Newbie With An Oldie 2Lt Vvti Rav4!

October 7, 2011

Hej

Picking up a well used RAV4 VVTI 150bhp later this month. Anything I should be aware of to look out for on this model? The car has a full Toyota dealer service history and had it's 120,000km service in June so was only planning an oil and filter change, however, I would welcome any hints or tips that I should be looking out for on this model.

I still own an 1.9cdti Zafira ( I know I know....please! ) and I have had nothing but total heartache with it...had to replace the dual mass flywheel last month at the cost of £2k. it' been the most expensive car to run thst I have ever owned....and I have had a few!...so I thought I would take a punt at the Rav4 as I have always had a soft spot for the wee thing.....and I thing my Mrs will love it......she better....hahaha

Any advice greatly welcomed.

Cheers

Allan

October 8, 2011

Can you tell us more about the model Allan? What year are we looking at?

October 8, 2011

Hej

Certainly, it's a 2003 Mark 2, 2 Litre manual VVTI engine (150bhp model ) Petrol 5 door.

Cheers

A

October 8, 2011

Couple of things spring to mind

1) You don't mention if the seller is trusted ? If your not 100% just check that the engine warning light comes on then goes off when you switch the ignition on. Older VVTI's only occasional weakness has been oxygen sensors and the easiest way for less than honest sellers to hide the fault is to kill the bulb. (Ditto, also check the other warning lights, eg ABS, Airbag etc, but there is not likely to be a problem to hide)

2) Check the brake/clutch fluid has been changed in the last two years.

3) Consider cleaning and lubricating the brake callipers sliders pins etc, especially the rears.

The rear callipers pins have a habit of corroding and regular (every two years) lubrication as well as a brake fluid change can save you money and problems.

Other than this the 4.2 VVTI is pretty bullet proof :D

November 19, 2011

Couple of things spring to mind
1) You don't mention if the seller is trusted ? If your not 100% just check that the engine warning light comes on then goes off when you switch the ignition on. Older VVTI's only occasional weakness has been oxygen sensors and the easiest way for less than honest sellers to hide the fault is to kill the bulb. (Ditto, also check the other warning lights, eg ABS, Airbag etc, but there is not likely to be a problem to hide)
2) Check the brake/clutch fluid has been changed in the last two years.
3) Consider cleaning and lubricating the brake callipers sliders pins etc, especially the rears.
The rear callipers pins have a habit of corroding and regular (every two years) lubrication as well as a brake fluid change can save you money and problems.
Other than this the 4.2 VVTI is pretty bullet proof :D

Many thanks for the advice. I bought the car from a reputable, established Subaru dealer and have a 12 month warranty.

The car has full Toyota service histoy with all receipts and had a service done in April this year at a cost of over a Grand!But this is Sweden! Noticed that he has had several bulbs replaced and had one of the airbags off at the service before last, however, am sure it has not ben involved in a prang as you have to declare that over here.....and everything looks it's age and sits right!

Planning to have an oil and filter change and brake inspection anway, so I will check out the brake clutch fluid while am at it!

Am glad you think it's bullet proof....that's why I bought it....my hearts been broken by GM and I want a car that will see me through the icey, winter here. Only concern is it's high fuel consumption versus the oil burners I have owned for the past years, however, I am hoping that what I spend at the pump will be saved by not needing it repaired as much, unlike my diesel!

Thanks Again

Allan

November 19, 2011

Great post Ian, I didn't know about the rear brakes.

I would add the front arb droplinks can be a high wear item, but I think they are about £25 a pair for patern parts so no great shakes if they need doing. Symptoms are clonks from the front suspension.

November 29, 2011

Our 2l vvti Rav4.2 is great. The only fault we've had since we've owned it was a faulty rear door sensor (when opening the door it didn't register so would lock the car after opening), it cost us nothing to fix, just took it off and cleaned it :thumbsup: