Thinking Of Buying A Rav4

January 7, 2008

Hi all. I'm about to change cars from my reliable old 96 Corolla XLi, and possibly to a RAV4 GL. It's a 3Dr 2.0L 1995 Rav with 99,000 miles on the clock. 4,000 Euros asking price. It is not due to be tested again until 02/09.

I do need some advice though. It is from a car dealer and would have a 3 month clutch and gearbox warrantly. What questions should I ask?

And especially for any Irish Rav owners, what price will the car tax be from July onwards for a Rav owner in the private category? The dealer tells me that it will only go up by 20 euros a year or something? But what is the price now and what will it be then?

I have asked about trading my Corolla in off it too. My car has oil leaks front and back seal, the driver door only opens from the inside and it needs new windscreen rubber. I have told him this and he seems to think he might be able to knock 1,000 euro off the price?

EDIT: I should add that I would be putting up 15 - 20k miles per year on any car I buy?

Thanks for the advice in advance!

January 7, 2008

Hi all. I'm about to change cars from my reliable old 96 Corolla XLi, and possibly to a RAV4 GL. It's a 3Dr 2.0L 1995 Rav with 99,000 miles on the clock. 4,000 Euros asking price. It is not due to be tested again until 02/09.
I do need some advice though. It is from a car dealer and would have a 3 month clutch and gearbox warrantly. What questions should I ask?
And especially for any Irish Rav owners, what price will the car tax be from July onwards for a Rav owner in the private category? The dealer tells me that it will only go up by 20 euros a year or something? But what is the price now and what will it be then?
I have asked about trading my Corolla in off it too. My car has oil leaks front and back seal, the driver door only opens from the inside and it needs new windscreen rubber. I have told him this and he seems to think he might be able to knock 1,000 euro off the price?
EDIT: I should add that I would be putting up 15 - 20k miles per year on any car I buy?
Thanks for the advice in advance!

Price - well eBay will give you an idea of what these are selling for. I've been watching 4 over the last fortnight and that age seems to sell for around £1600 depending on condition. The mileage is ok - mine did 160,000 before major work due to a crankshaft oil seal. Is the Corolla engine the same as the early RAV - I can't remember. Its a 1998cc 3SFE engine in the RAV. The clutch, if it hasn't been replaced will soon need replaced - I think my clutch lasted around 80,000 miles. Its a £600+ job unless you find one of the clever mechanics who can change the clutch with the engine in situ - it can be done!!

The gearbox should be solid so i wouldn't worry too much about that. The clutch you will be able to try out on a test drive.

The price seems a little high but then if the garage is giving some sort of warranty....... ask if there is any service history.

Check no blue smoke on high revs. And that the brakes pull up in a straight line. The front calipers can seize up. Mind that its 4 wheel drive which will disguise any symptoms so don't be afraid to give it a good thrash.