Rav4 - Which Model(S) To Avoid?

[DjRav]

The 4.3 fuel light comes on around 80% gone. I.e. There should 20% left. I wouldn't imagine the tank size or calibration is much different on a 4.2?

Keeping numbers easy- I usually get 440+ miles (tis Diesel) so I would have 110 miles left "in theory". I have gone a good 40 miles over, but I wouldn't like to test it to the max though!

So, in yours, if you get around 320 miles till the light comes on, you should in theory have 80 miles left. Again, I wouldn't push it past the 40 miles mark.

Dave

[royco]

I'm looking at diesel because of the fuel economy (or lack of) with petrol. My old petrol Avensis has been so reliable that I want to stick with Toyota.

My petrol 55 plate RAV4 VVTI 2.0 get around 35mpg - I was impressed.

[Frank Wardrobe]

I 'm glad to see that - Ithought it was just mine I was hoping changing the lamdas would make it less wildly inaccurate but no such luck. I managed to get it to say 5.9 l/100km on a run a few weeks back but it still works out about 8.5-9 most of the time. 9 works out to just over 30mpg, not bad for a house brick :D

[Uncle_P]

Anyhooo.. this thread has drifted off course a little. Interesting though it is to compare mpg figures.

As somebody with a petrol 4.2, I've not really paid much attention to all the the threads with things like 'exploding dmf' and 'engine replaced' etc. Trouble is that my 4.2 isn't getting any younger and sooner or later, I'm going to have to buy a 4.3.

So to recap, the early (pre 07) cars may suffer from excessive oil consumption, so they're out. I'd only want a model with a full size spare on the back, so is that just the 180's that are out of the equation? Also is the dreaded dmf failure something that is an equal threat to all models or are newer years less prone?

I reckon I'll keep my 4.2 for another 2 or 3 years and then be looking to spend around 10 grand on it's replacement, so possibly a 2010 model might be an option?

There's also a little voice in the back of my head saying buy a Landcruiser, but that would mean buying an older car. Maybe I'll take a trolley over to the LC forum and see what they think.

[Hoovie]

Full sized spares are disappearing generally across cars, even 4x4s.

If you want a RAV4.3 with a spare on the door, you need an XT-3, XT-4 or XT-5. Anything else has no spare wheel. Nothing from 2010 will have spares. And I would be amazed if the new RAV4.4 has a spare.

[Uncle_P]

I'm probably a bit of a rarity, in that my Rav has all terrain tyres and does actually go off the road. A full size spare is an essential to me.. I can see me looking more seriously at a Landcruiser when the time comes to change. More and more off roaders are becoming soft roaders these days and those that were soft roaders seem to be turning into 4x4 estate cars. As illustrated by the number of front drive only 4x4 style cars out there; qashquai, sportage etc. Even the Range Rover Evoque has a front drive only option.

Oh well, the public gets what the public wants I suppose.

[firemac]

Anyhooo.. this thread has drifted off course a little. Interesting though it is to compare mpg figures.

As somebody with a petrol 4.2, I've not really paid much attention to all the the threads with things like 'exploding dmf' and 'engine replaced' etc. Trouble is that my 4.2 isn't getting any younger and sooner or later, I'm going to have to buy a 4.3.

So to recap, the early (pre 07) cars may suffer from excessive oil consumption, so they're out. I'd only want a model with a full size spare on the back, so is that just the 180's that are out of the equation? Also is the dreaded dmf failure something that is an equal threat to all models or are newer years less prone?

I reckon I'll keep my 4.2 for another 2 or 3 years and then be looking to spend around 10 grand on it's replacement, so possibly a 2010 model might be an option?

There's also a little voice in the back of my head saying buy a Landcruiser, but that would mean buying an older car. Maybe I'll take a trolley over to the LC forum and see what they think.

I'm in similar position with our 02-reg VVt-i with 79K miles up & starting to wonder what to replace it with. But it's just had its service with Mr.T who declared it to be in perfect health & condition. We really like this car and, as I've said more than once before, in terms of reliability & running costs, it's the best car we've ever had (hence the 10 years of ownership); the only worry in the back of my mind is the risk of the autobox ECU gremlin striking at some point. It's technically my Better Half's car and I fear she will suffer severe withdrawal symptoms if it has to go.

Therefore, in view of the condition & fact that it's running extremely well (crap mpg notwithstanding) I'm now thinking that I'll get our nearest Waxoyl guy to give it the treatment and then simply hang on to it. Had a quote before @ about £400 for the works incl'g all the inner doors, box sections, etc. I reckon it would freshen up all the rubber bushes as well perhaps.

More head scratching, I reckon.

[Stupidmia]

It can occur with any RAV with a diesel up until 2008 ish. Bear in mind that those with high oil consumption are usually early ones from 2006 up to maybe late 2006 early 2007. As a result many of those early ones have been re-engined.

Big Kev is selling a mint SR180 which is post engine problem altogether.

Does this imply that there is still a risk with any other Rav diesels up until the facelift/current model (albeit a lower risk)?

Mine is a July 2008 SR180....it hasn't shown any oil burning problems so far (no smoking from exhaust/excessive oil use/dicolouration of oil beyond what would be expected)...but after reading all the engine issues on here in the past, I often wonder when it will go...and if it will go before the 7yr extended warranty for this issue.

Mine is still relatively low miles (@35K)...so perhaps I've got a bit to go before problems would arise?

[anchorman]

Yours has virtually all the running production modifications that bring it up to the current spec. I really wouldn't worry about it.

[Uncle_P]

So which model and engine offers the most reliable option? Shame there aren't many petrol 4.3s out there.

[anchorman]

Not an easy question to answer. I am always drawn to diesels because I like the pulling power and the economy. I suppose the 150 engine is the ultimate but I know owners with 2006 and 2007 models who know about previous issues and are un phased by it. D-CAT engines tend to be quieter . I like the VVTi although it can be a bit harsh and thirsty. Not tried the new valvematic.