Frenchieboy Posted May 12, 2014 Report Share Posted May 12, 2014 I'm thinking of getting another 4X4 for when I can get out shooting as my poor little Clio is getting a little tired and is not up to visiting some of the farms I go to. I am currently looking at a Toyota Rav 4 (2 litre petrol) which is priced at around what i can afford. It is in good condition to look at with no rust and I am told that it is mechanically very sound with no known faults and has a tow bar fitted, and it has a long test on it. I don't know much about the Rav 4 so what i would like to know from any of you Rav 4 owners (Past and present) is if the Rav 4 has any "Achillies Heels" (Common faults) so to speak that I should be on a careful look out for guys. Any advice or thoughts will be greatly appreciated. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robbiep Posted May 12, 2014 Report Share Posted May 12, 2014 Toyota are now on the 4th generation of Rav 4, you don't specify what year/mileage/price the car you are looking at is. Best I can suggest is to go here ... http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/toyota/ and have a browse through (old models at the bottom of page). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cjm Posted May 12, 2014 Report Share Posted May 12, 2014 Clutch and flywheel seems to be a problem in these. My father has had to get his done (derv d4d engine) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Whitebridges Posted May 12, 2014 Report Share Posted May 12, 2014 I had a two litre diesel from new on a 53 plate. Did 139 K miles in it over nine years. Top motor, nothing went wrong. There is a cam service due at about 80k I think and this was a bit pricey at 400 quid. Only annoying fault was the back door didn't open fully (opens to the side) so it was a bit restrictive loading up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bentos Posted May 12, 2014 Report Share Posted May 12, 2014 wife has one on an r plate I think so very old, done 140k miles only issues I have had are slight weep on the rad which we sorted without replacing the rad and the heater controls failed (needs a rubber band replacing ever three months - the spring got to weak to return the control) loading is a pain due to door design but I have had washing machines in the back with only a grazed knuckle or two. good motors easy to work on and sort if you are that way Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
firdom Posted May 12, 2014 Report Share Posted May 12, 2014 Frenchie boy not had a petrol only diesels very nice motors you will find all you need to know on Rav4 forums just Google it don't think you will be disappointed best of luck Alan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
davecooper1 Posted May 12, 2014 Report Share Posted May 12, 2014 My has had one for 12 months, he reccons there a good motor Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
butchdickason Posted May 12, 2014 Report Share Posted May 12, 2014 Had RAV4,s for the past 8 years, I think they are brilliant. Butch Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
4eyes Posted May 12, 2014 Report Share Posted May 12, 2014 (edited) I've a mk2 and my dad a mk1. Both are 2l petrol and all wheel drive. In three years the mk1 has required nothing more than regular service parts - exhaust, cam belt and water pump, and some flexi brake hoses. All apart from the exhaust were the originals lasting 110k miles. The mk2 has done similar miles and has needed a gear linkage cable over and above the regular service stuff. They are a doddle to work on when needed and the parts are relatively cheap. The only down sides to them are their thirst- 25mpg - and the wheels seem to be made of kit kat wrappers. On both the paint it peeling from the wheels, but we use them as tools so it's not an issue. If you get the petrol one you have to go 2l for the all wheel drive. The mk2 is also a chain driven cam should that make any difference to you. I would reccomend one but you have to put up with a few 'hairdresser' comments. Edited May 12, 2014 by 4eyes Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
biketestace Posted May 12, 2014 Report Share Posted May 12, 2014 Had mine 7 years, brilliant motor.... Hair dressers car........................... My A r s e Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Penelope Posted May 13, 2014 Report Share Posted May 13, 2014 Pleased with mine, 05 D-4D XT3 diesel. Only had it a couple of months, so a little early to pass much comment. 48-55 av. mpg on a daily two way 60 mile motorway journey at a steady 70mph, good turn of speed and acceleration. I like the fact that the back seats come out giving great load space and it has all the toys as standard. My only gripe is that there is not much feedback through the wheel, and the steering feels very light with a touch of oversteer, but I have just come from 10years of driving (and repairing) Freelanders. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Millomite Posted May 13, 2014 Report Share Posted May 13, 2014 Bought mine new in 2012, 36000 miles later and it has only needed two new tyres on the front. MPG around 42-45 when driven quickly on both local and motorway roads. Can't fault it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PH.308 Posted May 13, 2014 Report Share Posted May 13, 2014 I have RAV4 54 plate had it last 7 years, highly recommend it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
