don't have to deal with all of the computers especially if you get a "normal" simple car that the aftermarket supports. Nicely done!!!

[@desertrat77]

I had a '99. Auto with full time 4WD. Loved it; great car. Snow no problem. Ice? Different story -- I rolled it, totalling it. Couldn't find another first gen at the time so I bought a second gen with on-demand all wheel drive. That was about 14 years ago and the little 2004 Rav is still going strong.

[@davidyummus6259]

Glad it worked out for you,... My area of Pennsylvania has nothing but Junk on Marketplace at crazy prices.

[@Owen_Earl]

Thanks, all the best!

[@ignacioanaya3403]

I bought the same Rav4 but with engine problems for very cheap (1500 dlls) so I took the engine out and rebuilt it myself, so it cost me around 1200 dlls on machine chop and parts like pistons, rings cam metals, etc. Now it has been 4 years of enjoing a great drive in a very looking car and for cheap.

[@Owen_Earl]

That’s awesome! Good for you! 🙌

[@tubarata_na_val]

My mom had one of these. A 1995 short base. Freshly repainted and sold not long after. I was working abroad and wanted her to keep the car. She sold it for an amount little higher than the paint job. Now days the most messed up examples cost twice as much. Always there for you in typical Toyota fashion. We changed only fluids, pads, rotors and belts. The back started to "squat a bit". Although warned by mechanic, the rear diff never gave up on us while we had it. Great car, great memories. Perfect vehicle to reach off the beaten path places with amazing views.

[@Cloud007.]

I've had both gen1 and gen 2 rav4s. Petrol and diesel (98 and 05 respectively). Both great cars and hard to choose preference. Extremely reliable and well made. Very practical of course, also.

[@Owen_Earl]

Well said!

[@JonnyDIY]

Wow it was fate! That's awesome! Love those old Ravs. I had a 1997 I worked on a ton doing all sorts of things. Id like to get another one down the road some day. My brother always wanted one of the rare 2 door, Awd, 5 speed models. Thanks for sharing 🤙

[@Owen_Earl]

Cool, thanks for sharing!

[@stephanematis]

Love this series, always considered them the average man's version of the Celica GT-Four.

[@Owen_Earl]

Haha, nice!

[@golferpro1241]

I snagged a 2004 Lexus RX330 AWD with only 22,500 miles on it four years ago. Put Cross Climates on it, added CARPLAY and powder coated the rims. It looks great, almost 50,000 on it now. Good times! Good luck with your ride!

[@Owen_Earl]

I believe it! That sounds sweet. Thanks for watching.

[@burningknuckle26]

These old 90s cars got soul. Especially the older Toyotas. Theres just a certain feel to it that you dont get in the newer cars. Memories of seeing these cars on the road...hot damn. Just take care of the and it takes care of you. Reliability better than the newer ones.

[@Owen_Earl]

Thanks for the comment!

[@bryanjuni706]

Yasss! Love it! my second car when i was 19 was a 1996 Rav4 here in Australia. Loved that car! I want one again now haha

[@Owen_Earl]

Cool! Thanks for watching!

[@Tactical_Pterodactyl_Knives]

Man what an absolute gem! That interior is mint and like you said so classy.

[@Choltec]

1997 4wd Rav4 was my first...and second vehicle. My gym teacher totaled my first one in high school and i loved it so much i bought another one. Miss that car so much.

[@Owen_Earl]

Awesome man thanks for sharing!

[@theatomic430]

Why would she take $1000 off the price when she has multiple other offers?

[@alaskabornheathen8902]

Cash right now or try to schedule another meeting with someone that may not show up and might lowball you. I despise the marketplace, but it’s what everyone uses.

[@Lovetrain-io6kt]

@@alaskabornheathen8902it's true but like this guy I found a 03 Lexus rx with 95,000 miles owned by a family grandma who has turned 80 and well the car is in mint inside and out garaged kept I figured someone would get it it before me but here I am going this Thursday to buy it

[@elgar6743]

Got one for the wife when they first came out...same colour as your!!...outstanding young family hauler for our 2 kids, great in the rain and snow, reliable as all get out, and decent fuel economy!

[@Dark_Orator]

Yeahhhhhh babyyyy. The first gen rav4 is unstoppable. Had a 99 with 5 speed and took that thing everywhere. Never should have sold it.

[@sineadwoods5159]

You will never regret getting a 90s RAV4. I love mine.

[@Mr.Ry.T]

Choosing an older car model is a smart decision when done thoughtfully, and you’ve made the right choice! While the Gen2 is great, I personally prefer the Gen1. Congratulations, and enjoy the journey ahead!

