New Rav Xtr Is Coming!

[RAVlee]

I have just bought an 07 RAV4 XTR 2.2 D4D, carbon quartz metallic, which I expect to take delivery of next week sometime, replacing an 06 Celica 1.8VVTI which was written off after flood damage (RIP)

I know its going to a different experience to the celica, so I was wondering what people think of this model (the mk3 XTR) and what I can expect in terms of things like power, ride quality and general enjoyability.

Thanks guys (this is my first post on the forum, wish I knew about it when I had the celica)

[NMaria]

I can understand your sadness at the loss of your Celica - how we become attached to our cars!

You will love your RAV, though, I'm sure. I've got the same model as yours but in Tyrol silver which I don't particularly like but we bought it because it was, apparently, more or less the last specimen in the country that still had a spare wheel. The car is very tight at first, but everything eases up and becomes more supple as the miles clock up. Power is excellent with heaps of torque, particularly between 2k and 3k rpm - it's not great outside that range; as long as you stick within that range it overtakes extremely well. I've now done 6500 miles in mine since March and the economy and power are still improving. In sixth gear it just zooms along (I didn't use sixth, though, until it was run-in). It tows like a dream. You will have seen from other threads that 50mpg is quite achievable.

I had a Mk 2 RAV 2.0 VVTI before. I loved it too but the Mk 3 is much more sophisticated, and the one big objection I had to the VVTI engine was that you had to rev its head off to get it to go. The D4D requires more revs than other diesels I have driven but is still vastly better than the VVTI, unless you like to scream along at 4000rpm.

Driveability is wonderful, it just about drives itself. Clutch is fierce and needs a bit of getting used to. But even my ancient parents (who have also just bought one), drive theirs with great ease and they really enjoy it. For what it is, a medium size 4x4, it corners very respectably - although to an ex-Celica driver it will probably seem like a wet mop on corners!

Good visibility because of slightly higher driving position, but seeing out of the back windows to reverse is difficult because of the small size of the windows and the privacy glass - have to reverse using outside mirrors. Opinion seems to be divided on the quality of the front seats. I find mine uncomfortable and have to use a cushion in my back, but others find it perfect so it must depend on your anatomy. One remarkable aspect is that all my passengers are just as comfortable in the back as they are in the front. Lights, stereo, airconditioning, all very good. Pity there is no cruise control and that only the driver's window is automatic, but those are small niggles.

In the snow or on wet grass it really comes into its own and the 4WD switches on seamlessly. Wading depth is very respectable (50cms I think), you'll be interested to know...

All in all, I absolutely love mine and can't understand why everyone doesn't have one.

Happy motoring!

[RAVlee]

Great! Thanks for the info NMarian, looking forward to it! One other thing, how do you find the ride? obviously celica was quite bumpy...

[NMaria]

Ride is a quite firm but personally I like it, although it seems there are some who don't. That too seems to get better with time - or perhaps I am just getting used to it. At higher speeds it is really comfortable and quiet.

Did you manage to get a decent test drive? How did you find it?

[anchorman]

Welcome to the club.

We don't have a second rate journalist like Vicky Butler-Henderson on here we have NMaria.

Good int she?

BTW everything she says I agree with. Reversing sensors are a good investment and both me and my wife can get a bit uncomfortable on a very long journey.

[Uncle Bob]

Welcome to the RAV4 section , i own a Celica and a RAV4 so can feel your lost and you gain, i'm sure you've made the right choice

[jock1]

I have just bought an 07 RAV4 XTR 2.2 D4D, carbon quartz metallic, which I expect to take delivery of next week sometime, replacing an 06 Celica 1.8VVTI which was written off after flood damage (RIP)

I know its going to a different experience to the celica, so I was wondering what people think of this model (the mk3 XTR) and what I can expect in terms of things like power, ride quality and general enjoyability.

Thanks guys (this is my first post on the forum, wish I knew about it when I had the celica)

Ravlee just back off hols so sorry for late response. I bought an XT-R in January.Same colour and diesel like yours.I had the protection and style packs fitted and roof rails as well. I find the reversing sensors a great boon. As others on this sight may remember I have misgivings about the lack of a spare but have managed to get over it. I do however keep a spare in the boot if I am going any distance. I love everything about the car. My three previous cars were a Golf Gti and the last two were Saabs.This Rav is more fun to own and drive than the last three and I think it is the perfect bus for me.I think the makers may have fouled up over the lack of a spare but time will tell. It has not concerned me about some of the gripes one reads about stiffness and notchy gear change.I have just put these things down to the change to a different vehicle which disappear with becoming accustomed.