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The CRV has already been to the dealers, having the transmission fixed, squeaks & rattles checked out, horn fixed, seatbelt fixed, etc, etc.
I kept the RAV when I bought the CRV because the Honda dealer didn't want it as a trade-in, but I'm glad I did since I've been driving it while the CRV's being repaired. IMHO, there's no comparison in terms of toughness and quality. The CRV does have more power, more room, and a better suspension system though.
"We are sorry that you are having difficulty locating the vehicle of your choice. Our vehicles are equipped with options that we have found to be popular in the geographic area in which they are marketed. Because of this, some options may not be available in your area, while other options may be, but as part of a package. We conduct extensive market surveys and studies to assist in forecasting product features and equipment that will be desirable to the consumer.
Our factory takes this market information into consideration when scheduling vehicle production. However, we are not equipped to take special orders from dealerships or customers for individual vehicles. Our network of dealerships and distributors is designed to take your request and make every attempt to locate the desired vehicle.
Please visit the Build Your Own section of our website so that we can provide you with the most accurate information on what vehicles are available in your area."
In general, Toyota wants to discourage special orders for several reasons, that's why the official line is that they don't take special orders.
IMHO, Toyota's extensive market surveys and studies (as they claim) to determine options is a solution looking for a problem to solve. This solution creates problems, instead of making it simple to buy a Toyota. Toyota needs adopt the Honda pricing model, or offer a true build to order system.
ABS (they checked over 350 dealerships). Instead of pursuing the special order (which I don't think I could have gotten), I went ahead and got a CRV (EX w/ 5 speed manual transmission).
I know Toyota has a good product, but they sure would be easier to do business with if they could become a little more flexible in their marketing.
IF Toyota had had a different optioning scheme -- it might have been a different story.
For me, not choosing one was a matter of family-car stigma (from my youth), and styling/proportions (eye of the beholder, and all that).
I agree, Toyota's optioning scheme is far from ideal for the buyer, but it greatly benefits the company. And their sales are strong across all their model lines, so I don't expect them to change things any time soon.
Steve
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SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
Anyone have any experience/knowledge of it?
I live 8,000 feet up and work 9,000 feet up in mountains and believe the limited slip would be beneficial to the ~385 avg. inches of snow we get.
Any thoughts/help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanx
But you may have to special order from the factory, or get in touch with a dealer in a city in snow country, to get LSD.
It is not surprising to me that you can't find one in CA (I'm assuming, based on your profile). Lots of people in warm climate areas report that they can't find ABS-equipped RAVs.
I have seen some of the messages on special ordering and will continue to consider that.
The dealer I am working with, Perry Motors in Bishop, is 45 miles away and very small. The dealer guy couldn't find any LSDs anywhere and doesn't think will be able to find any. He is familiar with the area and doesn't believe I need one. I still want it though!
I will say I have had no trouble finding ABS here in CA. While I am not in socal, I have done research down there and had no trouble finding them with ABS. Good luck to those who are looking.
Still looking for as much input as I can get regarding the RAV4s Limited Slip Differential option.
She has helped a lot of RAV shoppers. She had (has?) listed all the available units with options, etc., on a website (probably the dealer's).
Latest thing I recently heard on special ordering, "ordered in March, arrived in May."
Good luck.
-ss4
Anyone have a similar experience...any suggestions would be welcome. I haven't taken it into the dealership yet.
Thanks!!
I think they may have formerly gone by the name of toyotaguys.com.
BTW, they can still be accessed through "toyotaguys.com".
It's probably something really small that has either broken or has become disconnected with a hard door slam (she lent the car to another friend when this happened). I'm confident that we can find the problem if I can get the door open and get the inside door panels off. The real question is, how do I get the door open when both handles are non-functional?
Does anyone here have any experience like this, or any suggestions for getting the door open? I'd really appreciate some help/advice. Thanks.
By the way, the price in So Cal for a RAV4 is really low. There is currently a $500 "instant rebate" if you take delivery by June 30 and, including this rebate, some dealers are selling RAVs as much as $600 under invoice.
Do I have to get a new engine?
I ordered one through CarsDirect.com and got $900 below invoice = the $500 rebate and $400 recent college grad rebate/financing.
I didn't get my Limited Slip Differential like I want(doesn't seem to be at all available in CA), but couldn't pass up this deal.
Look forward to owning my RAV4 and joining the 'club'.
Casey
Any word on 2003 differences/changes? Are there any?
I don't see that topic listed there, so you might have to start your own. Try giving it a catchy title like, "Diesel Instead of Gas by Mistake -Help!"
Good luck.
