Best 2.0 diesel to replace my trusted Rav4

PonyParty87 · 07-03-2026 05:27PM #1

Well guys, my beloved 2013 Rav4 has reached the higher echelons in the km department. Still goes like an absolute dream and has never had an issue in it's life. I'm thinking, sell it on now and get something for it and go a bit newer. Since Toyota no longer do diesel, and my mileage requirements need a diesel, the new Rav4 isn't an option. I've been thinking about a Skoda Kodiaq or VW Tiguan. Need something with the same comfortable driving position as the Rav. Tried the Skoda Karoq but it's too low a seat. I'd be looking at a 4 to 5 year old with as low km as I can find. Any ideas greatly appreciated. Many thanks!

sruthair · 07-03-2026 05:40PM

the 2.5L petrol in the Rav 4 is very economical. on a motorway run you could get 5.4L 100km / 52.3mpg

Kaybaykwah · 07-03-2026 05:50PM

Rav4, why would you want to suffer anything else, lol.

elperello · 07-03-2026 08:49PM

Would you consider a 2018 diesel RAV4 ?

You'd be coming up 5 years and there are still a few low mileage about.

goochy · 07-03-2026 08:55PM

Does ur driving really necessitate a diesel ? Only really if doing alot of driving and on motorways alot ?

MojoMaker · 08-03-2026 02:24PM

What he/she means is their wallet necessitates a diesel.

Trouble is, diesel is now a lot more expensive than petrol, and modern petrols are just as efficient. The old narrative has changed.

Kaybaykwah · 08-03-2026 03:02PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124295940#Comment_124295940

Exactly. Another thing is; did you ever park a diesel in a garage? It smells awful and it persists for days. That awful oily smell is the most off-putting thing about it.

User1998 · 08-03-2026 03:31PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124295940#Comment_124295940

Modern petrols definitely aren't as efficient as diesel. A petrol hybrid around town, maybe. But for anything else it doesn't even come close.

PonyParty87 · 08-03-2026 03:36PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124296059#Comment_124296059

Thank you for stating that! It's pretty obvious for anyone who needs a diesel. I asked a specific question, don't know why some replied going off on a tangent re. petrol.

I NEED a diesel due to the mileage I do and towing horses. Have any of you tried to do that efficiently with a petrol? Sure, if your budget applies. I need efficiency and reliability.

BrianD3 · 08-03-2026 03:45PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058435451/best-2-0-diesel-to-replace-my-trusted-rav4

Changing a "beloved" 2013 Rav 4 that has "never had an issue" and "drives like an absolute dream" for a 5 year old VW seems like a bad move. You could easily be buying someone else's rubbish. Also, VWs can be a pain when it comes to reliability. Also, VW dealers are mostly w*nkers, they can afford to be because of all the people lining up to buy their overrated cars.

BTW what is the higher echelons in the km department? I've found that people often get spooked for no reason when their car goes over a certain number like 100, 200, 300k. this is silly. Others try to convince themselves that they are changing because of reliability concerns when in reality they just want a shiny fancy object to impress the neighbours/inlaws or the wife is giving them grief over the car being too old.

XsApollo · 08-03-2026 03:51PM

Can't really go wrong with any of the VAG group you mentioned.

There is also the Seat Tarraco in that group, it would be my choice in FR Trim as i think they look nice.

If you're not interested in the sporty exterior versions like FR, Sportline or R-line then any of them will do.

All depends which one you like for the interior and practicality.

PonyParty87 · 08-03-2026 04:03PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124296081#Comment_124296081

You've pretty much got me there!!! Yeah, it's the debate I've been having with myself constantly since it's hit the 300k km mark. Do I hold on to it til it dies or do I go for something shiny and new-ish now?

It's minefield with all that's out there. If I don't find something that I absolutely love and that fits all my requirements, I most likely will hang on to the Rav. It really has spoiled me by being so reliable and so economical.

PonyParty87 · 08-03-2026 04:04PM

Thank you! I'll add the Seat to the list of ones "to have a look at" 👍🏻

Kaybaykwah · 08-03-2026 04:07PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124296081#Comment_124296081

Best all-around post of 2026, so far. Lol

User1998 · 08-03-2026 04:15PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124296123#Comment_124296123

300k km isn't all that high. I had a Lexus RX with over 500k km. I've had loads of VW's with over 250k km too.

XsApollo · 08-03-2026 05:42PM

My 142 A6 is just passed 370k, I plan on driving many more Km’s

sruthair · 08-03-2026 10:50PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124296069#Comment_124296069

do you tow horses every day?

in your first post you never mentioned that you towed horses. Toyota still sell diesel vehicles.

sruthair · 08-03-2026 10:55PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124295940#Comment_124295940

I had many Toyota hybrids, and often got 4.4L /100km with them on long journeys.

Hotblack Desiato · 09-03-2026 03:08AM

The ship has sailed on trade-in or resale value to any real extent, so financially the best move is just keep the existing car going as long as possible. Every month you're not paying for a newer car is money saved.

Mefistofelino · 09-03-2026 10:06AM

Towing capacity of the current generation of Rav4s is not great - between 800 and 1600kg, depending on version

landmarkjohn · 11-03-2026 07:34PM

If the current car is doing the job reliably then keep it for another 100K.

When you get up to 400,000 revisit. Buying a 5 year old used has it's risks, devil you know and all that.

Our cars both have around 370,000 KM, and BMW's to boot! Imagine that 😀

Unless you're going nearly new the extended oil regimes and EURO 6 stuff make it all a bit of a minefield in the used market IMO. Good luck.

Best 2.0 diesel to replace my trusted Rav4

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