Rav4 - Convince Me!

[AndyLewis]

My wife owns a Diesel Toyota Rav-4, a D4D on an '02 plate.

To me, for a 4 by 4 or 'off roader' this car is pretty basic. Just a normal 5 speed shift, power steering, mediocre performance. So what makes it stand out? Is it just a glorified car in a bigger Shell? There are certainly no bells & whistles to play with, no 'diff lock', no special low ratio gear stick etc.

So I want to know, what does a Rav4 have to offer? Is there something I'm missing? Is there some really clever Japanese engineering going on under the bonnet / in the transmission / controlling the brakes etc? What makes this car an 'off roader', if indeed it is one?

Cheers,

Andy

PS

I know little of cars in general TBH as you've probably all guessed, so I guess I'm asking for an education! :ffs:

[igormus]

My wife owns a Diesel Toyota Rav-4, a D4D on an '02 plate.

To me, for a 4 by 4 or 'off roader' this car is pretty basic. Just a normal 5 speed shift, power steering, mediocre performance. So what makes it stand out? Is it just a glorified car in a bigger shell? There are certainly no bells & whistles to play with, no 'diff lock', no special low ratio gear stick etc.

So I want to know, what does a Rav4 have to offer? Is there something I'm missing? Is there some really clever Japanese engineering going on under the bonnet / in the transmission / controlling the brakes etc? What makes this car an 'off roader', if indeed it is one?

Cheers,

Andy

PS

I know little of cars in general TBH as you've probably all guessed, so I guess I'm asking for an education! :ffs:

hi Andy

the normal human wants to have the car for all purposes. As for me - I ve been owning several cars before but those have only been aimed for city drive but restricted drive -- i remember those day when i ve cracked plastic undermounted part having come down gemtly from road border and was forced to waste usd100 as for the new plastic part. Since then ii ve aimed myself to be focused on the rav with good road clearance. Besides 4 x 4 gives good result when driven both up and down hill. I own rav since Aug 17th and it has been found very good car for me in all respects. FYI -- it is powered by 2.0 ltr petrol vvt-i.

I used to drive each day + in any weather and do not think either to drive or not -- i deem it is selfexplained. The main task is to have respective tyres to be assured the car will not lets you down. CHeers/Igor

PS-may be anothers will add somthing special on here, just wait

[rambler]

My wife owns a Diesel Toyota Rav-4, a D4D on an '02 plate.

To me, for a 4 by 4 or 'off roader' this car is pretty basic. Just a normal 5 speed shift, power steering, mediocre performance. So what makes it stand out? Is it just a glorified car in a bigger shell? There are certainly no bells & whistles to play with, no 'diff lock', no special low ratio gear stick etc.

So I want to know, what does a Rav4 have to offer? Is there something I'm missing? Is there some really clever Japanese engineering going on under the bonnet / in the transmission / controlling the brakes etc? What makes this car an 'off roader', if indeed it is one?

Cheers,

Andy

PS

I know little of cars in general TBH as you've probably all guessed, so I guess I'm asking for an education! :ffs:

hi andy

right,well as you've guessed,a rav4 is really a 'soft roader',no low-range or diff-locks.

so its doesnt have the ground clearance others have either.

my '4.2' has decent acceleration,running costs,corners on rails,approach and departure angles are superb for off roading,its short wheelbase makes up for low ground clearance.

mine has permanent 4wd,so no 'on demand' stuff like LR freelanders,no computers deciding when to employ the rear wheels.

i have followed a freelander & jeep cherokee greenlaneing,with A/T tyres it kept with them :)

it is very comfortable and smooth,quiet d4d engine.gear change is smooth. :)

i have covered 55'000 miles with only 2 new batteries & usual maint / servicing...not even a blown bulb

i have tried a suzuki jimney,vitara,both horrid. :o ....and my mate has tried a freelander....spent ££££'s repairing it..on a 04 plate,..he now has a 05 hilux,100'000 k still going strong ,and spent £££'s modifying it..looks pucca

i am considering a land cruiser colorado this year,but need to save more pennies first

purely because i want low range & diff-lock for off roading,green laneing etc

most 'full on' 4x4's have bigger engines,(cost more to run / insure / repair)

convinced?....i have been for last 4 1/2 years

[Ravmania]

My reasons for owning one:

Takes up less parking space than a ford focus.

