Rav 4 Buying Advice ?

[newwy]

Due to two 6 foot plus teenagers, I'm thinking of selling my Corolla and buying a Rav 4. We can't all fit in the Corolla.

It would probably be a 2001/2003 model (budget approx. £4-5,000) 5 door, prefer an automatic. There seem to be quite a few around on AutoTrader, eBay etc.

There are a few things I'd like to know if anyone can help?

Where is the Rav 4 made ?

Any problems I should know about specific to this model ?

Fuel consumption for a 2 liter automatic ?

Is it a quiet motorway cruiser ? Road noise ?

Reliability ?

Gearbox issues ??

I have been driving toyota's for over 20 years (I've had 3 Corolla's, Avensis, Carina, Camry ,Celica gen 4, 5 and 6) All of them have been wonderfully reliable and well built machines APART from the 2 dogs that were made in England, namely the Carina and Avensis. The Japanese built toyots'a are a different breed.... far superior build quality. thats why I need to know where they build the Rav 4...lol

Thanks for any advice

Regards

Dave

[bothwell_buyer]

Due to two 6 foot plus teenagers, I'm thinking of selling my Corolla and buying a Rav 4. We can't all fit in the Corolla.

It would probably be a 2001/2003 model (budget approx. £4-5,000) 5 door, prefer an automatic. There seem to be quite a few around on AutoTrader, ebay etc.

There are a few things I'd like to know if anyone can help?

Where is the Rav 4 made ? PROBABLY A FACTORY WHICH MAY OR MAY NOT EXIST ANY LONGER....

Any problems I should know about specific to this model ? AVOID DIESEL

Fuel consumption for a 2 liter automatic ? AS MUCH AS YOU WANT - DEPENDS ON HOW YOU DRIVE

Is it a quiet motorway cruiser ? Road noise ? COMPARED TO WHAT? ITS SILENT COMPARED TO A LANDROVER. ACTUALLY NORMALLY VERY GOOD BUT VARIES ON THE TYRES USED.

Reliability ? WHAT CAN I SAY?

Gearbox issues ?? THERES BEEN A WEE FLURRY (SLURRY?) OF POSTS RE THE AUTO BOX NOT LIKING THE ECU.... OTHERS MAY COMMENT. ALTHO I LIKE AN AUTO BOX, I FOUND THE 4.1 TRANSMISSION TO BE BUILT FROM GIRDERS AND GAME FOR 350BHP.

I have been driving toyota's for over 20 years (I've had 3 Corolla's, Avensis, Carina, Camry ,Celica gen 4, 5 and 6) All of them have been wonderfully reliable and well built machines APART from the 2 dogs that were made in England, namely the Carina and Avensis. The Japanese built toyots'a are a different breed.... far superior build quality. thats why I need to know where they build the Rav 4...lol

Thanks for any advice

Regards

Dave

[salthepal]

I had a Corolla GTI before I became a RAVer in 2004 and have never once regretted it.

I can't really answer many of your questions except for motorway cruising which is quiet and smooth. Reliability on my 1999 has been faultless and your dogs will love it - nice big windows all round and no ridge to jump over to get into the back!

Found this one for you -

http://www.sakoontradecars.co.uk/103118/showroom.htm

(down the bottom of the page)

[newwy]

Hi guys

Thanks for the replies. I have just test drove one, the first one I've ever driven and it was nice. The elevated driving position is the clincher. When you have never been in a 4x4 or MPV, the view over the road ahead and general sitting position is very nice.

It was an auto 2.0 on a 54 plate and was generally good condition but it was almost £7000...I would be happy with a 02 plate for about £4500. The search begins.

Oh, I have found out that they are made in Japan....hurrah...Jap built Toyota is best.