Rav4.2 Or Rav4.3 Whats Better.

[Uncle Bob]

Now a few years ago i sold a 2.8 Supra to buy the next model up, that being the 3.0 Supra ( non turbo ), i had the 3.0 around six months but it slowly dawned on me i didn't like several aspect of 3.0 ownership ,so sold it on and went back to another 2.8 supra.

This leads me on to the thread title, now the fact Toyota decided not to make a 3 door in the new 4.3 had left me a little cold towards them, now you guys that have gone from a RAV4.2 to a RAV4.3 are you all pleased that you made the right decision, or do any of you wish you could step back to you past Rav4 ?.

What do you like about the new model , over the previous model.

[shcm]

Here you go then Bob a hasty summary.

Also a "what would you change" thread I've wondered about starting - They've seemed keen on those on R4W in the past (not looked recently). So I've include some of that as well at the end.

So.....a quick comparison:

I'm comparing 5 door 2002 D4D VX with 5 door 2007 D4D XT5, going on what I've experienced and ignoring known faults like DMF (which I never had a problem with).

• Performance. 4.3 is better. You do wonder at times, but what did it for me was when I got back into the 4.2 after the 4.3 test drive - very noticeable then. 4.3 torque makes it slightly more flexible than 4.2 at low rpm. Engine feels more refined, especially with high cetane fuel.
  
• Handling. 4.3 probably better, but I rarely test these things to the limit.
  
• Economy. 4.3 better. I achieve Toyota's figures and better, by my own calcs not the car.
  
• Size. 4.3 is slightly bigger and from a personal view, I wish they'd have stuck closer to the 4.2 dimensions, but not always possible in vehicle design. Not a big problem.
  
• Gearbox. The 4.2 - although stiff when new, was a better gear change in lower gears (1st to 2nd). 6 speed 4.3 box is better for motorway cruising.
  
• Reliability. No issues with 4.2. 4.3 - so far......doing the usual superstitious rituals.
  
• "Build Quality Feel". 4.3 Interior trim has a better "quality feel" to it. Less "plasticy" than the 4.2
  
• I miss the door locking with ignition feature of the 4.2.
  

General comments about the 4.3 (most of this is XT5 specific). None of them a big gripe really:

• Auto lights - Gimmick, I rarely use them in auto mode.
  
• Photochromic mirror - first one I've had - nice feature.
  
• Auto wipers - Never been totally convinced by them on any vehicle. Variable intermittent would do me, but auto OK most of the time. They get confused occasionally. Cheap technology problem not the implementation.
  
• Again, I miss the auto door lock with ignition option of the 4.2.
  
• Push button start - I wish there was a way of coming back to accessories when you turn the engine off, instead of having to cycle through. i.e. If you are listen to radio and want to finish listening to something, radio goes off with engine off, unlike with a standard key where you can come back to position 1 and not miss anything.
  
• Mirrors should fold without key in/button on.
  
• How about exit delay headlights? Even the Micra has those!
  
• External temperature display with the clock for passengers?
  

.....I'll add more when I think of them, this lots just off the top of my head at the moment.

Overall I don't think I'd move back, if given the chance.

Cheers

[dave.m]

You've got me thinking here Bob. I know I've only had my 4.3 a week and its a bit early but I will offer you my

opinion anyway. Considering the large amount of cars I have had in the past its probably a bold statement to make

but I think my 4.2 was the best one I ever had. Overall the 4.3 is better, but for one thing I think all materials used

are lighter. The doors sound a bit tinnier than the 4.2, and I have to disagree about the plastics on the dash especially

the stalk controls, as they are to my mind thinner/lighter/flimsier if you know what I mean. But then I did have the

later facelifted model. Shcm (no contradiction intended mate) had an earlier one, so maybe thats why. Or more likely

its this bloody perfectionist engineering thing that (if you are the same you know what I mean) when you are working

with such close tolerances to satisfy the likes of Rolls Royce Aero engines and Oil industry stuff that you start to judge

everything the same way. Anyway broadly speaking the 4.3 is better, I know you are a petrol man but the

2.2 D4D is a cracker of an engine compared with the 2.0 D4D it replaced.

[shcm]

I think all materials use are lighter. The doors sound a bit tinnier than the 4.2, and I have to disagree about the plastics on the dash especially

the stalk controls, as they are to my mind thinner/lighter/flimsier if you know what I mean. But then I did have the

later facelifted model. Shcm (no contradiction intended mate) had an earlier one, so maybe thats why.

No problems Dave. I suspect you are right. Don't think I've seen the insides of too many 4.2 facelifts up close, but from pictures it does look better than pre-facelift. I think making plastic look "quality" is an "art form" anyway.

The door shut "clunk" is also one of these "perception of quality" things - but half done with rubber stops etc. What's really odd is the family Yaris has a really pleasing "clunk" - much better than the 4.3 - a vehicle over twice the price and the Yaris is French built and wasn't it also euro designed (might be wrong)?

[dave.m]

I think all materials use are lighter. The doors sound a bit tinnier than the 4.2, and I have to disagree about the plastics on the dash especially

the stalk controls, as they are to my mind thinner/lighter/flimsier if you know what I mean. But then I did have the

later facelifted model. Shcm (no contradiction intended mate) had an earlier one, so maybe thats why.

