Toyota RAV4 pre-2006

harrierguy

My wife's 2001 Rav came with the infamous dash rattle as well. Took the dealer two tries to fix. We have 19000 miles on it now - all trouble free (other than the orig rattle, of course) - and are quite satisfied with our purchase.

chas215

Question to harrierguy: I also have dash rattle that hasn't been fixed yet although dealer has tried twice following the suggested methods in the tech service bulletins. Do you know anything more about how your dealer finall fixed the problem? Did they have to take the dash apart? Any info you could share would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

harrierguy

The first time I took the Rav to the dealer, I just told them about the dash rattle - the dealer sounded like they knew about the problem - but after a few days, the rattle started to persist again. The second time I took the car to the dealer, I actually printed out the Toyota Service Bulletin (the one for the dash rattle was available online at www.rav4world.com - not sure if the TSB is still there tho), and showed it to them - the car has been rattle free ever since...

You can try printing out the TSB and taking it to the same dealer. But if they allege that they are already doing the fix as per TSB, I dunno - maybe like Mcdawwg suggests, you may want to try a different dealer.

Good luck.

mcdawgg

No, they don't have to take the dash apart. Actually, the "dash rattle" is really a cowl rattle. The cowl is the black plastic area on the outside of the windshield between the glass and the hood. It is this piece that causes the rattle. It can be fixed by the right dealer. Mine was (and so were countless others).

chas215

Thanks for responding. My dealer attempted to fix cowl rattle on two occasions following the TSB. Problem I'm having is still there and sounds to me like it's definitely in the dash and not at the base of the windshield. Thanks for your feedback anyway.

mcdawgg

There is also a Radio rattle TSB, and a glove box TSB. Your dealer should be able to do these really quickly - mine did all of them, including the cowl TSB, when I came in to complain about the cowl. My Rav is silent! Good Luck.

suvshopper4

Sounds in a car can be very hard to pinpoint; you can hear it coming from somewhere when you're driving, and if you are sitting in the passenger seats, the same sound can seem to be coming from somewhere else.

Several people on the other RAV site have found that some wires behind the glovebox area can make a rattle as the wires bounce against nearby surfaces. They've come up with their own fixes.

If it is the dash/cowl rattle, there's a regular poster (I forget his name) on that other site who has come up with his own dash/cowl rattle fix which is pretty basic and straightforward, and doesn't require touching the dash, only the cowl from under the hood. You might check into that, if you want to attempt doing a fix yourself.

suvshopper4

Intellichoice likes the RAV4 for overall value in its class.

http://carpoint.msn.com/browse/win_4018610.asp

They liked the 4Runner too.

andil1

My first impression of the Matrix is it looks like a miniature RAV4. But the RAV4 is still cuter I think. Even before it was restyled, I thought it was better looking than a Honda CRV. I can't believe that the 123 hp Matrix AWD would perform better than the RAV4. Plus the gas tank's so small in the AWD Matrix. I realize that the RAV4 is kinda' expensive compared to some other small SUV's--but I think it's so cute!

I really need economy about 90% of the time--7 mile ride to work on 25-40 mph roads--stopping every 2-4 blocks for a stop light. But I like to feel the car will perform if during the other 10% of the time I need to merge on a tollway where everyone is going 70-75 in a 55mph zone. What do you folks think? Plus, the RAV4 is a little overpriced--are the dealers dealing right now, to try to move the RAV4 since the Matrix intro? Any input/personal experience to any of my points would be appreciated! (BTW, I live in west suburban Chicago.)

mustang87

Hi everybody,
my first post here. I realize that its kind of late but maybe you can still help me. My parents are going to buy a rav4 on thursday (south Florida). This is a 2wd with auto, roof rack, alarm/key less entry, power package, tonneau cover, privacy glass plus some other options. There is also a 619 dollar package from southeast Toyota distributors for paint protection and scotch guard and all the useless stuff like that. The final msrp on the sticker is about $22,129. The car is red with 4 miles on it when i drove it and i put another 2 on it. So brand new as it gets. The dealer said will let it go for $18,800 plus 250 dealers fee, tax and 5.1% financing. This sounds like a GREAT deal and that's where i am a little confused. Where have you seen dealers give great deals on cars? This is also cheaper than edmunds tmv. My question is: what do you think? Is this a good price? can there be something wrong with the car that dealer is not disclosing? What to look for, what to check when picking it up?

suvshopper4

Are you sure the TDA (advert fee) is included? Or will they tack it on at closing?

