2006 Toyota RAV4

firedude

Has anyone gotten a good deal on a 2006 RAV? My local Toyota dealer wanted $3495 over sticker. He said, "This is the only one we got that isn't pre-sold. It will be gone in an hour." I walked.

petl

How can this practice be allowed to happen? Good for you.

clam

Its called capitalism. Not anything to get too worked up over.

kdhspyder

Hey it's a negotiating ploy.. so negotiate.

jaxs1

They won't get that much over MSRP (if anything), but you have to pay more now when the vehicle is very new and in low production and low supply than if you wait for it to get into full production and supply.
They can "ask" for any amount of money. It is not illegal for them to put a sticker on it saying they want $20,000 markup over sticker. That doesn't mean you are obligated to buy it from them at that price or at all.
Don't be in such a hurry to have something brand new to the market.
I think some dealerships put big markups on some cars when they only have one showroom model available they are are not serious about selling so it will be available for display for people who will order and wait for future shipments. If anyone is stupid enough to pay the price, they will take the money though.

How good the does a 2006 Rav4 at $3000 over MSRP look to you compared to a heavily discounted Highlander or CRV?

kdhspyder

I think some dealerships put big markups on some cars when they only have one showroom model available they are are not serious about selling so it will be available for display for people who will order and wait for future shipments. If anyone is stupid enough to pay the price, they will take the money though.

This is exaclty the case. It's done all the time. If one comes in and is sold immediately what can you show the next 10 buyers who show up?

Another way is to 'sell' it but tell the buyer upfront that you are going to keep it in the showroom until the 2nd one comes in. Most people dont like this but there always is one buyer who just wants the first one and is OK with others tramping through his/her vehicle while on display. This happens all the time as well.

inocars

How good the does a 2006 Rav4 at $3000 over MSRP look to you compared to a heavily discounted Highlander or CRV?

Does anyone here know a dealer that has heavily discounted Highlander or CR-V? My friend went to a Toyota dealer to see 2006 RAV4, but the dealer only had one limited model and asked for a lot higher than msrp, so I am just wondering if anyone knows a dealer that has heavily discounted Highlander or CR-V.

bostnwhalr

rs,

Saw a Base 06 in white down in Toyota of Dartmouth today. About an hour south of Boston if you want to make the drive. Didn't go inside, but checked out it. Nice looking. Deceiving because it looks significantly smaller than the Highlander, but really isn't.

I sure wish they had stuffed the 3.5L in the current Highlander.

lindab4

What you heard was right. Honda is the one to watch out for on this. We stayed away from Honda just because of the timing belt issue. If it breaks and you don't stop immediately, you ruin the engine! But, judging from the reliability reviews from consumer reports, it must not happen very often. So we've certainly started to look at Honda again. I'm so eager to see the redesign. I hope they get smart and put the spare underneath and rehinge the hatch to go up.

cenitdunit

Was not impressed with the new 4 cylinder engine. Just my opinion.

jsochins

I checked out a Sport edition. The 4 cylinder engine was sorely lacking power in the low RPM range. I had to really put my foot into the gas to keep the revs up and prevent the trans from upshifting. Power was very strong in the upper RPM range. However, I prefer not to not have the powertrain so strongly influence how I drive a car. The suspension was too soft for my liking. Too car-like. After driving this vehicle, I purchased a base 06 CRV LX 2WD for $20,400. It comes standard with all the safety features. The base RAV4 requires an option package to get side airbags.
My two cents.

kdhspyder

I sure wish they had stuffed the 3.5L in the current Highlander.

They will by this time next year when the new Highlander debuts.

kdhspyder

it's the same 2.4L engine that was in the '04 and '05 models.

It's for the frugal 'I want a Camry SUV' buyer.

ateixeira

CR-V has a timing chain. There is no belt to break. It's maintenance-free. You're worrying about a belt that does not exist.

As for discounts, try searching the web inventory of a no-haggle dealer. In the DC area, I found these guys:

http://arlhonda.brownscar.com/

For the CR-V, prices are $20-25k, with at least a grand off MSRP for brand new 2006 models.

