Toyota Rav4

Spipov · 28-06-2012 06:20PM #1

Hi all.

Just wondering on people's opinions of rav4s? will be a 1.8 or 2.0L petrol and id rather prefer a 2wd. has to be 5 doors.

looking for something between 2001 - 2004, budget up to 3500 euros.

however, very few of them around that i can see, donedeal, adverts, carzone, driving. any other places i should look at?

are there alternatives? sat in an xtrail - did not like it much, crv is an option, but again, not many around.

budget kind of restricts things.

Big Nasty · 28-06-2012 06:33PM

Only have experience of the previous model. The AWD is very heavy on juice and the LWB version is fugly. Newer model is better looking for sure.

Spipov · 28-06-2012 06:40PM

yes, they are, but budget wise, its going to be a 2001-2005 model. are they all LWB if they are 5 doors?

im not too keen on the AWD to be honest, we are going up from a yaris, and do like the rav4, when compared to most of the SUV's out there

Anan1 · 28-06-2012 06:44PM

Out of interest, why would you want a FWD Rav4? Isn't it a bit pointless without AWD?

Spipov · 28-06-2012 06:46PM

style mostly.

no seriously, in terms of the SUV's out there (and that seems to be the message that the OH has not so subtly passed to me), it seems to be the one that is most liked - form wise.

i have tried to pass all kinds of saloons, hatchbacks, but its reverted back to this for some reason. Crv-s are second, but 2002 onwards model isnt easily available either, in that budget (yaris + whatever necessary) to make it to 3500.

Big Nasty · 28-06-2012 06:49PM

In before Anan says Subaru Forrester!

Spipov · 28-06-2012 06:53PM

MCMLXXV wrote: »

In before Anan says Subaru Forrester!

thats going to be serious overkill.

seriously. would be a waste of a forester on us.

gyppo · 28-06-2012 09:28PM

If you like a high driving position, and only need 2wd, then you won't go too far wrong with a Rav4.
1.8l petrol suprisingly good on fuel - I ran one for a few months, and I got 36/37mpg in mixed running. Nice to drive, reliable, economical.
Downside is they are one of the more costlier types of suv to buy secondhand.

OP, alternative might be Suzuki Vitara.

colm_mcm · 28-06-2012 09:35PM

2wd rav makes loads of sense, simple running gear, decent mpg.

rocksimmo · 28-06-2012 11:27PM

Great SUV. We had a jap import automatic one and found it to be one of the best cars we ever owned. Not too bad fuel wise either.

Anan1 · 28-06-2012 11:50PM

MCMLXXV wrote: »

In before Anan says Subaru Forrester!

Not much point if OP doesn't need awd.

Spipov · 30-06-2012 09:31AM

does anybody have a list of the trims and their specs? seeing gx,mc,luna, and getting confused at this stage. parkers / honestjohn do not list trim specs

colm_mcm · 30-06-2012 12:43PM

Specs for the 1.8 are pretty simple. From the facelift (round foglights) the only difference between Luna and Aura was aircon on the Luna and sunroof on the aura.

The facelift model is referred to as the MC (minor change)
I'd go for a facelift one as they're just that bit nicer inside, CD player etc is standard, the older per facelift ones are a bit horrid inside.

Spipov · 30-06-2012 03:53PM

colm_mcm wrote: »

Specs for the 1.8 are pretty simple. From the facelift (round foglights) the only difference between Luna and Aura was aircon on the Luna and sunroof on the aura.

The facelift model is referred to as the MC (minor change)
I'd go for a facelift one as they're just that bit nicer inside, CD player etc is standard, the older per facelift ones are a bit horrid inside.

what year was the facelift? so fr im looking at 2001 upwards

colm_mcm · 30-06-2012 05:10PM

Facelift was done in late 03, so it'll be 04 models you'll see.

Pre facelift there are GX and uk model NV models, not too sure about spec, but you'd need to be checking that it has either aircon or sunroof, and has CD as these weren't on all models till 2004

Spipov · 01-07-2012 03:46PM

need some help with this:

how much difference is there in the LWB and normal ones? i am not sure how to spot the difference.

secondly, we seem to be able to get a low enough mileage 4x4 one as opposed to seeing any clean 4x2's.

are 4x4s no go's at all, or are there some benefits to them?its not that expensive, actually cheaper than a lot of 4x2's. i am expecting fuel economy to be worse, but im wondering by how much worse would the economy be?

its a terra model, 2002. is there anything anybody can tell me about this?

we are going to see it this afternoon, there is a chance of part exchanging our yaris, which for some reason, have got little calls for (i was really surprised at that), advertised for 1700 (obviously would get less) for a 2000 in really good mechanical order, couple of bumps here and there.

so im just wondering what things should i look for in that 4x4 as well when i go see it?its impossible to get a mechanic to see that in this short notice.

Thanks for helping

Spipov · 02-07-2012 08:33PM

Ill be honest.

since yesterday and now, ive gone to see 5 rav4's ranging from 2400 - 4000 euros.

what the H is going on?there hasnt been a SINGLE one that worth any of that money.

crap clutch, oil everywhere in the engine bay, horrible body, muck in the suspension, making me think its lead a terrible life in bogs and other bits and pieces.

i have not, seriously, in that price range, seen any that made me go "hmmm, this actually has me thinking that it might be worth it".

i cant believe its that hard to get an ok "and im not asking for a mint or in brilliant condition" 9-10 year old rav4 !!

out of curiosity, how do people see a rav4 clutch? they have all been like you are pressing against a wall, and cant feel when the gear should engage, hence over-revving at times.