[@TheBarteringBard]

Just did the same with a Tacoma. Went from an 09 Ranger with 63k on it to an 03 Taco with 143k on it. Good buy!

[@Owen_Earl]

That's a good move!

[@07wrxtr1]

You can even do an HID prijector retrofit to upgrade the headlights. Lightwerkz has a bunch of options. You can also buy a few cans of color matched paint and 2k clear to return the hood to an OEM appearance. $150 and a day sanding primering sanding base coat 3x and 2k clear a few coats. Super easy!!!

[@Owen_Earl]

I think I’ll try and diy the hood soon 👍 can’t turn out much worse than it is now

[@kgilliagorilla2761]

As long as the frame isn’t rusted out. I have a 04 Element, some rust underneath, but it’s great. You got a great car.

[@Owen_Earl]

For sure. Thanks for watching!

[@Melonrevenge77]

the 90s was peak for most car manufacturers, all the tech you needed but still simple enough to fix in your own garage, wish the money wasnt too good for companies to adopt these design principles again

[@siamiam]

i have owned a few 1st gens , two 2 doors and one 4 door, they were really good vehicles especially in winter time . the heat stayed warm inside at -40 and colder

[@Owen_Earl]

Sweet!!

[@pkzenk2158]

The 2-door’ are SOOOOOO rare!!

[@Slavic_Boer]

Explains why good older cars are difficult to find or are over priced. I personally do not want to deal with repair/service complexity of new cars.

[@aulakbar1371]

For me, driving is not just about using the latest car, but more about satisfaction. 90's car is more simple and unique shape

[@Owen_Earl]

That’s true! Thanks for watching.

[@COMMANDERFOX31]

It is really worrying how cheap new cars are made yet this 30 year old SUV is still going strong. Our 2018 RAV4 Hybrid already has multiple electrical issues at 145K and loud whining from the generator, the dealer can't trace down the reason. I am also considering an older car because of how simple they are to fix.

[@charbelyounes5815]

I have a 17 Macan gts, just picked up an 04 crv and I’m in love. Love how simple everything is in it

[@Owen_Earl]

💯

[@djjumpe]

1st gen rav4 are the best. Also, 2nd gen rav4 1zz engine are known for burning oil.

[@fireguy615]

Thats the 2AZ engine that burns oil, even the 1AZ is good they didn't use the 1ZZ in the Rav to my knowledge

[@subzero___]

Dude I love the videos about the Rav 4 keep them coming.

[@Owen_Earl]

I appreciate the support!

[@jennymccracken8194]

1:31 we have a1995 model. had now for coming up 21 years .apart from maintenance and 370 000 kms still goes great.granddaughter has just learnt to drive in it .her brother next year so i'm told.

[@Owen_Earl]

Woah! That’s impressive. hopefully I have a similar experience.

[@SnowMexican69420]

Bought a ‘99 when I was 16 for $1000. I am still daily driving it 7 years and 70000 miles later. Phenomenal vehicles, never had any significant problems

[@Owen_Earl]

Love to hear it!!

[@Verde_Valley_AZ]

My girlfriend has had her 1999 rav4, since 2019. It’s been on muddy dirt roads, icy and snowy and rainy roads And it’s been good to her. Though being that old I’ve been doing more and more repairs on it on.

[@lancenutter1067]

Still have one! 1999 - Been in the family,since mid 2000’s. Decent car. Did have to change engine in 2008, but that was due to cold weather in Alaska icing up the PCV system and blowing all the oil out the back seal; which then ruined the engine. 1 JDM engine and a lot of labor later, back in business since. Now in western Oregon so no more cold weather issues.

[@Owen_Earl]

Woah!

[@victorkreig6089]

I always laugh when I'm told my love for 90's cars are nostalgia. They were the very peak of what a car could be, 40 years of the industry breaking it's back the world over to discover what truly made vehicles look good. The gauntlet of the 70's and 80's to find the right mechanical balance for a reliable mode of transportation that didn't break the bank when it had a problem but something anyone with patience could fix on their own in a weekend. Great video and I'm glad it's gotten a ton of attention

[@Owen_Earl]

Many thanks man! Great comment

[@chloemcclain8900]

My Mom had a RAV4 in this exact color. It was fun to ride around in as a kid. This brings back memories.

[@Owen_Earl]

Nice! Thank you for sharing

[@jamola1096]

amazing cars and reliable as heck. so easy to work on and the 5 speed is ridiculously fun. be aware that if you drive on the highway a lot you will wear out 5th gear as it needs to be at 3k rpm to go 60mph. if doing a lot of highway miles definitely read up this common issue as it will come up.

