New Member

[swfcdan]

Hi all, i'm a new member on here, but i've been a member on the sister site of Lexus Owners Club for a number of years now.

I just have a few questions regarding Rav4's and more specifically the higher mileage ones.

I am actually writing on behalf of my Dad who wants to purchase one.

Over the past 10 years or so we have had several Rav 4's all from brand new, starting with the first gen Rav 4, up until the last generation model which we changes in September last year, keeping each car from 2-3 years at a time.

Last September my mum decided to 'downsize' and swapped the Rav for a Mercedes A Class (which has been great so far).

My Dad is currently in the process of changing cars, he has a Lexus LS and a Vectra estate at the moment. He wants to get rid of the Vectra and replace it with another Rav4, which will basically be used as a bit of a load lugger.

He doesn't want to spend 2 much as it will only be a second car (about £5500) and must be 5 door and diesel. With that budget were looking at higher mileage ones that are probs around the 52/53 plate age.

On to my question......

With only ever having Rav4's from new and putting on about 20k to 30k miles, we have never been in the position to need to consider what the higher mileage cars are like.

I'm wondering is there anything to look out for/ any common problems ? also when is the cambelt due for replacement.

Any information would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

EDIT- Just read the cambelt is 60k.

Any other comments still welcome :D

[dave.m]

Welcome to the club, some, not all Ravs of that era suffered from DMF failure. Read about it here -

http://toyotaownersclub.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=74099

Other than that if serviced properly they are pretty bulletproof. If you can live with a petrol here's

a nice one being sold by a member who I'm sure worked for Toyota -

http://toyotaownersclub.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=89804

[swfcdan]

Thanks for that. A really good read. I suppose its a bit of a gamble with the DMF failure unless its really noticable when test driving. A thought to bare in mind though.

I also had a look at that car for sale and its a bargain. Sadly my dad wants a diesel. Surprised its not been snapped up yet.

[Bodgit-fixit-run]

Hi and Welcome to the club.

I've had my 54 Rav4 from new. It's now done over 70k. The only problem I had was the DMF but fixed it myself. for about £650 for a full kit off eBay. Otherwise it's still great.

Cam belt needs doing every 60k and is relatively easy to do if you like DIY. Hope this helps.