I Just Bought a 2025 Toyota RAV4 XLE, Put 1000 Miles On It, and I Already Want To Trade It In, This Car Is a Total Disappointment

Bruce Collins is very disappointed in his new 2025 Toyota RAV4 XLE Premium trim level. He has only 1,000 miles on the new SUV and is ready to trade it in.

Imagine buying a new vehicle for $35,000, having driven it only 1,000 miles, and being unhappy with your purchase. You are so dissatisfied with the car that you can't wait to get rid of it. 

Here are two stories of 2025 RAV4 owners, Bruce and James, who are already experiencing buyer's remorse. Is it a feeling you can relate to?

Bruce Has Buyer's Remorse After Two Months.

He says on the Toyota RAV4 Owners Facebook page,

"I just bought the ICE RAV4 AWD XLE Premium on April 30 and put about 1000 miles on it. What can I get for a trade-in? This car is a total disappointment."

What's wrong with the 2025 RAV4 that Bruce owns? He says,

1. The seat is uncomfortable and causes hip/back pain
2. The engine is very whiny
3. The car is slow and goes nowhere
4. The lane keep assist doesn't work well at all - it doesn't keep the car in the lane, just alerts when you get close to the lines.
5. The adaptive cruise control is clunky and jerky, and it brakes abruptly, like a novice driver.

Bruce concludes, "I'm hoping to swap it for a Chevrolet or VW SUV, as this Toyota RAV4 is unacceptable."

First, what happens if Bruce trades in the new 2025 RAV4 for an SUV from another brand?

Progressive Insurance states that trading in a new car after only 1,000 miles will result in a significant depreciation of its value, potentially leading to a substantial financial loss. The car's value will drop the moment it's considered used, and the Toyota dealer will offer a much lower trade-in value than the original purchase price. 

A Chevrolet or Volkswagen dealer will give Bruce even less on a trade. 

Here's what Bruce has to consider:

1. Depreciation: 

• Immediate Value Drop: As soon as a new car is driven off the lot, it starts to depreciate.
• Significant Loss: You can expect a substantial loss in value, potentially 20% or more, during the first year, according to Underriner Honda of Walla Walla.
• Dealerships and Trade-Ins: Dealerships will most often pay less for trade-ins than they could receive by selling the car themselves. 

2. Financial Implications:

• Negative Equity: If you still owe more on the car than the trade-in value, you'll have "negative equity," meaning you'll need to cover the difference, according to NerdWallet.
• Rolled Over Loan: The negative equity might be rolled over into the new car loan, increasing your total debt and monthly payments, according to the Federal Trade Commission. 

3. Alternatives to Consider:

• Private Sale: Selling the car privately could yield a higher price but requires more effort and time, according to Quora.
• Research Trade-In Offers: Get multiple quotes from dealerships and consider offers from online car-buying services, according to LendingTree. 

James Is Another 2025 Toyota RAV4 Owner With Buyer's Remorse

James shares his regret on the Toyota RAV4 Owners Facebook page. He laments not waiting for the 2026 model, a decision he made just before the new 2026 RAV4 Hybrid was announced. His story serves as a valuable lesson for potential buyers, informing them about the importance of considering future models before making a purchase.

James says, 

"I just bought a new 2025 RAV 4 XLE premium for $48,000, including tax (in Canada). I'm having buyer's remorse because I didn't wait for the 2026 model. I decided to buy a 2025 model year right before the new 2026 RAV4 Hybrid was announced a few days ago." 

"I am taking delivery of the new car on Monday, as the previous buyer has canceled their order. I still can't get over the feeling that I wouldn't want to spend more for a 2026 hybrid model if it's more than $10,000 compared to the 2025 model. I'm just feeling upset that I didn't wait." 

James has a very different dilemma from Bruce. 

After he saw the all-new, redesigned 2026 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, he wished he had waited. But is buying an all-new model a good idea?

This raises a question for those who have not purchased a 2025 RAV4 and are wondering if they should wait for the 2026 model.

It's a dilemma many Toyota RAV4 buyers now face.

First, what new technology is coming on the 2026 RAV4?

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 introduces a new hybrid-only powertrain, along with a redesigned interior and updated technology features. The new RAV4 will offer both hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions, with the plug-in hybrid model featuring a longer electric-only range and faster-charging capabilities. 

