should i buy a used rav4 l with 225000 miles on it?

I would not buy it. Too many miles and it needs repairs. All you have is the sellers word for what it needs. They may be right and they may be wrong. If you go ahead offer less, a lot less.

Good answer; i'd thought to offer $800? A used tranny is about $500 and there is always the timing belt/water pump thing. I'll know more once i look and drive it. $800 cheap enough?

Only time will tell.

I wouldn't, either! That's high mileage for any vehicle. Aren't RAV4's 4-cylinders? You and the RAV4 would be struggling!

The miles are not that bad...I'm at 205K on a 2009 Rav and want to get it to 400K. I would have it inspected by your mechanic. I would suspect it may need new brakes, etc.. fell into that trap before when buying my son a used Hyundi with 160K

Agree with the recommendation to take it to your mechanic...or your local Toyota service shop. My 2005 RAV has 194k miles but I take it to the Toyota service guys every 18 months or so. Would like to get it to 250k and a periodic maintenance / check is worth it....remember, a monthly payment on a new car would be around $600...my RAV is like an old friend.

Leave well alone there are better derals out there and more reliabkle cars than this one!