About To Buy But Dont Want To Make A Mistake!

[Nickd57]

Am about to buy a Toyota RAV4 2.2 D-4D XT-R on a 58 plate with 55k on the clock. Looks very clean but not sure what to check if anything. It's missing its last service - not sure how big a deal this is?

Thanks in advance for any help - dont want to be coming on next week to find I've bought a dud!

Nick

[FROSTYBALLS]

Servicing is every 12 months or 10,000 miles, whichever occurs first - which should provide an idea as to how overdue the service is.

The other thing to consider is the head gasket issue that can affect some Rav4's - see http://www.toyotaownersclub.com/forums/topic/132178-charliefarlies-guide-to-the-toyota-2ad-diesel-engine-and-its-issues/

The Toyota repairs mentioned in the above thread are done under a goodwill measure from Toyota, rather than an extended warranty as the early part of the thread suggests. A Toyota dealer should be able to tell you whether this Rav4 has had a replacement engine under the goodwill measure. Just be aware that the dates mentioned in the above thread relate to production dates rather than first registration dates - so a car may have been registered in, for example December 2008, but have been produced in August, in which case it could be affected.

Also if it is a 2008 car, at some stage this year it will go beyond the 7 years, and will be outside the goodwill measure (7 years or 111,846 miles, whichever occurs first).

[Nickd57]

So I could ask the vendor if it's been done?
And I could ask a Toyota dealer?

Do you know what sort of % it effects. Sound like it could be a risky purchase. I cant really afford the 150 bhp version

What do you think?

Nick

[FROSTYBALLS]

The vendor could say anything, and if it has been replaced under the goodwill measure by Toyota, the owner at the time may not have had any supporting paperwork - which would be retained by Toyota in support of the goodwill provided.

To be certain - ask a Toyota dealer (provide the reg number or the VIN). If the engine has been replaced by Toyota under this goodwill measure, it will be recorded on Toyota's service history of the car.

Numbers affected aren't in the public domain.

[Nickd57]

OK many thanks. Maybe I should try for a 150 bhp version.