Questions From A Newbie

[Badfurday]

Hello all,

Sorry, I appreciate this has probably been done to death, but im after some info on the Rav 4. I have been a long time admirer and hopefully will be able to get one once I have sold my current car (a3)

Im looking at a 2005, maybe 2006 if budget can stretch, 2005 the cross over year?

Can anyone help with the following questions?

Is there a buyers guide at all on the site?

I currently have a diesel but only do around 5000 miles a year, am I better off going for a petrol Rav 4?

Some models seem to have a bonnet scoop, is this just certain models?

Is the head unit a double din, easily swapped for after market?

Are the side steps/bull bars available aftermarkets?

What, if any are the common faults on the Rav?

Would a high miler be a silly or wise investement?

Any good indipendent Toyota garages around?

Any help appreciated.

[Raistlin]

Hi, Welcome to the club... Enjoy

I suggest you read the Rav section for some great advice

[Devon Aygo]

Hello all,

Sorry, I appreciate this has probably been done to death, but im after some info on the Rav 4. I have been a long time admirer and hopefully will be able to get one once I have sold my current car (a3)

Im looking at a 2005, maybe 2006 if budget can stretch, 2005 the cross over year?

Can anyone help with the following questions?

Is there a buyers guide at all on the site?

I currently have a diesel but only do around 5000 miles a year, am I better off going for a petrol Rav 4?

Some models seem to have a bonnet scoop, is this just certain models?

Is the head unit a double din, easily swapped for after market?

Are the side steps/bull bars available aftermarkets?

What, if any are the common faults on the Rav?

Would a high miler be a silly or wise investement?

Any good indipendent Toyota garages around?

Any help appreciated.

With such a low annual mileage a petrol model would most likely be the better option

Bonnet scoop is only fitted to Second generation 2000-2005 2.0D4D Diesel Rav4

Yes the audio units in both Gen2 & Gen3 are double din they both however will require fascia adaptors to fit a standard shaped double din unit as the standard fascia are larger than standard Gen2 or uniquely shaped Gen3. Harness adpators for audio and steering wheel controls will be needed, see: http://www.connects2.co.uk/VehicleProducts.aspx?Manufacturer_ID=59&Model_ID=185

Steps and plastic "A" bars are available from Toyota for both models see : http://www.toyota-tech.eu/Aim/Aim.aspx?pubtype=AIM&menuitem=3

Metal bull bars are seriously frowned upon nowadays.

Pertol models are very reliable but are pretty thirsty especially with Auto box. Gen2 diesel is pretty sound if a little underpowered and can suffer DMF issues, Gen3 2.2 Diesels have plenty of grunt but pre 2009 models can suffer from head gasket/oil consumption issues see: http://www.toyotaownersclub.com/forums/topic/132178-charliefarlies-guide-to-the-toyota-2ad-diesel-engine-and-its-issues/

As for the rest just common sense really.

[Badfurday]

Thats brilliant, thanks for the information. I was more inclined to go petrol so this has now made up my mind. Any ideas on vague round town MPG? 25-28?

thanks again

[atkiman]

Expect mid 20's on purely urban, I used to get 32 -33 summer on dual carriageway/motorway at around 60-65mph, 30-31 winter, .

my last mpg on the computer of the petrol was 37.8 mpg, steady 60-65, a14 /m6/m1,my nrg was bombproof did around 130k miles and no appreciable problems.

[Badfurday]

Great thanks. Ok, mind made up then. Just need to sell my car now!

[Badfurday]

Rather than start a new thread I thought id add to this.

Am I correct in thinking 04/05 Rav 4's have a timing chain, not belt, therefore dont need to be changed?

[atkiman]

Petrol has a chain, diesel has belt and thats for all 4.2.never had to change the chain, belt needs changing at 60k.

[Badfurday]

Great, thanks

Think Ive found one, but its in Sheffield and im in South London! Hopefully they will still have it by the weekend and I can have a look then