Unexpected New Owner

[3rd Gear Heaven]

Hi

Made a "spur of the moment" decision at the weekend to replace the family Zafira. So, after popping to the local Toyota dealer to see what we could find out about the new RAV 4, I came away having, er, purchased a 2005 XT4.

I also own an RX-8 and as you can probably imagine, the Zafira felt like driving a bus by comparison. But I was so impressed by the way the Rav drove that I just kinda' decided to buy it on the spot. So I committed my hard earned and am looking forward to collecting it on Wednesday.

So - any advice for an ageing boy racer / family man who's never owned a Toyota or a 4x4 before?

[sjrainsford]

You can still be a boy racer at heart with these. They may not be quick, but you can get off the lights in lightning fast time due to the 4 wheel drive traction. Just floor it next to a lad in a Saxo and watch him sit there wheel spinning, especially in the wet!

They also drive pretty good for a 4x4, so they corner as well as most normal cars.

I have an older one, so can't comment too much. But welcome to the club, you've made a wise choice! There are people here who are onto their 3rd and more Rav 4's!

[Uncle Bob]

Welcome to the world of the Rav4 .

[prince]

Even though it was "spur of the moment" purchase, it was a good decision there’s very little that you won’t like about the car, one suggestion I would make is have read through the past topics on the RAV4 forum, this forum’s been invaluable for me and you’ll find plenty of helpful hints, suggestions etc.

[jonbr]

Welcome to the club :)

I have a 2004 model XT5 in black. It has to be the best car I have ever driven in the price range being excellent all round and the feedback, while driving, through the stearing lets you know exactly what's going on under you. Be sure to give it a good running in period, as specified in the manual, and once you get to about 10k it will feel very settled. The electronic aids are also excellent, and although I've only had them come in a couple of times (once in snow) they proved to very effective.

I'm sure you'll enjoy your motoring :D

[AMH]

Various cars then ... 3dr '97 Rav for 3 yrs - Lexus IS200 for 3yrs - now another Rav - 5dr for more kid space this time round - nuff said - don't think you will be disappointed ...

Bet you end up doing a few mods now you're on this site - it's the little things like the fully opening rear door and sound proofing that make the biggest differences to everyday driving (oh and the twin exhaust for the boy racer in me ... ).

Seeing your location we may even pass each other

[Uncle Bob]

The new RAV4 has electric power steering, hope it make less noise than the new Mini's :D .

[trudy]

i have just bought on the spur of the moment the rav4 rx3 vvti, took it for a test drive and loved it!!!

[jonbr]

i have just bought on the spur of the moment the rav4 rx3 vvti, took it for a test drive and loved it!!!

Welome to the forum Trudy :)

For a spur of the moment purchase I'm sure you'll fint it one of the best you ever made :D

[chatman]

i have just bought on the spur of the moment the rav4 rx3 vvti, took it for a test drive and loved it!!!

Trudy

Welcome to the world of TOC.........................