No Spare

[jock1]

I have been coveting a new Rav for some months and am about to take the plunge with the recently released XT-R version.I could not justify the extra cost of the leather seats in the XT-4 but wanted the active drive elements so the XT-R seemed a good compromise.I am slightly nervous of the fact that this model does not supply a spare wheel, or runflats.What you get, I believe,Is a repair kit which would appear to be just a can of repair foam. A salesman told me that Toyota are moving gradually in this direction with all their models.I wondered if more experience Ravers could offer an opinion on this?

[spwolfx]

never heard of that in rest of the europe....

[sywy]

My wife's VW Touran is the same - no spare + can of foam.

My previous car, Mazda RX-8, was also the same.

Beware if you do use the 'gunk', as it renders the tyre unrepairable. Well, I think it's more that a tyre fitter will not touch it (clean it out etc), more than unrepairable.

[chatman]

My wife's VW Touran is the same - no spare + can of foam.

My previous car, Mazda RX-8, was also the same.

Beware if you do use the 'gunk', as it renders the tyre unrepairable. Well, I think it's more that a tyre fitter will not touch it (clean it out etc), more than unrepairable.

The wifes 206cc has this tyre foam stuff and I would not use it...she had a puncture before Christmas and the RAC man said if it was used the tyre is useless....

Beware if you do use the 'gunk', as it renders the tyre unrepairable. Well, I think it's more that a tyre fitter will not touch it (clean it out etc), more than unrepairable.

[clare]

Funny old world I,ve just put a post under XTR on R4W about the same subject. As I say on that post I wonder if Toyota are experimenting with this "edition" to see if it takes off and eventually finish with the rear door spare completly.

Clare

[rav man]

Funny old world I,ve just put a post under XTR on R4W about the same subject. As I say on that post I wonder if Toyota are experimenting with this "edition" to see if it takes off and eventually finish with the rear door spare completly.

Clare

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I had a clio 182 which was supplied with the foam. Like previous posts state the tyre is ruined after using it. The cost of a new rav tyre looks to be about the £100 mark, but more importantly if you cut or slash a side wall your stuck. the foam will only repair minor leaks. If the can doesn't work your in equal trouble. As i stated on other threads the Rav uses an unusual size tyre so sourcing one at short notice may prove difficult unless your in a big city and its not the weekend. This may never happen though and i like the look of the clear rear door. Its a gamble.

Rich.

[jock1]

Further to the XT-R "No Spare" theme.I spoke to a Main dealership salesman today who said that the first two XT-R's that they had at the dealership both had Spares on the back.The model in the showroom and the one on the yard used for customer test drives both had spares.Apparently Toyota have now decided that they will attract more sales with a lighter,fully opening rear door than carrying a spare with the restricted opening. Interesting decision.I assume they must have market tested this idea but surely it is a gamble.I wonder if it would be possible to buy a compatible five stud steel wheel of similar dimensions to carry in the boot? This could be a cheaper option.

[sywy]

Although I don't mind my spare-less side opening rear door on my T180, I would have prefered a hatch. Maybe this is the start of the road for the next gen to be spare-less and have a hatch? Hasn't the new CR-V got a hatch?

[rav man]

Although I don't mind my spare-less side opening rear door on my T180, I would have prefered a hatch. Maybe this is the start of the road for the next gen to be spare-less and have a hatch? Hasn't the new CR-V got a hatch?

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I would prefer a hatch but you then lose the low rear floor, the new freelander floor is 20cm higher than the rav. Now my door opens fully (T180 check strap fitted) its not too bad. Toyota could have fitted a gas strut to aid the rear door opening with the wheel on. Saw one on a Grand Vitara and it worked well. Rich.

[clare]

All the reviews you read on the new Rav4, everyone slates Toyota for sticking with the side-opening rear door. It makes you wonder if this is a way round it.

Clare

[druand]

New Rav spare wheel situation has had me looking at other makes. Run flat on T180 wheel/tyre for 50 miles at 50 mph is OK if you live near a Toyota dealer as NO tyre depots or garages can repair them. At the moment you have to get an exchange wheel/tyre from Toyota dealer ( they all keep 1 in stock) then your old one is sent Holland or Belgium (so I have been told) for repair or new tyre. You only pay for tread used.

Only realised about no spare with XTR on reading this thread.

None of above options are suitable as I often go off road many miles from home always at weekends in my connection with forrest rallies throughout Scotland and North England.

The reason I chose my current XTR D4D was the good performance for normal use and adequate for my off road needs.

