Help: Should I Buy This Rav4?

[Uinseann17]

I am a new member so I hope that I am doing this properly. I am considering the purchase of a 2005 Toyota Rav 4 Diesel Estate 2.0 D-4D XT3 5dr 30000 miles over the internet. It appears to be a good deal. However the seller's RAC mechanical inspection report states 'Slight pully / belt noise in 05 Rav4'. Perhaps some knowledgeable person on this forum could advise me. Is this a common problem which will lead to greater outlay of money or is it a minor fault cheaply fixed. I do not want to buy a problem Rav4.

Thanks in advance!!!

Vince

[dave.m]

Hi Vince, and welcome to the club.

This sounds like a problem I had with mine (same model/year) which was noticeable when

the engine was cold. Had it fixed under warranty when in for service. If I was you I would

check if your car still qualifies for 3 year manufacturers warranty. If it does you should not

have a problem. Buying over internet is down to personal choice, too risky for me but others

dont see aproblem with it.

Good luck.

Dave

[chatman]

I am a new member so I hope that I am doing this properly. I am considering the purchase of a 2005 Toyota Rav 4 Diesel Estate 2.0 D-4D XT3 5dr 30000 miles over the internet. It appears to be a good deal. However the seller's RAC mechanical inspection report states 'Slight pully / belt noise in 05 Rav4'. Perhaps some knowledgeable person on this forum could advise me. Is this a common problem which will lead to greater outlay of money or is it a minor fault cheaply fixed. I do not want to buy a problem Rav4.

Thanks in advance!!!

Vince

Welcome to the forum Uinseann17......

It properly refers to the Serpentine Belt. This is the one that runs the water pump and air con...They do squeal some times, mine makes a bit of noise when first starting....They can be replaced easily, some people recommend Gator belts...

Properly get mine replaced at next service....If that's all the RAC inspection brought up it's no big problem and should not hinder your impeding purchase of the RAV4...If Anchorman and Kingo are online they may offer more detail.......

:thumbsup:

[Parts-King]

There is a modified belt/pulley for these, if it is still under warranty, it should not be a problem having it changed. Enjoy your purchase. Kingo

[Uinseann17]

Hi Vince, and welcome to the club.

This sounds like a problem I had with mine (same model/year) which was noticeable when

the engine was cold. Had it fixed under warranty when in for service. If I was you I would

check if your car still qualifies for 3 year manufacturers warranty. If it does you should not

have a problem. Buying over internet is down to personal choice, too risky for me but others

dont see aproblem with it.

Good luck.

Dave

[anchorman]

Hi and welcome to the club.

As chatman says it is not uncommon for these belts to make a noise especially when cold. They are a very long multi-V belt that are not under very much tension but the routing is such that they wrap themselves around a large part of each pulley. This extends the service life considerably but they can make a noise until the belt warms up and becomes more supple. If you pour a tiny amount of water on the rotating belt it will stop immediately then gradually start again as the water dries out.

If there is a pulley issue than take up Kingos advice and get it done on warranty.

Don't let it stop your purchase. The AA/RAC have to report everything to cover themselves.

Enjoy!

[Uinseann17]

Thanks to all who replied. I've decided to go ahead with purchase. Thanks again.

Vince

[chatman]

Thanks to all who replied. I've decided to go ahead with purchase. Thanks again.

Vince

Well Done....When you get it place some pictures in the Photo section....What Colour is the RAV....