You can see the option groups on the Toyota RAV4 website for each model. The have an ebrochure. The dealers all say you will never find a car that has something different from one of those option groups unless it is dealer/dock installed. Those items you see under accessories.
I have driven both the Base and Sport I4 AWD. I would say the 4 is very peppy and since I comapre to an Audi A6 2.7T that is a good base. But drive it, as that is the best way.
I looked at the Fitzmall site and the prices are very interesting especially since the dealers here in NY do not want to hear anything about less than MSRP and are quoting very high lease $ numbers. But in a few months the nonsense will calm down I think. Or you take a trip to Fitzmall and get a fair price it seems.
the engine is a honey... Very quick. Id say as fast as a CRV.. easy...... This truck is nothing short of amazing. I'll bet it gets truck of the year from one of the car rags...
The 6 will never be close to it no matter whats it rated at:)
After you get a few freeway miles on it I'd appreciate hearing from you about noise. I've owned several 4-bangers and they are always noisy. I'd give up a few MPG and go for the V-6 when it comes out later this month. At 269 HP and still 25+ MPG it's gotta be a blast to drive. I think the mileage is accurate. A friend just bought a '05 Avalon with something like 280 HP and gets 30+ on the hiway.
THANK YOU for confirming this. BTW, to the other poster, my guess is that (at least with my salesman) it was more an issue of incompetence than lying. I always get salesmen who make stuff up or surmise, as it takes less work, especially when you don't have a vehicle on your lot (I don't think anyone in Cols has a Limited yet). Toyota sure doesn't help things, if you look in their brochure there is nothing in there about the trim being upgraded in the Limited. But I just couldn't see how they'd expect someone to pay 25K to drive around with the atrocious trim in the base model. Maybe others aren't as appalled by it as we were...
I had been planning to buy a CRV .. but in all honesty I really don't care for it's looks. When I heard a new RAV was coming I put my plans on hold.
I was also planning to buy a CRV, but wound up test driving the Subaru Forester on my way to the Honda dealership and it BLEW ME AWAY! After the Forester X & XT, the CRV drove like a tin can on wheels. And, what's with that tacky plastic fold-down tray/cupholder thingy between the front seats?
By the time I made it to Toyota, I had already driven the Mitsubishi Outlander, which I thought was nicer than the CRV, but I heard the company's in trouble, so I don't want to get stuck with one of those. And, the salesman was practically offering ME money to buy one!
The problem with the 06 RAV4 is that they don't have ANY to sell you! There must have been 25 people at the Toyota dealership, all buying cars. There were only two left on the lot (in addition to the one demo) and they were both sold as I got there! And, this is for the 4-cyl model.
I drove the 4-cyl and it compared favorably to the Subaru, but I found the interior to be very "busy" with multi layers jutting out at you and too many little lights everywhere (I drove it at night). I also have problems with the back hatch opening sideways like a door - what happens if someone parks on top of you? How can you get your packages in? Give me a hatch that opens UP!
Also, didn't like that fact that there were no other options for a storage area for that spare tire. On the CRV, they give you the option of storing it inside the vehicle. The Subaru Forester stores it inside, but it's only a donut, which is disappointing. At least the CRV and RAV4 give you a real tire!
At Toyota, they told me that the V-6 is coming out in February, so I may go and drive one - maybe the interior will be different. It is a VERY good looking vehicle! Body lines are beautiful compared to most other mini-SUV's. Wondering what the gas mileage will be on it. Still like that Forester, though, even though it's ugly as hell on the outside! The inside is richly appointed and it has a gigantic sunroof that almost reaches the back seats - no other mini-SUV offers that! So, I've narrowed it down to the RAV4/6cyl or the Forester and will probably wind up with the Forester turbo. I'm hoping that the Forester turbo prices will take a dip when the RAV4/6 comes out.
I'm interested in hearing pros and cons of each and getting others' opinions on them.
If that's true, then the salesman that told the other poster that the Limited has the same cloth as the base was lying.
OK not to be too much on one side or the other it is possible that the salesman lied, but why would he? Being in the business and knowing what goes on the more likely reason for the incorrect info is Lack of knowledge and a lazy response. Meaning.. 'I dont know the answer to your question Mr Customer and I'm too lazy to get the answer so here's my opinion...'