Forget the paint protection sticker adjustment. The dealer can probably let all of that go with no loss to themselves.

How much over edmunds invoice is this vehicle (again, ignoring the paint package)?
If it is 300 or more over, sounds like the dealer is willing to take only a small profit.

Also, if there is a trade involved, this could be where the dealer hopes to make the real profit.

Good luck.

mustang87

Hi, thanks for reply. anybody else?
There is no trade involved and they do not charge an advertising fee. I have never heard of a dealer here in south florida charge an advertising fee which is good. Now, edmunds doesn't have all the options that are on the car but removing the paint protection and alarm option (plus maybe a few more things) the edmunds TMV price is still $1,000 more than the dealer lets it go for.

suvshopper4

How does the deal compare to edmunds invoice?
(Ignore the edmunds TMV for now.)

And there probably is an advert fee (~$300) in there for the dealer, just not separately stated or tacked on for you.

Again, good luck.

stever

Check this message for a checklist link (most of it applies to any new car delivery).

twylie "Jeep Wrangler" Oct 1, 2001 4:26am


Steve
Host
SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards

mustang87

The dealer selling price is bellow the edmunds invoice. The edmunds invoice doesnt even include about $1300 in other options that are on the car.

civicw

In Southern Calif, I understand that a major dealer has more than 100 RAVs in stock. Last year they probably had less than 5 at this time. My impression is that right now there is weak demand for RAVs(maybe because of new competition) and some dealers are basically giving them away at cost to receive future allocation of product. That's probably why you are getting a good deal, IMHO.

mustang87

Got it today after i went in to the dealer and told them that exact car that i want is at another dealership. Found it through buyatoyota.com. the saleperson jumped into one rav4 and 2 hours later drove in with our rav4. nice car. alarm wasn't installed but they agreed to install it at no charge. everything went very smooth considering that we had no papers showing the car options or price, the original person that i talked to last week was fired or quit, and nobody knows where the second salesperson is. we even got the 5.5% financing for 5 years. Does anybody have a cargo tray for it? Where did you get it and how much was it? Thanks.

suvshopper4

If by "cargo tray" you mean the lid that covers the hatch area, um, you are in for an unpleasant surprise.

Good luck with your new RAV. I hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoy mine (@22k miles).

-ss4

mustang87

may i ask why? does toyota make one? i'll be surprised if they don't. mazda makes one for protege5 and that car has been out only since may. fits like a glove. http://shop.store.yahoo.com/floormats4less/19rav4doorca.html

i found one there for rav4 but its more expensive than a mazda oem one from the dealership. I just thought that somebody knows where to get them cheaper. anybody?

suvshopper4

You might find a RAV cargo cover on a RAV site. Some people have been known to sell them there and on e-Bay.

If it comes with the vehicle, it's US$90 ('01 price).
If you order from the dealer's parts dept, it's over $600. Go figure.

I was able to swap my roof rack for a cargo cover (plus some cash) with a guy who contacted me on a RAV site.

mustang87

i am not talking about a cargo cover. I need a cargo liner or cargo tray. Btw, i just ordered one from my dealer for only $60. The downside is that is black and I hav grey interior, but its ok.
what is a rav site?

suvshopper4

A: RAV-specific sites.

mustang87

you know, i was hoping you would post some links.

stever

Try google.com. Or Altavista.com. Just don't forget to keep checking in here :-)

Steve
Host
SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards

desertguy

Try Rav4world.com/

suvshopper4

No links from me because I'm just trying to comply with the Edmunds Terms of Endearment, er, Agreement. [Some of the other sites have message boards.]

While I'm on the subject, I wonder why the hosts allow certain people to get away with the very political name-calling and demonizing crap over in "I Don't Like SUVs, Why Do You?"