For the HL, try Fitzgerald:

http://www.fitzmall.com/

They have AWD V6 models from $27.4k, 2006 models, $1200 under invoice.

That makes a RAV4 with a $3500 markup basically absurd. A well equipped AWD 4 banger runs around $28k, with the markup they're asking well over $30 grand.

That makes a 4 cylinder RAV4 several thousand dollars more than a HL V6.

Gas is cheap. You will never, ever, make up several grand in fuel savings by choosing the 4 cylinder RAV4, so in this case the HL is by far the better buy.

I'm sure prices will come down to earth sooner rather than later. I doubt they'll even stay at MSRP for long.

-juice

rushme

People are just proportioned so differently. My husband and I test drove a CR-V a few weekends ago. I am 6'3" w/ a 36 inch inseam and I could not fit in the passenger side of the CR-V. The dash was literally pushing on top of my legs. I was okay in the drivers seat, but not really comfortable. I feel much better in the Highlander. We are waiting to check out the RAV for ourselves, but I have my doubts. The passenger dash looks really low in that as well. If the RAV doesn't work we will be getting a stripped down Highlander.

Melissa

andrelaplume

The new Rav has got to be fairly close in lenghth. When I looked at the 05 Rav it was a foot or more than the OB. But the new one is likely as long. I'd go so far as to say it would be easier to park the OB. I am still deciding bewteen the Forester, Outback and RAV. For practicaltiy you can't beat the base automatic FOrester @ 21.2K out the door. Still, if you are going for looks then the Outback and RAV have an appeal. Personally, I feel the Honda was the best deal around when you factored in safety. Still theres a shake up right now with the new RAV and V coming. I know this,I can get an AWD 4cyl OB Base with heated seats, heated wipers, heated mirrors as well as the standard pw, pl, pm, cd, etc etc for 24K out the door -- no trade. Still, I am RAV curious...lets see how quickly the MSRP comes down. Hopefully there are not too many 05s still around to keep the price up. Remember too, I believe the new V comes out this spring...nothing like the old boss getting a makeover to provide some immediate competetion....

rsaltus1

Finally!!!! I checked out the first (as far as I know) 2006 to hit Boston, at Herb Chambers Toyota. All I can say is ... WOW! Compared to the 2006 CR-V I drove two days ago, the RAV looks much more muscular, feels roomier (even for this 6-4 frame, which settled nicely into the driver's seat with good visibility out the windshield, plenty of headroom and leg room, and, I feel, is easier to get in and out of than the CR-V), better choice of colors, and nicer interior. This was a Sport in red (too garish for my taste). I'm going back this afternoon to drive it. The seats may not be quite as supportive and comfy as the Honda, but otherwise, it looks more modern, has plenty of back seat legroom, nice instruments and storage. They're pricing the base at around $22,500 and the Limited at $25 something, plus TTL, of course. In the next 2-3 weeks they're getting in another sport, several base models and several Limiteds. I hope to god the realworld mpg is at least close to the advertised - it's hard to believe on such a substantial car.
More later....
rs

family_w_five

I've been doing my homework, but have decided to put off purchase for a couple months. But I did find two dealers in the Atlanta area willing to sell a Base RAV4 with 3rd row seat and a few other options for well under MSRP (22k selling price vs. 23- 23.5 MSRP). In both cases they would grab a car that was to be available in SE Toyota inventory in January. Try internet sales for Roswell Toyota (John) and Heyword Allen in Athens (Mike).

ateixeira

Just kidding. But I too noticed the lack of leg room in the front passenger seat of the CR-V, and I'm only 6' even.

The OB will be easier to park - much better visibility, especially to the rear.

Toyota should consider a rearview camera option when NAV is offered. Bundle them up, it won't cost much, I saw that some aftermarket double-DIN units would only add $100 to the cost of the system.