[@Owen_Earl]

Thanks for letting me know! I had not heard of that. I don’t do highway very regularly. Thanks for watching!

[@kyyyy21]

Thats a nice car dude - Looking for one similar to this here in South Africa. Take care of her man

[@Owen_Earl]

Much appreciated, hope you find one!

[@kyyyy21]

@@Owen_Earl post some vids of the car bro, maybe a restoration video over a course of time - I'd watch that! I subbed too!

[@Mcarey70]

Looks good! If you get some ceracote plastic trim restoration pads from Walmart, it’ll darken/brighten up the front dull trim and all the plastic bits. And there’s a lot of easy clear coat restoration products online. She suits you well. Congrats

[@Owen_Earl]

Much appreciated! Thanks for watching

[@auslander1026]

Nice, but only one question - where do you get parts?

[@Owen_Earl]

Local auto parts stores carry stock or order the parts in. 👍

[@dennisrichards2608]

I saw what looked the paint degrading on the hood. Perhaps a full paint job in the near future? It would be stunning.

[@Owen_Earl]

Yes, that would be beautiful! Thanks for commenting.

[@MapleMarmite]

You won’t go wrong with this rig! Subbed for the Rav content. 👍🏻

[@Owen_Earl]

@@MapleMarmite Thanks for the support! Even closer to 500 subs thanks to you.

[@MapleMarmite]

@ Looks like you’ve hit the 500 now - congrats! Keep putting out the Rav content - I think it will get you new subs. If you feel like it, go winter camping in it - that will get views big time if you title it right. Good luck. 👍🏻

[@XavierSMG18]

man I love these white ones with the 90s decals on the side, so clean and nostalgic I want one

[@Owen_Earl]

Definitely man! Thanks for watching

[@maxnits9556]

The design of the car is absolutely stunning! It looks better and more natural than 2024 cars! Love it! And you can easily repaint it if you want, add carbon fiber parts, etc.

[@Owen_Earl]

Thanks for watching!

[@douglaslippertindy]

A beautiful specimen of a first gen Rav 4.

[@BRBNWolf]

Did not know they had a locker option 🤯 game changer!

[@Owen_Earl]

100%

[@Shadows-RC]

Nice find. I'd find that to be a lot of fun with a manual transmission. I didn't know they ever had a differential locker. Very cool! Probably the best made Rav 4's. I've never had a Toyota, but would enjoy one like this for sure. I'm very happy with my 21' AWD Ford EcoSport. Excellent traction in snow. Treated the subframe & entire chassis inside and out with Fluid Film. I do my own oil changes. Am thoroughly enjoying my mini SUV.

[@jakep519]

These old Toyotas are the best cars! I've got 2001 4Runner and its probably the best car I've owned. 196k miles and it still runs like a dream.

[@Owen_Earl]

Awesome! Great cars. My 1997 4runner had over 400k km and drove solid.

[@Toby_the_Glen]

How is the parts supply for these older models.

[@Owen_Earl]

So far I have seen no issues. They share some parts with other common Toyotas so between junk yards, aftermarket, and oem there is good availability.

[@brucesheehe6305]

Great, as long as parts are available for repair. Use Poppy's Patina wipe on clear coat repair.

[@mitchellmoris6729]

I have a green 2000 Rav 5 speed. Transmission went out at 185k. No it’s not the synchro ring either, tried replacing it myself. Bad bearing somewhere in the transmission. I miss that car everyday

[@Owen_Earl]

Wow! That’s too bad!

[@paulthepolarbear9914]

What did you pay for the two rav4s ?

[@Owen_Earl]

Good question! 3,000 for the green, 8,000 for the white one. Thanks for watching

[@johnjones393]

The 2nd Gen is cool but the first gen is special and with the 5-speed it's even sweeter. Great find.

[@Owen_Earl]

Thank you for watching!

[@victorbaird8220]

Glass headlights 😮😍😊😍😁😘😍

[@theresedillon6717]

my 1998 Sienna had those, and they were awesome. plastic lenses just suck.

[@kw8757]

@@theresedillon6717 I hate it when they go opache.

[@NoelG-IRE]

I have a gen 3 AWD petrol. Bought it in 2018 with 120k. Now has 250k. I’ve had the car offroad in some pretty wild places, not to mention lots of cold and wet weather. I removed the back seats and have spent a lot of time sleeping in the back on fishing trips or just general weekends away. Rav’s are absolutely brilliant and even when parts go bad, they are cheap to fix. Not the most fuel efficient but they certainly make up for it in all round reliability. I’ve never in my life had a car this long but I just can’t justify selling it, even though it’s somehow worth more money now than what I paid over 6 years ago

[@Owen_Earl]

Awesome 😎 thanks for sharing this!

