It’s now 2023, however the wait times for Toyota’s popular lineup of passenger vehicles, SUVs and utility vehicles show no sign of growing shorter. Last month we explored the best ways to get into an all-new Toyota Corolla, and this month we shift our focus to Australia’s best-selling SUV - the Toyota RAV4.
Wait times for this popular vehicle are still estimated to extend up to 24 months for hybrid models, and 12 months for petrol variants - however this comes as no surprise when we consider that Toyota RAV4 Hybrid sales have increased by 39% since 20191. Toyota now claims an impressive 92% of the market when it comes to hybrid sales.
Debuting in 1994, the Toyota RAV4 is considered the first ever compact crossover SUV, pioneering a new market segment that has become integral to the automotive market as we know it today - especially in a country like Australia. At home in the city and off-road (assuming you opt for the AWD), the Toyota RAV4 is the perfect vehicle for young and old alike. We explore why we love the Toyota RAV4, how much it will cost you to buy, finance or subscribe to, as well as how you can get into one much sooner than you think.
Reasons to drive a Toyota RAV4
Efficient, practical, quick and comfortable, the 2023 Toyota RAV4 is a reliable partner for any trip, whether you’re zipping around the city or road tripping up the coast. Both petrol and hybrid models bring impressive fuel efficiency to the compact SUV segment and are packed with next-generation infotainment and safety features. Available in four dynamic drivetrain variants in either hybrid electric or petrol, from the base model GX with a 2.0L Dynamic Force direct injection petrol engine or 2.5L Toyota Hybrid Electric system, both with CVT, through to the top-of-the-range Edge variant, available with a 2.5L Dynamic Force direct injection petrol engine or 2.5L Toyota Hybrid Electric system with auto CVT. With so many variants on offer, there’s a RAV4 for every budget and lifestyle.
How Much Does It Cost to Buy a Toyota RAV4?
Getting into a new Toyota RAV4 can be tricky. If you’re willing to wait up to two years for your new wheels (direct from the dealer), you’ll be up for anywhere between $42,040 (plus on road costs) for the base model Toyota RAV4 GX 2WD 2.0L Petrol, right up to $61,470 (plus on road costs) for the top-of-the-range Toyota RAV4 Edge AWD 2.5L Hybrid.
Used models are more readily available, however there can be some risk involved. Be sure to do your research, know the car’s history, get a full mechanical check and take the car for a test drive if you’re keen to get into a Toyota RAV4 before summer is over.
How Much Does It Cost to Finance a Toyota RAV4?
Many of us prefer to lease or finance a vehicle rather than buying outright. This can assist with breaking down the overall cost that buying a new vehicle can present. Be sure to assess your options fully, as it’s all about making the right choice for you, right now.
With finance, you can expect to pay the price of the vehicle plus interest (usually ranging between 6% and 20%, depending on your individual circumstances). This means that the top-of-the-range Toyota RAV4 Edge AWD Hybrid priced at $61,470 today, financed over 5 years at 9.5% interest (with no ‘balloon’ or residual payment), will set you back approximately $297 a week (plus fees), or $77,276 over the course of your loan (ex. government fees and charges). See how it can add up?
With most banks and lending institutions, you’ll also need to consider added monthly, lender, broker and ‘break’ fees if you’re wanting to pay off your loan early. These can add up to thousands of dollars extra, depending on your lender and finance term.
That’s why when it comes to finance, it’s a great idea to consider all your options. Online car loan comparison platforms like CarClarity can help you find the finance arrangement that works best for you.
Just remember – when financing or buying a car outright, you’ll need to factor in additional running costs including insurance, registration, depreciation, servicing and other maintenance costs. Currently, the running costs of a Toyota RAV4 will come in around $180 per week.
Another alternative is a vehicle lease. You won’t own the car, but the cost of use, maintenance, insurance and registration is rolled into one easy regular payment, and you’ll need less money up front to get into a new vehicle. There are many pros and cons to both leasing and finance, so take some time to consider whether these options are right for you.
How Much Does It Cost to Subscribe to a Toyota RAV4?
We’ve covered the usual options, but we have some good news - there’s another. Our carbar car subscription service offers the best of both worlds. Similar to a lease, you can get into a new fully-maintained and comprehensively insured Toyota RAV4 for a simple weekly subscription cost. This is one of the most flexible and easiest ways to get into a Toyota RAV4 today - from as little as $230 per week.
There are minimum costs, but no minimum terms - unlike a lease. Just give us two weeks’ notice and we can swap your car or stop your subscription at any time.
If you love your subscription Toyota RAV4 and want to own it, you can also now purchase your beloved subscription car when it works for you.
Unlike any other car retailers in Australia, carbar customers can retain weekly payments and seamlessly switch their carbar subscription to a loan arrangement thanks to our latest partnership with car loan comparison platform, CarClarity.
The best part? You don’t even need to decide straight away. A car is a big purchase, so we allow our subscribers to switch to finance once they’re ready. Taking some time to try before you buy could save you a lot of money, time and hassle in the long run.
We’re adding new cars to our fleet every week, with a number of vehicles in the Toyota RAV4 range to choose from (and hundreds more) – whether you choose to subscribe, finance or buy.
The choice is always yours.
Browse our latest selection of cars today.
https://www.savvy.com.au/toyota-rav4-hybrid-sales-surge-by-39-during-pandemic-eclipsing-petrol-variant-sales/