-juice

rsaltus1

Juice: I'm with you on the rear=view camera; only bad damage I've ever done to cars is backing into things. I've looked on line at some systems that are independent of the NAV - you clip a small monitor to the rear view mirror or mount on the windshield, and wire it to rear mounted camera. $300-$500, it seems. Well worth it to me.
I just draw a Sport RAV4 and am pretty much sold on this car. Feels very roomy inside and more modern than the current CRV, and better outside looks IMHO. I did notice the slight lag when you first accelerate, apparently a Toyota trait, but otherwise very smooth and adequate power for my needs.
One problem: The first allotment of base models and sports don't have side curtain airbags; you have to get the Ltd, which I don't want to spring for, or wait until some more are on their way. Hard to tell when they'll start backing off the MSRP, what does anyone else think?
cheers
rs

rsaltus1

The dealer I'm talking to now says he can get side curtain airbags on the Sport - not the base. But what's with the 18-inch wheels? Aside from looks, what are the pros and cons? I'd guess tires for those wheels are way more expensive and hard to find - does anyone know about this?
thanks
rs in boston

rsaltus1

The latest from the dealer in Boston is: They currently are getting RAV4s with side airbags only in the Limited. In several months they'll be getting the Sport with side airbags , but only with upgraded sound system and tow package-- at a sticker price of over $27 K! this is ridiculous. Are dealers elsewhere offering such a crappy package re side airbags?
thanks

joecarnut

Just wait awhile and they should go down.
They are just scarce right now and a brand new model change.
Also if you wait, maybe they can shake some of the bugs out too.

rsaltus1

After the dealer told me I basically couldn't get side airbags without A. paying ridiculous amounts for a Ltd. or overequipped Sport or B. waiting months until the base models come with them, I fired an angry email. Basically, I said that Toyota is being greedy AND misguided: they're trying to force eager buyers to pay thousands more to get a safety feature that Consumer reports and others say should be standard - and IS standard on the RAV4's main competitor, the CRV. The result will be, I predict, yes, some shortterm windfall from these instant gratification junkies, BUT, they'll be stuck with a lot of base models lacking side airbags. So those potential buyers, who can't afford the upscale trims, will either A: Jump to the CR-V and get the bags at a much lower price, or B: give in and buy basic RAV4s that will be seriously unprotected should they get hit from the side or roll over.
They're not getting my money any time soon.
Maybe this is an aberration of the allotment the dealer is getting, but I bet it's not.
pissed off in Boston
rs

fnamowicz

HOLD OFF ON THE 2006 RAV4 THE 2007 CRV WILL BE A MUCH BETTER SUV. NEW REAR HATCH AND SPARE TIRE DESIGN.
OUT THIS FALL.

jimbres

Puh-leez kill the caps.

kdhspyder

There are two very distinct groups of buyers on the entry level vehicles. One reason that Toyota has traditionally offered ABS, then Side A/B as options is that there is a very very large group of buyer for whom safety in a non-issue. The only issue is price! If A/B cost extra they wont buy the vehicle. If 'Yota puts the A/B in they will ask for a discount for them because they dont want to pay for them.

The other group demands every safety option possible.

How to balance the demands of the two groups? Make some items optional.

Patience.. the RAV is one week old. Each dealer has one maybe two. With just two vehicles someone is going to say 'why is this one loaded up with everything' and someone else is going to say 'why are you forcing a stripped down version on me?'

There are about 1600 dealers in the US and the expected shipments are about 5000 per month... that's 3 per store per month. Somehow the entire market has to be satisfied, the frugal and the ones who want every option available; the safety conscious and the ones who dont give a whit; the grandma's and those who want to take the RAV's deep off road; the fuel efficiency buffs and those who want to tear up the road in the new V6's.

As with any new model it will take some months for the market to speak and determine what are the main features that will really be in demand.

rsaltus1

I know, what you say makes sense in terms of the free market. And the libertarian in me says, sure, if people want to spend less money and drive less-safe vehicles, that's their choice. But I prefer Honda's attitude - let's make side bags standard, and go from there. Eventually they'll be required, and people who bought RAV4's without them will have trouble selling their cars.
Having said that, do you think other dealers in the Boston metro area may get bagged base models in their initial allotments?
thanks
richard

ateixeira

There was one featured in the Edmunds Blogs that had a little screen embedded in a replacement rear view mirror, it was nice and seamless.

Lexus has one so it's in the parts bin, bring it when NAV arrives, I say.