[@TripReviews]

You snagged a deal! I’d love to have something like this. But alast my eyesight has gone awol so my wife drives my 2012 AWD V6 Escape with about 160,000 km’s. It’s not as simple as your RAV4 but still a lot less complicated than the fuel injected new ones and I plan on keeping it going as long as we can. My son has an ‘09 Escape also v6 AWD that just had a ton of work done to it, timing chain and related damages, sub frame, front end work, brakes new Michelin Defenders. He wouldn’t part with it and loves driving it in the winter snow.

[@Owen_Earl]

Nice! Thanks for sharing and all the best.

[@Ferraridude13]

These are still car based right? Are they more capable offroad than a modern comparable Rav?

[@Owen_Earl]

These are still a unibody build. They have more ground clearance, shorter wheelbase, smaller profile, 50/50 split AWD.. in my opinion much more suited for the light off-road. They became more car-like with each newer model it seems.

[@LionelHutz619]

do you have an opinion of this car or a CRV?

[@FalconWing1813]

It has real gauges, actual Buttons to press. Its great. Auto makers need to just remake these vehicles instead of trying to put computer screens everywhere.

[@Owen_Earl]

I would love an affordable new, old car if it was built the same.

[@FalconWing1813]

@@Owen_Earl - I know right! they either just dont get it or are just in it for the profits now lol

[@AutoRevLife]

I love this generation of Toyota cars! My personal favorites are the Toyota Solara, Camry and the Lexus ES300. I have an ES300 from 1998. Been in the family since 2003. I'm thinking of putting the car in temporary time out while i get some stuff fixed. She's at 205k and breaking something every month so i need to do an overhaul

[@Owen_Earl]

That’s cool! Thanks for sharing. All the best

[@cuzar]

Looks really nice but Id be afraid of having such an old daily car, because everythings starts breaking simply due to age and rust problems. Wish I could drive crv 2, but cannot justify having it due to its age, although I like its design the most

[@JaceD4V1S88]

90s toyotas are fkng immortal, i have a silver/blue 94 toyota previa awd i bought in may 2010 with 156k miles, right now dec. 2024, i have 356k miles. some minor problems, some rust, rust holes, got the ac replaced when i bought it, engine is still purring like a kitten. it's not perfect but holy crap its a tank, been cross country wi to california twice, wi to florida 4 times, and random road trips. best vehicle ive ever bought. just stick with oil changes every 4k to 5k max and they last forever.

[@2GRFExv20]

Couple months ago i bought a 1998 for $800 just needed a rear diff which was only $250 used. Great cars

[@Owen_Earl]

That’s awesome!!

[@furtrapper11]

Bought my 2001 Tundra new and I still love it.

[@qaz3000]

I knew a guy back in the day who would go deep in the forest to tend to his "plantation" all the time with a rav4 just like this one and he was amazed at how reliable it had been. Sadly here in Canada these all rusted out quite a while ago I never ever see one.

[@Owen_Earl]

That's so cool! I'm also in Canada, rust is a huge Toyota killer

[@qaz3000]

@ Yeah! Sadly

[@WealthyChronicle]

The thrill of finding that perfect car deal in real life hits DIFFERENT. 🏆

[@luiscannon8808]

I love my 2005 XT forester and it drives great and looks great and I dont crave all fancy gadgets.

[@The_Blessed_Cowboy]

Not a downgrade at all in my opinion. I've owned 2 Tacomas, 1 Hilux, 2 Matrix, and a Rav 4. I can tell you that the Rav 4 is a reliable, efficient and solid vehicle. 👌

[@Owen_Earl]

Thanks for the comment! I’ve been trying to score a Tacoma or Hilux for a long time, they are hard to find around here in good shape. The AWD matrix’s are really cool too.

[@The_Blessed_Cowboy]

@owenoutdoor our first Matrix was front wheel drive. We picked up a 2014 with AWD last winter. Very similar driving and handling as our 2002 Rav 4.

[@kw8757]

Was only admiring one of these just yesterday, great cars. By the way, that "little bit of snow" you're driving on would bring the UK to a standstill.

[@Owen_Earl]

Nice! That's interesting to think about.. if we get a snow storm I will document more

[@kw8757]

@@Owen_Earl I love the snow, but we don't get it so much these days. We had a bit a couple of weeks ago but it didn't last long. I've got a LC Prado 150 so I pray for a good snowstorm. We've got a big storm coming tonight but it's only bringing snow to Scotland.

