I Bought The Ultimate Sleeper on Craigslist and I DIDN'T Get Murdered! 

OK, this car spent majority of it's life in Michigan ( my home state ) but I did not see Roman throw a blanket or towel down, & check for rust on anything ! My gosh the city of Detroit was built over salt mines that are still active. He's an expert ? I'd be checking suspension components, rockers, etc

Congratulations Cole! I completely forgot that Toyota made a V6 RAV4. What a wonderful surprise. I’m sure Cole is very appreciative of all your help Roman.

Roman, this might be the most helpful video you guys have ever done. Congratulations Cole! That is a sweet buy.

A perfect buy! A perfect sell. That’s how nice people do it, they are out there.

I had one of those with the v-6; it was a little rocket (with some torque steer) and dead nuts reliable. The center diff lock also turned it into a little mountain goat. You got a good deal even at that price. Pretty easy to work on too.

Nice video, Roman and Cole. Very useful and practical information that was shared. It was really great to see your experience in working with the owner and how you were asking questions but not necessarily trying to prove the owner wrong. The blown strut was a good example. A blown strut can greatly affect handling.

One thing I look at is tires. If they have Michelin Bridgestone basically the top tier tires normally means they take care of the car

A nice thing about this vehicle really is the tires. They didn’t put no-name crap on there. Those Michelins that are on the car are a very good all around tire. Nice explanation at the end Roman. This was a fine deal. That RAV4 should be a great vehicle for Cole!

I swear by those Michelin LTX's. Best tire for all season, and nasty winter, I have ever used if you don't need/want a dedicated snow tire. I put them on all my SUVs and trucks.

PUT IT ON THE ROLLERS

WOW!!! Amazing car/ seller/ price/ mileage, everything. JESUS. Was this a freaking amazing deal man. That’s literally what everyone wishes they find. JUST WOW

Great looking vehicle. This V6 engine will last almost forever. Another 10 years easily with this Rav4! Congrats on the buyer (Cole)!

I’m sure fly in the 2018 Rav4 - I’m blown away by how amazing this vehicle is. Other things here and there you might want to go aftermarket, wipers some trim stuff here and there but I’ll tell you this I LOVE this vehicle!! I had no idea how amazing the RAV4 platform is. Get out there and try it, it’s true what they say. Toyota! Wow

That Rav4 is a Unicorn. Sport model with V-6 and spare tire. Most of the Sport models had no spare and run flat tires. Ultra low miles on the clock and looks to have been well taken care of. Nice find and a good color.

I'm the original owner of a base model 2007 V6 in the same blue color with about 90000 miles as well! Was pleasantly surprised to see the one model up (Sport). The vehicle has been mostly trouble free with a few TSB at the beginning of life but has been running strong still with no signs of failing. Had wondered what it would fetch in the used market so good to know what it could be worth! Also great tips on buying a used car!

I agree with all your used car buying advice, sometimes dealers will turn up the radio in used cars so you dont here all the rattles and squeaks or whines, plus turn on all things such as, windshield wipers, fans, highbeams, defrsoter and such.. Congrats Cole on new Car!!! its a good looking vehicle

Overall great car buying advice. One thing I'd add is rebuilt titles, unlike salvage titles, can be insured and registered and can be a great way to save 30-40% off the market value IF it was rebuilt well. That's where having the knowledge to inspect it yourself or taking it to a mechanic is a must.

Roman, You had some excellent pointers and words of advice! Salvage titles and insurance, emissions and who is responsible, what a clean title is, etc. Cole, Congratulations!

Great video, and I love that you guys are local to me, recognized pretty much everywhere you were. Just subscribed, gotta support my local peeps!

I have a 2010 Limited V6 awd rav4 and that thing is a beast! Has around 117,000miles on it. make sure the oil line to the vvti has the updated steel line instead of the rubber hose that blows out. Mixed mpg average 20-22mpg

Congratulations, Cole! What a find. Even in Kansas, that's a good price. Caught the $2.75 gas price. Not bad for Colorado. We're about $2.65 in the Flatlands. Merry Christmas all! Oh, and Happy Hanukkah!

