Rav 4 Trim Levels! Help!

[DJClaire]

Hi Guys,

I am a massive fan of the Rav and I currently own my third and apart from a blip (early mid life crisis) which led me to temporarily owning a hideous and rubbish BMW 318CI M Sport Convertible, I have always been a Toy owner.

I am currently in a fairly basic petrol, 2006 '56' plate XT4 but I want to go back to a higher spec, diesel RAV and need your expert advice. I have had a good hunt and I am struggling to find a simple trim level listing for Rav's around 2009. I want to compare XT4, XT5, XTR and any other high spec levels.

Is there one on the forum that I have missed perhaps?

I am a girl so naturally I am interested in the interior and I want all the buttons and knobs available, I detest dashboard blanking plates and not knowing what I am missing!

So here it is. This is my dream spec:

• Roughly 2008-2010
• Diesel Engine, Manual (6 speed ideally, as I need decent MPG and the lowest tax I can get)
• All the toys! Sat Nav, with bluetooth phone integration, leather, heated seats?
• Running boards? What styling 'pack' was this included in?
• Rear boot protector? Chrome door sill guards? Was this the 'protection pack'?

Which trim levels should I be looking at? What should I avoid? I can live with the run flats if it is an amazing spec, but I want to avoid engine issues, so is that the 2.2 out of the window?

Any help would be fab.

Claire

Excited about a new Rav ;-)

PS: One last random question . . . My original MK1 3 Door Rav was stunning and had a cool and simple A bar on the front. Are they still legal to have fitted? I heard that they were going to be banned in case you hit a pedestrian?

[FROSTYBALLS]

You can download some previous model brochures which will provide an idea of specs from - http://www.toyota.co.uk/owners-info/vehicle-information

Go to 'previous model brochures' and in the drop-down list there are brochures for:

Rav4 July 2009

Rav4 March 2008

[DJClaire]

This is really helpful thank you.

Having looked at all the brochures, it looks like I need to find myself a 2008 XT5 with the style pack or a 2009 XTR AWD with a million extras :-(

Time to start hunting for the dream Ravioli! :-)

[philip42h]

You could do worse than look at a 2010 or later RAV4 SR. That would have the 150bhp 2.2 D-CAT engine - so no problems there - and a excellent 6-speed automatic box. Add the Style pack for exterior garnish including the running boards and SatNav because it wasn't standard and you have a nicely spec'd car.

I know you said manual, and the auto won't be as economical as a manual, but it is a very nice car ...

[DJClaire]

Sounds good, but what sort of mpg/emissions is it from the auto?

[philip42h]

From the previous model brochure linked by Frosty, 39.2 mpg (combined) and 189 g/km CO2 ...

[152bobby]

From the previous model brochure linked by Frosty, 39.2 mpg (combined) and 189 g/km CO2 ...

[152bobby]

I have a 2011 Rav4 SR Auto. Get the brochure that lists the mpg and flush it down the loo.

I have driven my car like Miss Marple and Michael Schumacher, tried all different types of diesels and I'm lucky to get over 30mpg.

[DJClaire]

Thanks Bobby.

My 2.0 VVTI Petrol is managing just 28-29mpg. Makes you wonder if it's worth going for the more expensive diesel!

[152bobby]

Personally I would not buy another diesel for many reasons, to name a few:

Crap mpg

Noiser

More expensive than petrol

More and more countries are damming diesel cars, just look at France!!! The UK will soon follow France's suggestions.

Each to their own!!!!

[philip42h]

OK, if that's the most important criterion it sounds as though the XTR manual would be a better bet.

I average 38.5 mpg in mine (RAV 4.4 2.2 D-CAT auto)

[152bobby]

I need some else that has the same car as me, 4.3 2.2 D Cat to give me their mpg.

If it's the same as mine, fine I'll live with it.

[philip42h]

Looking at Honest John's real mpg site gives figures between 29 and 36 mpg for the SR150 - average 32.5 mpg - so yours is 'within range'. Disappointing, I agree ...