New CR-V has lift tailgate and spacesaver combined with 2 shelf rear compartment.

[gordonjsinclair@hotmail.com]

I have been coveting a new Rav for some months and am about to take the plunge with the recently released XT-R version.I could not justify the extra cost of the leather seats in the XT-4 but wanted the active drive elements so the XT-R seemed a good compromise.I am slightly nervous of the fact that this model does not supply a spare wheel, or runflats.What you get, I believe,Is a repair kit which would appear to be just a can of repair foam. A salesman told me that Toyota are moving gradually in this direction with all their models.I wondered if more experience Ravers could offer an opinion on this?

Would not buy if that happened, used to own a Lotus Elise and the Rav one was for rough ground one was for normal road use.

The Lotus used a foam repair and neede a new tyre just because of a puncture, we bought the Rav for rough ground and would not feel right without a spare, let alone using the foam.

[Steve@Aberdeen]

Would not buy if that happened, used to own a Lotus Elise and the Rav one was for rough ground one was for normal road use.

The Lotus used a foam repair and neede a new tyre just because of a puncture, we bought the Rav for rough ground and would not feel right without a spare, let alone using the foam.

I must admit I'd not be happy without a spare. Punctures are not very common nowadays but they'll inevitably happen at the most inconvenient time :ffs:

With my previous Freelander, which I did take well off road, I had the spare on the back AND a can of repair gunk. The latter was for either getting a puncture in a storm (rain or snow), being dressed tidy and not having time to wait for the RAC OR getting a second puncture, having already put the spare on.

Yes, I was a Boy Scout

I gave the can of gunk to my daughter and haven't yet replaced it - it's on my list to get (hopefully before I need it)!!!!

[jock1]

After much consideration and with some trepidation I have decided to go for an new XT-R. I am going to buy a spare wheel and tyre to keep in the boot for long, or out of hours trips.(Quoted 325 pounds by a main dealer.) I Appreciate that Toyota are trying to accomodate people who are unhappy about the weight and restricted opening of the rear door ,young mothers etc. I feel that by doing this they may be losing potential customers who feel, as I do, about the risks involved in setting off on a long journey with just a can of foam.They very nearly lost me!

The spec of the XTR has been changed very suddenly by Toyota.The model has only been out for 3 weeks!! Many of the main agents still have XTR's with spares attached to the rear in their showrooms and being used for customer trials.

All opinions welcome.

[clare]

But the "BIGGEST" complaint Toyota as had with the 4.3 is that they did,nt do anything with the side opening rear door( unless you own a T180). Trust me we are a test bed for a facelift model in about a couple of years!!!!

Clare

[rav man]

But the "BIGGEST" complaint Toyota as had with the 4.3 is that they did,nt do anything with the side opening rear door( unless you own a T180). Trust me we are a test bed for a facelift model in about a couple of years!!!!

Clare

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Jock ,

why not get the XTR with the wheel on the rear door if some dealer still have them,(and then spend £60) on a T180 check strap which cures the door not opening fully problem. (just dont ask for the check strap at the same dealer as you get the car, they get the hump).

I would favour an upward opening tailgate with a space saver spare, but you have to go with whats in production, oh and seven seats like the rest of the world can get, oh and 5 stars in NCAP crash tests. Toyota are you listening. (i guess not). Rich.

[jock1]

But the "BIGGEST" complaint Toyota as had with the 4.3 is that they did,nt do anything with the side opening rear door( unless you own a T180). Trust me we are a test bed for a facelift model in about a couple of years!!!!

Clare

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Jock ,

why not get the XTR with the wheel on the rear door if some dealer still have them,(and then spend £60) on a T180 check strap which cures the door not opening fully problem. (just dont ask for the check strap at the same dealer as you get the car, they get the hump).

I would favour an upward opening tailgate with a space saver spare, but you have to go with whats in production, oh and seven seats like the rest of the world can get, oh and 5 stars in NCAP crash tests. Toyota are you listening. (i guess not). Rich.

Rav Man Thanks for advice.Apparantly Toyota are recalling the XT-Rs from the showrooms and supplying the models without the spares.The good news is that the revised model spec includes the 180 style fully opening door.I think I will go ahead and buy one and buy a full size alloy spare and stick it in the boot.I am of an age were caution rules the day.I love the look of the car and the XT-R which is the same spec as the XT-4 without the leather seats, is a good very deal .I hope to join you shortly as a Rav owner.I would like to thank you all for your opinions and advice and will contribute again in the future.

