Buying A Used Rav4

[Aqualung666]

Hi to all

I'm new and just in the process of buying a used Rav4 - it's likely that it will be a 2007 model with about 50,000 on the clock. Is there anything specifically you would recommend I check for? The model I'm looking at and due to test drive has full Toyota service history and whilst it's not from a Toyota dealership it is a Mitsubushi dealer.

many thanks in advance

[Davrav]

Hi and welcome to the club

Is this a petrol or diesel you are looking at?

If petrol, just check for any kind of steering clunk when turning or slight knocking when low speed manouvering [try that in reverse]

Have a good look at the brake disc condition as early pad material tended to deposit resulting in corosion, especially on the inside faces.

If Diesel, as above but additionally, have a read about potential engine issues and the extended warranty in the pinned section:

http://www.toyotaown...78#entry1175067

Ask if the engine has had any symptoms or if it has been 'done' - if the Mitzi dealer doesn't know, get them to contact Toyota UK to find out.

Other members may have suggestions for additional things to check but I can't think of any just now.

For peace of mind with regard to other major items you can purchase a pretty comprehensive extended warranty direct from Toyota but they will insist on a Toyota dealer doing the servicing.

Good Luck

[Aqualung666]

Thanks for that. It's a Diesel model. I'll definatley ask them to check with Toyota. I think it comes with a warranty from the Mitzi dealer, but can't remember if it's 3 or 6 months. I'm test driving it on Saturday so will see how things go.

[Feral Rabbit]

If there's a rumbling from the clutch it could mean that the flywheel is on the way out (I've been told by a Toyota specialist that these things have a life expectancy of around 60,000 miles before they start to become troublesome and they aren't cheap to replace. Plenty on this site regarding these things.

I wish I had found out before buying mine

[Davrav]

If there's a rumbling from the clutch it could mean that the flywheel is on the way out (I've been told by a Toyota specialist that these things have a life expectancy of around 60,000 miles before they start to become troublesome and they aren't cheap to replace. Plenty on this site regarding these things.

I wish I had found out before buying mine

May be wrong but I don't think we have had any reports of DMF issues with 4.3 diesel model RAVs

Plenty with the previous 4.2 diesel model though.......................

[flyboyprowler]

Yes, really important to check service history, preferably all Toyota, but welcome to the forum, and hope the test drive goes well----Great cars, but both mine are petrol!!!!

[Aqualung666]

Well, I went ahead and bought it. It had full Toyota service History and all the issues you mentioned came back as clear. I also bought a 3 year warranty from the mitzubushi dealer which seemed to cover most things other than the usual wear and tear. One thing which I'm puzzeled about is on the original advert for the car on autotrader it stated it had bluetooth phone connectivity, but hen I took it for the test drive the saleman said it didn't have it. I thought that all models of 2007 RAV4 2.2 D-4D XTR's had it as standard. Could it be he is wrong? I don't collect the car until later this week so can't check

[anchorman]

Soon after XTRs were launched they added blutooth kits at the import centre. Some of the very early ones didn't have it. You will see the mic up by the interior light if it does (it might be pinned).

On the plus side, some early XTRs had a spare wheel on the back. That didn't last long!!!

[DjRav]

Got a 57 plate XTR- no bluetooth

Dave

[Aqualung666]

Ahh, probably won't have then. Thank you for the help.