Powertrain:

• Hybrid-only: The 2026 RAV4 will be available exclusively with a hybrid powertrain, which includes both a standard hybrid and a new plug-in hybrid version.
• Plug-in Hybrid: The plug-in hybrid (PHEV) will feature a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, two electric motors, and a high-capacity traction battery, offering an increased electric-only driving range of up to 50 miles.
• Fifth-generation hybrid system: The RAV4 Hybrid will debut Toyota's fifth-generation hybrid system, which includes improvements to the transaxle, power control unit, battery, and other components, all contributing to its enhanced motor output. 

Interior and Infotainment:

• Redesigned interior: The 2026 RAV4 interior features a redesigned center console with a two-way closure on the storage bin.
• Shift-by-wire system: Select grades will feature a new shift-by-wire system with a minimalist toggle switch, adding a more modern feel.
• Infotainment system: The RAV4 will come standard with a 10.5-inch infotainment touchscreen, while higher-end trims will offer a 12.9-inch display. Both screens will feature wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.
• Toyota Audio Multimedia System: The new RAV4 debuts with an updated version of the Toyota Audio Multimedia System. 

Safety and Driver Assistance:

• Toyota Safety Sense 4.0: The RAV4 will include a new version of the Toyota Safety Sense active safety suite.
• Proactive Driving Assist: The RAV4 will feature Proactive Driving Assist, Lane Assist, and Adaptive Cruise Control with adjustable distances.
• Enhanced detection devices: The safety systems will feature more advanced detection devices to help identify pedestrians, cyclists, and other obstacles more effectively. 

What is the Price of the 2026 Toyota RAV4?

Car and Driver says, "Toyota won't release pricing on the 2026 RAV4 until closer to its on-sale date later in the year, but we expect it to rise somewhat compared with the current model due to its now-standard hybrid configuration. We expect the base LE to kick off at around $34,000, and the GR Sport PHEV may crest $51,000."

Should You Buy the 2026 RAV4 or Wait?

Generally, waiting for a car's first year of a new model or remodel can be risky due to potential "bugs" and issues that may be addressed in later years. However, buying the first year can provide the opportunity to purchase a new vehicle with all the latest features and technology that the 2026 RAV4 will come with.

Pros and Cons of Buying the 2026 RAV4

Potential Downsides of Buying the First Year:

• Higher risk of "bugs" and issues: New models often have unforeseen problems that are not fully discovered until after they've been on the road for a while, according to a Reddit thread.
• Potential for less desirable features: Later years of a model might include features or improvements that were not available in the first year.
• Lower resale value: First-year models may depreciate more quickly due to the potential for "bugs" or the introduction of better features in later years. 

Potential Upsides of Buying the First Year: 

• New Features and Technology: The first year of a remodel often introduces new features and technologies that are not available in previous models.
• Potential for lower prices later on: As newer models are released, older first-year models might be discounted. 

Other Factors to Consider:

• Reliability: Some sources suggest that the last year of a model generation is often the most reliable, as many issues have been ironed out.
• Personal preferences: Consider what is most important to you in a vehicle and whether the new features and technology are worth the potential risk.
• Budget: If you're on a tight budget, consider waiting two or three years to see if prices drop. 

Conclusion:

Both Bruce and James will lose a considerable amount of money if they trade in their 2025 Toyota RAV4 SUVs. Both owners have buyer's remorse, and it's a valuable lesson to do your homework on a new vehicle before purchasing it. It could save you thousands of dollars. 

How About You?

Have you purchased a new vehicle and had buyer's remorse? Tell us about your experience. Click the red Add New Comment link below and let us know your thoughts.

Check out my 2025 Toyota RAV4 story: I Would Buy a 2025 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, But The Toyota Dealer Is Telling Me My 2018 Mercedes-Benz E300 Is Only Worth $9K

I am Denis Flierl, a Senior Torque News Reporter since 2012. My 30+ year tenure in the automotive industry, initially in a consulting role with every major car brand and later as a freelance journalist test-driving new vehicles, has equipped me with a wealth of knowledge. I specialize in reporting the latest automotive news and providing expert analysis on Subaru, which you'll find here, ensuring that you, as a reader, are always well-informed and up-to-date. Follow me on my X SubaruReport, All Subaru, WRXSTI, @DenisFlierl, Facebook, and Instagram.

Photo credit: Denis Flierl