Doubt !

[Spin]

I have been considering changing my current car for something more practical since the birth of our first child back in November.

Having owned German 'sporty' 3 door cars for the last 10 yrs I decided to look at the Rav4.

The plastics on the interior are obviously not up to Audi standard but this is reflected in the levels of kit and more importantly price :)

I have been very impressed with the car overall and especially what you can get for your money after negotiation, (2.2 d4d XTR inc lthr, privacy glass, unique alloys, metallic paint - discounted price £20,750 - RRP £22,520)

I am very close to closing a deal but some of the comments on this forum have made me have doubts, especially concerning leaks, gear box issues and dodgy customer service

I am due to test drive the 140 model this saturday as I have only tried the 180 model so far but this is above my current budget, whats the general opinion on here Guys ?

Does the 140 bhp offer enough performance in comparison to the 180 ?

(Current car a 140bhp A3 diesel)

Does anyone know of a remapping/tuning company that can work their magic on the Toyota 2.2D ?

Should I go with it or opt for a one year old A4 Avant for the same money but less kit ?

Please help as I know forums are the best place to get an unbiased and honest opinion.

Thanks

[Steve@Aberdeen]

I have been considering changing my current car for something more practical since the birth of our first child back in November.

Having owned German 'sporty' 3 door cars for the last 10 yrs I decided to look at the Rav4.

The plastics on the interior are obviously not up to Audi standard but this is reflected in the levels of kit and more importantly price :)

I have been very impressed with the car overall and especially what you can get for your money after negotiation, (2.2 d4d XTR inc lthr, privacy glass, unique alloys, metallic paint - discounted price £20,750 - RRP £22,520)

I am very close to closing a deal but some of the comments on this forum have made me have doubts, especially concerning leaks, gear box issues and dodgy customer service

I am due to test drive the 140 model this saturday as I have only tried the 180 model so far but this is above my current budget, whats the general opinion on here Guys ?

Does the 140 bhp offer enough performance in comparison to the 180 ?

(Current car a 140bhp A3 diesel)

Does anyone know of a remapping/tuning company that can work their magic on the Toyota 2.2D ?

Should I go with it or opt for a one year old A4 Avant for the same money but less kit ?

Please help as I know forums are the best place to get an unbiased and honest opinion.

Thanks

Just because a few people report problems, don't take that as typical of the quality of the cars - I'm sure there has been the occasional problematic Audi, BMW, etc. Toyota have a worldwide reputation for quality and reliability - I work in QA and they are one of the main companies held up as an example of excellence. They haven't grown to be about to become the world's largest car manufacturer for nothing. Also, most (if not all) Rav4s sold here are built in Japan.

I recall hearing a quote from an Aussie asked what car he'd chose to drive into the outback: "A Land Rover", was his reply, "but, if I wanted to come back again, I'd choose a Land Cruiser". Also, look at the newsreels from the middle east and see what makes of car are being driven!

My XT4 certainly has a lot of plastic - but it's probably some of the best finished and put together in any car. I've not had any leaks (so far, and not expecting any) the gearbox is fine.

The first Toyota dealer I tried (in Aberdeen) didn't impress, so I went to the one in Dundee who were stars. I've not had to go back with any servicing issues yet but I'd asked around some trade contacts and they reckoned I chose right.

The Rav4 is heaver and taller than a saloon so, despite being one of the best SUV's for road handling, 140 won't seem as good as in a saloon. I'm more than happy with it, but I'm not a boy racer.

Finally, there are several firms who will offer CPU upgrades - just do a Google search and you'll probably find one in your area. Remember that it will probably bang up your insurance (and will probably need to shop around) and invalidate the Toyota warranty. If you feel you really need 180, my advice is to save up for the T180. I considered it but decided the XT4 would do more than enough, so saved myself £5k.

My $0.02 worth.

[sywy]

I've had no problems with my T180 in the 2 -3 months I've had it. I test drove a 140 and 180 back to back when I was looking. Took the 140 out first and thought it was good, and probably OK for me. But then took the 180 out and knew it was the one I had to have, after coming from a 230bhp sports car. Wasn't particularly bothered about all the toys it came with, although they are nice to have, but just wanted the extra power.

There is a post on here that said the Toyota dealer in Leicester (not far from you?) were doing CPU upgrades both for the 140 and the 180!! Do a search and you'll soon find the thread or see www.steinbauer.cc

[anchorman]

Hi

I am one of the owners that has had some issues. One is with a peculiar mechanical noise from the gearbox and the other is more recently finding out that according to NCAP, only the most recent cars meet the claimed 4 star rating.