$9400 is a good deal for that mileage actually! Picked up an 09 V6 Limited w/ 149k for 9500 a year and a half ago!

Always love the RAV4s. Had numerous 1st generation 96-01. Well over 250k on all of them. Crazy in the snow. Pulled a Silverado out of a snow bank with the 4 cylinder.

This RAV4 looks nice and brand new. I have a 2007 Toyota RAV4 Limited with V6 and 2WD, I absolutely love it. It around 164,000 miles on it, it’s running great so far. Great video. 👍🏼

Have this exact same car, blue 2007 4WD V6. It is an awesome car to drive, especially if you're in a place like the Rockies (I'm in the Sierras). Biggest thing to check on these in my opinion is timing chain cover leak (a lot of owners live with it if it's leaking because it's very expensive to repair) and if the rubber VVTI oil return lines have been replaced with the all metal lines.

My friend been rocking a v6 rav4 for like 8 years. Thing is fast for what it is and just never dies. Has well over 200k now on it

I have a last year (09’) V6 RAV4 with 3rd roll. 128k miles still going strong. This is a good deal for both of you and it sure will provide good services and enjoyable ride.

I had a 2012 RAV4 sport with the V6. I think it was the last year they put the 6 cylinder in them. That was one fast little car. And plenty of low end torque with a pretty nice locking 4wd system would get you just about anywhere, especially in snow. Only downside was it had pretty low ground clearance

The 2gr fe is a gem of an engine. Smooth power. Have a Camry with that V6.

Roman, I still remember your review of the RAV4 V6 (and Forester) in the early years of TFL. You sure had a big smile on your face after you stepped on the gas 😊. I owned a 2009 RAV4 V6 Limited and really enjoyed the punchy engine.

Another thing to do is bring an OBDII connector that you can rent from the auto parts store and run that to see if any codes come up or have been erased. Roman is spot on regarding the Colorado market as I work in the Auto industry and while new dealers in a normal market will sell for less gross in more populated areas like CA and at the same time dealers in CO are making higher grosses. Less people and less dealers equals more demand and less price fluctuations.

This was great. Thanks for walking us through the process. We are actually in the hunt for a RAV4 Gen3 2007-12 so this was perfect.

FYI. It's permanent AWD. The button on the dash is a low speed diff lock.

One of the things I look at are tire brands. People that don't take good care of their cars will not spend good money on tires for an older car. This guy had Michelin's. I have an old F350 that doesn't look that great because we use it like a truck but it has good tires and we maintain it. Great info in this video.

Great video. Lots of good points! Especially appreciated the numerical breakdown on pricing. Also I love Freddy’s! One of my few cheat places.

Great Video. Roman you are one of a kind to help out you camera man That explains you success. Congrats to both of you.

Congratz Cole. That looks like a great buy. If possible please do a video with a mechanic discussing what maintenance it needs. As for the accident report, with my personal experience sometimes not fair to the next owner. My 4Runner had a major damage from an accident and when dealership sold it after they towed and fixed by a body shop they use it was reported a minor damage. I was surprised air bags not deployed when the dealership sent me the pics when they got into the accident. I'm pretty sure if the new owner see the damage happened to the front and side to it would faint. Talking about 4wd / AWD system, I know the Rav4s after this generation had Dynamic Torque Control AWD has center diff button that works upto 25mph. This generation of Rav4s I see 4WD badge, so interested to see how this system work. Maybe a roller test would be interesting. I would not be surpriced these old generations not having an aggresive brake based traction control system. Keys - The keys Roman showed @13:38 I thought that is the factory key which you should have 2. The other 2 keys look like vallet keys. Not sure if thats how it was in this generation. Headunit - Looks like it not only has a CD player you could have CDs loeaded with ton of MP3s. And even support multiple CDs loaded at the same time (built in CD loader) This comment is getting too long so I should stop commenting on the features I see. Again, Congratz Cole..!!

