Possible Newbie

[sjrainsford]

Hi there folks!

I was thinkin of getting a Corolla, but since I got rid of my Avensis and Lexus GS a good while back i've always liked the Rav 4.

So i've decided to spend some money and get one. I like the newer type, and was originally looking at the diesel version.

But, after working it out getting a diesel won't save me much, especially as they seem a lot more to buy in the first place (second hand).

So, what are your thoughts on them? And more to the point, what's the petrol 2 litre like on fuel? If I can see what you are all gettin, I can work it out more accurately.

Thanks all!

Stu

[shutty]

27-29 on a manual

Expect 24 in an auto

[jonbr]

On my daily commute, a mixture of stop start and constant 50 - 60 mph, I get about 30MPG. At a constant 55 (which I don't do much :D ) I get between 45 and 48MPG.

Generally I find keeping the engine below about 3500 revs and the mpg is very good.

[sjrainsford]

So as far as 4x4's go, they are actually quite good then?

Based on 30mpg for a petrol and 38mpg for the diesel, the diesel would only save me nearly £400 a year over 20,000 miles.

But the thing is, the diesels seem to be £1000+ more than the petrol ones. So i'd have to use it for a few years to make that back!

The petrol one is looking more promising now!

Keep them coming, and thanks in advance!

[jonbr]

I bought my XT4 new. I couldn't really make up my mind if I wanted the diesel or petrol, as I'd work out it would take a me about 3 years to make back the extra outlay on the diesel, but as I planned to keep it for several years that wouldn't matter.

When I went to order, the wait was 3 months longer for the diesel than for a petrol so I went for the petrol and I haven't looked back. It's a great car and the petrol engine has got some real poke if you take it over the 3500 rev mark, but it gets thirsty if your always reving that high. Just as well going over that mark isn't required for most times in a RAV. :)

[sjrainsford]

Well, you're all slowly talking me into it!!

Keep them coming? I'd still like to know your experiences regarding fuel consumption, but are there any common problems I should be looking for? I know it's a Toyota, but there still can be little issues. I'm probably gonna go for an early model of the latest shape. So 2000 on I suppose, and a 5 door.

Thanks again in advance!!

[jonbr]

I know it's a Toyota, but there still can be little issues. 

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Yep, the rear parcel shelf, keeps clocking you on the head if you push it up and expect is to stay in place, it doesn't. Also, the rear door not opening the full 90 degrees can be a bit of a pain but you'll find other posts on the forum with details on where to get a new door stay so it will open the full 90 degrees if you want it too.

Apart from that, I've not found any other issues with my RAV in more than a year of very happy motoring. :D

[AMH]

Had a '97 3 dr - then changed to a Lexus IS200 - now back in an 04 5dr Granite petrol - nuff said ?

Getting 28mpg on mainly town driving.

Wheel balancing and fuel computer accuracy (or lack of) only issues - now both sorted.

Loads of modding potential:

Sound proofed using Dynamat

Rear door strap mod

Front door tweeters fitted

Mobil 1 oil

K&N panel filter

Looking at twin exhaust

Philips +50% head light bulbs

Origin b2

Rubber boot liner

High seating makes for very relaxed driving - torque of engine helps too after the Lex too.

Removal of rear seats create mini truck for hauling stuff around - arch and door plastics mean less fear in car parks etc.

Always seems to look small when I see them on the raod but sitting inside it seems vast - Tardis or is it just me

Dealer support is a given - guess you already know that looking at your previous rides ...

You know it makes sense - go on ... :P

[jonbr]

Always seems to look small when I see them on the raod but sitting inside it seems vast - Tardis or is it just me 

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I agree, when I see other RAV's I think they look quite small on the road but they sure don't feel it :)

[M12 TURBO]

I bought a RAV4 XT4 Auto Petrol around 3 months ago, it was a 6mth old with only 21 miles from a dealer. A Pre Reg demo. Saved a packet on the new price.

Got to say, its a very light car to drive, and doesnt feel like you are driving a big car at all.

The back door is an issue, and the stereo/speakers are crap. But these can all be easily rectified easily.

Definately one of the fastest and best road handling softroaders about.

One thing I will say is you can spend quite a bit on accessories or a better speced car (check out the new XT5 with heated leather seats and a sat nav). The granite is basically an XT3 with chrome Kit and bigger alloys (does look good).

I recomend you go for a test drive, should help you decide.

Regards

Dave

[sjrainsford]

It's nice to see positive comments. Although it's what I expected really. Cause both the Toyota Avensis and Lexus GS I had were brilliant cars.

As I said, mine won't be as new as the ones you lot seem to have, but I'm gonna aim for the highest trim model I can get. VX is it? I think they look smashin when they have the side steps on and stuff like that.

Mind you, even the lower specs seem to be well kitted out. One thing that does concern me is the stereo, cause I wouldn't be keen on changing it. I like the OEM look, and the fuel consumption guage etc. Is it mainly the Speakers that let it down?

And regarding the test drive, I intend to have on ASAP. I won't be rushing into buying one as i've recently spent a lot on this bloomin passat I have. But I can guarantee, it will be a Toyota I have next, and most likely a RAV4!!

Thanks again for the comments. Keep 'em comin!

[jonbr]

  Is it mainly the speakers that let it down?

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From what I've heard on the forum, yes it is the Speakers. But, they seem relatively simple to replace, or improve upon by adding a sub and a pair of tweeters. As is usual, expensive though if you get original Toyota parts but I'm sure there are alternatives.

[sjrainsford]

Here's another one then, does anyone know anywhere in the midlands where I can get a proper good test drive of a Rav 4?

I mean, not just the quick half hour that Toyota would give you. Buying a car like this is a big decision, not least because of the price but the fact that they are so different to a normal car. I really fancy a good go in one, even if i'm being driven rather than driving it myself!

Cheers again!

[jonbr]

The only way I know of would be to ask a main dealer if you can book a test drive. It would be a new vehicle you'd get to drive but you should get it for a couple of hours. I did this before making the decision on my XT4 and had the demo vehicle for half a day :)

[sjrainsford]

So is there much of a difference between the very new ones and the earlier models of this type? 2000 on in other words.

[jonbr]

Driving wise, I don't believe there is. :)

[M12 TURBO]

So is there much of a difference between the very new ones and the earlier models of this type?  2000 on in other words.

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Take a look here

compare RAV4

[sjrainsford]

Well folks, due to a few problems with my Passat, i've got rid of it quick. It's getting on my nerves. I hadn't finished saving for a newer shape Rav, so i've just bought a 1998 model VX with leather trim etc.

I pick it up tuesday and I can't wait. I'm not so keen on this model, but at least it will give me a taster of them!

Will post a piccie when I can. And any advice/ cool mods for this model would be great to hear!