The best answer always is 'I dont know but I'll find out for you.'
My suggestion if you are shopping and likely will purchase a certain vehicle is to call a store and ask for the Manager. Then tell him you want his most knowledgeable and comptetent sales person for an appointment at a certain time. You are serious about buying vehicle X at this store and want a complete presentation of the vehicle.
You will also get a lower price. :surprise:
In my previous business, the steel industry, there was a well know saying.. 'The higher the level of negotiation the lower the price'.
Buyer to Seller.. Highest price paid Buyer to Manager Manager to Manager Manager to VP VP to VP VP to CEO CEO to CEO.. Lowest price paid
If you are the spouse of the dealership's owner you are probably on CEO to CEO basis. Get to the highest level of Seller as you can as soon as possible.
It does not appear there are many packages for the base according to Edmunds....3rd seat, roof rack, styled wheels, day time running lights and side bags. Are you guys telling me I'll never find one base with the 3rd row seat, roof rack and styled wheels.....I won't be bullied into buying a 23K car for 25K....I jump into a Subaru first!
From my understanding, Toyota offers theoretically a-la-carte 'options,' but in reality they ship only a handful of different configurations. More accurately, each region and its dealers only order a limited range of configurations. They order what they suspect will be most sellable (and profitable), as well as most resellable. Therefore, you likely won't find a base model with a moonroof, or a limited without a moonroof. Dealers may offer to take a special order, but usually require non-refundable deposits and long (2-3 month) wait times.
Drove a Base model about a week ago. Excellent acceleration and handling. Even when compared to my '02 Explorer with a V6 (which is way heavier). Cargo room is impressive. The Sport model (which was already in the pipeline to the dealer) should arrive in a couple weeks. It just happened to have exactly what I was looking for as far as options & accessories, so I plunked down a deposit on it. As far as pricing goes....they're not going to go to far from MSRP while the demand is still high. It's only when the dealers are sitting with a lot full of them, that they'll start discounting them. That could be awhile. Other dealers I spoke to have already sold what was sent to them as well as others on the way.
What snagiel explained is the actual situation especially on the vehicles made in Japan.
However it is a dynamic situation. Obviously the RAV has just arrived and public reaction is just coming in ( via this forum for example ) and the composition of the packages is always open to modification if enough people want it done. Normally it's done on a MY basis but take the launch of the 4Runner several years ago.
They thought that the public would go for the grey rubber cladding around the wheel wells since this was going to take the brunt of the brutal offroading that the 4Runner would be subject to. Launch Oct... by Jan they listened to the market and never produced one of these again. All the subsequent models came with painted overfenders. Sales took off!!
If the 3rd row seat is in strong demand it likely will be added. It may also be available as a stand-alone option but it's a major manufacturing change so there has to be enough demand to warrant it.
the base 2*4 model plus roof rack, styled wheels, day time running lights and side bags, the invoice price is 20500. the edmund don't give these options. I saw it from dealer's computer database. I believe it's true.
I also have problems with the back hatch opening sideways like a door - what happens if someone parks on top of you? How can you get your packages in? Give me a hatch that opens UP!
Are you familiar with the weight of a full-size wheel and tire? At least I'm assuming it's full-size. That's why the rear hatch opens out as opposed to up. But I'm sure you knew that. Besides...how often does someone park "on top of you"? I can't recall ever not being able to access the cargo area of my van because of someone's lack of parking skills. The tailgate of a van still has to swing out a foot or so.
Anyway, just thought I'd throw my two cents worth in.;)
A lot of reviewers have complained about the "freezer door" on the back. It doesn't help that the window doesn't open separately. Not a dealbreaker for me, but I can see how it could be for some.
Actually, vans have TWO doors that swing out, which makes the required buffer distance in the back about half the length than for the RAV-4.
If you park in places like NYC (where sometimes a little grease is required to get into a spot :surprise: ), you usually don't have the luxury of having more than 2 feet in either front or back. That would make it impossible to open the RAV's rear door more than about a third of the way.
