Thinking Of Buying A Rav 4

[Andy W]

Hi guys (and gals)

This is my first post and just wanted to say hi. I have recently sold my C class Mercedes and decided on buying a RAV 4, I was going to purchase either a Merc ML270 or a BMW X5 but the repair bills for these are scary and if the goverment get there way and increase road tax on big gas guzzlers the market will drop out of that type of vehicle. My short list was an X trail, Honda CRV or the RAV, after researching the cars the RAV looks the best value with the least possible problems. I need something that is reliable and will get me down dirt tracks and wet fields while out shooting, my old Mercedes was just not up to the job, shame as I really liked that car.

I understand that some models of RAV have had flywheel problems, is this on any particular year or model? I also do not like the nylon fabric seats or door material on the RAV, I know there are leather options about but is there any aftermarket interior accesories available to liven up the interior slightly.

I will probably go for a 2003 petrol engined 5 door in black and prefarbly in black and automatic.

Any feedback appreciated, cheerio. :D

[TheNissanMan]

The news in the papers atm the mo about 4x4's is nothing to worry about at the mo, there is nothing in concrete and it's part sensationalism by the press to sell papers...

From your shortlist the RAV is definately the cheapest although would recommend that an Xtrail of the same age would be as reliable, OK a little biased working for Nissan but see how few of them come back in for problems and see a large number of people returning for another one, it also gives you the extra ability of having 2wd mode so increased fuel economy...

The RAV is a great little 4x4, as said it is reliable but it is not excellent off road unless its sand where it really comes into it's own (used to run one whenever I visited Dubai!).

I guess the deciding factor is what you are using the car for and how much space you need as well as budget, if your buying from a dealer don't spend less than 14k on an xtrail (get a '54 plate forward so 136Bhp not 112Bhp) as for rav prices i couldnt really offer a price offering....

Hope that helps :D

[ahmurray]

Hi,

I've owned a 2002 Rav4 VX Auto (with leather) for 18 months, no problems whatsover, reliable as can be, cheap to insure and service (only service so far was a modest £180!)

Have driven an Xtrail too as we have one at work as a fleet car, also very good.

If you go for the Rav, make sure you get the tailgate mod that allows you to open the rear door the full 90 degrees!

Cheers,

Ali

[themanhimself]

I had a 2005 BMW535d situation changed need more room to carry (back seat did not fold in BM) and 4X4 looked at x5 etc. and finally went for new T180 rav4 excellent plenty of room 4x4 and full of latest electronic gagets

As i do long miles i wanted better fuel economy to date i get 40.3 MPG hope this helps

[Uncle Bob]

Hi Andy and welcome to the RAV4 section of the club :) , looking at your choice of cars the RAV4 in my opinion is the best of the bunch.

The Honda CRV still has a bit of an old farts image and the Xtrail is a bit to "offroady looking " for its own good.

Having read the posts on the RAV4 section , you will have seen that the diesel RAV4 is having a bad time with flywheels playing up, as you are after a automatic then the 2.0 petrol is the one to go for.

If you have your heart set on leather trim ,then the VX is the one to go for, if your funds will go to the facelift model (late 2003 ), then the model line changes to XT3, XT4, XT5, the XT4 & XT5 have leather as standard, and theXT3 as a option.

Bit of spec for you......

2.0 VVT-I 147 BHP,

0-60 of Auto 11.2 secs,

Max speed 109 mph.

Insurance group for XT4....12E.

I get around 28-32 mpg ,that's mixed B roads and urban use .

Good luck.

[Andy W]

I still have not as yet purchased a 4 x 4 for myself, still looking for the right car. Today I test drove a Mitsi Pinin warrior in black with leather and loads of extras, the car was gorgeous a real smart looker, the ride quality was appaling, too much forward and backward rocking, made me feel quite see sick! What attracted me to the pinin was its true off road capability with low gearing and diff lock, what does the Rav have to offer for off road use in the way off low gearing or diff locks?

[Uncle Bob]

I still have not as yet purchased a 4 x 4 for myself, still looking for the right car. Today I test drove a Mitsi Pinin warrior in black with leather and loads of extras, the car was gorgeous a real smart looker, the ride quality was appaling, too much forward and backward rocking, made me feel quite see sick! What attracted me to the pinin was its true off road capability with low gearing and diff lock, what does the Rav have to offer for off road use in the way off low gearing or diff locks?

If you're looking to buy an auto Rav4 ,then no off road gearing or diff locks at all ! but in the same breath ,the RAV4 runs circles around the Pinn for on road ability,and of course good looks :)

[clare]

And don,t forget Mitsi have stopped manufacturing the Shogun panni. They have also stopped the Shogun Sport as well, all replaced by the 2007 Outlander

Clare

[ahmurray]

Andy,

not sure of your budget but for the price of a new Rav you can also get the new Hyundai Sante Fe - supposed to be a superb SUV and far superior to any previous Hynudai. Certainly worth a look.

Cheers,

Ali