RAV4 3rd gen engine option

[ereiciunas]

Hello,
I am interested in the 3rd generation RAV4 and I wanted to ask about engines, which ones are worth looking for:

Petrol:
2.0 ZR/AZ
2.5 AR

Diesel:
2.2 D-4D
2.2 D-CAT

I've heard about AD engines (D-4D and D-CAT), that they are a big mess, the question is how long do they last after the repairs? Maybe it is better to not even look for a RAV with AD engine?
One more question about the petrol ones: people say that 2.0 engines are reliable, but the 2.5 had problems in older generations, are they worth looking for?

Thank you in advance, and sorry for my professional English 😄

[philip42h]

This is a UK forum - we never had the 2.5L engine in a 4.3 in the UK so I can't comment on that option.

The 2.0 VVTi (1AZ-FE) is generally considered bullet proof and a very safe bet.

Issues existed with the 2AD diesel engines but were resolved in production in 2008. Engines produced before 2008 that were replaced by Toyota and engines built after 2009 should be a safe bet. The 150 bhp 2AD available from 2010 particularly so. But, diesel engines from all manufacturers suffer from the emissions control add-ons required by environmental considerations - so, while the D-CAT is very clean, for example, it does require quality fuel and regular long runs to keep it in good condition. Only you know your usage scenario ...