Those of you with fabric, is the Limited's fabric that scratchy stuff or is it more of the brushed/soft type? I just noticed fabric pictures in the brochure that I had missed before, and the Limited fabric looks different than the base, but it appears to be the same type of material. (Toyota used to have really scratchy, poor fabric on its base models, then more of a soft/brushed good fabric on its upgrades.) They still do not have any limiteds in our area.
I just bought the 2006 RAV4 Limited. My wife has an mp3 player with a headphone jack. I assume I have to buy a new adapter wire to connect the mp3 player to the AUX plug in the center console...correct? What type do I need to buy? I believe her mp3 player is a Creative Zen Jukebox.
I have had people parallel park so close to me that I couldn't get my top opening hatch open for cargo. That's why I'm concerned about having to open an actual "door" for a tailgate.
Samantha, I had a 99 Forester that I absolutely loved. The looks are kind of quirky but they grow on you. However I need something a little bit larger and the 06 RAV4 is much larger inside especially the back seat. If that isn't an issue for you then you may be quite happy with the Subie. I drove mine on the beach,in deep mud, and in almost a foot of snow. I need more interior room or I would buy another in a minute. Like many things cars become a compromise. You give up one thing for something else. Find what you like .. it's a personal choice. As somebody told me once "some people don't like chocolate ice cream". While I think that's insane it is true. If you like the Forester you don't need to think twice .. it's a great vehicle. - hutch
You are going to "take a bath" on the deal. What do you mean the price for your Corolla was 20K? At that price, it should have had more than must Moonroof, Spoiler, Alloys. Im guessing you also had the JBL, ABS, Side Curtains, etc?
I dont anticipate you will get more than $16-17K for it. The biggest depreciation drop for any vehicle occurs as it rolls off the dealership lot.
Yea... I bought my car in Bakersfield, CA therefore, ABS and Side Curtains and alloys and other.. are equipped...
Last time when my parents Trade in the 2004 Corolla to 2005 Camry... they didn't add some cash..By the way it is Camry LE 4 cly.... monthly 381.98 to exact 382. The is almost the same as Corolla...
I have had people parallel park so close to me that I couldn't get my top opening hatch open for cargo. That's why I'm concerned about having to open an actual "door" for a tailgate
A lot of people don't parallel park, unless they live in a city.
To me, a bigger concern is a simple visit to the grocery store. If someone is in line behind you, you'd better hope they leave room. Even if you can swing the door open far enough, you might have to walk around the vehicle to load the groceries.
"To me, a bigger concern is a simple visit to the grocery store. If someone is in line behind you, you'd better hope they leave room. Even if you can swing the door open far enough, you might have to walk around the vehicle to load the groceries."
It's funny the stuff we take for granted. While I've never been enamored of the side opening door w/o separate opening glass opening the door of our 02 RAV has never been an issue in OK where the parking lots are big and the population somewhat sparse. I've never even had to parallel park it.
I'm a bit suspicious of Toyota's MPG claims on the new RAV given the extra weight. We have never gotten better than 26-27 mpg on the highway with our 2.0L. I wouldn't describe either my wife or I as spirited drivers or having lead feet, but the interstate speed limit in OK is 75 so it's not unusual to be moving along at 80 mph
The EPA needs to revise their tests for estimated mileage--and soon. Funny thing is that my 92 MR2 and 94 Civic have always managed to meet or exceed the advertised EPA mileage.
I agree that EPA estimates are misleading and not terribly consistent with "real world" results, but keep in mind that, although 80mph for you might seem normal, there is dramatically more air resistance at 80 versus 50 (disproportionate to the speed increases), so fuel economy will suffer accordingly. See Pat Bedard's article in this month's C&D.
We've only put about 75 miles on ours, so I don't know yet what the typical economy will look like. I'll post after the first fillup.
Dont be so skeptical! Our 2002 Camry LE 2.4L 4A averages about 27-28 MPG in mixed driving, where our slower, smaller engined 2.2L 2000 Camry LE 4A managed only 25-26 doing pretty much the same routes, driven by the same person.
Theres a lot to be said for technology in terms of VVTi and better transmissions.
