Rav 4.3 Buyers Advice

[peter1979]

I'm currently looking for a 2007/8 Rav 4.3 as an upgrade from my current Yaris. Budget of around 7-8k and looking for diesel due to general better fuel consumption.

My question is, what's the things I should take onto consideration with this model? Any dmf or dpfs in either? I'm not particularly technically minded but I have heard that there can be areas of concern for modern diesels.

Regards

Pete

[FROSTYBALLS]

Have a look at the following which affected Rav 4's with the 2AD engine (2.2 litre) with production dates July 2005 to December 2008 - http://www.toyotaownersclub.com/forums/topic/132178-charliefarlies-guide-to-the-toyota-2ad-diesel-engine-and-its-issues/

Toyota should be able to confirm whether a car has had an engine replacement.

[Mike169]

If you can stretch to a 2009 model i believe the engine was modified so no problems that the earlier models had......if however you go for a slightly older one it would be in your best interest to contact Toyota, your local dealer will be fine and they can tell you the cars history and if the pre 2009 models problems were sorted out on that vehicle by it's registration then the slightly older model will be fine.

Mike.

[Madasafish]

I looked at a 2007 RAV4 T180 with 50k miles and Full Service History on Sunday. My comments are as follows.

Car advertised as 2007 - the Service Book showed registration in March 2006.

The Full Service History was not stamped for the Intermediate Services so no proof they were carried out..

The middle box on the exhaust system had been welded up and holes sealed with white exhaust filler. It was very rusty and would need to be replaced in under a year.

Tyre were the correct run flats and the Tyre Pressure Monitors were in place..Evenly worn with approx 5mm of tread.

The oil was clean and the antifreeze was pink and clear -.

No oil or fluid leaks visible.

Lots of surface corrosion on fixtures and ECU under bonnet suggested the car had sat unused outside.

The last owner owned it for under 6 months !!! There were two previous owners.

The inside was in good condition. Apart from a few stone chips the body was good.

VERY heavy clutch.

So misrepresented, underserviced and one owner sells very quickly and a bodged exhaust...

I ran a mile...Trouble waiting to happen in my view.

[ANNAWONG]

Good decision!

With your attitude (the correct one!) you will find a good'un.