Thinking Of Buying A Rav 4

[tubbsy]

Hi all,

Firstly great forum and full of great info for a newbie to Rav 4's and Toyota for that matter.

I am looking to purchase a Rav 4 2001 or 2002 plate. i think i will be going for a petrol model as they are more available and probably the GX trim level. I would like to know if anyone has any hint or tips for things i should look out for when buying a Rav 4. I know the usual motor vehicle things to look out for and throughly check any car I buy but any usful tips would really help with my pruchase choice.

Test drove one today and really like them and think they are good value for money so hopefully I will be spending some time on the forum soon.

Thanks

Tubbsy

[conorbuzz]

Hello

This is a great site for a review, IMHO,

No sure which one u are going for :

http://www.whatcar.com/car-reviews/used/to...summary/23471-3

http://www.whatcar.com/car-reviews/used/to...summary/24729-3

Hope that helps

Conor

[bothwell_buyer]

looking for a 3 door or a 5 door?

[tubbsy]

looking for a 3 door or a 5 door?

I'm looking for a 5 door model. Would prefer a manual but automatic would be fine. Out of interest what gearbox is the best one to get? Manual or auto?

[rpaterson]

As with any 4x4, check for signs of off-road abuse; scuffed bash plates, damaged suspension arms etc. Our 3 door had a towbar fitted so I asked the guy what he'd been towing in case he had been lugging massive loads about. As you're looking at 5 door models, make sure that it's got the parcel shelf thing - you may not want/need it, but it's a handy bargaining chip if missing.

[bothwell_buyer]

I tend to stick with the manual box but it depends more on your own preference

[tubbsy]

Hi all,

I am now the proud owner of a new Rav 4.2. Got a really good condition car with the following spec

5 door

Full service history

Manual

Petrol

45000 miles

Y reg

Now I know it is quite old but for the milage is it a baby and the bodywork and interior are spotless.

I look forward to spending many an hour on the forum and tinkering with the Rav 4. First things first is to get rid of the old stereo and fit a new one. Havent decided if I want to fit a single din CD player or pay out and get a nice double din touch screen navigation unit. Like the double din units but I have a good single din that I might fit.

Any little mods poeple could recommend to make my Rav 4 experience just that little better?

Thanks

Tubbs

[bothwell_buyer]

Loads of things you can get - just prioritise what you want then check the wallet!

Well done on getting a good one by the sounds of it.

The car is not that old...... I have 2 1994 RAV4s both in good condition and running well. One has 170,000+ miles on the clock (had it from new) and the other has 80,000 mls.

[rambler]

Hi all,

I am now the proud owner of a new Rav 4.2. Got a really good condition car with the following spec

5 door

Full service history

Manual

Petrol

45000 miles

Y reg

Now I know it is quite old but for the milage is it a baby and the bodywork and interior are spotless.

I look forward to spending many an hour on the forum and tinkering with the Rav 4. First things first is to get rid of the old stereo and fit a new one. Havent decided if I want to fit a single din CD player or pay out and get a nice double din touch screen navigation unit. Like the double din units but I have a good single din that I might fit.

Any little mods poeple could recommend to make my Rav 4 experience just that little better?

Thanks

Tubbs

hi tubsy

welcome to the club

well from my personal point of view,if you can stretch to it....a set of all terrain tyres.

ive had yokahama geolander A/T +2 fitted for a while now,and in this snow,its never put a foot wrong,just grips & goes

i live out in the sticks,so need 'more grip' for off roading etc.

depends what its going to be used for though

ive also fitted 4 extra roof mounted auxillary lights,..they come on with high beam,so VERY bright and good coverage at night

enjoy your rav

[stewyinpagham]

I would recommend the rear door check strap mod. 100% worthwhile.

[three5]

Hi all,

I am now the proud owner of a new Rav 4.2. Got a really good condition car with the following spec

5 door

Full service history

Manual

Petrol

45000 miles

Y reg

Now I know it is quite old but for the milage is it a baby and the bodywork and interior are spotless.

I look forward to spending many an hour on the forum and tinkering with the Rav 4. First things first is to get rid of the old stereo and fit a new one. Havent decided if I want to fit a single din CD player or pay out and get a nice double din touch screen navigation unit. Like the double din units but I have a good single din that I might fit.

Any little mods poeple could recommend to make my Rav 4 experience just that little better?

Thanks

Tubbs

Hi Tubbs and welcome!

there is a very good thread on here ( use search ) started by a guy called "Hoovie" called "Pimping my RAV". He did an incredible job and if you need any advice he is very knowledgeable. If he dosen't turn up in a day or so it might be worth a PM.

[rambler]

I would recommend the rear door check strap mod. 100% worthwhile.

as 'stewyinpagham' says

i also fitted the 90 degree rear door check strap about 3 years ago now,soooo much better.full ,square-on access into load area.

well worth the 1/2 hr it took to fit it.....a simple mod