It seems like in most cases, the EPA highway figure is usually in the ballpark. Their city figure usually corresponds to the overall average mpg you will get. The actual city mpg is usually at least 5 mpg less (approximately). It's the city figure for the hybrids that's really way out of whack!
Last time when my parents Trade in the 2004 Corolla to 2005 Camry... they didn't add some cash..By the way it is Camry LE 4 cly.... monthly 381.98 to exact 382. The is almost the same as Corolla...
Despite the monthly payment being the same, that doesn't mean your parents didn't lose money in the deal. If they'd been paying on the Corolla for a year, that's more than $4500 paid into the Corolla that your parents probably never saw again once they took over a new (60 month?) loan for the Camry. That's quite a hit to take in just 12 months time.
I sat in a RAV4 sport today and that pretty much killed the desire for the xB. The RAV4 has a big enough front seat area for me at 6' 4" with room for two car seats in the second row.
I think the 3rd row is pretty useless on the RAV and I like the black fabric on the sport model.
Now I just need to wait for the v6 (what is the current eta?) I'd also like to see the Barcelona red as well.
Also considering Nissan Murano which costs more but has a nicer interior.
I also thought February for the v6 but the sales guy I talked to today said April or May. Not sure if he was setting me up for an I4 sale or if that is truly the case.
It seems like in most cases, the EPA highway figure is usually in the ballpark. Their city figure usually corresponds to the overall average mpg you will get. The actual city mpg is usually at least 5 mpg less (approximately). It's the city figure for the hybrids that's really way out of whack!
This is very true. The city figures on all vehicles are what make the EPA ratings so subject to controversy. But.. If you can replicate the conditions of the EPA testing you can get their figures as well.
City driving has many more variations than 'highway' driving; i.e. cruising just under the 55 mph speed limit.
If you can 'cruise' along at ~25 mph without many stops and starts then getting the EPA city mileage is possible. It just takes very specific conditions.
On a 50 mile RT last week at 25-40 mph I was able to average ~65mpg in my Prius. But that is the only time it was possible.
I spoke with local dealer today, they got first 5 RAV4s last weeek. 3 sold already. He says v6 in late Febuary. Did not try to push I4. He says they get car allocations every two weeks and can get you a car you want if you have a two month window in mind. Otherwise you buy what is on the lot of on the coming in soon list. They are willing to discount price but he would not say by how much. I am waiting to drive the V6 Sport. The I4 Sport is pretty nice actually.
My guess is you will know for sure when the V6 is on the way by checking the RAV4 section of the Toyota web site. When you see prices for the V6 models listed the actual cars will probably be close behind. Right now the site only shows prices and options for the I4 when you try to price out a RAV4.
I have talked to about a dozen Toyota dealers. While they are not perfectly informed on availability of the third row seat. They are unanomouse (sp?) about the V6 coming in March.
The a-la-carte is theoretical. If you go to the Toyota website and "build a Rav4" you will get a better idea. There are about 6 packages. Every dealer I have talked to is spouting cars in those 6 combos. Although they refer to them as if they are a-la-carte. Pretty much I hope you like the roof rack. That is coming on all of them. Side air bags are in about 1/2 of them. Daytime running lamps are in all. And they change the wheels. The third row is kind of hard to find.
Would I be an idiot to pay $22,000 for a base 2wd with package
- 17-in. Styled Steel Wheels w/P225/65R17 Tires(AA) - 50 state emissions(FE) - Roll Sensing Side Curtain Airbags and Driver & Front Passenger Front Seat Mounted Side Airbags(GY) - Roof Rack(DR)
Comments
Good luck
Frank
Frank
After you get a few freeway miles on it I'd appreciate hearing from you about noise. I've owned several 4-bangers and they are always noisy. I'd give up a few MPG and go for the V-6 when it comes out later this month. At 269 HP and still 25+ MPG it's gotta be a blast to drive. I think the mileage is accurate. A friend just bought a '05 Avalon with something like 280 HP and gets 30+ on the hiway.
Cheers,
Larry
Claiming you know something you don't is lying.