18" wheels mean low-profile tires. The ride will be stiffer, and yes the tires will cost more. But it should handle quite well, and steering will also feel more direct. Not at all the ideal for any sort of off roading, so avoid the Sport if you plan on that. Think Sport = Pavement only.

Let's not forget, Honda hopped on this safety bandwagon only recently. Toyota was first to make ABS and stability control standard on their SUVs.

Having said that, this day and age, when the Hyundai Accent has 6 air bags standard, you certainly expect that in anything over $20 grand.

-juice

moonrooves

Hi Rsaltus1

I have been following this forum on the 2006 Rav4 for 3 months now, and this entry of yours strikes me as the best!! So well written- the emotions that you have experienced concerning just wanting to get the side air bags and not a lot of other "stuff", combined with your strong grasp of facts through research, certainly leads me to lend you my respect. I did so love the body style of the new 2006 Rav4, but NOW I will be looking at Honda, Subaru, Suzuki, and lord knows, maybe even Mariner

Thanks for sharing,

Moonrooves

p.s. to Toyota-
No, I dont want a moonroof on my Rav4. I JUST WANT THE SIDE AIRBAGS. (However the extra charge required for the "Blizzard White" paint job may suck me in. Tell me more. Make me want it.) :P
Happy New Year!!

rustinginvt

Just bought a 2006 RAV 4 Limited with second row side curtain airbags. I traded a 2003 Chrysler Town & Country minivan. Figure it how you like, the sticker price on the RAV was $25,400. They gave me $10,500 for the van and threw in floor mats and a cargo tray. Obviously not enough time or miles have accumulated to rate it but we like it better than the 1999 RAV that we owned previously (we were very happy with that one but too small after 2nd child arrived). The extra room is what drew me back this time. Didn't get the 3rd row seat because the one that is scheduled to arrive in two weeks is the base model with no side curtain airbags.

giantkiller

"One reason that Toyota has traditionally offered ABS, then Side A/B as options is that there is a very very large group of buyer for whom safety in a non-issue. The only issue is price!"

I dont believe any of these. The reason why Toyota buyers shy away from models with side airbags is because only higher end variants/models has it. The CRV have been the best selling small SUV/crossover and SAB is standard to all variants/models.
Make SAB widely available to even the base model as it is. No combination of useless options. The price will get reasonable and the people whom you said are price conscious will be able to afford it.

petl

The top selling SUV is the Ford Escape. I also believe that SABs should be available on the base model. However, most of the vehicle buyers are not internet browsers or posters. Check the different names of the posters on this and other forums; for the most part it's always the same people. The percentage of posters as potential buyers is probably less than 1%. For all intents and purposes, what is discussed here and on other sites will not affect the sales on any vehicle.

Although some of these new safety features are important, they have not deterred a majority of buyers from purchasing vehicles without them. For the most part, only the few informed & educated buyers are the only ones discouraged (from buying). They will either pony up the extra money (for bundled options) or move on to another vehicle that suits their needs.

Frustrating as it may be, Toyota will make them easily available when it makes economic sense. Unfortunately, most buyers don't browse here.

jimd4

Well I looked at my first
RAV 4 last week her in NY. Base with side airbags on it. He had 3, all base with side air bags and 4 cyl. Wants MSRP. Unable to commit to any delivery date for V6 or Sport models. Car looks pretty good once you get over the plastics inside.
Performance numbers and space better than Audi A4 2.0T Avant if they are real. I am not in a rush and will wait till they get plenty and the price comes down to less than MSRP. Maybe 6 months from now, who knows. Jim D

rushme

I wish I played in the WNBA...I probably wouldn't be shopping for a RAV though if I did! I was one of those tall, skinny girls with no athletic ability (I couldn't dribble and run at the same time).

Several dealers in Northern IL and Southern WI are getting in all three models. One has 5 I think. Of course no local dealers have them in yet! Many are 4 x 4.