Just to clarify one or two things; The dealer has been superb and I do not hold them in at all responsible. The gear box noise has not yet manifested itself in anyway, I just don't think it should make any noise for a car of this class. You should know and will find for yourself that they are all notchy in first and second gear. I previously bought a demonstrator that had duff synchro's in first and second but this replacement new car is infinately better. With regard to the NCAP rating (check the report on the NCAP website), I am equally dissapointed with Toyota's vague response to my concern as I am with the unquantified deficiency that NCAP have highlighted. The reply came from a lady in customer services who clearly does not understand the technicalities herself let alone provide an acceptable explanation - just, Toyota don't think I need to worry about whether the airbags will save the lives of the occupants and they have absolutely no intentions of addressing the 32000 or so vehicles that were built before the modifications were made. Mine is one of them. If they would clearly explain the deficiency instead of avoiding a proper answer I would not be so bothered but I am convinced that money overrides customer satisfaction and that appauls and dissapoints me. You should bear it in mind when making your decision.

So I have two concerns that I cannot possibly know what the potential long term implications might be and it sours what would otherwise be a superb vehicle/experience. There is another concern that you have already read about with regard to water leaking into the car but that has not affected mine. The Americans seem to pin it down to water tracking under the windscreen wiper linkage plastic cover and entering via the heater intake. They have already devised a service fix but TGB don't seem to have grasped it yet.

It remains to be seen if long term this rather sophisticated and highly computerised vehicle holds up the reputation of the previous model. To some extent we, the ones that have taken the plunge are all guinea pigs but I have to say that providing electric steering boxes, twin countershaft gearboxes and multi plate diff' clutches (to name but a few innovations) do hold together that it should turn out to be an astonishing vehicle.

With regard to the engine, let me assure you that it is the jewel in the crown. Mine has the 140 engine and apart from it being a bit on the noisy side, has unbelievable pulling power and is very smooth. There is one member that seems to have a glitch but it doesn't appear to a common problem (yet).

I have driven an Avensis T180 and it was mind blowing. Just how it carries over to the heavier RAV I cannot imagine but those with them seem suitably impressed. You can chip them both to 163 and I think 212 BHP respectively but I don't really think there is a need and in any case would probably see how indestructible these engines turn out to be long term before trying it and certainly not inside the warranty period.

Expect the suspension to feel stiff until you get used to it, the back door to seem restrictive (unless you get a T180 that opens fully), some of the switches to be hard to find in the dark as they are not illuminated, the dash illumination may have you driving with no lights on (you'll see what I mean). The gearbox is not up to Toyota standard but may turn out to be as durable as ever.

My dealer (RRG Macclesfield) was first rate and I would deal with them if I lived as far away as Scotland. Its a pity that Toyota themselves fail to impress. They do not do RRG justice but as long as the car holds up I can live with that.

There are very soon going to be a number of brand new alternatives. The problem is that they too will be in a period of validation and will inevitably suffer some teething problems. In that respect the RAV has getting on for a year under it's belt and given that I had to choose again what I would buy, to be honest, despite the monumental shortcomings of Toyota Customer Service, it would be the same again.

Happy hunting!

PS. Let the record show that while I think the new Land Rover looks nice I wouldn't set off to Tesco in one of those nails, let alone the Australian desert (Qualified Vehicle Engineer for over 30 years).

[spwolfx]

I have been considering changing my current car for something more practical since the birth of our first child back in November.

Having owned German 'sporty' 3 door cars for the last 10 yrs I decided to look at the Rav4.

The plastics on the interior are obviously not up to Audi standard but this is reflected in the levels of kit and more importantly price :)

I have been very impressed with the car overall and especially what you can get for your money after negotiation, (2.2 d4d XTR inc lthr, privacy glass, unique alloys, metallic paint - discounted price £20,750 - RRP £22,520)

I am very close to closing a deal but some of the comments on this forum have made me have doubts, especially concerning leaks, gear box issues and dodgy customer service

I am due to test drive the 140 model this saturday as I have only tried the 180 model so far but this is above my current budget, whats the general opinion on here Guys ?

Does the 140 bhp offer enough performance in comparison to the 180 ?

(Current car a 140bhp A3 diesel)

Does anyone know of a remapping/tuning company that can work their magic on the Toyota 2.2D ?

Should I go with it or opt for a one year old A4 Avant for the same money but less kit ?

Please help as I know forums are the best place to get an unbiased and honest opinion.

Thanks

it is an awesome car, by far best rav4 to date, and they have always been rated well in reliability. T180 is in league of its own, and IADS awd system is magical. 140 engine is quick enough for sure.

Should be loads more reliable than any Audi, as statistics say.

