Test Drive Advice

[Nightstalker]

Hi all

I am going to be test driving a RAV 4 2ltr 2002GX.

Is there anybody out there who could give me a few pointers to look out for when testdriving the Rav(please only serious answers ;) )

Thanks

Rob

B)

[rav man]

Rob,

Generally very reliable. May feel low geared on dual carriageway but thats normal. First to second a bit notchy normal aswell. Cloth seats, the bolsters stain easly (light gray) but most come out with a wash.

I got between 24 and 28 mpg. Good luck Rich.

[dave.m]

Rob, thinking of buying a Rav ? let me tell you of my experience.

Few years back having owned a lot of different cars, I allways fancied a 4X4. Started looking around and the

wife said get a Rav. I said too expensive for me so I went down the Land Rover route. (results of this on thread about low screen washer light). Anyway my experiance put me off 4X4's and for a couple of years I

went back to regular cars but allways had a hankering for another 4X4. So last june started the rounds of

dealers, everything from Korean stuff to Jeeps, older Merc ML and even an early BMW X5. Was passing a

well known scottish car dealer in Glasgow with more outlets than starbucks, popped in for a look at a Honda

CRV diesel, too big and ugly I thought. Salesman says let me check stocklocater, heres a diesel Rav XTR

with all the bells and whistles can have it shipped here tomorrow. Saw it, drove it, loved it, bought it.

Within a month I had allready had it as far north as Aberdeen and as far south as the annual jaunt to Jersey.

Can honestly sayI dont have one single regret about buying the Rav. Sure the the back door not opening fully was a pain, fixed that with a £50 checkstrap. Once the parcel shelf hits your head a couple of times you

soon realise that 2 minutes with stick on velcro, and once up now it stays up. Absolutely love this car.

So if you see and like it, you go for it ! You want to bling it up, your plastic will be melting with the stuff

available.(allready got my wish list of parking sensors, rear bar, sde bar/steps, spoiler........)

And hey know what her indoors said, TOLD YOU SO.

[bitman]

Same here... Never got any regred of buying this vehicle!

[NMaria]

I had a 2001 RAV4 5 door VVTi and loved it to bits. It was totally reliable and dependable (despite a major servicing error by the dealer). The only thing I didn't like about it was the engine - too high revving for my liking. Had to sell it for financial reasons (lost my job) but have just bought a new XT-R D4D - with a spare wheel! It is really fantastic and much better than the previous model - cleverly designed, comfortable, quiet, smooth, economical, great torque delivery. One word of warning: if you want a towbar, it will set you back over £500!

[Nightstalker]

Well thanks for all the replies.....HOWEVER....

I have decided to keep hold of the T4 Avensis and wait a year or 2 for the new rav 4 to come down in price...and then if I can win the battle with her indoors I will change it.

I did test drive the old rav and liked it....but I am tooooo used to me creature comforts and the fact that (to my suprise) our double buggy including all the normal luggage actually fitted in the boot of our vensis made me decide in keeping it.

SOOOO until the new xtrs have dropped in price I will remain a 2wd for now....