Easier to park than a normal estate.

More responsive steering than pretty much every other 4x4 in its class.

Excellent motorway handling and acceleration for overtaking.

Excellent all round visibility.

Comfy driving position for short and long journeys - 9 hours drive to Scotland no dead legs!

I just don't get this slouched down break your back chav driving thing, I like to lie down in bed not in my car (unless its parked and I'm with the right company :P ).

When it came out it was the most fuel efficient 4x4 in its class and still remains one of the most fuel efficient 4x4's available.

It still achieves this with permanent 4 wheel drive unlike much of the competition.

The fact that it doesn't have (or need) all the gimmicks or bells and whistles as you call them makes it cheaper to run with less to go wrong.

Easier to increase storage with a roof rack/bike rack on the standard fit roof rails.

Rear seats remove completely in 2 mins allowing for large transit area.

I can then fit a 2 mountain bikes in the back without taking the wheels off.

Fantastic on the ice and snow as I have recently discovered while passing the struggling Kugas, Quashqais, Pickups, even two Range Rovers that couldn't get a grip!

Also excellent on muddy roads and in heavy rain.

On the diesel the road tax isn't too bad compared to the competition.

Opening the rear door sideways makes my life a hell of a lot easier (some people dont like this).

Holds value very well.

My dog likes it.

My wife likes it.

I like it.

For general versatility its an all round pleasure, its has enough umph to get past people when you need to, it has enough load space to carry plenty, its comfy, reliable, sturdy and still has way lower upkeep and running costs than most similar cars.

The only thing that came close for me to tick all the necessary boxes and budget was the Xtrail but the load space height was hindered by having the spare wheel inside and the turning circle wasn't even close. The thing that makes Toyotas so good is the solid build, they don't do extravagance and complexity, they just make stuff that works and works well, even down to the plastic air vents the design is functional, solid, and reliable. There'll be plenty of people on the forums with issues with their Rav's - I've had mine, but that's often the reason they come to the forum in the first place. All aging cars have their issues but of you check out reviews of this model of Rav on parkers etc. and compare it to the Freelander, Vitara, Santa Fe etc. it really is the best choice.

The 4 wheel drive is really beneficial in the bad weather and on back lanes of Britain rather than driving through muddy swamps - they really weren't designed for that purpose. if you're after a serious off roader I'd look for something else - a tractor would be a good start ;) .

If you like using the roads as a race track rather than means of getting places then this aint the car for you either, maybe an impreza with a lovely high spoiler, a tracksuit and a nice cap would suit better ;).

There are some good youtube vids - try searching on 'rav 4 iceland', 'rav 4 river crossing' if you want to see what they can do.

(If I ever try this it will be in a hire car )

I couldn't give a monkeys about convincing you, you like what you like, if you've lived with one for any length of time and still need convincing I think you would have a good idea that this isn't the car for you.

Is it the best car in the world - clearly not, is it the best car in the world for me, definitely.

There just isn't a car for the same price/value that I would swap mine for.

[local hero]

I am now on my third Rav, initially a 3 door petrol, that i had for 5yrs + other than servicing, never even changed a light bulb, My second one coincidently an 02 diesel this car had one known fault the dreaded DMF (dual mass flywheel) about £1000 to have sorted by an independant garage, hopefully your wifes car will have been done, If not you could be facing this in the near future!! Other than that, again not even a light bulb, My brother owns that car now, and if I'm honest he was a bit skeptical about JAP cars he is now a total convert, I'm now on my third Rav, again not a single fault to date (2 1/2 yrs).. Some people like Jeremy Clarkson will never praise japanese vehicles, but when you have a choice of a Ferrari, a AM, Lambo on your drive, + never have to pay a repair bill you can afford to be scathing, No the Rav doesn't have the things Range Rovers have, but then it doesn't break down, or sup more fuel than a Scania It doesn't lose half its value in 12 mths either, Is your wife pleased with it? And out of curiosity, What do you drive? Stew

[dave.m]

My reasons for owning one:

Takes up less parking space than a ford focus.

Easier to park than a normal estate.

More responsive steering than pretty much every other 4x4 in its class.

Excellent motorway handling and acceleration for overtaking.

Excellent all round visibility.