No problems Dave. I suspect you are right. Don't think I've seen the insides of too many 4.2 facelifts up close, but from pictures it does look better than pre-facelift. I think making plastic look "quality" is an "art form" anyway.

The door shut "clunk" is also one of these "perception of quality" things - but half done with rubber stops etc. What's really odd is the family Yaris has a really pleasing "clunk" - much better than the 4.3 - a vehicle over twice the price and the Yaris is French built and wasn't it also euro designed (might be wrong)?

Strange thing is, when I close my tailgate door it sounds a whole lot better especially compared to the 4.2. Maybe there

is an advantage to having no spare on the back

[shcm]

Strange thing is, when I close my tailgate door it sounds a whole lot better especially compared to the 4.2. Maybe there

is an advantage to having no spare on the back

Heck, yeah, hours of fun opening and closing the door at the side of the road, listening to the "clunk", while waiting for the tyre fitting van to arrive

Only kidding, hope you never have that problem.

Certainly, I think the wheel weight does affect it. Think the 4.3 rear door with wheel on is slightly better than 4.2, but there's not much in it IMHO.

[local hero]

Strange thing is, when I close my tailgate door it sounds a whole lot better especially compared to the 4.2. Maybe there

is an advantage to having no spare on the back

Heck, yeah, hours of fun opening and closing the door at the side of the road, listening to the "clunk", while waiting for the tyre fitting van to arrive

Only kidding, hope you never have that problem.

Certainly, I think the wheel weight does affect it. Think the 4.3 rear door with wheel on is slightly better than 4.2, but there's not much in it IMHO.

Agree with all of above. is it me or can i not have warm feet and cool air on my face sure i could with the 4 2..love the under boot storage. and for all its VSC think i'd sooner take a 4/2 along a winding country road,also liked the air scoop on the 4.2 diesel;mine was an early 4.2and over all the 4.3 is more classy...Funny but on my previous 2 ravs i never used the spare,so i lugged them about for 50000miles for no reason..but still wouldnt like to be without one...

[anchorman]

If you leave the auto air con for long enough it does eventually direct cool air from the face level vents but I often would like it sooner - I don't like warm air in my face, it makes me feel like nodding off and stuffy. I will look into whether you can force it.

I ended up with a 4.3 because of the performance and handling but set out to buy a 4.2. I agree it looks more classic.

The scoop had to go on the 4.3 because it doesn't meet NCAP standards (it would mame somebody who hit the bonnet).

I also agree about the spare wheel. It seems a lot of extra weight and I prefer the look of the "clean" back door but the minute you don't have one!..........

[local hero]

If you leave the auto air con for long enough it does eventually direct cool air from the face level vents but I often would like it sooner - I don't like warm air in my face, it makes me feel like nodding off and stuffy. I will look into whether you can force it.

I ended up with a 4.3 because of the performance and handling but set out to buy a 4.2. I agree it looks more classic.

The scoop had to go on the 4.3 because it doesn't meet NCAP standards (it would mame somebody who hit the bonnet).

I also agree about the spare wheel. It seems a lot of extra weight and I prefer the look of the "clean" back door but the minute you don't have one!..........

Thanks Anchorman.Having a Burns night supper to night,yes i know it was last night..do you think Bothie could come up with address to a haggis?

[anchorman]

If you leave the auto air con for long enough it does eventually direct cool air from the face level vents but I often would like it sooner - I don't like warm air in my face, it makes me feel like nodding off and stuffy. I will look into whether you can force it.

I ended up with a 4.3 because of the performance and handling but set out to buy a 4.2. I agree it looks more classic.

The scoop had to go on the 4.3 because it doesn't meet NCAP standards (it would mame somebody who hit the bonnet).

I also agree about the spare wheel. It seems a lot of extra weight and I prefer the look of the "clean" back door but the minute you don't have one!..........

Thanks Anchorman.Having a Burns night supper to night,yes i know it was last night..do you think Bothie could come up with address to a haggis?

I'm sure he could but he's gone to Cardiff for a tractor (LR) so he might be converted to leeks when he comes back.

[local hero]

If you leave the auto air con for long enough it does eventually direct cool air from the face level vents but I often would like it sooner - I don't like warm air in my face, it makes me feel like nodding off and stuffy. I will look into whether you can force it.

I ended up with a 4.3 because of the performance and handling but set out to buy a 4.2. I agree it looks more classic.

The scoop had to go on the 4.3 because it doesn't meet NCAP standards (it would mame somebody who hit the bonnet).

I also agree about the spare wheel. It seems a lot of extra weight and I prefer the look of the "clean" back door but the minute you don't have one!..........

Thanks Anchorman.Having a Burns night supper to night,yes i know it was last night..do you think Bothie could come up with address to a haggis?

I'm sure he could but he's gone to Cardiff for a tractor (LR) so he might be converted to leeks when he comes back.

Just found address to a haggis in a Burns poem book Dont think i will bother! its followed by.a prayer in the prospect of death!!Dour lot these scots!thinking of fried mars bar for pudding do you happen to know,do you batter them first? or just sling them in the chip pan..

[dave.m]

Just found address to a haggis in a Burns poem book Dont think i will bother! its followed by.a prayer in the prospect of death!!Dour lot these scots!thinking of fried mars bar for pudding do you happen to know,do you batter them first? or just sling them in the chip pan..

Dour ? :o ......................never tried a deep fried Mars bar, but they are battered I believe.