Great vehicle. I remember car and driver doing a comparison test when the Terrain came out and did a 4 cylinder comparison of Terrain against CRV and V6 comparison of Terrain against Rav4 and the RAV4 got the best fuel economy of all 4 vehicles, while being the fastest.

Pretty good video where a lot of people need help or don't have a clue when buying per owned. I check all the fluids and their levels, look at the air filter/s, look under the car for wet spots or road damage, check body panel edges for resprays, unusual tire wear and look at the exhaust gases while starting, running and revving.

Congrats Cole, this was definitely a sweet deal 🤝

We bought back in february a 2008 Rav4 Limited v6 after looking for some time our son liked the Rav4 the best of all we looked at we payed $9,900 sounds like you got a good deal.

Love the Rav4 V6. Good approach, good departure, low gearing and light weight with tons of torque. Ground clearance is the biggest limiting factor. Upgrading to 255/55R18 or 17s will get you a couple inch lift.

I live in Michigan, looks like a great car and deal too me. Congratulations Cole!

Get that driver window sweep/molding fixed soon to prevent water from accumulating in the door (prevent rust, electrical probs). Those window moldings are cheap and easy to install.

The seller was correctish... the lock is only good up to about 25mph. After it reverts back to its standard AWD.

Nice pick up! We bought our 2009 RAV4 Sport V6 preowned with 29k miles in 2011 and it currently has 165k miles on it. It’s my wife’s daily driver. I believe in 2009 it was Toyota’s fastest vehicle they produced, which still blows my mind. It is definitely quick and surprisingly fun to drive. Ours has the towing package, leather interior and no spare on the back door. It’s been bulletproof other than having the transmission/front diff replaced under a TSB for a gear whining sound which was very common for these. I also replaced the radiator because of a pinhole leak, which I suspect happened when the trans/diff replacement took place. Other than that it’s only been typical maintenance like brakes. I did replace the front struts because the front drivers side was leaking and the ride got very bumpy. It’s actually a pretty stiff ride compared to the non-Sport models, so I replaced them with aftermarket that were likely tuned to the normal non-Sport shocks, so the ride is a little more compliant now, but also has a bit more body lean. I can’t say enough about how awesome of an engine the 3.5L V6 is. It’s still whisper quiet and idles smooth as butter, and still pulls very nicely even living it’s life on 87 octane fuel except for for the occasional 93 fill up to clean out the injectors. The only modification done is a K&N drop in filter which gave it a tiny bit more oomph. Hope it lives a long, happy life in your fleet!

great video, this was a very educational on what to look for and ask when buying a used car from a private seller 👍

Congrats Cole. I have a V6 in my little Acura RDX, the six cylinder makes smaller SUVs fun to drive - I hope you enjoy your V6 too!

I have a 2011 Rav4 Sport V6 AWD (same car) w/ 225k miles. Unbreakable. Great purchase.

Hah! This was like a love-story movie where everything comes-out fine at the end. This deal came-off so smoothly and no one got ruffled-feathers. Some great lessons here. I just subscribed.

Sounds like an awesome car at a great price. Nice work TFL and congrats to Cole!

My mom has the same exact car/trim/engine but '08. She's owned it since brand new and has ALWAYS serviced it every 5k at the dealer. It now has 180k miles and has never missed a beat. She's done the tune up twice and done everything toyota recommends on time. She's probably going to sell it soon as well. These are such a unicorn vehicle, for an SUV it definitely has some balls.

This is a very good video that helps apr of ppl who don’t know how or what to look for when shopping for used cars 👍🏽

Seemed like a VERY fair deal here in CO. And it was very low mileage. Nicely done! Wish I'd seen it for sale.

Wow this is such great information, thank you so much.

