To Buy Or Not To Buy...

[Phoenix_63]

Hi,

we are looking to buy a Rav4, definitely a diesel, and we were looking at a 2.2 D-4D XTR. Then we found the thread about the 2.2 engine. This car is at an independent dealers' and I have no idea if the engine has been replaced. Would the best advice be to avoid the 2.2 and aim for a 2.0? Economy is reasonably important to us...

[Big Kev]

Hi Scott......need input.......what age is proposed purchase? If it is one of a more recent vintage, all worries re. the engine become negated.......and welcome t'club of those who know........naw, not me.......

[Phoenix_63]

we are looking at about an 07 year, budget about 7k...what do you call more recent vintage please?

[CharlieFarlie]

More recent than the one in post 1 .....,

[Big Kev]

Agree with brevity of Charlie....lol.....should anything go wrong on the engine front, you only have until its 7th anniversary of registration NEXT YEAR 2014 for it to partake of the 7 year warranty. Then again, it could be a well priced example of a low mileage car, with full service history......and no intentions of going wrong.

You could buy a Bentley........and it may be a squib.....?

If the Rav is the car for you, and you are concerned, maybe need to stretch yer budget and look at later wans. Good luck in your quest, and do not dismiss petrol bombproof models, but you do stress diesel for your own reasons. Look on eBay for sale link at top of page......hunners available, and and an indie garage is more likely to jog backwards IF things go wrong IMO.

[Hoovie]

Stretch the budget and get a 150BHP version from June 2010 onwards.

No engine worries, better drive, looks nicer, still have at least 1.5 years of warranty left and will last you longer, and be worth more on resale as well (just don't go for auto box if economy matter as your say)

[CharlieFarlie]

Read here....

http://www.toyotaownersclub.com/forums/topic/132178-charliefarlies-guide-to-the-toyota-2ad-diesel-engine-and-its-issues/

As Kev says above the extended warranty is until 7 years from registration and not 1 day more...

The Rav diesel is a fantastic car and economy is good given the size and capability of the car ....

My advice would be to take the VIN number to a Toyota Dealer and ask nicely if the engine in that car has been changed.. If it has whoopy doo .

It it has not then consider if you can live with the risk of an engine going wrong after that 7 years have expired.. Only you can answer that one.

Petrol cars are very good but quite a bit more fuel is needed.. But you already knew that...

[Pogle]

Dont buy. Unless you like russian roulette.

[Phoenix_63]

Thanks for all your replies people, much appreciated. The more we look into it the more it appears that we want more than a cheap boneshaker but can't really afford the one we want! So for now it will have to be something else, when that needs upgrading then we may re-visit the Rav4. Thank you very much again for your help, it is valued!

[Big Kev]

Dont buy. Unless you like russian roulette.

In which case, Andy, there would be a lot less FORDS on the road, if their Forumz are to be believed.........and when THEY go wrong, it is fun asking them aboot their good will warranty....."only at Christmas, sir......good will to some men".