Hi..newbie Here

[sadoldgeezer]

Hi.. Newbie here..

My partner has finally convinced me that i am now too old for my much loved BMW 320d and that for the sake of her bones, the grandchildren and the dog, we need a change..like others i have looked at CRV's and Freelanders but the RAV4 seems to tick more boxes (as well as looking better)..i read that they suffer from flywheel problems but that does not seem insurmountable..so i wonder what other things should i look out for as i will be buying a 2nd hand one?..another query i have is whether to stick with a diesel (like my beemer) or have a change to petrol..so my question's are faults, petrol? (and if yes manual or automatic) or diesel?..mindful that i have been spoiled with my beemer and will now have to learn how to drive like a responsible adult i look forward to reading other members views and thank those that respond..

Steve

[Fujisan]

Hi Steve,

I have never driven a petrol RAV but speaking just for myself, I am very happy with the diesel engine in my 4.3 RAV. Has you said it ticks all the boxes.

I'm no expert on the oily bits but their are plenty of people on here, who are, so if you can give them an idea of the age / generation of RAV (4.1, 4.2 or 4.3) you are looking to buy, they can give you all the info you need.

A quick look though all the posted topics should also give you an idea about what to look out for.

Good luck

Happy driving :)

[dave.m]

Hi Steve and welcome to the club.

The flywheel problem APPARENTLY only applies to certain model years, so would need to know the age of Rav

you are buying. No more negatives to report, the Rav is the best of the bunch. IMHO buy the diesel you will

love it.

Good luck.

Dave.

[jonbr]

I've got the petrol XT4 and I love it. I thought I would have to drive like a responsible adult, but that was before I realised the RAV4 really is the GTI of 4x4's

[chatman]

Steve welcome to TOC and hoepfully the RAV4 section............ :thumbsup:

Petrol or Diesel...The choice is really down to preference..you coming from the 320d would miss the torque in the petrol RAV but not notice so much in the newer 4.3 model RAV's either 2.2 diesel 140 bhp or the astonishingly fast T180 Diesel... :eek:

Whatever one you eventually purchase your be happy with....not going for the ugly CRV ( :P ) or Freelander (nedflanders as we like to call them :bag: ) makes us all happy on here.. :lol: :lol:

Another web site to look into for the RAV is www.rav4world.com....But being American can be a bit but offers good advise section on anything RAV wise.....

[duncerduncs]

Hi Steve

I would go along with chatman, if you're thinking about getting a RAV then try and get an ex-demo T180. My wife and I did, and we saved well over 5k off the new price .

You'll be pleasantly surprised how fast you can go in one... B) It also has more things to play with than an afternoon in Toys 'r' Us!