Can I use the word "crap"?

tidester

suvshopper,

Why don't you raise your question regarding the "I don't like SUVs..." forum in that forum! It's definitely off topic here.

Regarding the use of the word "crap," that would depend entirely on it's usage. If it refers to "a ludicrously false statement," then it's fine. Naturally, we'd be less tolerant with respect to alternate definitions.

tidester
Host
SUVs

suvshopper4

tidester: You (among others) moderate the topic in question ("IDLS,WDY?").

How come that political stuff is tolerated there?
Isn't it against the express terms of agreement?

stever

Town Hall welcomes all points of view on automotive matters. IDLSWDY gets into the political arena quite often (CAFE, for example), not to mention many topics in News and Views.

I will agree the members tend to forget the "healthy, mature debate " part of the Member Agreement and too often engage in name calling in that other discussion. As we keep trying to remind them....

Steve
Host
SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards

suvshopper4

Thanks for the link.

I am surprised to see that politics is not referred to in the conduct section.

-ss4

agentmatrix

Just got me a Silver 2002 Rav4!!! Paid $500 over invoice (although their invoice included the TDA fee as well). Don't know if that's a good deal or not...but I'm happy with my purchase! :-)

I noticed there are a couple of TSBs issued for the Rav4. Should I have the dealer perform the TSBs or should I wait til I experience the problems?

limpyboy

I'm considering a RAV (I had on of the originals and loved it before I bought with my, um, ego and got a Dodge Durango). I was wondering: Does the owners manual recommend against carrying cargo with the door open?

The scenario I have in mind: A small sofa or something that requires the door to be nearly perpindicular to its closed position.

It seems that even on a short trip over smooth pavement, that's an awful lot of stress on the hinges. Can they take it?

I know they probably mention exhaust gasses, etc., but I'd be RAV-bound again if there are no limitations on it.

Thanks to anyone who might be able to help.

suvshopper4

agentmatrix: Sounds like a good-enough deal to me, especially if you got a RAV configured the way you want it. Enjoy!
Also, most dealers won't do TSB work unless your vehicle has the condition that led to the TSB being issued.

limpyboy: I agree, driving the RAV with the heavy (including spare) rear door open would be a lot of stress on the hinges, and might distort things enough that the door won't close properly afterward.
And even just idling the engine with the back door open lets in a lot of fumes, I've learned.
I wouldn't drive it with the rear door open.

RAV on.

agentmatrix

Does anyone know of a good, reputable place in the San Francisco Bay Area (preferably East Bay from Danville down to Milpitas) that I can get a powered moonroof installed for my Rav4?

desertguy

I you must move something long, I would certainly remove the spare tire and tie the door securely so it can't swing at all during transit.

suvshopper4

There are some good impressions of the RAV4 posted by 'dirkdaddy' over on the Hyundai Santa Fe thread, post #3242.

He rented a RAV to go skiing.
He didn't like the engine's power, but he thought the snow-mobility was very good.

Good account, worth checking out.

limpyboy

for the long-item tips. 'preciate it.

scottdude

Has anyone done a detailed comparison between the RAV and Matrix/Vibe? Why is one better/worse than the other?

strager

Could it be that those RAV quality problems are finally catching up? I've read about a number of people going to arbitration to get Toyota to buy their RAVs back on the ravworld.com website.

Or perhaps it's the competition, CR-V sales were up more than 50%!

suvshopper4

Where are you getting your numbers from?

strager

Saw the sales numbers on Yahoo auto news,

http://biz.yahoo.com/news/automobiles.html

suvshopper4

Thanks for the link. Took some searching, but I found the article link for a prior day.

The chart (US sales) does show a decrease of 12.3% over March 01, with 7,395 sold in 02.
(That is an increase over 6,106 sold in Feb 02 per autosite.com, but that is some apples and oranges).

I wouldn't suprise me if it is the new CR-V that is taking sales from the RAV4 (which was still a 'new' vehicle in March 01).
The CR-V is well done (hey, it's a Honda), it's still 'new', and it would appeal to more people who want or need a roomier vehicle.