al4x Posted May 13, 2014 Report Share Posted May 13, 2014 Pleased with mine, 05 D-4D XT3 diesel. Only had it a couple of months, so a little early to pass much comment. 48-55 av. mpg on a daily two way 60 mile motorway journey at a steady 70mph, good turn of speed and acceleration. I like the fact that the back seats come out giving great load space and it has all the toys as standard. My only gripe is that there is not much feedback through the wheel, and the steering feels very light with a touch of oversteer, but I have just come from 10years of driving (and repairing) Freelanders. Ours runs at 36 at best but that's at 80 to 85 I've not had the time or patience to go slower, even round locally it's no higher, that's an 09. Goes like stink though for a diesel 4x4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Penelope Posted May 13, 2014 Report Share Posted May 13, 2014 Alex, my figures are according to the trip nav, I assume it's accurate. In fact it reminders me of an MkII XR2 I had in the early 90's. Steering wheel could do with being a bit chunkier too. Ours runs at 36 at best but that's at 80 to 85 I've not had the time or patience to go slower, even round locally it's no higher, that's an 09. Goes like stink though for a diesel 4x4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
magman Posted May 13, 2014 Report Share Posted May 13, 2014 Ours runs at 36 at best but that's at 80 to 85 I've not had the time or patience to go slower, even round locally it's no higher, that's an 09. Goes like stink though for a diesel 4x4 Mine does that around town and get 45 on a run beats a 2lt golf too Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HDAV Posted May 13, 2014 Report Share Posted May 13, 2014 (edited) Clutch and flywheel seems to be a problem in these. My father has had to get his done (derv d4d engine) same for my dads D4-D, but that may be specific to the D4-D. My dads had a first gen and now a 2nd gen iirc http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/toyota/rav4/reliability quite capabel off road too My dad loves his and would have another but they stopped the SWB and he prefers them to the LWB and they are very comfy nice to drive fidn a good independant toyota mechanic and bills are not bad, being 4x4 and 2.0l it wont be as economical as the clio but the first gen petrol he had 2.0l wasn't heavy on fuel. Edited May 13, 2014 by HDAV Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frenchieboy Posted May 14, 2014 Author Report Share Posted May 14, 2014 Thanks for all of your thoughts guys. The one I am looking at is one of the older ones (S Reg) and I have had a good friend who is quite a experienced mechanic offer to come and give it a "good going over" for me before I buy it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HDAV Posted May 14, 2014 Report Share Posted May 14, 2014 (edited) Not the 03 one on here for £1800 then? http://forums.pigeonwatch.co.uk/forums/topic/282269-2003-rav4-one-more-try/?fromsearch=1 Mk1 LWB? 2.0l, uk car or import? My dad had SWB awesome bit if kit check if it has the lift out moon roof, ideal for lamping! The mk1 was no trouble until some muppet rear ended it and wrote it off! Edited May 14, 2014 by HDAV Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alendil Posted May 23, 2014 Report Share Posted May 23, 2014 Frenchieboy I am in same situation and looking for 4x4 to go shooting and drag some stuff around. have you look in to Nissan terrano 2 . its diesel 2,7 tdi bit beter on fuel than 2l petrol and its proper 4x4 and for me its cheaper to insure. just idea. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stu nesling Posted May 29, 2014 Report Share Posted May 29, 2014 mk1 and mk2 are both full time 4wd. mk1 will have a diff lock too. never managed to get my mk2 stuck yet. d4d 2.0 will give you 35 ish on a run and a lot less running around town. mainly due to the permanant 4wd but its as safe as houses in any weather. dont believe the onboard thingy it lies like a cheap watch. come visit us here if you have any questions http://forum.rav4driversclub.com/?sid=11a587dcdd13905d76b8b4285dab08ca Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HDAV Posted May 29, 2014 Report Share Posted May 29, 2014 mk1 and mk2 are both full time 4wd. mk1 will have a diff lock too. never managed to get my mk2 stuck yet. d4d 2.0 will give you 35 ish on a run and a lot less running around town. mainly due to the permanant 4wd but its as safe as houses in any weather. dont believe the onboard thingy it lies like a cheap watch. come visit us here if you have any questions http://forum.rav4driversclub.com/?sid=11a587dcdd13905d76b8b4285dab08ca Just watch out for some mk1 imports RAV4L which are 2wd only uk cars iirc are 4wd Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sprackles Posted June 6, 2014 Report Share Posted June 6, 2014 Had one the same era you are looking at Frenchie...it got me everywhere. Had it during the bad snow a few years ago...never got stuck once. Push button diff lock was the business. Didnt have a low ratio box like other 4x4 but to be honest I never got to the point where I could have needed it as it coped with everything I threw at it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lurchers Posted June 7, 2014 Report Share Posted June 7, 2014 Ive just bought a 05 plate d4d full leather and what a good motor i would recommend no probs considering ive had landrovers and freelanders.mint motor mate. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
diddy Posted June 9, 2014 Report Share Posted June 9, 2014 do you guys run all terrain tyres on the ravs? only fault I have with my 03 petrol is a poor radio signal rest is great. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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