Thinking about buying 2nd hand Rav 4 (4 cylinder) ... comments please

**AussieM8** · 05-11-10, 10:38 PM

Hi all

The shitty old car is due for retirement soon and I've been looking to buy a used Rav 4 (around 2007 model). Don't need it to tow anything - it's just for around town (mainly to and from work). If I bought one, I would eventually like to install a carputer to it.

I'm a bit confused with the diff models, etc but like the look of the 'cruisers'. I've not actually looked at any, other than some for sale on carsales.com.au.

Anyone got one? Are you happy/unhappy with it? What are they like on fuel? Reliability?

**Tradesman** · 08-11-10, 01:08 PM

my neighbour has an '06 Rav , base model thats pretty good. maybe have a look on a Toyota forum and see what others think. may give some clue on the common things to look for. repairs on those aint cheap.

**admin** · 08-11-10, 01:24 PM

Its hard to lose buying a Toyota but maybe Google it in a some auto review sites ( if you havent already ) ? There should be a few to read as we are only talking about a 3 year old car.

**mickc** · 08-11-10, 05:20 PM

nice car get about 10k/l
road noise is the only complaint

**ATTITUDE** · 08-11-10, 05:31 PM

The only problem is, toyota hurts your pocket more then other makes,if money is not an issue so be it.

**mango** · 08-11-10, 08:04 PM

lot of young chics and old ppl drive them around here.

i think they are the poor ppls landcruiser.

**AussieM8** · 08-11-10, 08:37 PM

Originally Posted by mango

lot of young chics and old ppl drive them around here.

i think they are the poor ppls landcruiser.

Well I'm old and poor, so it's well suited mango LOL

**AussieM8** · 08-11-10, 08:39 PM

Originally Posted by ATTITUDE

The only problem is, toyota hurts your pocket more then other makes,if money is not an issue so be it.

Yeah, our main car is an Aurion (which I'm very happy with) but its still under warranty !

**AussieM8** · 08-11-10, 08:40 PM

Originally Posted by mickc

nice car get about 10k/l
road noise is the only complaint

Thanks for the tip mate.

**AussieM8** · 08-11-10, 08:41 PM

Originally Posted by Sanity

Its hard to lose buying a Toyota but maybe Google it in a some auto review sites ( if you havent already ) ? There should be a few to read as we are only talking about a 3 year old car.

Actually, I never thought of that - thanks mate.

**AussieM8** · 08-11-10, 08:43 PM

Originally Posted by Tradesman

my neighbour has an '06 Rav , base model thats pretty good. maybe have a look on a Toyota forum and see what others think. may give some clue on the common things to look for. repairs on those aint cheap.

Good point mate ... I remember I looked at one before I bought the Aurion, so will check that out again.

**Godzilla** · 08-11-10, 09:34 PM

Originally Posted by ATTITUDE

The only problem is, toyota hurts your pocket more then other makes,if money is not an issue so be it.

Yes No.

You pay more for a sought after car.

They are sought after for a reason.

That reason is reliability, quality and great resale value.

The down side is when something is needed (very rarely outside of normal wear items) Toyota parts prices sting you hard....really hard.

**loanrangiel** · 09-11-10, 01:04 PM

If youre a chick or a hairdresser then go ahead, otherwise get a good mask so no one can see you driving it

. If you need a wagon dont get a rav, they have FA space in the rear.

**genus** · 16-12-10, 10:28 AM

AussieM8, I've been considering the RAV4 also. Seems well built but have some concerns around handling, road noise and running costs so not sure if a normal wagon would suit me better. Have you bought, changed your mind or found more info you can share?

**AussieM8** · 16-12-10, 10:55 PM

Nah, didn't end up getting on ... I spoke to a guy from work who owns one and he mentioned about the running costs and it turned me off them a little.

As it turns out, I spent a fair bit on repairs for my current car (not happy!) so I'm going to keep it for another couple of year to recover some of the expense

**westie01** · 17-12-10, 09:09 PM

Another thing to keep in mind if you have kids, are the seat belt locations in the rear. Put 3 in the back and the centre person will be sitting on 2 seat belt stalks as they are about 7-8" apart. OH WHAT A FEELING !!!