New(ish) Rav

[James..]

Hi all

Just a note to say thanks to the forum for helping me decide on the right RAV. Last week my old Alfa banger decided to start paying tricks with the drivers side window so I had to finally go out and seriously consider a replacement car (this is after the aircon went, the central locking went etc - all part of the charm of owning an italian car!!) . :(

After initially testing a RAV and discussing the perils of leather seats on this forum some time back, I then heard a lot about the new Subaru diesel engines so went and drove a new Forester. Unfortunately Jeremy Clarkson was right - the low down torque from the Subaru diesel engines seems to be poor, even though they make a fantastic noise when you put your foot down. I suspect that if Subaru make a bigger capacity diesel they could be onto a winner. The low speed steering was dire, very Japanese with no feel whatsoever and not to my taste at all, even though at speed it was okay. I imagine use off road when driving slowly would not be good. The Forester looks a bit odd especially the front end, although the boot access is better than the RAV and it has a full sized wheel in the back which is a definite plus in my book. But the nail in the coffin was the cost, with massive demand and new model status meaning that there are virtually none to be had secondhand for less than 22k.

Having read the posts on this forum, it became clear that I didn't want a T180 with all the RFT tire problems. Amongst the other models the XT3 didn't have any fog lights or aircon, and the later models were all losing their spare wheels: (like the XTR). I probably wouldn't care about this but unsuccessful experiences with rubber solution kits and driving on shrunken spare wheels made me certain I couldn't live without a real spare wheel. The sat nav and bluetooth in the XT5 also made it unappealing as although they were nice to have there was no point in paying a premium when you can install your own (better) products for less.

So, after initially trying to find an XT4 on an 06 plate for not too much money and not succeeding, I eventually found a nice 07 model for half Forester money. It had the wheel on the back and I bought it from a car supermarket which was a bit like spending an afternoon being interrogated by MI5/Spooks. They tried to sell me warranties and car polish for about three hours (£250 for car polish can you believe it!!) So, once I get the thing taxed, which will take a few days I will be able to hit the road and enjoy! :D

So a couple more newbie questions, I wouldn't mind putting some hard polymer polish on it - anyone got any recommendations for something tough?

Also, I will most likely fit a Parrot bluetooth kit as I have done this for other cars and its pretty easy. Anyone know if the 4.3 Matsu*****a stereo as seen in this pic: http://i24.ebayimg.com/02/i/001/23/a5/cd36_0.JPG is in fact now ISO compliant or does it need a Toyota adapter as these seem to be only for 4.2 and earlier cars????

So, thanks a lot ladies and gents! :D :D

[bothwell_buyer]

What a well thought out decision-making process !! Well done on your choice.

As for the music system, I can't really help you, but am sure some of the pimps - sorry, pimp-my-ride experts will be along shortly. Once their bedside ipod alarms strike up.........

[Uncle Bob]

Congratulation on your new motor ...and glad you didn't buy the warranty as aftermarket warranties are not worth the paper they are printed on !

[mick1020]

Hi all

Just a note to say thanks to the forum for helping me decide on the right RAV. Last week my old Alfa banger decided to start paying tricks with the drivers side window so I had to finally go out and seriously consider a replacement car (this is after the aircon went, the central locking went etc - all part of the charm of owning an italian car!!) . :(

After initially testing a RAV and discussing the perils of leather seats on this forum some time back, I then heard a lot about the new Subaru diesel engines so went and drove a new Forester. Unfortunately Jeremy Clarkson was right - the low down torque from the Subaru diesel engines seems to be poor, even though they make a fantastic noise when you put your foot down. I suspect that if Subaru make a bigger capacity diesel they could be onto a winner. The low speed steering was dire, very Japanese with no feel whatsoever and not to my taste at all, even though at speed it was okay. I imagine use off road when driving slowly would not be good. The Forester looks a bit odd especially the front end, although the boot access is better than the RAV and it has a full sized wheel in the back which is a definite plus in my book. But the nail in the coffin was the cost, with massive demand and new model status meaning that there are virtually none to be had secondhand for less than 22k.

Having read the posts on this forum, it became clear that I didn't want a T180 with all the RFT tire problems. Amongst the other models the XT3 didn't have any fog lights or aircon, and the later models were all losing their spare wheels: (like the XTR). I probably wouldn't care about this but unsuccessful experiences with rubber solution kits and driving on shrunken spare wheels made me certain I couldn't live without a real spare wheel. The sat nav and bluetooth in the XT5 also made it unappealing as although they were nice to have there was no point in paying a premium when you can install your own (better) products for less.

So, after initially trying to find an XT4 on an 06 plate for not too much money and not succeeding, I eventually found a nice 07 model for half Forester money. It had the wheel on the back and I bought it from a car supermarket which was a bit like spending an afternoon being interrogated by MI5/Spooks. They tried to sell me warranties and car polish for about three hours (£250 for car polish can you believe it!!) So, once I get the thing taxed, which will take a few days I will be able to hit the road and enjoy! :D

So a couple more newbie questions, I wouldn't mind putting some hard polymer polish on it - anyone got any recommendations for something tough?

Also, I will most likely fit a Parrot bluetooth kit as I have done this for other cars and its pretty easy. Anyone know if the 4.3 Matsu*****a stereo as seen in this pic: http://i24.ebayimg.com/02/i/001/23/a5/cd36_0.JPG is in fact now ISO compliant or does it need a Toyota adapter as these seem to be only for 4.2 and earlier cars????

So, thanks a lot ladies and gents! :D :D

Well done on a great choice

Ive just bought the xt3 and loving it .

