Camry or RAV4

[mrspongebob]

Hello everyone,

I am a new driver, and I am in the market for my first car. I'm looking for a car that is safe, and that can drive well, particularly in the snowy streets of the Eastern, Mid-Atlantic States.

My cousin recently bought (without financing) a Salsa Red 2004 Toyota
Camry LE 4-speed Automatic Transmission with FE (50 State Emissions),
AB (Anti-Lock Brake System(ABS)), and CF (Carpet/Cargo Mat Set). Here is a breakdown of what she paid:

Price of vehicle: $19,650
Protection Plus Security Window Etching: $199
Brl (I think it says Brl) Cash Rebate: -$750
Total = $19,099 (DOES NOT include sales taxes, title/registration fees,
documentary service, and clerical expense)

Since I am a new driver, and I want to be protected from skidding on the snowy roads, someone has suggested that I get a 2004 RAV4 because it has 4 wheel drive, which is good for snowy streets, rather than Camry.

My question: Which car do you think is best for a person like me? If you say RAV4, then which one, the 4 wheel drive, or the All Wheel Drive (I don't know the difference between the two)? Also, will I get a good deal on the RAV4, like my cousin got on the Camry? Not only did my cousin get a good deal, but now that the rebate for Camry is $1,000 instead of $750, I'll end up paying $250 less than she did, since I am also buying without financing. I only have an interest in buying a RAV4 because of it's safety feature of driving on snowy streets.

Please guide.

Thanks in advance

[mrtwo]

All wheel drive and 4-wheel drive should be the same thing. I think Camry is more comfortable. I have been in an old RAV 4 and it is not comfortable. I don't know if the new RAV have got better. Also which state are you in? I live in PA and have no problem for winter driving since the streets are cleared very quickly and i have only 4 months of winter. If winter driving is a problem for u, RAV 4 four-wheel drive is a better choice.

[Brian R.]

If you have use for it, also consider a used 4Runner in that price range. Since they have been remodeled, there are a lot of 1996-2002 4Runners available.

[Bossman]

Mrspongebob,
Being a former Pennsylvanian myself I would definitely go for the RAV4 with AWD due to winter driving. The AWD system is completely automatic in that there is no input from the driver. All you do is drive and the system is always there ready to work for you whenever you hit any slippery surface. If you prefer a "car" over an SUV then personally I would consider a Subaru over a Camry. It's a downright shame that the Camry doesn't have an AWD option but I guess we can't have everything. Subaru has an outstanding AWD system and they are priced competitively with the Camry. I've had Toyotas since 1980 and I sure wish they would offer AWD as an option in the Camry some day. You can punch up the specs for the RAV4 on the web and you'll see that it has all the safety features, i.e. air bags, etc. as the Camry. Time to flip a coin, eh?

[Joe W]

Another thing to consider with all-wheel/4 wheel drive is less fuel economy and higher repair costs.Living in New york city I don't see why you would need 4WD.The Camry would perform in the snow alot like your Grand Am.On ice nothing helps.

[Brian R.]

Only a gentle foot on the accelerator...

[red-in-la]

Rumor??? RAV4 will be coming out as a Hybrid ? Don't know for sure. Also not sure if it will only be 2 wheel drive or not.

Regards