So the 4WD still engages at speeds above 25mph. It just won't stay locked on. Mine will break traction on all 4 tires at highway speeds

I have a 2007 Rav 4 limited with the V6. Its a peppy little ride, super reliable, nearing 180,000 miles still runs like new. Also my limited has a JBL sound system that is awesome its sounds just as good or better that the B&O system in my 2022 superduty

Great Craig’s find! I bought a 2008 RAV4 Sport V6 AWD brand new. For 2008, it was a rocket 0-60 thanks to the AWD traction. Owned it four years, got great resale value out of it and used the money to upgrade to a Highlander

Great Deal. You couldn't ask for a better transaction, nor a better vehicle for Cole. We had an '06 CRV (which is still in the family, on the 3rd driver), because I didn't fit as well in the RAV4. Either one is still worth a ton in this market. Good Luck, and Merry Christmas!

My grandmother had one of these generation Ravs, I believe a 2012 with the V6. Little rocket for what it was with that 3.5. I recall it even having some torque steer if you really got on it. Glad Roman addresses the AWD at the end because I was thinking that’s not right at all lol.

These 2GR’s are great engines. Absolutely love them one of my favorite engines toyota makes.

I looked at these several years back and ended up getting an 04 Forester XT, which is an even quicker sleeper plus it was a manual. The Rav 4 is definitely better for reliability though.

Usually TFL buys a basket case jalopy for way too much, this time they buy a reliable SUV in very good condition for a reasonable amount…..what’s going on here??? 😂 Congrats on your new Toyota Cole!

Glad you cleared up the AWD mistake. Great video.

Every now and then I will see one of these, in fact, most recently a week before Christmas. A few years ago they were a bit less rare but after the start of the pandemic they seemed to disappear.

These things are a blast, my dad had one for his work car, he used to load like 500 lbs of tools in the hatch and drive it on shit dirt roads to work sites and it never skipped a beat.

This video, I like. Highly informative. lots of information. And fast. Information dense.

Same Rav4 sport with v6 but with 168k miles just sold for $9800 here in Utah. Crazy good price for what they have here..

In State where emissions are required for the sale of the vehicle: Most emissions are good for 60 days giving the seller plenty of time to sell the vehicle. When I am selling a vehicle I always have the emission's done, have a "For Sale" sign that shows the clear $ price including the word best offer, and write a small paragraph of why I am selling the car. I park it on a busy street, tape the items on the window, and it is amazing how fast people respond.

Great video, full of good information. Great choice on a used vehicle, too! Does the V6 in that era of RAV4 use a timing belt?

The 4x4 system on that gen of rav is both reactive AND proactive... unlike many of it's competitors of the time. It also comes equipped with, as mentioned, the locking center diff, plus hill start assist, downhill assist, stability and traction control - both of which can be switched temp off or completely off, even allowing for "subaru style" donuts. I ran a 14.1 on a 94o day at NTR with only the spare removed (w/spare tire, my model and options weighed 3580lbs) when it was new and it just came back from a 6k mile round trip this past June that included running a good chunk of the old pony express (it's currently skid plates and sporting all terrains w/a small lift). It currently has 210k and is on a trip 3 states north of home. I could go on, but I'll stop. haha Top freakin' notch.

i think the 3rd gen rav4 is on a part time 4wd system. the 2nd gen is a all time awd system

I bought a 2012 RAV4 V6 sport with a 135k. I got it at the top of the used car drought in 22’ and paid $12k in MA. I know I overpaid, but I needed a car and there were none out there at the time. It’s pushing 189k now and it’s dead reliable. You got an amazing deal!

Also in Colorado, snow on the ground adds AT LEAST 10%! NO LIE

I loved my 07 Rav4! Great space, super comfortable, great in snow, and looks good! I had the 4 cylinder and burned oil like mad so hopefully the V6 wont! Also the rear diff seal had a leak around 80,000 miles and they had to replace the entire unit since Toyota didnt design the seal to be replacable. Other than that, great purchase

This was my last car before I upgraded to a highlander. The first time I drove it, I laughed as I was not expecting that much power! SOLD! Just watch out for mushrooms growing in the floor in back storage area (nice they showed you that area and it looks unspotted!). Mine was always wet back there even after 3 times trying to fix it. Recall x3 on the suspension always out of alinement slightly for the rear. Great car. Never had to ever add oil other than oil changes! Congratulations!

