Old model of RAV4 is smaller than CRV. Personally I like RAV4 more. You should check and drive both to see which model you like more. To me, it is personal taste. RAV4 gas mileage is a little better than CRV
Following are a couple review for current models:
2008 Model comparison
Toyota RAV4 vs. Honda CR-V
2007 Model comparison
2007 Honda CR-V vs. 2007 Toyota RAV4
1997 Honda CRV Review by AOL
Car Talk
2007 Honda CRV Spec by AOL
2007 Honda CR-V Model Pricing and Incentives - AOL Autos
2008 Honda CRV Spec by AOL
2008 Honda CR-V Model Overview - AOL Autos
Both exterior dimension are nearly identical, but different in internal space. You can use autos.aol.com homepage to compare different year's model, as you do not give detail on which year you are comparing.
Buying from dealer or private different is on the tax, and how willing they are willing to do the minor repair.
For example, when I help my friend to buy used car, I will ask the seller to take care following:
1. Replace battery, don't mind re-manufacture
2. Replace brake pad
3. Replace engine oil
4. Replace coolant
5. Replace auto transmission oil
6. Replace wind shield water
7. Replace tire, even if used
8. Replace spark plugs
9. Replace balancing and alignment
10. Refill air condition refrigerant
Above items may cost $150 - $300. Then test drive the car another time, and inspect another time. Any failure after all these replace will be normally major repair.
Allocate $1,000/5 yr age of car for additional repair in next 1 year, and $100 for maintenance. Ensure send your car for mechanic for check before buying. Helps a lot if you know car's part, or ask friend who familiar with it. Don't ask friend who only know how to drive, or send car for repair only. The key point is get advise from friend who know the parts. One who do minor repair themselves will be good, or a tuner
Dealer will pay for mechanic check, while private won't. Cost about $70 - $100/check. Not recommend send car to those mechanic that perform 100-point checks.They normally check things that are cheap when break down. I won't be able to explain too detail, as I am stop describing now