I was also planning to buy a CRV, but wound up test driving the Subaru Forester on my way to the Honda dealership and it BLEW ME AWAY! After the Forester X & XT, the CRV drove like a tin can on wheels. And, what's with that tacky plastic fold-down tray/cupholder thingy between the front seats?
By the time I made it to Toyota, I had already driven the Mitsubishi Outlander, which I thought was nicer than the CRV, but I heard the company's in trouble, so I don't want to get stuck with one of those. And, the salesman was practically offering ME money to buy one!
The problem with the 06 RAV4 is that they don't have ANY to sell you! There must have been 25 people at the Toyota dealership, all buying cars. There were only two left on the lot (in addition to the one demo) and they were both sold as I got there! And, this is for the 4-cyl model.
I drove the 4-cyl and it compared favorably to the Subaru, but I found the interior to be very "busy" with multi layers jutting out at you and too many little lights everywhere (I drove it at night). I also have problems with the back hatch opening sideways like a door - what happens if someone parks on top of you? How can you get your packages in? Give me a hatch that opens UP!
Also, didn't like that fact that there were no other options for a storage area for that spare tire. On the CRV, they give you the option of storing it inside the vehicle. The Subaru Forester stores it inside, but it's only a donut, which is disappointing. At least the CRV and RAV4 give you a real tire!
At Toyota, they told me that the V-6 is coming out in February, so I may go and drive one - maybe the interior will be different. It is a VERY good looking vehicle! Body lines are beautiful compared to most other mini-SUV's. Wondering what the gas mileage will be on it. Still like that Forester, though, even though it's ugly as hell on the outside! The inside is richly appointed and it has a gigantic sunroof that almost reaches the back seats - no other mini-SUV offers that! So, I've narrowed it down to the RAV4/6cyl or the Forester and will probably wind up with the Forester turbo. I'm hoping that the Forester turbo prices will take a dip when the RAV4/6 comes out.
I'm interested in hearing pros and cons of each and getting others' opinions on them.
Samantha
OK not to be too much on one side or the other it is possible that the salesman lied, but why would he? Being in the business and knowing what goes on the more likely reason for the incorrect info is Lack of knowledge and a lazy response. Meaning.. 'I dont know the answer to your question Mr Customer and I'm too lazy to get the answer so here's my opinion...'
The best answer always is 'I dont know but I'll find out for you.'
My suggestion if you are shopping and likely will purchase a certain vehicle is to call a store and ask for the Manager. Then tell him you want his most knowledgeable and comptetent sales person for an appointment at a certain time. You are serious about buying vehicle X at this store and want a complete presentation of the vehicle.
You will also get a lower price. :surprise:
In my previous business, the steel industry, there was a well know saying.. 'The higher the level of negotiation the lower the price'.
Buyer to Seller.. Highest price paid
Buyer to Manager
Manager to Manager
Manager to VP
VP to VP
VP to CEO
CEO to CEO.. Lowest price paid
If you are the spouse of the dealership's owner you are probably on CEO to CEO basis. Get to the highest level of Seller as you can as soon as possible.
The Sport model (which was already in the pipeline to the dealer) should arrive in a couple weeks. It just happened to have exactly what I was looking for as far as options & accessories, so I plunked down a deposit on it. As far as pricing goes....they're not going to go to far from MSRP while the demand is still high. It's only when the dealers are sitting with a lot full of them, that they'll start discounting them. That could be awhile. Other dealers I spoke to have already sold what was sent to them as well as others on the way.
However it is a dynamic situation. Obviously the RAV has just arrived and public reaction is just coming in ( via this forum for example ) and the composition of the packages is always open to modification if enough people want it done. Normally it's done on a MY basis but take the launch of the 4Runner several years ago.
They thought that the public would go for the grey rubber cladding around the wheel wells since this was going to take the brunt of the brutal offroading that the 4Runner would be subject to. Launch Oct... by Jan they listened to the market and never produced one of these again. All the subsequent models came with painted overfenders. Sales took off!!
If the 3rd row seat is in strong demand it likely will be added. It may also be available as a stand-alone option but it's a major manufacturing change so there has to be enough demand to warrant it.