I suggest that you get the model with smart key, whatever it is in britain, since once you try that, you will never go back to cars with normal keys!

[stuartp]

I have been considering changing my current car for something more practical since the birth of our first child back in November.

Having owned German 'sporty' 3 door cars for the last 10 yrs I decided to look at the Rav4.

The plastics on the interior are obviously not up to Audi standard but this is reflected in the levels of kit and more importantly price :)

I have been very impressed with the car overall and especially what you can get for your money after negotiation, (2.2 d4d XTR inc lthr, privacy glass, unique alloys, metallic paint - discounted price £20,750 - RRP £22,520)

I am very close to closing a deal but some of the comments on this forum have made me have doubts, especially concerning leaks, gear box issues and dodgy customer service

I am due to test drive the 140 model this saturday as I have only tried the 180 model so far but this is above my current budget, whats the general opinion on here Guys ?

Does the 140 bhp offer enough performance in comparison to the 180 ?

(Current car a 140bhp A3 diesel)

Does anyone know of a remapping/tuning company that can work their magic on the Toyota 2.2D ?

Should I go with it or opt for a one year old A4 Avant for the same money but less kit ?

Please help as I know forums are the best place to get an unbiased and honest opinion.

Thanks

it is an awesome car, by far best rav4 to date, and they have always been rated well in reliability. T180 is in league of its own, and IADS awd system is magical. 140 engine is quick enough for sure.

Should be loads more reliable than any Audi, as statistics say.

I suggest that you get the model with smart key, whatever it is in britain, since once you try that, you will never go back to cars with normal keys!

I must agree with you ,the T180 is a brilliant piece of kit, I am trying to find something worthy to replace mine ,but as you say there is nothing else out there that I know of that comes with “smart Entry” and “smart start” in the price range?

I came from a Mazda rx8 and even though the T180 has not got that power, it still goes like hell!

[spwolfx]

how long did you have yours? My 136hp really opened up after 3-4k miles and with 6k miles it is really nice. Some mileage also gives gearbox chance to work out and it is nice and smooth now too.

But what I really like it IADS in corners... its sooo good! Love it.

[Spin]

how long did you have yours? My 136hp really opened up after 3-4k miles and with 6k miles it is really nice. Some mileage also gives gearbox chance to work out and it is nice and smooth now too.

But what I really like it IADS in corners... its sooo good! Love it.

Thanks so much for all the replies, good sound advice and at least now I can make an informed decision.

I'm taking a 140 out tomorrow morning for a lengthy test drive so will look out for the notchy gear box etc and handling characteristics.

I'm no boy racer either but do appreciate a powerful diesel engine so my last 4 cars have all been remapped with zero reliability issues and a minor insurance increase hence my asking the question about a remap.

I'll look forward to the test drive and post an update with my thoughts, thanks again for being such a friendly bunch

[sywy]

I came from a Mazda rx8 and even though the T180 has not got that power, it still goes like hell!

Me too. Were you on RX8OC forums?

[Spin]

Well had an extensive test drive on Saturady and it was unaccompanied so kept the car for a couple of hrs, not an XT4 but an XT3 2.2D 140 so got the general idea if not the luxury.

I was very impressed with the car overall and the dash which can seem a little busy prior to driving becomes very logical and pleasing once on the move.

I liked the handling and although not up to sports hatch standards did manage to raise a few smiles whilst feeling very safe doing so.

The gearbox was indeed extremely notchy from 1st to 2nd with all others feeling fine, but accurate if not short shifts are on offer so again something I could live with. The Rav is one of those cars that drives like a much smaller car in that it feels secure and manouverable, I liked the 'Xenon' look of the front lights and the brakes were pretty good.

The actual power on offer was adequate, not slow by any means but could do with an extra 20bhp or so IMO to aid overtaking although the generous amount of torque on offer does allow for swift progress, I'd opt for the 180 if available in lower spec but am not prepared to spend an extra 4K for 40bhp as I dont really need the other extras like sat nav.

Will I buy one, well certainly very tempted but am planning to wait until the end of the month to see if I can squeeze any more money out of the dealer.

Overall opinion was of a very good, sporty and practical hatch that just so happens to be an SUV

[spwolfx]

How many miles did the car have? As with many other Toyota transmissions, after 3-4k miles, gearchange becomes fluid and engine opens up.

Give it a bit of go in turns and see how good it is. There is a bit of softness if you go in slow, but go at it at speed, and mash the throttle as you come out and notice IADS putting the power to the back to pull you out... It handles really well for an SUV.

p.s. Rav4 did great with kid at the back... fold flat seats work wonders as diaper change station :-)