Woman Trades In Her Jeep Grand Cherokee For A Toyota RAV4 At Dealership. Then Carvana Steps In: 'I Can't Be Doing That'

When it comes time to sell your car, there’s one potentially painful question that you have to ask yourself: Should I go with a practical replacement, or spring for something fun?

For most of us, the logical answer is usually the practical car. Even though there are plenty of interesting and reliable cars on the market, the alternative—something big and loud or speedy and sporty—can be tempting. After all, a quiet, dependable sedan doesn’t turn as many heads as some of the flashier, faster, and cooler options that are on the market today.

As car owners debate this decision, they often find themselves searching for a middle ground: A car that is cool, dependable, and practical without being too boring.

Now, one woman’s car-buying debate has her turning to the internet for help. What should she choose?

Should She Trade In Her Jeep?

In a video, TikTok creator Kate (@therealkatiebby) explains her current dilemma. According to the TikToker, she currently owns a Jeep Grand Cherokee, for which she only has $1,000 left to pay.

While she calls herself a “Jeep girl” and says she’s had multiple Jeeps, her current Jeep is having issues. Specifically, the “engine’s going out.”

“I was about to trade it in. Carvana was gonna give me $7,000 for it,” she says.

Rather than get another Jeep, Kate says she has her eyes on “brand-new RAV4, blacked out.” However, the vehicle's cost is considerable: $47,000.

“At what point do I call it a day and go get me a Honda Civic that costs another [expletive] $10,000, pay the [expletive] off—I mean, I'll buy it, and not get a brand-new car?” she asks. “Like, a brand-new car these days, are you [expletive] me? That's like $700 a month. Like, I can't be doing that.”

What’s Better: Used And Affordable Or Brand-New And Warrantied?

To be clear, a Toyota RAV4 is generally considered a reliable vehicle, and mechanics consistently recommend both new and used models.

That said, it may not be the best option for someone in Kate’s situation. If she says her payment would be $700 a month and that she “can’t be doing that,” it’s probably best that she find a cheaper option. This could include a different car or seriously considering a used vehicle.

However, it should be noted that there are options in between a brand-new Toyota RAV4 and a used $10,000 Honda Civic—even if the latter is well-regarded as a reliable car.

Instead of going for a brand-new Toyota RAV4, Kate could consider a slightly older RAV4. This will have many of the same features as newer models while costing significantly less to purchase and maintain than her Jeep.

For example, RepairPal estimates that a Toyota RAV4 costs just $430 to repair annually. In contrast, Kate’s current car, the Jeep Grand Cherokee, costs nearly $670 to repair annually.

If Kate is seeking guidance on what to do, she may want to first confirm the Jeep’s diagnosis by having it looked at by an independent mechanic. From there, she can accept the Carvana offer if the engine problem is both real and expensive to fix. After that, she can pay off the remainder of the loan and put the remaining equity toward a used RAV4, Civic, Camry, Corolla, Accord, or any other vehicle she may be considering.

“Drive The Cheapest Car That Your Ego Will Allow”

In the comments section, users offered their opinions on what Kate should do.

“Drive the cheapest car that your ego will allow,” wrote a user.

“I mean, I can't really talk bc I bought the RAV4 lol, BUT I will say it's my first brand new car ever and the reason wasn't bc of how it looked (even though I love it) it was bc of the reliability and the fact that I can drive it for literally decades if I want/need to,” shared another.

“Girl get a used one. Toyotas are built for the long haul. Check the carfax vehicle history but you can't go wrong,” offered a third.

“Get a new or slightly used Honda Civic, if you get one that costs 10k, you run the risk of mechanical problems,” advised a further TikToker.

Motor1 reached out to Kate via TikTok direct message and comment. We’ll be sure to update this if she responds.