RAV4 or Camry

[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

[cyclist1]

I believe that all Rav-4's are full time AWD (unless it is a 2WD version). They do a great job in the snow as long as you don't get too confident and do something stupid. The RAV will have more ground clearence which might be usefull depending on the amount of snow you drive through. The front wheel drive Camry should also do well in the snow. I drove a Toyota Celica for several years and never had a major problem with snow unless it was really deep. You can't really go wrong with either car. Pick the one you like best and don't look back.

JMO,
Andrew

[Bossman]

You may also want to consider a Subaru product instead of Toyota. Although I've been driving Toyotas since 1980 (I currently have an 03 Camry LE but I live in southern California), I've always had my eye on Subarus since they seem to have written the book on all-wheel-drive for small imported cars. Take a look at www.edmunds.com for test reports, customer reviews and techniques on buying a car. Best of luck.