1997 Toyota RAV4 AWD 4-Door for Sale With 63,000 MilesAutoblogJacob OlivaFri, September 25, 2026 at 4:39 PM UTCAdd us on GoogleAutoblog and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article.Back when SUVs were still finding their place in the world, the first-gen Toyota RAV4 was busy inventing the compact crossover game. This 1997 AWD 4-Door is a time capsule from that era, clocking just 63,000 miles after a long, drama-free stint with a single Colorado owner. Dressed in Confetti Blue Metallic with a gray cloth interior, it's about as close to factory-fresh as you'll find – and it's currently up for grabs in a no-reserve Bring a Trailer auction out in Arizona.1997 Toyota RAV4Bring a TrailerWhat It's Worth Right NowAccording to Classic.com, clean first-gen RAV4s are still pulling in decent money – think an average of $9,278, with sales ranging from a bargain-bin $3,000 to a wallet-busting $19,200. The latest one went for $9,188, so there's clearly still a crowd chasing these XA10s.AdvertisementAdvertisementIf you're wondering what makes the difference, it's all about mileage and how close to stock these old RAV4s are. One 1997 manual with 84,000 miles just pulled $19,200, while the high-mileage, rough-around-the-edges examples barely get a second glance. The cleaner and lower the miles, the higher the price tag.1997 Toyota RAV4Bring a TrailerWith just 63,000 miles, this automatic AWD RAV4 lands right in the sweet spot – usable enough for daily duty, but clean enough to turn heads at a cars and coffee. It's mostly original, has a one-owner backstory, and a squeaky-clean history report. Not many first-gen RAV4s can say the same.Condition and DetailsOutside, you get Confetti Blue Metallic paint, gray cladding, matching mirror caps, and the classic rear-mounted spare with its factory-style cover—pure '90s Toyota. It rolls on 16-inch alloys with Lionhart Lionclaw tires (fitted in 2026, so you're set for a while), and stops with front discs and rear drums.1997 Toyota RAV4Bring a TrailerStep inside and it's a '90s Toyota time machine: gray patterned cloth everywhere, even on the door panels. You get air conditioning, cruise control, a Blaupunkt stereo, a digital clock, folding rear seats, and all the power goodies. The cabin looks as tidy as you'd expect for the mileage, aging gracefully.1997 Toyota RAV4Bring a TrailerUnder the hood, you'll find Toyota's trusty 2.0-liter 3S-FE inline-four, good for 120 horsepower and 125 lb-ft of torque – nothing wild, but enough to keep up with traffic. Power goes to all four wheels via a four-speed automatic. The seller says the AC was serviced and the battery was swapped in 2026, and the Carfax is squeaky clean.1997 Toyota RAV4Bring a TrailerAdvertisementAdvertisementThe OfferSpecificationDetailMakeToyotaModelRAV4 AWD 4-Door (XA10)Year1997Mileage63,000 milesEngine2.0-liter 3S-FE DOHC inline-fourPower120 horsepower / 125 lb-ftTransmissionFour-speed automatic transaxleDrive TypeAll-wheel drive (AWD)Exterior ColorConfetti Blue MetallicInterior ColorGray patterned clothWheels16-inch alloy wheelsBrakesFront discs / Rear drumsFeaturesAir conditioning, cruise control, Blaupunkt stereo, power windows, power mirrors, power door locks, rear wiper, folding rear seatsLocationPhoenix, Arizona, USAInterested in this 1997 Toyota RAV4 AWD 4-Door? View the listing here.What Makes the 1997 Toyota RAV4 AWD 4-Door UniqueThe first-gen RAV4 is a big deal in Toyota's playbook. It showed up before anyone knew what a compact crossover was supposed to be, mixing car-like handling with SUV practicality. All-wheel drive in a small, easy-to-park package? That was a game-changer compared to the lumbering, body-on-frame SUVs everyone else was building.1997 Toyota RAV4Bring a TrailerWhat makes this one special? It's survived nearly three decades with just one Colorado owner, still rocking its original paint, cloth seats, and factory gear. Low miles, barely touched – this is about as close as you'll get to experiencing a RAV4 the way it left the showroom back in the day.Final ThoughtsFirst-gen RAV4s are finally getting their due as enthusiasts wake up to the early crossovers that started it all. Finding a clean, unmolested example with a paper trail and low miles? That's getting tougher by the year.AdvertisementAdvertisementIf you're after a Japanese classic you can actually use – rather than just stare at – this 1997 RAV4 nails the mix of originality, practicality, and pure '90s nostalgia. Plus, with no reserve, it's definitely one to keep an eye on as the bids roll in.Disclaimer: This post is for informational purposes only. We are not a dealership or broker. All vehicle specifications, pricing, and availability are subject to change without notice. We are not responsible for typographical errors, omissions, or the accuracy of the provided information. Please verify all details directly with the seller.This story was originally published by Autoblog on Sep 25, 2026, where it first appeared in the Car Buying section. Add Autoblog as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
