2006 Vs 2008 Rav4?

[Toyo4ever]

dear members,

I'm considering buying a RAV4 to replace my Auris. I need more space and sometimes the 4x4 will be convenient.

I've been surfing the net for a few weeks already, but it's pretty hard to get the info I need. I don't trust the info on the US forums, since the US versions seem to be different in almost all aspects.

Anyway: it will be a 2006-2012 RAV4 and I have seen a nice one from 2008, but also from 2006. For my mileage, a petrol is best and I'll have the 2 litre VVTI.

So the questions:

1) Are there any differences between the 06 and the 08 model? For example: my 07 Auris had the clicking steering wheel, which was fixed, but I've seen similar problems in the RAV4.

2) I've hear stories about the covers of the handbrake-cable: these seem to 'rot' slowly and need to be replaced in time. True?

3) What about the waterpump/serpentine belt? Does it make any difference between 06 and 08 models?

Thanks in advance!

[firemac]

Hi Joe and welcome.

Both of the cars you mention are 4.3 models (i.e. from 2006 -2103). I have owned a 2012 4.3 but a diesel auto. However I have owned 3 vvt-i automatics but in the earlier 4.2 model (2000-2006) and the engine in both versions is virtually the same. Our vvt-i's have been brilliant and these engines have a well-deserved reputation for being bomb-proof. Mind you they are not the most economical engines around but personally I don't have a problem with spending a bit on fuel if the car isn't costly otherwise.

As far as I'm aware both the '06 and '08 are early versions of the 4.3 and therefore should be the same; the first major upgrade was in 2009-10 and was largely cosmetic although the diesel range was extensively improved.

I have not heard of the steering or handbrake issues that you mention on the 4.3.

The serpentine belt will be the same on both cars and whilst it is very robust, it is a good idea to keep an eye on its condition since if it does break it will immobilise the car until your local dealer can get a new one. When you look at it from above it should present an even, smooth finish. If it begins to show "tramlines" or you can feel ridges (N.B. on the outside in both cases, not on the inner surface that runs on the pulleys - that surface is ribbed intentionally) then it is time to think about renewal.

They are not a normal Toyota service item and you will not find one on the shelf in your local Halfords/Motor Factor. I had one break at 9 years old and 85K miles which put the car off the road for 2 days. Not a big deal if you're close to home and have roadside recovery but can be a pain if you are on holiday or in a remote location. My experience has led me to have the belt replaced at 5 years just to be sure and both of our subsequent used 4.2s had their belts replaced at their first service with us.

The water pump is best replaced with the belt simply because it isn't expensive and if you need to replace the pump specifically later, you need to go through the whole belt removal/replacement routine to do so. Note that RAV water pumps are known to weep but this seldom leads to failure - our original RAV had the weeping pump noted at every servive for 9 years with no ill effects resulting, not even any need to top up the coolant.

Good luck and feel free to PM me with your email addy if you want any further info.

[Toyo4ever]

Thanks for your response!

It means it won't make much of a difference whether I'd get a 2006 or 2008 model. While price wise, it can make a bit of a difference.

I'll buy at my own local - and trusted - dealer so I could ask if the water pump and/or serpentine belt has ever been replaced.

thanks again!

[DAVEXT5]

Hi, regarding your first point

"1) Are there any differences between the 06 and the 08 model? For example: my 07 Auris had the clicking steering wheel, which was fixed, but I've seen similar problems in the RAV4."

I have a 2007 D-4D XT5 and had this problem, didn't show up on test drive but after about a week got a knocking/clicking noise at low speed on turns and worse when reversing into parking when steering on full lock - it was a simple fix and Toyota updated the part so now you only need I think the lower part of the steering column. Also you can hide noise by taking off the caitor and greasing it up and I think this is what the garage did before selling to me.

Hope that helps

Dave

[Toyo4ever]

Thanks Dave, I'll keep that in mind when taking it for a testdrive!

By the way: another question: I've read that the RAV4 from 06-12 can be easily fitted with the original roof rails, if they haven't been fitted from the factory. Is that true?

[namead]

We've got a 2006 petrol XT5 auto and a 2008 T180 (manual obviously)

There are no differences I've spotted in all the years we've had them, even to the point of trying my stereo/sat nav in my wife's XT5 when that unit went faulty. Oh, and the T180 has tinted glass, the XT5 didn't.

The only issue we've had on the petrol XT5 was an oxygen sensor went south. It would correct itself then finally failed completely, with lots of warnings. The local dealer changed rather than our specialist, because they couldn't identify which one had failed and obviously if the dealer did, it was their fault if they got it wrong. Since then, its run fine and is showing in excess of 122,000 miles.

My T180 with 129,000 miles blew the engine at 121,000 and with some prodding of Toyota GB, a new engine was sourced and fitted by the local dealer. Apart from that and the Bridgetone BSRs and a failed Battery (and a poor experience with a big Orange Logo'd care accessory company starting with H), its been great

What to go for? All personal choice. According to Comparethemeekat, my wife's XT5 is worth £6,600 and the T180 £9,600 so take your pick.

