Rav 4 The Future?

[PC1212]

Please excuse if this has been done to death but I am seriously considering a RAV4

The state of the roads in East Lancashire and the possibilty of bleaker winters means a change from my Audi TT to a 4X4

I have a budget of £2000 tops so this means a Rav4 from 1994 to 2000.

There seems to be plenty on the market so any advice on what to watch out for would be greatly appreciated.

Also are they easy to maintain and are parts easily obtainable?

Thanks in advance

Jason

[bothwell_buyer]

Please excuse if this has been done to death but I am seriously considering a RAV4

The state of the roads in East Lancashire and the possibilty of bleaker winters means a change from my Audi TT to a 4X4

I have a budget of £2000 tops so this means a Rav4 from 1994 to 2000.

There seems to be plenty on the market so any advice on what to watch out for would be greatly appreciated.

Also are they easy to maintain and are parts easily obtainable?

Thanks in advance

Jason

Hi Jason and welcome to the forum.

The 4.1 model - which is the 1994 -1999 range - is a robust vehicle and generally very reliable.

Things to look for?? a test drive would tell you if any suspension mountings are sloppy.... knocking on accelaration/slowing down/foot off accelarator. jumping out of 5th gear is a fairly cheap fix (£160)

Normal checks on any car - water leaks; oil leaks etc.

Brakes pulling to one side may mean calipers at front knackered

The 3sfe engine is a common engine and you can pick up spares from scrappies etc.

[local hero]

Please excuse if this has been done to death but I am seriously considering a RAV4

The state of the roads in East Lancashire and the possibilty of bleaker winters means a change from my Audi TT to a 4X4

I have a budget of £2000 tops so this means a Rav4 from 1994 to 2000.

There seems to be plenty on the market so any advice on what to watch out for would be greatly appreciated.

Also are they easy to maintain and are parts easily obtainable?

Thanks in advance

Jason

Hi Jason and welcome to the forum.

The 4.1 model - which is the 1994 -1999 range - is a robust vehicle and generally very reliable.

Things to look for?? a test drive would tell you if any suspension mountings are sloppy.... knocking on accelaration/slowing down/foot off accelarator. jumping out of 5th gear is a fairly cheap fix (£160)

Normal checks on any car - water leaks; oil leaks etc.

Brakes pulling to one side may mean calipers at front knackered

The 3sfe engine is a common engine and you can pick up spares from scrappies etc.

Afraid i cannot offer much mechanical advice however a very close neighbour has just swapped her Audi TT for a Rav admitidly its an 05 petrol Auto (she's not to happy with MPG) but that aside, she absolutely loves every thing about it so good luck with your purchase Stew

[PC1212]

Please excuse if this has been done to death but I am seriously considering a RAV4

The state of the roads in East Lancashire and the possibilty of bleaker winters means a change from my Audi TT to a 4X4

I have a budget of £2000 tops so this means a Rav4 from 1994 to 2000.

There seems to be plenty on the market so any advice on what to watch out for would be greatly appreciated.

Also are they easy to maintain and are parts easily obtainable?

Thanks in advance

Jason

Hi Jason and welcome to the forum.

The 4.1 model - which is the 1994 -1999 range - is a robust vehicle and generally very reliable.

Things to look for?? a test drive would tell you if any suspension mountings are sloppy.... knocking on accelaration/slowing down/foot off accelarator. jumping out of 5th gear is a fairly cheap fix (£160)

Normal checks on any car - water leaks; oil leaks etc.

Brakes pulling to one side may mean calipers at front knackered

The 3sfe engine is a common engine and you can pick up spares from scrappies etc.

Afraid i cannot offer much mechanical advice however a very close neighbour has just swapped her Audi TT for a Rav admitidly its an 05 petrol Auto (she's not to happy with MPG) but that aside, she absolutely loves every thing about it so good luck with your purchase Stew

[trevnhil]

Just this last April we bought a 1999 Rav 4. Be aware that it is in 4 wheel drive full time, but we still get over 30mpg. I had to have the rear diff mounts changed because the bushes had disintegrated. and we also had the centre mount changed as well, but this was because it had been damaged.

If there are lots to choose from, just take your time. Try to get a low mileage and one with the best / full service history. Check if the cam belt has been changed if it has reached (90,000 miles I think)

I have put a parcel shelf in mine and have no regrets with the purchase.

Good Luck. Trev..