Some Rav4 Buying Advice Required

[scoobysn7x]

As title I am considering buying a Rav4 and want some advice on any common problems issue I need to look at when I go to see the Rav4. The one I am looking at is a 1999 2.0 petrol 3door, I should point out I know the normal stuff to look out for when buying a car ,but I have never owned a 4x4 so was just after some tips on what I need to look for, and if theres anything specific to the Rav that I need to know

Also how much should I be looking to pay?, its a 1999 2.0 3 door with around 60K on the closk some history, not sure which model it is, but a rough idea would be great

Thanks

Duncan

[Fujisan]

No great expert on the oily bits but I can't remember reading about anything to major with these but there are people on here better placed to comment on this then me.

Has for price, what ever the guide books (Parkers etc) say, look to pay well under those figures! Sure you don't need me to tell you about the economy, taxes etc. The guide books are still playing catch-up with used car prices that are in free-fall.

Good hunting

[scoobysn7x]

Its a pre 2001 car so tax wouldn't be too bad, its about the same as I'm paying for my Primera 2.0 Sport+, and it shouldn't be effecte by the new tax reg's thats if they come into force, the guys been trying to sell for about a month so think I should be able to get a good deal (well fingers crossed anyway ;) )

[Fujisan]

(well fingers crossed anyway ;) )

[scoobysn7x]

Any advice would be greatly appreciated as I'm going to see it tomorrow

[anchorman]

bothwell_buyer was the authority on these but I've not seen him for a while.

Stewpot (local hero) has owned a nice example, anything to look out for Stew?

[local hero]

bothwell_buyer was the authority on these but I've not seen him for a while.

Stewpot (local hero) has owned a nice example, anything to look out for Stew?

All i can tell you is that i had mine for 5yrs it never had anything go wrong with it, not even a light bulb, and i saw it about a month ago, it is 13 yrs old and still going, Bothy is either on holiday or going soon, but i think he would tell you there are no specific problems with that model, so buy in confidence,

and just check the usual things for a car of its age..Good Luck

[scoobysn7x]

Been to see it, it was a but scruffy in places drove well though, just a little bit too small formy need so going to look for a 4 door one, wanted to ask though what does the dif lock do? & should it make a noise when you engage it? also anoth dumbass newbie question are the Rav4 full time 4WD

[anchorman]

The diff lock on a 4.1 is an unusual arrangement. The electric switch opens up a vacuum valve and the engine vacuum sucks the diff lock into engagement. This obviously engages the rear axle to improve traction. However, if there is any load on the transmission when you turn it off the rear axle could inadvertantly stay engaged and damage could occur. If this happens a buzzer operates inside the car to warn that although you have switched it off it is still engaged (vacuum pulls it into engagement but ther is nothing to push it out). Rocking the car back and forth is enough to take the load off the gears then it will pop back into FWD and the buzzer stops sounding.

Strange sucking noises and a buzzer in switching it off are normal noises.

A 4.2 is in permanent 4WD but the rear axle utilises the front diff to prevent wind up (as opposed to a third diff) and the later 4.3s have an electronic clutch to break the drive with the rear axle.

3 different variations on a theme!

[local hero]

Been to see it, it was a but scruffy in places drove well though, just a little bit too small formy need so going to look for a 4 door one, wanted to ask though what does the dif lock do? & should it make a noise when you engage it? also anoth dumbass newbie question are the Rav4 full time 4WD

I have to say i am not really mechanical, and i don't know your budget, but most on here would say the 4.2 (rav4 mk2) is the best to go for, again no known faults on the petrol version, but beware of DMF on early diesels, the mk2 doesnt have the diff lock button, i am pretty sure they all have permanent 4 wheel drive, and don't forget 2nd hand prices are in free-fall for all cars, so its a good time to buy, My advice would be get the newest one you can afford. even maybe stretching your budget a little, they are great cars and you won't regret it..