Comfy driving position for short and long journeys - 9 hours drive to Scotland no dead legs!

I just don't get this slouched down break your back chav driving thing, I like to lie down in bed not in my car (unless its parked and I'm with the right company :P ).

When it came out it was the most fuel efficient 4x4 in its class and still remains one of the most fuel efficient 4x4's available.

It still achieves this with permanent 4 wheel drive unlike much of the competition.

The fact that it doesn't have (or need) all the gimmicks or bells and whistles as you call them makes it cheaper to run with less to go wrong.

Easier to increase storage with a roof rack/bike rack on the standard fit roof rails.

Rear seats remove completely in 2 mins allowing for large transit area.

I can then fit a 2 mountain bikes in the back without taking the wheels off.

Fantastic on the ice and snow as I have recently discovered while passing the struggling Kugas, Quashqais, Pickups, even two Range Rovers that couldn't get a grip!

Also excellent on muddy roads and in heavy rain.

On the diesel the road tax isn't too bad compared to the competition.

Opening the rear door sideways makes my life a hell of a lot easier (some people dont like this).

Holds value very well.

My dog likes it.

My wife likes it.

I like it.

For general versatility its an all round pleasure, its has enough umph to get past people when you need to, it has enough load space to carry plenty, its comfy, reliable, sturdy and still has way lower upkeep and running costs than most similar cars.

The only thing that came close for me to tick all the necessary boxes and budget was the Xtrail but the load space height was hindered by having the spare wheel inside and the turning circle wasn't even close. The thing that makes Toyotas so good is the solid build, they don't do extravagance and complexity, they just make stuff that works and works well, even down to the plastic air vents the design is functional, solid, and reliable. There'll be plenty of people on the forums with issues with their Rav's - I've had mine, but that's often the reason they come to the forum in the first place. All aging cars have their issues but of you check out reviews of this model of Rav on parkers etc. and compare it to the Freelander, Vitara, Santa Fe etc. it really is the best choice.

The 4 wheel drive is really beneficial in the bad weather and on back lanes of Britain rather than driving through muddy swamps - they really weren't designed for that purpose. if you're after a serious off roader I'd look for something else - a tractor would be a good start ;) .

If you like using the roads as a race track rather than means of getting places then this aint the car for you either, maybe an impreza with a lovely high spoiler, a tracksuit and a nice cap would suit better ;).

There are some good youtube vids - try searching on 'rav 4 iceland', 'rav 4 river crossing' if you want to see what they can do.

(If I ever try this it will be in a hire car )

I couldn't give a monkeys about convincing you, you like what you like, if you've lived with one for any length of time and still need convincing I think you would have a good idea that this isn't the car for you.

Is it the best car in the world - clearly not, is it the best car in the world for me, definitely.

There just isn't a car for the same price/value that I would swap mine for.

There you go, an honest straight to the point, no BS opinion. Brilliant

[chatman]

+1 for above as well....

If you buy a LR/RR/FL good cars on the green stuff.... not much can touch them....but you pay for the privilege in the end.... and spend a long time looking through service center magazines :unsure: (we don't hold any crudges against them honest ;) ;) )

JD Power surveys are created through the owners and their opinions... and Toyota have been consistently high in the rankings....

You buy the vehicle to do the task job you want it to do... All owners on here have stories to tell regarding their RAV's and this past couple of weeks they have proved themselves to be more than capable....

[matt@theforce]

My wife owns a Diesel Toyota Rav-4, a D4D on an '02 plate.

To me, for a 4 by 4 or 'off roader' this car is pretty basic. Just a normal 5 speed shift, power steering, mediocre performance. So what makes it stand out? Is it just a glorified car in a bigger shell? There are certainly no bells & whistles to play with, no 'diff lock', no special low ratio gear stick etc.

So I want to know, what does a Rav4 have to offer? Is there something I'm missing? Is there some really clever Japanese engineering going on under the bonnet / in the transmission / controlling the brakes etc? What makes this car an 'off roader', if indeed it is one?

Cheers,

Andy

PS

I know little of cars in general TBH as you've probably all guessed, so I guess I'm asking for an education! :ffs:

I thought they were just a gimmik and wouldn't be any good off road or in this kind of weather but as SWMBO works out in the back and beyond we bought one and she loves it, I to am a convert and have been thinking about buying one but a diesel rather than the petrol

These pictures of her at work supprised me as to the ability of the Rav in the snow.

