What Rav4 To Go4

[Daddy dave]

Looking to get a rav4 as our main family car .. looking to spend around 6k so late mk2 or early mk3 are on the list .. 1st question which is best ... had fancied a mk3 so 2nd question which is best model .. do about 10k a year but do fancy the look of the t180 but heard different things about that model .. dont mind a petrol though .. Thanks

[gjnorthall]

First of all read about the issues of the 4.3 diesel in the pinned section - you'll probably be convinced that any prospective diesel purchase would need to have had an engine change. The T180 is a great car but the same comments apply and there is an issue about runflat tyres. The 4.2 diesel is excellent but failure of the DMF is an issue.

A petrol Rav is a realistic prospect if you cover 10K miles per year. It's a personal choice whether you go for a late 4.2 or an early 4.3 - IMHO the later 4.2 petrol is a superb car so shouldn't necessarily be dismissed on age.

[Daddy dave]

Thanks for replying .. can i ask where do i look to read about the engine problems .. Also what are then engine problems so I know what I'm looking for ... don't sound like good news though .. thought toyota were reliable ..

[gjnorthall]

You can read about the particular issue with the 2006 - 2009 4.3 diesel here

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

Theres nothing really to look at if you're interested in any 4.3 diesels - it's really a case of giving yourself piece of mind by checking if the engine has been changed under Toyota's goodwill warranty scheme.

In common with other Japanese cars - Toyotas come quite high in the reliability stakes. The petrol versions of the Rav are almost bombproof.

[Daddy dave]

Ok thanks .. I worked for toyota 20 years ago and had similar problems with ma70 supra with 7mge engine ...