But if we were going by sales volume alone to chose a vehicle, wouldn't we all be looking at the Ford Focus, etc?

mcdawgg

The "Quality problems" that you refer to are almost all rattles and squeaks, which do not affect the safety or ability to drive the car. I'm talking about the cowl rattle, glove box rattle, and squeaky brakes. I had all these minor problems, and they were ALL COMPLETELY FIXED under warranty. Also, the check engine light was too sensitive, so dealers reprogrammed the computer (took about 15 minutes). Toyota also issued Technical Service Bulletins about all these issues. They aren't recalls because they aren't safety or driveability related. Some dealers just aren't fixing the problems, so that is why a few people are going through arbitration (I guess I can't blame them for wanting a noise-free car, but I think Toyota needs to go after their dealers).
Look at the Honda CRV - there are also complaints about check engine light, transmission, engine stalling, noises, etc. Same kinds of stories about problems. But, they are both great small SUV's once you go to the right dealer to get the minor bugs fixed. Just a matter of taste.

carbfree

I purchased my Rav at the beginning of the year. I will spare you all the details except to say the car has been rattling, whistling, whirring and belching burned-oil smelling concoctions. The dealer can't fix it and has given up. Thursday I have an arbitration meeting with Toyota-- hmm I wonder who will win this one.

The interesting thing about this one is the rattle was there from the first day out of the lot and has been fixed 5 times. Add to that a misaligned front grill, a bad radio, a whirring sound coming from the tires, a loose bracket and a security system that doesn't work the way it's supposed to. Whenever I hear someone talk about the fine manufacturing at Toyota, I laugh.

By the way have any of you been told by the dealer before you bought the car that there is a bulletin out on the Rav 4? It seems in the manufacturing they may have left out a felt cover between the dash and the body.Next time, I'll be a Honda.

suvshopper4

Sounds like you got a real sour RAV.
Good luck with your arbitration. Sounds like you are not expecting much. Rightly so, from what I have read.

[Most vehicles have bulletins (TSBs); some even have recalls.]

At least you can laugh.

Better luck with your Honda.

phillyguy3

to RAV? Cross shopping between Loaded RAV & CR-V. Looks HAVE to go to RAV. That aside, why pay more considering great reviews on CR-V? Since I'm not enamoured with Honda body, I am looking for excuses to consider the Toyota. I can probably get an invoice price on RAV(know somebody) so that helps.
Responses most welcome.

suvshopper4

Looks like you get more room in a CR-V. That's the only V advantage I saw.

If you don't need more room, and the price is roughly the same...

CR-Vs are selling well. Soon there'll be a lot of the new ones on the roads. And they tend to be family-mobiles. Interpret that as you wish.

Good luck.

notacon

Hi all, don't know if this topic has been covered but has anyone experienced the Check_Engine light turning on? I was on a road trip and it just turned on, stopped at a gas station to try and figure it out but didn't even know where to begin.
I drove all the way home (some 250+ miles) no problems, don't have time to take it in to dealer for diagnosis til the weekend....
Any help or advise would be appreciated.
Thanks,
-R

nancy13

I just purchased a '02 RAV4 two days ago and already have the rattle in the dash. Sounds like it's coming from around the radio. I've read about the rattle experiences of others here and the TSBs on this issue. I'm going into the dealership today for another reason and will talk to them about it.

I have a question about the clock. It's not easily readable (blurry) compared to the radio display. Could there be a protective piece of tape that should be removed from the plastic face?
Thanks!

suvshopper4

nancy13: Yes, there is a piece of clear protective tape over the clock display that can be easily removed (and should have been removed in dealer prep). There's also one on the flasher switch.

notacon: Many new RAVers have had the CEL (or Malfunction Indicator Light) go on. Apparently, some units are a little too sensitive to emissions. Most have had a software reprogramming done which seems to take care of it. I think there is a Tech Service Bulletin on it, but I'm not sure.
But some techs have believed the trouble code stored in the computer's memory, and replaced the catalytic converters, which is probably a mistake.

Good luck.