We have the 2l vvti xt5 and the joy of it is there is nothing for you to worry about, just get in and drive, its permenant 4wd our has the 'vsc' stuff and its great, it's by no means a propper off roader but in this weather its great.

[AndyLewis]

Thanks for your replies everyone!

Some chap asked 'what car do I drive?' At the mo, nothing. I DO have a car though *ahem* a Rover 416 - head gasket blew last march & it's been up the drive ever since waiting to be scrapped for a £1,000. Told you I knew nothing about cars!

I am being educated though about my wife's Rav.... BUT.... that scrappage I am after has disappeared as the £3,500 I've spent the last 10 years saving up for a replacement vehicle for me has been spent on FOUR repairs in the last 3 months on her car (yep, the damn DMF went last week, the Turbo blew up and the SCVs + Cat all had to be replaced). I know this is exceptionally unusual. The car is 8 years old, 75K on the clock.

Hence I'm asking the question in my mind 'do we keep it'?!?!?!

I think yes. Unbelieveably perhaps I want to like it, but becuase I know little of cars I look inside it and think 'so what. What has it got that another car I could get hasn't??' The wife loves it too.... but we are just a bit crest fallen about it and need perhaps convincing that it is a great car.

Does that make sense?

Cheers everyone,

Andy (and Kathy).

PS... yes it is a strangely GOOD car on the ice and snow. Is there something clever going on there? Also yes, very fuel efficent too. Looks good too...

[bothwell_buyer]

Andy and Cathy - try driving a tractor - good on snow and mud and a great driving position.

Or if your ever up my way, I can take you out in a real RAV (but only 1 at a time cos theres only 2 seats) :lol:

[AndyLewis]

^ What have you done to your Rav then? Pics?

Cheers,

A

[bothwell_buyer]

^ What have you done to your Rav then? Pics?

Cheers,

A

theres 100 shots of both RAVs - spot the difference between the two?

photos

[jjchoi]

So I want to know, what does a Rav4 have to offer?

Sorry to say, but for me the Rav 4 has been nothing but trouble - by far the most I ever spent on a car. and by far the most unreliable, and when it does break, the most expensive parts.

If I had my time again - I'd get a freelander 2 or a CRV.

[stewyinpagham]

I Had one of those.. http://www.landyzone.co.uk/lz/f9/freelande...poll-54179.html .

[jjchoi]

I Had one of those.. http://www.landyzone.co.uk/lz/f9/freelande...poll-54179.html .

Yeah, but that 1st model was a different Freelander to the one out now.

[MarsKy]

I Had one of those.. http://www.landyzone.co.uk/lz/f9/freelande...poll-54179.html .

Yeah, but that 1st model was a different Freelander to the one out now.

I have a friend who bought a new Freelander (because I bought a RAV and he wanted something different). He's scared to do anything demanding with it because of its unreliability. And as I drove along the East Kilbride - Hamilton dual carriageway over New Year, I smiled as I saw a Freelander put its hazard lights on and tried to roll onto the grass verge.

My dad gets a new Honda CR-V company car every 6 months. He hates it. Would rather go back to his 1998 RAV4 STAX - which my brother now drives. 95k miles and it has had its first repair - spring went on it.

Some you win, some you'll lose on.

[stewyinpagham]

I Had one of those.. http://www.landyzone.co.uk/lz/f9/freelande...poll-54179.html .

Yeah, but that 1st model was a different Freelander to the one out now.

FL2 just as bad and Very expensive still.. www.freel2.com/forum/index.php

[anchorman]

Diesel 4.2s can have problems with dmfs, turbos and scv's. If they all come together I can understand how somebody can fall out with them. For most they do prove reliable and over a lifetime, less trouble than a LR. Some folk swear by landies but whether that is beacause they accept the problems or they have just been lucky I don,t know.

Personally, I'm noy going to preach about what somebody should run - each to their own, All I can say is that apart from a few warranty bits and pieces I've been happy with mine and don't be surprized if I don't get another in the not too distant future. There have been times when I wonder why I didn't have a Corolla (probably the best car they ever produced) but this winter it has proved its worth and I have nothing but praise for it.