Melissa

rsaltus1

Thanks for that, Jim. Glad to know they are shipping some base cars with side bags. Why are people picking on the plastic stuff in the interior? Isn't this pretty typical with cars in this range? The 2006 CR-V I drove was full of plastic, but looked worse because othe sickly beige color and the less-modern look than the RAV4 interior, in my opinion.
I agree waiting a few months makes a lot of sense.
cheers
richard

kdhspyder

You dont have to believe it but you are only looking at your region. Gulf States distributor for Texas can do as they wish when they order the vehicles from Toyota.

In our region CAT we can order the vehicles any way the client wants but when 'stock' items come in usually it's 3:1 in favor of the frugal buyer over the safety-conscious buyer. Now if demand changes progressively then it may be 50/50 economy/safety but we can't just shut out the economy buyer.

Why do you think there is a 'standard' Camry with no Keyless, no Power drivers seat, only a donut spare and no side A/B? The frugal buyers demanded that Toyota 'decontent' the Camry back in '04.

OTOH most of the LE Camry's have the GY side A/B option on them. But this is our region. Gulf States might be different and Boston and SoCal, etc.

agnosto

Please stay faaaaaaaaaar away from HONDAs as they can not compare to TOYOTA quality, but I do agree that side airbags should be standard on base models as well.

ateixeira

CRV have been the best selling small [import brand] SUV/crossover

Fixed it for ya.

I believe the Equinox and Escape outsell them? Haven't looked lately.

-juice

atlhoosier

about the quality of the interior appointments on the LTD. Dealers in the ATL area have assured me that the LTD interior will have a much more comfortable, upgraded look and feel than the base model I drove. They even have said that the interior will be similar to the look and feel of the interior of the LTD Highlander I looked at when I test drove the base RAv.

In your opinion, does your car's interior have similar appointments and amenities to what an LTD Highlander would have? Thanks for the insights!!

doctyphoon

I saw a 4cyl Base model in white and a 4cyl Ltd. model in black today. I liked the overall shape. It is clean and derivative of the Lexus RX and the BMW X5. I would venture that it could be striking in certain color and wheel combinations. I think the overall size is perfect. A definite "regular" size, in an era of either "micro" or "supersized." Small enough to maneuver easily and get good gas mileage, but large enough to carry four in comfort and to haul reasonable cargo. The interior on the Base model under whelmed me. It was a beige color of some sort, and had an overall muddy look to it. The salesman did not want to open up the Ltd. for me (who knows why...), so although I could see from the outside that it was a similar shade, I could not judge its appeal. I am a fan of darker gray and black interiors. Has anyone seen one in these shades?

rsaltus1

According to a Boston-area dealer with access to the "secure" Toyota central Web site, NO base model 2006 RAV4s with SABs will be shipped to New England this coming year, period, UNLESS there is a mid-year change. If you want SAB's and you live in New England, you will have to buy a 6-cyl Sport (many months from now) OR a 4-cyl Limited, in an accessory package that will push the pre-TTL price to $25,800.
No explanation or reasoning was forthcoming.
Yet, if you live in other regions, you CAN get less-expensive models with this important safety feature.
Go figure.

richard

rsaltus1

I agree with you doc, that the RAV4 is the perfect size, hands down. I drove a red Sport with the dark charcoal interior, and I thought it was terrific-looking; you can't get away from the two-tone plastic dash material, but it's not bad. Much better looking than the current CR-Vs. I like the dark charcoal color, too, but Toyota, in its infinite stupidity, only offers it on the Sport - not on Base or Limited. So - see my post below - if I want buy a 2006 RAV4 in New England, I can't get both side airbags and the dark interior - even if I pony up the extra $$$ to buy the Limited just for the airbags.
They're pissing me off, to tell you the truth.

rsaltus1

So do you like the Limited, do you feel it was worth the extra dough? What ext/int color did you get? It's annoying they don't offer the dark charcoal interior in the Limited - what's up with that?
And where in VT did you get it?
thanks
rs in boston

jimd4

Well your right about the plastics. But I am coming from an Audi A6 and Audi has the most wonderful interiors so the first look at the RAV was new to me. The new A6 also has a sticker of $50K so that one reason I am looking at the RAV4 since I am retired now and don't drive much long distance where the Audi is perfect.
The RAV4 seems to have performance numbers comparable to the 2006 Audi A4 Avant but at maybe 25% less.

