Buying A Older Diesel Rav Help.

[DarrynReeder]

Hi there guys,

Im currently looking at spending ~£6k on a 3dr Rav4 NRG diesel, ive read on here about the DMF issues and im now concerned... The ones in my price range are 51/02 plate models and from what i understand these CAN suffer from the DMF failure. Assuming i cannot find one that has a documented DMF replacement in its service history, would you recommend pushing my budget the extra £1k to secure an 03/53 plate car, which has the revised DMF in the first place?

Thanks Darryn.

[anchorman]

Hi Darryn and welcome to the club.

I don't think it will make much difference as we see newer vehicles suffering as well. However, there ar a large number of vehicles out there that have never had a dmf so it isn't inevitable that it will happen.

Also, don't forget that if you buy any brand of vehicle with a diesel, it is likely to have a dmf and some are less reliable than a RAV. I think you should just continue your search and don't worry too much. If you can find one that has a had a dmf - fair enough but if not, check it runs smooth and if necessary get an RAC style inspection but don't let it put you off.

Cheers

[local hero]

Hi there guys,

Im currently looking at spending ~£6k on a 3dr Rav4 NRG diesel, ive read on here about the DMF issues and im now concerned... The ones in my price range are 51/02 plate models and from what i understand these CAN suffer from the DMF failure. Assuming i cannot find one that has a documented DMF replacement in its service history, would you recommend pushing my budget the extra £1k to secure an 03/53 plate car, which has the revised DMF in the first place?

Thanks Darryn.

Hi Darryn + welcome, when i initially read your post i thought your budget for 51/02 cars seemed quite high, it doesn't seem long ago you could pick up some real bargains, i have recently seen a 4.3 rav 06 (latest shape) for £8995 but having a quick look i now notice 07 platers at £16000+ I appreciate these are dealer prices but i would have thought with the introduction of the 09 new rav, used prices would have dropped slightly.. I am sure there are still some bargains to be had especially privately and well worth you searching for with regards to the DMF problems most older ravs will either have been done by now or are not affected + of course it only affects the diesel models. If you are not a high mileage user it may make more financial sense to go for a petrol which are cheaper + seem to have no known faults, if not, as you say on a diesel check if the DMF has been done or make sure you get a rock solid warranty with the car you are purchasing, heres a link to some current Rav prices Stew

http://www.compucars.co.uk/used-cars/toyota/rav-4/?p=2

[DarrynReeder]

Cheers guys. :)

Only one 3dr Diesel Rav in that link above below £8k, and thats the exact car ive been to have a look at in Darwen, unfortunately i arrived just as he was locking up for the night. I will go back and see if it has a detailed service history and have a test drive. Im currently driving my mothers 51 petrol 3dr NRG, so, hopefully ill be able to tell quite quickly into the test drive if its a good example or not.

Ive not been driving long at all, so havent really got a clue what my average annual mileage will be, but, id guess 15k miles+ is highly probable. Im intending on using the Rav4 to tow a trailer+trackcar to events, so, thats the main reason for choosing Diesel over Petrol, because i thought the extra torque would help me doing this.

[Hoovie]

.......

Im intending on using the Rav4 to tow a trailer+trackcar to events .....

just a word about this.  The RAV4 is an excellent tow vehicle but it is worth noting that with the 'normal' detachable towbar fitted in place, it is not possible to open the rear door, even without the trailer hitched up.

It is possible to get a towbar that is 20mm lower and that just clears the rear door and with that one, it IS possible to open the rear door with towbar in place (and trailer unhitched). 

BUT ... on the bigger twin-axle trailers, the trailer may ride lower and the jockey wheel foul the ground.

not putting you off your choice of vehicle, you just need to make sure you get the right towbar for you once you got the RAV (I went for the lower bar as I didn't want to have to keep removing the bar to open the door as it can be a PITA! - but I have a very small trailer)

As an aside - and you are probably aware of this anyway  - was a change in the law few years ago and newly qualified drivers have to pass a tow test in order to legally tow anything. Most 'older' drivers have this right automatically and newer drivers may not realise it is no longer an automatic entitlement.

Welcome to the TOC 

[DarrynReeder]

...snip...

Many thanks for that, what an annoying design fault... now i know i can ensure i buy the lower towbar kit, ill need access to the boot as ill be taking wet tyres and tools in the Rav.

I did realise about the extra test ill need to take concerning trailers having only passed my test 18months ago... Ive already got the trailer sorted, just need the tow car and track car (MR2 mk3-4)

[anchorman]

.......

Im intending on using the Rav4 to tow a trailer+trackcar to events .....

just a word about this.  The RAV4 is an excellent tow vehicle but it is worth noting that with the 'normal' detachable towbar fitted in place, it is not possible to open the rear door, even without the trailer hitched up.

It is possible to get a towbar that is 20mm lower and that just clears the rear door and with that one, it IS possible to open the rear door with towbar in place (and trailer unhitched). 

BUT ... on the bigger twin-axle trailers, the trailer may ride lower and the jockey wheel foul the ground.

not putting you off your choice of vehicle, you just need to make sure you get the right towbar for you once you got the RAV (I went for the lower bar as I didn't want to have to keep removing the bar to open the door as it can be a PITA! - but I have a very small trailer)

As an aside - and you are probably aware of this anyway  - was a change in the law few years ago and newly qualified drivers have to pass a tow test in order to legally tow anything. Most 'older' drivers have this right automatically and newer drivers may not realise it is no longer an automatic entitlement.

Welcome to the TOC 

Hey Hoovie - nice avitar!!!

I didn't know about the trailer test for novices. If grandfather rights apply I should be OK - I should be able to have a trailer road train at my age!!!

[HEMI]

I've been on my hols for a week but obviously I'm back and you all know my feelings on the DMF,seems to be around the 60k mark when they fail,nuff said