Walk through any Accra neighbourhood and count the RAV4s. There's a reason it's the country's default family SUV — it's bulletproof, easy to fix, and holds its value forever. But "a RAV4" isn't one car. Different generations are very different beasts.
Years to chase
- 2019–2022 (5th gen) — best ride, best safety, best value retention
- 2016–2018 (4.5 facelift) — strong reliability, sweet spot on price
- 2013–2015 (4th gen pre-facelift) — older but tough as nails
Years to be careful with
- 2006–2008 (3rd gen) — the V6 is fast but thirsty; the 2.4L is fine but tired by now
- 2009–2012 — many available cheaply but watch for high mileage and worn suspension
Pre-purchase checks (have your inspector look at these)
- Frame rot, especially on cars from northern US states
- Transmission shifts — both auto and CVT generations
- Catalytic converter present (commonly stolen on US salvage cars)
- AC compressor and condenser
