What Should I Look Out For In Purchasing, Say, A 2004 Diesel?

[Creamola]

Hi,

I have spotted a 2004 diesel Rav XT4 with climate and ESP that looks to be within budget.

Now, while I am used to driving/owning a Verso, the Rav is new territory for me. So, three questions if I may:

1. In viewing a potential purchase, is there anything that I should be specifically looking out for - i.e. the most common niggles?

2. I tend to do a couple of relatively long journeys >100miles per week. I have read some indication in reviews that the Rav is not the most comfortable car for long drives - particularly for those in the back. What is your real experience of this?

3. What is the service schedule on the Rav? I have seen suggestions that it is every 10K - with a major service (circa 600 quid) at 60K (including timing belt) - is that about right?

Thanks.

[anchorman]

There aren't really any niggles. Check the service history to see that it has been done. I believe the dealer prices are £155 for an interim service (every other 10k), £210 for a major (every 20k) and that one with the belt is about right according to posts on this forum. You could go to a reputable local garage and maybe save some money that way.

Some of these reports are writtem by muppets so just ride in it and sit in the back for yourself. If they are comparing it to a BMW 7 Series then it won't be as comfortable but it gives most C and D class (Focus and Mondeo) a reasonable run for their money considering it is more of a utility vehicle.

[dave.m]

2. I tend to do a couple of relatively long journeys >100miles per week. I have read some indication in reviews that the Rav is not the most comfortable car for long drives - particularly for those in the back. What is your real experience of this?

Longest journey in mine was the annual trip from home to Poole for a ferry, 440 miles either way and no problems.

Whoever told you that is talking through their rrrrrrr's ;)

[Fujisan]

2. I tend to do a couple of relatively long journeys >100miles per week. I have read some indication in reviews that the Rav is not the most comfortable car for long drives - particularly for those in the back. What is your real experience of this?

Longest journey in mine was the annual trip from home to Poole for a ferry, 440 miles either way and no problems.

Whoever told you that is talking through their rrrrrrr's ;)

Agreed!

Drove down to Cornwall this Autumn. Not a problem at all! And being taller than average I sometimes suffer with a bad back but never even had a twinge while driving the RAV.

[shcm]

Just to add to what Dave and Fuj have already said.

I've done return trips Brum to Inverness and Brum to County Kerry in a 4.2 with two OAPs in the back, with no complaints. Mind you, they were asleep a lot of the time I think. Obviously check it out for yourself.

Done Brum to Kyle of Lochalsh in a 4.3 too and I believe that is even more comfy for rear seat passengers.

Cheers

Oh, Should I have added a few bricks to the wall on the way up north? :ph34r: :ph34r:

[chatman]

Oh, Should I have added a few bricks to the wall on the way up north? :ph34r: :ph34r:

Like it shcm like it..

As for journeys I can beat you lot...My daily commute incorporates a section of the dreaded M25 and that can sometimes take Hours to negotiate...So sitting in my air conditioned, leather seated RAV is no trouble at all...I can see well ahead of other traffic (unless some artic is in front ;) ) and anticipate the road easier....(tonight was especially horrible with most of the Essex side in gridlock, just detoured cross country and missed it all)

Regular journeys to client sites around country see to that I best appreciate the RAV's comfort more....Went upto Sherwood this week no problem and enjoyed the journey (sorry no sign of Robin though )

My daughter only complains about the slippery leather seats (like to clean em just to annoy her :lol:) O look roundabout weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee across back...(she is seat belted in) but on journeys away and trips she is fine watching the dvd player in the back....

Servicing is recommended every 10k

I would read other threads here for other details from owners...........

[dave.m]

Hey, Chatman, where did that little monster who knows all my details come from ? :o :o

[chatman]

Hey, Chatman, where did that little monster who knows all my details come from ? :o :o

ha ha ha ha ha :ph34r: Where watching ya......

[PinkMinkee]

well as some of you peeps knowI am in the running for a rav 4, n been doing my research...........in my inexperienced humble opinion, and as I only have between 8 and 9k to spend, I am thinking my best purchase that meets my requirements is a post September 2003, early 2004 5 door, diesel, XT3. I have leather seats in my current car but they are heated and i couldnt go back to non heated leather seats lol so the XT4 is off the line ups.........sides which leather seats in the summer when yer wearing shorts is so not nice lol. I am taking into consideration the DMF and trying to avoid the more troublesome ones, which appear to be pre September 2003 in the main :)

Just gotta find a decent part ex for the brabus so i dont have too much more to pay for the rav :)

[Creamola]

All, a really big thanks for all your replies. I think that one of these will suit me down to the ground - just have to convince the Mrs now ....

One quick question though if I may, how do you find them for roadholding/travelling in a straight line - like on the motorway?

I only ask because I went from a Volvo V70 - that did move around as if the wheels nuts weren't tight, to a Verso that was rock solid and now I have a focus - which is not great in any dept except the brakes and the fact that it goes round corners like it is on rails.

Thanks again,

Creamola

[chatman]

All, a really big thanks for all your replies. I think that one of these will suit me down to the ground - just have to convince the Mrs now ....

One quick question though if I may, how do you find them for roadholding/travelling in a straight line - like on the motorway?

I only ask because I went from a Volvo V70 - that did move around as if the wheels nuts weren't tight, to a Verso that was rock solid and now I have a focus - which is not great in any dept except the brakes and the fact that it goes round corners like it is on rails.

Thanks again,

Creamola

Great.............. Feel more in this RAV than any other car I have owned...get better feed back and know where your going in relation to the wheels....Being 4 wheeled drive handles really well (look in on Bothy's 4 wheeled drive monster creation turbo forum :o :o )

Regular trips for me up and down the country and have never felt knackered or any back pain from sitting in the RAV travelling the motorways, no stearing woble or shake...Make sure any you test does not have this....You can get a 4 wheeled alignment done....

Interestingly a work collogue has a new Focus Titanium and hates it....wished he'd kept his RAV :lol: Say's it's slow and not that comfortable over long journeys...make sure I park mine next to his car in the car park......

Interestingly I will be down in bath soon doing some work at the University.....Nice big hill to get upto the site past a school, so should test out my new clutch with the imminent hill start....

:thumbsup: :thumbsup:

[Fujisan]

Nice big hill to get upto the site past a school, so should test out my new clutch with the imminent hill start....

Easy Tiger........be gentle :D

[wack]

Interestingly a work collogue has a new Focus Titanium and hates it....wished he'd kept his RAV Say's it's slow and not that comfortable over long journeys

I rented a focus ghia for 3 days last year, I didn't like it at all, noisy on the motorway, hard seats and hard suspension, after 3 days I was glad to see it go back, i've had the RAv4 a month and I love it, heated leather front seats are great for me and the wife but the kids moan a bit as theirs are freezing :D