ive seen one that the clutch was changed, and it still didnt feel 100% right (to me anyway), unless clutches should be like that. i am used to a new clutch from a yaris and a really good one in an e90 bmw.

colm_mcm · 02-07-2012 08:37PM

Spipov wrote: »

need some help with this:

how much difference is there in the LWB and normal ones? i am not sure how to spot the difference.

secondly, we seem to be able to get a low enough mileage 4x4 one as opposed to seeing any clean 4x2's.

are 4x4s no go's at all, or are there some benefits to them?its not that expensive, actually cheaper than a lot of 4x2's. i am expecting fuel economy to be worse, but im wondering by how much worse would the economy be?

its a terra model, 2002. is there anything anybody can tell me about this?

we are going to see it this afternoon, there is a chance of part exchanging our yaris, which for some reason, have got little calls for (i was really surprised at that), advertised for 1700 (obviously would get less) for a 2000 in really good mechanical order, couple of bumps here and there.

so im just wondering what things should i look for in that 4x4 as well when i go see it?its impossible to get a mechanic to see that in this short notice.

Thanks for helping

You'll spot the swb straight away as its got no back doors and it looks like a shoe.

Only 2 body types, 3dr and 5dr

shawnee · 03-07-2012 08:17AM

Spipov wrote: »

Ill be honest.

since yesterday and now, ive gone to see 5 rav4's ranging from 2400 - 4000 euros.

what the H is going on?there hasnt been a SINGLE one that worth any of that money.

crap clutch, oil everywhere in the engine bay, horrible body, muck in the suspension, making me think its lead a terrible life in bogs and other bits and pieces.

i have not, seriously, in that price range, seen any that made me go "hmmm, this actually has me thinking that it might be worth it".

i cant believe its that hard to get an ok "and im not asking for a mint or in brilliant condition" 9-10 year old rav4 !!

out of curiosity, how do people see a rav4 clutch? they have all been like you are pressing against a wall, and cant feel when the gear should engage, hence over-revving at times.

ive seen one that the clutch was changed, and it still didnt feel 100% right (to me anyway), unless clutches should be like that. i am used to a new clutch from a yaris and a really good one in an e90 bmw.

You probably just don't like them ! Move on to something else. I used always liked the Honda crv and once I drove one that cured me. Mind you I do think the Rav 4 is one of the nicer drivers but then again 9 to 10 years old and they are all going to have a lot of miles up and a be loosened up a fair bit. If you usually drive a car some of those jeeps can seem like small tractors and be rough to drive.

Spipov · 04-07-2012 12:43AM

probably, or i didnt see one thats worth it yet. its surprising to be honest. today we tried a crv, tucson, santa fe and xtrail.

my wife swears the rav4 feels smaller. i dont see how apart from the crv being bigger on parkers.co.uk how she can feel that.

anyway, it IS going to be a rav4, come what may. so i need to find something worthwhile. i have no choice in that matter. and i agree to a degree. i dont see her driving an avensis, she refuses a corolla, we cant afford a golf/focus/a3 of the vintage we would actually consider.

it boils down to a rav4. now its just about finding one that is worthy to be called ours...

Jesh1 · 04-07-2012 06:33AM

Spipov wrote: »

Hi all.

Just wondering on people's opinions of rav4s? will be a 1.8 or 2.0L petrol and id rather prefer a 2wd. has to be 5 doors.

looking for something between 2001 - 2004, budget up to 3500 euros.

however, very few of them around that i can see, donedeal, adverts, carzone, driving. any other places i should look at?

are there alternatives? sat in an xtrail - did not like it much, crv is an option, but again, not many around.

budget kind of restricts things.

OP, do some research on the toyota engine of that era. My sister had a Rav4 3dr version and it had high oil consumption. I can't recall what year it was but read something about a design flaw in the engine design. Some guys on this forum should be able to advise you which engine to avoid.

Spipov · 04-07-2012 09:05AM

im hoping at the very least to get a 1.8 engine, (2003). i am going to see one today, and get it checked by a mechanic. im hoping its in ok condition, as its the best ive seen so far (And its NOT that great).

thanks for the advice Jesh1. does anybody know which engines or what vintage or rav4's burn oil? i think ive read somewhere that 00-02 corollas definitely did burn oil?

Spipov · 05-07-2012 12:22AM

did get the 2003 4x2, 1.8L i think it is, (sunroof, cd changer, no air conditioning - who needs that here!!).

brought it to my mechanic who found

right back window not working
cracked bumper
low oil - needing general service
central lock not working due to one bad key

otherwise he was happy with it, which made me happy. this one's clutch has been changed recently, and it felt so much better than all the rav4s i have tried before.

the wife is chuffed.

the dealer is putting all of the above right, and we should have it serviced, valeted, repaired and warranty (engine + gearbox) for 3 months.

on a side note: anyone know where i can get parking sensors installed, they have to be silver, dont want generic black sensors for not too expensive?

i could get the kit online and get it fitted, or the person could sort out everything.

so far i have been quoted 350 euros by ICE in ranelagh.

colm_mcm · 05-07-2012 07:59AM

Always amazes me that garages will show cars in a poor state, then people buy them

Good look with the car, hope it goes well.

With the senors, get a pro to do them, the rav as an unusual arrangement round the back with the door coming all the way down and the spare wheel etc.

Spipov · 05-07-2012 09:28AM

thanks

in this case, i couldnt find any other better rav4s. i tried 4 dealers who had sh*teboxes, advertised for way too much money, and private ones which, not only looked for a lot of money, but i felt really uncomfortable with.

in the end this was the best of the lot, and it wasnt the most expensive. also the dealer was good to deal with.

it had to be a rav4 unfortunately, sometimes there are decisions that you cant change...

Toyota Rav4

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