[@marvin4827]

You hit the jackpot dude...🎉

[@Owen_Earl]

🙌🙌

[@Rosie-di6ed]

In 2022 I purchased a 2022 Toyota tundra around the time it started developing engine issues and they were recalls. I decided to sell it and I got a 2022 Dodge ram half ton great truck really nice but got to be too big too complicated And way too fast. In 2005 I had a first generation Toyota tundra single cab. I longed for simplicity at that time so luckily I found a 2005 tundra pick up in mint condition 38,000 miles. I jumped on it and I love my simplicity, 8 foot bed plenty of power. It’ll probably outlive me and I’m 70 great video. Thank you.

[@Owen_Earl]

Thanks for sharing your experience, I like the first Gen tundras! Glad it worked out.

[@dragos-ioancraciun9810]

Good for you man, you got a great car. I also own and love old toyotas. I would also give it a DIY paintjob in spring (or at least the bonnet).

[@Owen_Earl]

Much appreciated. Some paint would definitely freshen her up

[@mikejbam]

I’ve been on a quest to find an old Jeep liberty. My oldest had one that was destroyed in an accident, but I really liked that little suv.

[@Owen_Earl]

Sorry to hear! All the best to you

[@gabriellalande2249]

I had a 2000 Rav4 I kinda miss it. It was a tank during winter, but it was never treated for rust sooo yaaaa the quebec weather got the best of it..

[@Owen_Earl]

Ah that’s too bad! Thank you for sharing

[@cgreenfield6655]

Great little cars. You made the right move.

[@Owen_Earl]

I agree! Thanks for watching

[@AntonDoiron]

First gen RAV4s are nice but I have a second gen 2001 RAV4 Limited and it's the best vehicle I've ever owned. You should've kept both. There are some benefits to the first gen. They seem a bit more rugged. I don't want to take my 2001 off road because I don't want to scratch the paint. I'm also really careful with the leather seats. It would be nice to be able to throw lumber in there and other stuff without being paranoid of a scratch or rip. Maybe having both would be the ideal situation. I see them up for sale and am tempted.

[@Owen_Earl]

It was definitely a great car that I still miss now and again. I’m happy you have one treating you well! Thank you for your comment

[@bodie463]

Ive had a couple, short & long wheelbase. Great wagons!!

[@davincibz1]

MAN!!! Where do you find such good cars from the 90s? I can't even find a good one from 2000s in Europe.

[@Owen_Earl]

This one was a one owner lucky find. They pop up once in a while. I wish you well in finding a good, clean car!

[@nepolitinis]

Sorry if I've missed it - how much did you spend on it?

[@Owen_Earl]

Thanks for watching, this first gen was 3k

[@hoser7706]

Upgrade. By far. They were so unique when they came out. Simple interiors to unplug from are incredibly relieving. Enjoy!

[@Owen_Earl]

Well said! Thank you.

[@liamjohnson2474]

You scored so hard! The locking diff is pure GOLD! So sad they don't make any actual 4x4 anymore

[@Owen_Earl]

Yea man! Thanks for watching! 😎

[@adilusa]

Bought 1999 RAV4 in white color back in 2017. Really did like it. It was assembled in Japan. We had 1 ft of snow in 2018 and that car didn't want to get stuck although I tried :) had to sell it in 2019 due to some changes in life.

[@sailingblacklotus]

I had one of these in black and manual too. I miss it now.

[@Ulbre]

Heh Bro, I'm not even interested in this car but I clicked on it because I thought it was a a dude living in his car video.......and I wouldn't have clicked except for the fact that it is 3 minutes & 13 seconds long. After watching it I am now interested in the RAV4.....but really I just want to applaud you for doing a nice short video that covers all the points you wanted to make........I wish all you tubers thought like this. Good luck bro, hope all your dreams are realised.

[@Owen_Earl]

Much appreciated! Thank you for watching and letting me know. 😎👊

[@MrDonk-r6b]

My Toyota is still great on the mechanical side, but winter hasn’t been kind to everything rubber underneath, 07 matrix. Silicone spray and power wash it in the winter, before it gets like mine$$$.

[@Owen_Earl]

Good advice! Thank you

[@JammieFortier]

i never understood the new car scam. why would you spend an increasing amount of money for something that loses value every day? there are so many vehicles that have proven themselves over the years to choose from.

[@AllanBrogdon]

I bought a 98 new and an 01. Both were 5speed,and never a problem. The 01 had a recall on the catalytic converter and later on the computer, changing the same system.

[@Owen_Earl]

Interesting!