I saw it from dealer's computer database. I believe it's true.
Are you familiar with the weight of a full-size wheel and tire? At least I'm assuming it's full-size. That's why the rear hatch opens out as opposed to up. But I'm sure you knew that. Besides...how often does someone park "on top of you"? I can't recall ever not being able to access the cargo area of my van because of someone's lack of parking skills. The tailgate of a van still has to swing out a foot or so.
Anyway, just thought I'd throw my two cents worth in.;)
Larry
If you park in places like NYC (where sometimes a little grease is required to get into a spot :surprise: ), you usually don't have the luxury of having more than 2 feet in either front or back. That would make it impossible to open the RAV's rear door more than about a third of the way.
Thanks in advance!
Dave
Samantha
- hutch
Price for my Corolla is almost 20,000 flat.
I went to toyota.com and configured the base price which is 4 by 2 model. The price is 20,905.
I'm planning to trade in feb. within my first service 5000
milages
Would I pay more... any ideas....
I dont anticipate you will get more than $16-17K for it. The biggest depreciation drop for any vehicle occurs as it rolls off the dealership lot.
~alpha
Last time when my parents Trade in the 2004 Corolla to 2005 Camry... they didn't add some cash..By the way it is Camry LE 4 cly.... monthly 381.98 to exact 382. The is almost the same as Corolla...
A lot of people don't parallel park, unless they live in a city.
To me, a bigger concern is a simple visit to the grocery store. If someone is in line behind you, you'd better hope they leave room. Even if you can swing the door open far enough, you might have to walk around the vehicle to load the groceries.
Same for, say, a visit to Costco.
-juice
It's funny the stuff we take for granted. While I've never been enamored of the side opening door w/o separate opening glass opening the door of our 02 RAV has never been an issue in OK where the parking lots are big and the population somewhat sparse. I've never even had to parallel park it.
I'm a bit suspicious of Toyota's MPG claims on the new RAV given the extra weight. We have never gotten better than 26-27 mpg on the highway with our 2.0L. I wouldn't describe either my wife or I as spirited drivers or having lead feet, but the interstate speed limit in OK is 75 so it's not unusual to be moving along at 80 mph
The EPA needs to revise their tests for estimated mileage--and soon. Funny thing is that my 92 MR2 and 94 Civic have always managed to meet or exceed the advertised EPA mileage.
Gogiboy
We've only put about 75 miles on ours, so I don't know yet what the typical economy will look like. I'll post after the first fillup.
Theres a lot to be said for technology in terms of VVTi and better transmissions.
~alpha
PS- Very jealous that you have a 92 MR2
Despite the monthly payment being the same, that doesn't mean your parents didn't lose money in the deal. If they'd been paying on the Corolla for a year, that's more than $4500 paid into the Corolla that your parents probably never saw again once they took over a new (60 month?) loan for the Camry. That's quite a hit to take in just 12 months time.
I think the 3rd row is pretty useless on the RAV and I like the black fabric on the sport model.
Now I just need to wait for the v6 (what is the current eta?) I'd also like to see the Barcelona red as well.
Also considering Nissan Murano which costs more but has a nicer interior.
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
I'm thinking that there are several situations where you load from the curb side. Interesting that it's never been an issue for you.
I work in DC, so maybe it's just that I'm used to crowded cities.
-juice
This is very true. The city figures on all vehicles are what make the EPA ratings so subject to controversy. But..
If you can replicate the conditions of the EPA testing you can get their figures as well.
City driving has many more variations than 'highway' driving; i.e. cruising just under the 55 mph speed limit.
If you can 'cruise' along at ~25 mph without many stops and starts then getting the EPA city mileage is possible. It just takes very specific conditions.
On a 50 mile RT last week at 25-40 mph I was able to average ~65mpg in my Prius. But that is the only time it was possible.
Click here to see what I mean.
- 17-in. Styled Steel Wheels w/P225/65R17 Tires(AA)
- 50 state emissions(FE)
- Roll Sensing Side Curtain Airbags and Driver & Front Passenger Front Seat Mounted Side Airbags(GY)
- Roof Rack(DR)
That is before tax and all.