Rav4 Buying Advice Needed

[JonRich]

Hi, I'm a newbie here but have recently become very keen in buying a used Rav4 to replace my ageing Golf Mk4, so am seeking some buying advice...

In terms of model I've narrowed it down to the following:
3dr, 03/04 plate (I believe that makes it early second model), Petrol, mileage about 80k.

I'm going to see one that fits this at a local-ish dealer this weekend mainly to get a feel for the car but if I love it I may be tempted (they've got it listed at £3,000), but have a few questions:

- I drive 20 miles to work and back daily for work, mainly on b-roads but finishing in the city, does anybody have a good guess at what mpg I can expect? I know it won't be amazing but want to know how much worse than Golf it will be (33mpg).

- Is somewhere between £2,500 and £3,000 a good price for what I'm after (it seems to be the going rate) or should I hold out for a bargin?

-Other than testing 5th gear for vibrations, is there anything else I should look out for?

Thanks!

[IanML]

Based purely on my experience with mine, check the underside of the sunroof frame (if it has a sunroof) for rust, the driver's sunvisor, and the rear door check strap.

My five-door automatic does about 25 (winter) and 28 (summer).  With a lighter body, and a manual box, I would guess 29/32, but if your drive is steadier (less braking and acceleration) you might get 32/35.

[Grumpy stumpy]

Yep like you say check the 5 th gear and like Ian has said drivers side sunvisor, make sure it stays up, they wear and drop down and new ones are around £175 !

i get around 35 mpg out of mine and I drive 23 miles to work. Other than the odd o2 sensor the petrol Ravs are brilliant , no cambelt to worry about, one other thing I've had on mine was a water pump after 80,000 miles wasn't that expensive to get done around £125 with parts and labour, as you need special tool to get the aux belt off. Just see if it's slightly weeping if so get them to replace.

[IanML]

However, if the sunvisor is bad, it does not have to be a deal-breaker.  You can get JDM sunvisor (no light) from Toyota for £40 plus VAT.  See here.