Given a choice - I'd suggest getting a high spec (with built in sat nav and buy the latest discs) and enjoy. That's the way I started (with the XT5 - ex-mobility with 39,000 miles). The auto is lovely and driven at 60 will return 33 to 34mpg (cruise is great)

Oh, and one big advantage of the 2006 - the vast majority will have a spare on the boot (just get the full opening strap for the rear door to correct the limited opening). I have a full size wheel I carry in my boot for the T180, wedged between the rear seat and the tonneau cover

Another difference? The XT5 has 225/65 17's, the T180 has 235/55 18's so slightly more expensive rubber

[Conrod]

dear members,

I'm considering buying a RAV4 to replace my Auris. I need more space and sometimes the 4x4 will be convenient.

I've been surfing the net for a few weeks already, but it's pretty hard to get the info I need. I don't trust the info on the US forums, since the US versions seem to be different in almost all aspects.

Anyway: it will be a 2006-2012 RAV4 and I have seen a nice one from 2008, but also from 2006. For my mileage, a petrol is best and I'll have the 2 litre VVTI.

So the questions:

1) Are there any differences between the 06 and the 08 model? For example: my 07 Auris had the clicking steering wheel, which was fixed, but I've seen similar problems in the RAV4.

2) I've hear stories about the covers of the handbrake-cable: these seem to 'rot' slowly and need to be replaced in time. True?

3) What about the waterpump/serpentine belt? Does it make any difference between 06 and 08 models?

Thanks in advance!

If you are looking at a petrol model the XT-R has differences between the 2007 and 2008 onwards models, 2007 has spare wheel on the back door the 2008 as no spare , different wheels, chrome grill, silver under belly pan.

I like the look of the 2008 onwards XT-R but getting a spare wheel and keeping it in the boot is a good plan , as I'm not a lover of the tyre sealer.

[Toyo4ever]

Thanks!

Anyone an idea on the question below?

I've read that the RAV4 from 06-12 can be easily fitted with the original roof rails, if they haven't been fitted from the factory. Is that true?

[firemac]

Thanks!

Anyone an idea on the question below?

I've read that the RAV4 from 06-12 can be easily fitted with the original roof rails, if they haven't been fitted from the factory. Is that true?

AFAIA they are an easy DIY fit. The mounting holes are already pre-drilled in the roof and you only need to remove the blanks and buy the rails and end-pieces from Toyota. Toyota's fitting instructions are excellent IMO, having fitted quite a few OEM accessories to various RAVs & LCs.

Send Parts KIng a PM on this forum with your reg no and he will give you a price less the TOC discount.

[Parts-King]

Thanks!

Anyone an idea on the question below?

I've read that the RAV4 from 06-12 can be easily fitted with the original roof rails, if they haven't been fitted from the factory. Is that true?

Yes you can get roof rails in black or silver, PM me for prices delivered to your door

Kingo

[Toyo4ever]

Thanks! I guess it's easier and cheaper to order them straight away here in Holland. Good to hear the roof is pre-drilled. Makes it a lot easier to attach roof racks.

[Toyo4ever]

I'm just wondering why the 2006 RAV4 gets a 'Beware of the clunker' sticker: http://www.carcomplaints.com/Toyota/RAV4/2006/

While the 2008 RAV4 gets the 'pretty good' sticker: http://www.carcomplaints.com/Toyota/RAV4/2008/

Just a load of BS?

[firemac]

I'm just wondering why the 2006 RAV4 gets a 'Beware of the clunker' sticker: http://www.carcomplaints.com/Toyota/RAV4/2006/

While the 2008 RAV4 gets the 'pretty good' sticker: http://www.carcomplaints.com/Toyota/RAV4/2008/

Just a load of BS?

Never saw it before but as it's a US site, I suspect it attracts all those people who have threatened dealers or manufacturers with legal action over one issue or another in order to ramp up pressure for a settlement or demonstrate that they're "serious". Leaving aside of course the fact that the US probably has a similar proportion of nutters who get orgasmic pleasure from shouting their mouth off about every little slight - preferably anonymously.

Not forgetting of course that there's two sides to every story......

I'd be more inclined to research credible sites like owners' forums, JD Power, Honest John, etc. These SHOUTY sites never seem crdible to me.

[Toyo4ever]

These were exactly my thoughts, but I just wanted to double check with the experts

[firemac]

These were exactly my thoughts, but I just wanted to double check with the experts

Joe, I'm no expert and can only comment based on my own experiences.

Thanks for the compliment though.

[namead]

Something to bear in mind with the US - their Rav 4 isn't the same as ours. Similar looking, but longer wheelbase and different engines as I recall

[Toyo4ever]

True, they have a 2.2 petrol engine, which is said to be thirsty for oil.