Steve
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SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
The truck was never the same after that. It would smoke after every start. We took it to the dealer we bought it from. They tried to fix it. First time I went there they did something and said it was fixed. But it wasn't. Went back again. same thing, said it was fixed, but no. Third time same thing. Fourth time Ford decided to give us a new engine. Smoking after starting stopped for a couple days but then started again. We decided to change the fuel filter. That solved the smoking after starting problem for a couple days and then started again. Been doing it ever since.
If I were you I would definitely replace the filter and fuel lines. I would also have them clean the tank, check the pump-replace if necessary, and check the engine-replace parts if necessary. I sure wish I would have done it this way. Good Luck.
wantadiscoii, is the lock working? Maybe its broken, stuck on lock.
Sincerely,
Paul
I have a problem back; still, I've not had a problem with the RAV's comfort, or anything else. It cruises well and handles very well. It gets off the line fine (especially after the engine is broken in), but does not have the quicker middle-speed acceleration of a 6-cylinder, which you might want. It's no dog on the highway, though. I have learned what to expect and how to drive it, and can get a lot out of that 2.0L engine. I probably value efficiency over power more than most drivers, though.
Good luck.
I'd appreciate any tire recommendations as well (must be good for all-weather conditions, including snow)...
Thanks.
I have not driven the highlander, but seeing as it has the V-6 and is a heavier vehicle, I bet it has the ride and power issues licked. I wonder if it is quieter...the main noise issue in the RAV is wind, and some tire noise.
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
As for ride, again 2wd vs. 4wd and tires could (I don't know if they do) make a big difference. In particular, if you've purchased 17" wheels, the ride should be rougher because there's less flexing in the tire sidewall.
MSRP $21,544
Paid $16,595 before reg and taxes
Just bought a 2002 RAV4 AWD, automatic, ABS, Cassette/CD, power package. Had it up to here haggling for the CR-V with Honda dealer.
MSRP was $24K and change.
Paid an even 21K before taxes and registration.
3.9 APR for 5 years.
Obviously I didn't do as well as Peter.
It didn't even have a cargo cover as standard equipment in a car with an MSRP of roughly 24K.
But anyway, thanks to the competition, this is the first time that Toyota has offered such low financing, and that's what attracted me.
I have 2 questions: there's a thin, pull down tray near the reading lamps. I thought it was a sunglass holder, but it's way too thin for that. Any idea?
Also, the alloy rim on my spare doesn't match the alloy on the other 4 tires. They look similar, but upon close inspection, they're not. The dealer said that's how they come...that smells kinda funny to me.
I think one of the answers you seek is: garage door remote holder. Then again, you might check the manual.
raybear: I agree. $5k off a $21.5k sticker???
other: Just took my vacation trip, 10-hour drive each way. Only noise I notice, with the audio off and the windows up, is my worn (28k miles) Bridgestone Duelers tires. Virtually no engine noise when cruising (69mph / 3k rpm). Also, I found the RAV comfortable over that time period (with a couple short breaks for fuel, both vehicle and human).
Over 4 tankfuls, I got a range of 27.2 to 30.9 mpUSg ('01, auto trans, AWD, 2 people onboard, air cond on about 20% of the time).
RAV on.
Paul
Good luck.
Other than that, it's a really fun little car. And you can get incredible deals on them right now. I really suggest just hacking off $4,000 from whatever price they're asking for the RAV4 you want. It sounds insane, but it worked for me. After negotiations, you'll probably pay $3,000 less than what they want for the car.
Also print out any online rebates/customer rewards programs from Toyota. I brought in the $350 customer cash reward that I printed from Edmunds (every little bit helps), along with the ones from cars.com and autobytel.com. The dealer coyly tried to say that he had never heard of these rebates. Neither one of us would back down (I had already secured a roughly $3,400 discount on my RAV4), so instead of giving me the $350, he threw in an alarm system. Although I really should've opted for a hard spare cover instead...
The AWD should come in real handy down there in Antarctica...
Sounds like you got a great price. $3,400 discount?! Zounds. I'm surprised there is that much pricing room to move on a model that is not due for an update soon.
I think you'll find that the engine is pretty tight when new, but will loosen up noticeably. However, being a flatlander, I don't know how it will do on serious hills even after break-in. I am curious about that.
RAV on.
We looked at Toyotaguys.com and they show $100 tire covers (with a hard plastic cover but soft sides) but they say it is not for the Rav4 L. I don't understand why it wouldn't fit on the L model. Maybe because the tire is larger? Does anyone know of any other alternatives to a $400 replacement.
Is it possible that they mean it is not the identical replacement for the L model?
I got no spare cover on mine when I bought it.
I like the bare look okay, but I may get a plain soft vinyl one at my local parts store.