jimd4

So I drove the RAV4 FWD I4 base 2 seat today. Car had not much except roof rack and sticker was $22K plus. 4 cyl was pretty nice with adequate performance for most around town and light load hwy work I would say but your not gonna blast past anyone when passing at 60+mph!Handling was pretty good, steering is light with good response. Noise was low but I did not get on any rough roads. Dark day but LCD panel and gauges easy to see. Space inside is good and seats work easily to fold in back etc. Selling price is MRSP with no discussion! Dealer says they think it will be 2 months before they get 6cyl. 4cy Limited and base models are around NY apparently Not sure about Sport models.
He mentioned that they will only build 45,000 RAVS in the coming year. If Toyota has 5000 dealers that means the 9 cars per dealer in 2006. I would say the chances of getting any cost break below MSRP is nil. I guess if you find one that fits your needs and can get past paying MSRP you probably should buy it or plan for a long wait.

The dealer quoted $480.Mo for a 36Mo/12K mile lease on a proposed $27,000 MSRP for a Sport V6 AWD, with nothing down and and all fees in the lease payment. this included the NY sales taxe of 8.25% in the payment.He said the residual is 61%.

The havea deal for $259/Mo with $2999 down on a basic Highlander so it is obvious they are trying to move that model since the payment is low.

Width between rear wheel wells is 43.5 inch. Length of rear with seats down is 74". The front passanger seat does not seem to fold down flat but if it is pushed all the way forward, the length is about 79" so the 6 foot ladder will fit.

I am driving an Audi A6 2.7T so the RAV4 is not in that class but looks like a pretty good machine for the money. I will go back and drive again when I can find a Sport V6 AWD!
Hope this helps all you RAV4 crazies out there.
Jim D

jimd4

While I am rambling about RAV4 info, the dealer told me that even though the base and sport models do not come with leather, most dealers can arrange to cover all seats in leather to better than factory quality with 36 Mo warranty for $1300. Since factory leather is $1050, $1300 is not far away for anyone who might want a base or Sport with leather. Hey you spend your money and take your choice in the good old USA!
You can get lots of RAV4 info on prices and details at MSN link:http://autos.msn.com/research/vip/overview.aspx?year=2006&make=Toyota&model- =RAV4&src=vip
Enjoy!
Jim D

absolutboy20

I've come to the conclusion that dealership salesmen do not really know a whole lot when it comes to their own products. I was reading jimd4's comments and couldn't believe the low production levels that he was told. So I did a little research a few clicks on google later:

I found the actual sales level in the US that Toyota predicts is 135,000 annually.
(Source:http://www.thecarconnection.com/Vehicle_Reviews/SUVs_Wagons/2006_Toyota_- - RAV4.S181.A9686.html).

The actual figures for dealerships in North America for the company including Lexus, Scion and Toyota comes out to be 1,730.
(Source:http://www.toyota.com/about/operations/numbers/factsfigures04/by_numbers- - .html).

That puts the per car dealership numbers to at LEAST 79 vehicles per dealerships.

If you're an early adopter and like the four cylinder, it makes sense that you have to pay MSRP. I'm probably going to be paying that when the 6 banger comes out so I can get some use out of it as a ski car this year, which will probably be out early February like the website states. (Dealerships are saying March.. we shall see)

But for all you folks who can wait it out a few months, I see discounts, not wait lists. I just find it sad that the people who supposedly represent Toyota are misinforming customers for their own behalf. I guess that's why I prefer online car buying. Best of luck to all

jimd4

In my recent comments about driving the base RAV4 4 cyl, I should have said it wa AWD not FWD for $22k+ MSRP.
Whoops!

donzi81

It really is quite annoying that dealers take advantage when a new model arrives. They treat it like it is gold and extremely difficult to obtain. I can assure everyone, that by late Spring, you will be able to buy a RAV4 4 cyl for at least $500 over dealer cost, if not less. The 6CYL may take longer to reduce in price. Once Honda introduces their new CRV, more competition, means more aggressive pricing. I have not done any research on the new CRV, but if they want to remain competitive, they better offer a 6 CYL!