Back to the Brand!

[jgaskell]

Hi!

As a previous long-term Toyota owner, I've decided to make a return to the brand, having previously owned (in order Celica ST185, Celica ST205, MR2 Turbo Rev 2, MR2 Turbo Rev 3 [V6 Turbo!], MR2 Rev 4 Spyder, Supra VVTi MT6 [Big Twins upgrade]).

I'm just about to purchase a 2011/2012 Rav4 which I intend to subtly enhance with some choice additions. This will be my daily driver, and I cover a decent amount of miles, so I want to have my creature comforts.

Coming from a long line of BMW daily drivers (in order, E46 M3, M6, 535d, X6 40d, 730d) and a 2017 Nissan GT-R as my fun car, I wanted something to completely change my daily routine.

Obligatory GT-R picture

I recently bought an 04 Rav4.2 for my holiday home in Spain and immediately fell in love with it's underdog charm - so much that I've decided I'm getting shut of the 730d, which is high miles now, at getting the last of the 4.3 series to enjoy.

The immediate plan is to get a decent low-ish miler. I'll be getting the 2 litre, automatic one. Fuel economy isn't a huge concern to me, I get 35mpg out of the 730d, if I can get 30+ out of the new Rav4.3 I'll be happy, the Rav4.2 I have retuns a steady 36-38 on my route.

First round of modifications will be:

• Strip interior and soundproof with some Skinz layers (headlining, floor, doors, rear tailgate)
• Remove current OEM head unit and wiring
• Replace with Seicane Android Head Unit (comes with GPS, DAB+, DVB-T, 4G Connectivity, Reversing Camera, Dash Cam, TPMS, etc).
• Replace door Speakers with some nice Hertz HSK 165 uprades (front and rear)
• Install 2x Amps with wiring in place for a third
• Install Audison BitONE
• Run wiring for A Pillar Speakers and Sub
• Upgrade Rear Camera to a higher resolution one
• Install LED light upgrade and LED bulbs all round

Second round of modifications will be

• Get some spare A-Pillar trims and fabricate some 4" mids in there
• Fabricate a decent, stealth looking sub enclosure for a single 10" or dual 8" (undecided yet)
• Work out how it rides and buy some after market wheels for the summer months - will work out the offset and width once I know the car better, something like the XXR 527 will suit, I think.
• Buy some winter tyres for the OEM wheels

Third round of modifications will be .... interesting!

I run my own software testing company, so getting my hands dirty in technical stuff is right up my street, but I want to learn the fabrication in something not overly electronic - whilst keeping a practical car. The Rav4.3 ticks all the boxes.

I've a couple of holidays to go on first - including driving the Rav4.2 to Spain over Easter, but after that, the project starts. I've already got my shopping list!

Cheers,

J