2003/4 RAV 4

[David Leigh]

Hi I am looking to buy a 2003-2005 RAV 4 either petrol or diesel. Which engine version is more reliable and what generally should I look out for when looking at cars available?

Thanks for your help 

[Grumpy stumpy]

Petrol all day long mate, bullet proof, diesel tend to suffer with turbo or clutch flywheel problem at some point that’s what I was told by a mate of mine who runs an independent Toyota garage for over 40 years , my 2004 petrol was so reliable. Also chain driven no cambelt like the diesel.

[David Leigh]

45 minutes ago, Grumpy stumpy said:

Petrol all day long mate, bullet proof, diesel tend to suffer with turbo or clutch flywheel problem at some point that’s what I was told by a mate of mine who runs an independent Toyota garage for over 40 years , my 2004 petrol was so reliable. Also chain driven no cambelt like the diesel.

Cheers 

[RUToyota]

I'd second that...petrol every time for me...even more so if you are not doing big miles.

Do the normal checks you'd do on any car...and do the online MOT check.. buy on condition and as much history as you can get.

Good luck

[Grumpy stumpy]

Only thing I would check if you go for a manual would be the 5th gear, drive it pop into 5th and check the gear lever is not vibrating too much as can pop out of 5th, new 5th gear parts are available to sort that out, I done mine for around £250 , not a bad little job to do if you know how to, easy for a gearbox specialist. Most are ok . The only other issue I had was a oxygen sensor which brought up a fault code but sorted for £80 , they really are excellent reliable cars.

[igormus]

11 hours ago, Grumpy stumpy said:

Petrol all day long mate, bullet proof, diesel tend to suffer with turbo or clutch flywheel problem at some point that’s what I was told by a mate of mine who runs an independent Toyota garage for over 40 years , my 2004 petrol was so reliable. Also chain driven no cambelt like the diesel.

+ 1

petrol + regular maintenance

 

[David Leigh]

14 hours ago, RUToyota said:

I'd second that...petrol every time for me...even more so if you are not doing big miles.

Do the normal checks you'd do on any car...and do the online MOT check.. buy on condition and as much history as you can get.

Good luck

Thanks for your help

[David Leigh]

12 hours ago, Grumpy stumpy said:

Only thing I would check if you go for a manual would be the 5th gear, drive it pop into 5th and check the gear lever is not vibrating too much as can pop out of 5th, new 5th gear parts are available to sort that out, I done mine for around £250 , not a bad little job to do if you know how to, easy for a gearbox specialist. Most are ok . The only other issue I had was a oxygen sensor which brought up a fault code but sorted for £80 , they really are excellent reliable cars.

Hi thanks for all your help, much appreciated

[David Leigh]

Hi found a possible. The dealer thinks the clutch may need changing and the last MOT had the following advisory. Grateful for estimates re cost for clutch and whether the prop shaft advisory would deter you?

 

Thanks

 

• Central Front rear prop shaft front uj showing signs of wear