[rav man]

But the "BIGGEST" complaint Toyota as had with the 4.3 is that they did,nt do anything with the side opening rear door( unless you own a T180). Trust me we are a test bed for a facelift model in about a couple of years!!!!

Clare

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Jock ,

why not get the XTR with the wheel on the rear door if some dealer still have them,(and then spend £60) on a T180 check strap which cures the door not opening fully problem. (just dont ask for the check strap at the same dealer as you get the car, they get the hump).

I would favour an upward opening tailgate with a space saver spare, but you have to go with whats in production, oh and seven seats like the rest of the world can get, oh and 5 stars in NCAP crash tests. Toyota are you listening. (i guess not). Rich.

Rav Man Thanks for advice.Apparantly Toyota are recalling the XT-Rs from the showrooms and supplying the models without the spares.The good news is that the revised model spec includes the 180 style fully opening door.I think I will go ahead and buy one and buy a full size alloy spare and stick it in the boot.I am of an age were caution rules the day.I love the look of the car and the XT-R which is the same spec as the XT-4 without the leather seats, is a good very deal .I hope to join you shortly as a Rav owner.I would like to thank you all for your opinions and advice and will contribute again in the future.

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Good luck, and try to get as much out of the dealer as possible. Don't let my winges put you off its a good car. Rich.

[spwolfx]

But the "BIGGEST" complaint Toyota as had with the 4.3 is that they did,nt do anything with the side opening rear door( unless you own a T180). Trust me we are a test bed for a facelift model in about a couple of years!!!!

Clare

thats not really true... never heard of anyone complain on rear door situation at dealership... it is only at forums that people complain. And I am serious - we sell a lot of Rav4's around here, it is 30%-40% of our sales...

I dont even understand it myself... there is possible an 1 inch extra for it to open fully... Where is the problem? I load and unload baby stroller that is quite long, several times per day, and I truly dont see the problem. Maybe Continental Rav4's are done differently? I doubt it.

I do like low loading floor and extra space in the trunk due to spare being on the back.

[Steve@Aberdeen]

thats not really true... never heard of anyone complain on rear door situation at dealership... it is only at forums that people complain. And I am serious - we sell a lot of Rav4's around here, it is 30%-40% of our sales...

I dont even understand it myself... there is possible an 1 inch extra for it to open fully... Where is the problem? I load and unload baby stroller that is quite long, several times per day, and I truly dont see the problem. Maybe continental Rav4's are done differently? I doubt it.

I do like low loading floor and extra space in the trunk due to spare being on the back.

I think most complaints with the rear door relate to a perceived limitation than a real one. Yes, it would be nice if it opened 90deg (so I wouldn't have a problem should I need to get a wardrobe in) but I've not had any problems loading it so far - cases, cots, baby buggies... One advantage with the limiting opening is that it's not so prone to swinging open into the wall or car behind - it was a perpetual problem with my previous Freelander. An opening window might have been nice (a hatch like the CR-V or dropping window Freelander) but I haven't missed it yet; and I find side mounted far preferrable to a top hinge.

[Sussex_Paul]

But the "BIGGEST" complaint Toyota as had with the 4.3 is that they did,nt do anything with the side opening rear door( unless you own a T180). Trust me we are a test bed for a facelift model in about a couple of years!!!!

Clare

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Jock ,

why not get the XTR with the wheel on the rear door if some dealer still have them,(and then spend £60) on a T180 check strap which cures the door not opening fully problem. (just dont ask for the check strap at the same dealer as you get the car, they get the hump).

I would favour an upward opening tailgate with a space saver spare, but you have to go with whats in production, oh and seven seats like the rest of the world can get, oh and 5 stars in NCAP crash tests. Toyota are you listening. (i guess not). Rich.

Rav Man Thanks for advice.Apparantly Toyota are recalling the XT-Rs from the showrooms and supplying the models without the spares.The good news is that the revised model spec includes the 180 style fully opening door.I think I will go ahead and buy one and buy a full size alloy spare and stick it in the boot.I am of an age were caution rules the day.I love the look of the car and the XT-R which is the same spec as the XT-4 without the leather seats, is a good very deal .I hope to join you shortly as a Rav owner.I would like to thank you all for your opinions and advice and will contribute again in the future.

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Good luck, and try to get as much out of the dealer as possible. Don't let my winges put you off its a good car. Rich.

Just as an aside, when I bought my T180 over the weekend of 27 Jan 2007, my dealers were having a "10% of EVERYTHING" weekend.

They had a new shape XTR with a spare wheel on the back for £21,000.

Would have been comfortably under £19k with the offer!!!

Now that is a bargain