My sister's Dodge Compass was a money pit. I advised her to get a Rav4 and she did! So often when you recommend a Toyota, the person will buy something else because used Toyotas carry a premium. Toyotas aren't infallible but I think there is a lower probably of having issues than with many other brands.

What’s interesting is I bought the same exact car six years ago. Well, it was a 2010 which I bought in 2018. V6, and it had 126,000 miles. I paid 10,000 for it back then. If ever sold it, which I no immediate plans, I could probably get 5000 for it now private party, with 186,000 miles. Goes to show you what the pandemic did to the prices, and how it has kept its value.

Good thing you got the V6 version. My sister got a 2AZ-FE powered 2007 Rav4 and it burns oil like you would not believe. Turns out that's a pretty common malady for that engine for a couple model years...

I have a v6 rav 4 too with 250,000 miles and i met a guy who used it for work to haul a heavy trialer tor years he had 300,000 miles! And it hadnt given him any problems transmissions still strong

In Colorado is it necessary to put rust proofing on a car like Krown rust control? I didn't hear him ask about that. Cars can look pristine from above but underneath can be rotted out from rust

It was a good purchase TFL. You will not find that RAV4 in that condition for tic tac money, specially the V6 AWD. Congratulations to the new owner.

Great video.. do you have a video on purchasing a used wrangler?

Congrats! Nice of you to go with him to buy it.

Would have been a great deal here in Portland too. Friend had one of that gen with the v6 and it was a great!

You absolutely CAN insure a “rebuilt from salvage” titled vehicle in Colorado. It’s a fairly easy process too.

That’s a good lil all weather commuter , congrats!

Great job Roman and Cole.

I love my 2010 Rav4 V6 Sport. Great buy, congrats!

I bought an old chevy last year (non running), got it running and drove it around for a while, noticed and discovered lots of issues that the last owner did not disclose, now I've got it on marketplace with a whole news article of the things wrong with it and it's hasn't sold yet of course.

Good choice. I’ve always liked the V6 RAV4. Hard to go wrong with a well maintained Toyota.

Nice buy, Toyotas are great cars. Change the oil and do the other regular maintenance and you are good to go!!! Love Toyota, have had 2 Celica’s and 2 Supras in the past. Was very happy with all of them!😉

That is a sweet ride! Enjoy it!

You can absolutely 100% ensure a rebuilt or salvage title car. I absolutely love salvage/rebuilt daily driver cars and I have never had a problem getting insurance.

I believe Toyota's CUV AWD systems of the time (having owned a 2009 Highlander V6 AWD myself) were 50/50 torque split under normal conditions and then had the ability to vary that torque front to rear as slippage was detected. If one wheel was slipping the system would brake one wheel to send traction to the opposite end of the axle. Just doing some dirt road, forest road, SW dirt moguls I found the system to be very capable if I took my time and respected the terrain. Although I did slap some 3 peak rated all terrains on it. (NW New Mexico here, high desert Colorado Plateau.)

Good V6 AWD Toyota with all the records should bring that price in ANY state. PRE pandemic I bought the CLEANEST AWD 07 CRV i've seen for a family member for 6400 and had to put tires on it. Both good buys.

Congratulations Cole. Great purchase. Maybe a follow-up video with the brake job and strut replacement. God Bless and Merry Christmas.

You can absolutely insure salvage title cars. My first car out of college was salvage title and it served me well for 10 years. Got a 1 year old Accord with 7500 miles on it, rebuilt, for $12,000. Great deal for a first car.

It was either 2009 or 2010 my mom had the exact color with grey leather interior in limited trim and the v6. Great car at the time.

Maybe that's a Colorado thing but here in MN you can insure salvage title cars, it just that you won't be compensated if you crash it 🤣. But once you buy a salvage title car, you can go right ahead and do the state inspection and change it to "prior salvage" aka rebuilt title. Clean title is not a guarantee that the car was not in an accident, some insurance companies don't change their total loss vehicles to salvage titles depending on the situation.