4.2 Xt3 V 4.3 Xt3

[Hoovie]

Went into Mr T yesterday to get a bit of touchup paint for me motor and they had a new XT3 in the showroom, so I have a sit in it....

I was quite disappointed in what they have taken away when they changed from 4.2 model to 4.3 model.

Things I noticed that were missing ....

No Sunroof (cabin seemed quite dark)

No Steering Wheel controls

Plastic Steering Wheel rather then Leather

No Fog Lights

The only thing I noticed being added was a Radio/CD that could play MP3s - and of course it IS a new model so presumably a better drive, but as far as the cabin ambiance goes, I am pleased I chose to go 4.2 :)

[Manxrav]

The 4.3 XT3 is after all the entry-level for that particular gen of Rav. Don,t know about the 4.2 XT3 was that an entry-level model for that gen?

Clare

[anchorman]

I think it was but as with all models they up the spec on the final face lift.

They were good value for money Hoovie.

[Hoovie]

Better then I had realised, Anchorman.

I didn't really look at the 4.3 as even the XT3 was more then I wanted to spend, especially as the model was brand new.

I guess in the last year they upped the specs and dropped the XT2 version that I think was around in 2004.

I think what really surprised me when I sat inside was the plastic steering wheel on what is not a cheap car to buy by any means - reminded me when I was looking at Toyota sports cars back in 1993 and saw the plastic wheel in a 3.0L Supra Turbo - went for the Celica GT4 instead

[anchorman]

Better then I had realised, Anchorman.

I didn't really look at the 4.3 as even the XT3 was more then I wanted to spend, especially as the model was brand new.

I guess in the last year they upped the specs and dropped the XT2 version that I think was around in 2004.

I think what really surprised me when I sat inside was the plastic steering wheel on what is not a cheap car to buy by any means - reminded me when I was looking at Toyota sports cars back in 1993 and saw the plastic wheel in a 3.0L Supra Turbo - went for the Celica GT4 instead

When I set off to buy my car I was looking at a 12 month old 4.2 Granite special edition. I drove the 4.3 on a whim really but it was enough to make me change my mind. However, I got the XT4 so the spec didn't really suffer but I was after the VSC mainly so that was the deciding factor. You would like driving the 4.3 (I think!).

[Hoovie]

I am great at working deals for others, but when it comes to myself, I am a sucker for uplifts to better (=more expensive) cars and have little willpower to resist (hence GT4 instead of standard for example ) If I did a test drive on a 4.3, I think I would end up with one very shortly!

This is one of the reasons I added in an extra 2 years warranty and just bought a 3 year service plan - to help me resist :)

Just about every car I have bought has been due to a "Hmm, think I will just have a look at that out of curiosity" moment (just started to browse autotrader for Honda CR-X (convertible style) "out of curiosity" as a summer fun car :help2: )

[anchorman]

I know its a bummer isn't it?

First a Granite then oh that 4.3 is nice then the XT4 has VSC etc etc then its only another £xxx for an XT5 with satnav and then its only £xxx for a T180 and then I wonder if Toyota would to me a T200 for a few quid more