Which Rav4?

[Charlieboy23]

I am looking at buying a Rav4. My budget allows me took look at models from 2000 till 2012. Could I have any input as to the most reliable years, engines petrol/diesel within that range. What sort of mileage could I expect from the 1.8 petrol engine? Many thanks.

[philip42h]

2000 to 2012 means that you would be looking a second and third generation cars - the 4.2 and 4.3 as we know them here. And all the cars within your budget are over ten years old - so condition and reliability will be largely determined by their history rather than model / engine specifics ... but you'll already know that ...

1. Avoid diesels from between 2005 and 2010 - there was an acknowledge design issue that was resolved in production around 2009. Toyota in the UK offered a 'goodwill' warranty for 7 years to resolve this problem which has, of course, long expired now. So, unless you know that the issue has been fixed on a specific car there would be an above average level of risk with a 4.3 diesel.
2. The 2.0 vvti petrol is generally regarded as pretty bullet proof. You should get around 30 mpg.

[Charlieboy23]

Thank you Philip. Could you tell me what the issue was? That way I can know if it's been resolved. Sounds like a 2011 or 2012 diesel might be the way to go. Do you know if the early 1.8 petrol had any issues? Many thanks.

[philip42h]

You'll need to have a search on here for the Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) that applied - once you know that number a competent dealer will be able to tell you whether the fix has been applied.

Modern diesels - i.e. post about 2010 - tend to be blessed with all manner of emissions control add-ons which counters the simplicity and reliability of a diesel. This applies equally to all makes, not just Toyota / RAV4. So, if you want a reliable / worry free car, stick to petrol - if you are doing high mileages a diesel might suit; if you are doing low mileages a diesel would be a poor choice.

I don't know anything about the 4.2 1.8 petrols ... that said, if they had been plagued with issues I'd probably know about that from lurking around here ... 😉

[Charlieboy23]

Thanks for your help.

[Dippy]

I had a 4.2, now a 4.3. I felt the latter was notably bigger inside (child seats), quieter, more comfortable on long drives. Going from 105 to 177bhp, faster too 🙂.  Great family car. No idea about off-road or towing capability. 

[Hybrid21]

Hi Tristan, my son in law had a 2011 RAV4 diesel since new and always been reliable up until about 10 years old.

Main problem was the fuel injectors which went faulty and to cut a long story short car was with local garage for about 3 months and cost them a lot of money.

He traded it in for a new Suzuki as the RAV4 looked like becoming a moneypit.

I did a bit of research into the fuel injector problems and it does seem quite common around this year.