As for the protection for the paint , mine had the supa gard and i went over with a clay bar over it and replaced with a DODO WAX Hard candy and find this the best as its Black paint . Its around £30 for a tub but lasts for ages !!!!!!!!

[Dippy]

Wow, nice post. Interesting to hear about the Subaru diesel engines.

Happier and happier that, despite my odd buying experience and my current problem with dodgy reversing sensors, I could look around Europe and find someone that makes a T180 without RFTs (Spain).

Can't help you with your polish or your parrot, but have fun.

[anchorman]

Good choice of motor.

I don't bother with warranty but some prefer some "additional security". I guess it is different when you are somebody elses hands but in the main i prefer to sort my own problems.

I got stiffed for £200 (supagaurd) when I bought mine and by about 3 months it had gone. There are some that swear by it but I assure you I used the proper shampoo etc and it was useless. I think you made the right decision and the real solution is regular coats of a decent polish. I use and like meguires gold but there are others.

Good luck and enjoy the motor.

[vivianM]

Hi all

Just a note to say thanks to the forum for helping me decide on the right RAV. Last week my old Alfa banger decided to start paying tricks with the drivers side window so I had to finally go out and seriously consider a replacement car (this is after the aircon went, the central locking went etc - all part of the charm of owning an italian car!!) . :(

After initially testing a RAV and discussing the perils of leather seats on this forum some time back, I then heard a lot about the new Subaru diesel engines so went and drove a new Forester. Unfortunately Jeremy Clarkson was right - the low down torque from the Subaru diesel engines seems to be poor, even though they make a fantastic noise when you put your foot down. I suspect that if Subaru make a bigger capacity diesel they could be onto a winner. The low speed steering was dire, very Japanese with no feel whatsoever and not to my taste at all, even though at speed it was okay. I imagine use off road when driving slowly would not be good. The Forester looks a bit odd especially the front end, although the boot access is better than the RAV and it has a full sized wheel in the back which is a definite plus in my book. But the nail in the coffin was the cost, with massive demand and new model status meaning that there are virtually none to be had secondhand for less than 22k.

Having read the posts on this forum, it became clear that I didn't want a T180 with all the RFT tire problems. Amongst the other models the XT3 didn't have any fog lights or aircon, and the later models were all losing their spare wheels: (like the XTR). I probably wouldn't care about this but unsuccessful experiences with rubber solution kits and driving on shrunken spare wheels made me certain I couldn't live without a real spare wheel. The sat nav and bluetooth in the XT5 also made it unappealing as although they were nice to have there was no point in paying a premium when you can install your own (better) products for less.

So, after initially trying to find an XT4 on an 06 plate for not too much money and not succeeding, I eventually found a nice 07 model for half Forester money. It had the wheel on the back and I bought it from a car supermarket which was a bit like spending an afternoon being interrogated by MI5/Spooks. They tried to sell me warranties and car polish for about three hours (£250 for car polish can you believe it!!) So, once I get the thing taxed, which will take a few days I will be able to hit the road and enjoy! :D

So a couple more newbie questions, I wouldn't mind putting some hard polymer polish on it - anyone got any recommendations for something tough?

Also, I will most likely fit a Parrot bluetooth kit as I have done this for other cars and its pretty easy. Anyone know if the 4.3 Matsu*****a stereo as seen in this pic: http://i24.ebayimg.com/02/i/001/23/a5/cd36_0.JPG is in fact now ISO compliant or does it need a Toyota adapter as these seem to be only for 4.2 and earlier cars????

So, thanks a lot ladies and gents! :D :D

Hope you like your new RAV - best polish I have found and used for many years is MER - now availble from Halfords and poss. elsewhere.

Like Anchorman, my prevoius RAV had SuperGuard but I never noticed the difference! Except the price! Did not fall for it on my T180 or my wife's Auris.

Guy

[cruella]

Hello :)

I hope to be in your position soon, ;) with a slightly older (hopefully 05/55) XT3/4, albeit probably a petrol model. I'm still looking just now.

Let us know how you get on with it. At present I'm just living vicariously through others!

As for polish, I use Meguiars Gold on both my classics - works just fine.

[James..]

Hello :)

I hope to be in your position soon, ;) with a slightly older (hopefully 05/55) XT3/4, albeit probably a petrol model. I'm still looking just now.

Let us know how you get on with it. At present I'm just living vicariously through others!

As for polish, I use Meguiars Gold on both my classics - works just fine.

If you can stretch to the later car I love it!... But having lived in London I wouldn't want to spend too much on a car that may be on the receiving end of bullets and other loony drivers! (There's a very nice blue XT4 up on Autotrader right now 2004 model with 34k on the clock for just shy of 6k, almost looks like the later car as it is one colour all over. I'm sure you'll find something good.)

Anchorman

I did get a warranty for when the existing Toyota one runs out, that was just because this is a diesel, and it had been fitted with a towbar and I suspect used for a bit of caravan towing. Which means that potentially DMF problems could start showing up just as the warranty expires. I probably wouldn't have bothered if it hadn't had a towbar fitted. It may not be a problem that ever occurs with 4.3s but better to be safe than sorry!

Guy - glad that you & Anchorman confirmed my suspicion that the polish was a load of hokum. The salesman claimed it would last 8 years. When I mentioned that I wanted to take the car away today they said no problem we can put it on quickly (and I had been told it required specialist application and hours of work!). I think they just wax ALL the cars in the supermarket in any case and then do a really hard sell on anyone coming in the door, wipe it with a cloth and they are £200 in profit. Nice one!

cheers!