2006 Toyota RAV4

jkinzel

Does anyone know if the RAV 4 is available in other countries in a diesel version and what the mileage would be? This would be a great car with a diesel getting about 45mpg. :shades:

jimd4

Well the MSN price says the list for that configuration would be $21910 and an invoice of $20229, so you would be paying $90 over list. If you need the car right away then you are paying what the market pretty much requires right now. If you can wait or shop more you could maybe get it for $21000 but maybe not since people seem to be buying these things as soon as they show up, especially the onces that are not loaded. I have talked to or visited 5 dealers in NY and all are asking MSRP except on loaded Limited models where they seem to be willing to take a little off.

If you want to see what one big auto mall place is asking see www.fitzmall.com. They are asking what I would say are very reasonable prices off MSRP but choice is not big.
It is your money so have fun.
Jim D

njawdriver

Check out the German announcement of their new diesel Rav4 at http://rav4world.com/2006_rav4_frankfurt.pdf

It's got available NAV and bluetooth also.

The D-4D 135 diesel (6 speed manual transmission) offers a combined fuel consumption of 6.7 liters / 100 km which is just over 35 mpg. Not bad for "combined" driving.

rsaltus1

So after reading all these posts about Fitzgerald Mall, I talked to them and even put down a deposit on a Limited, and was making plans to fly down when it arrived. Meanwhile, I asked my wife to go to nearby Toyota of Watertown, which had just gotten its first RAV, a basic Limited, the day before - just to check out the fabric etc.
When she told them I was geared up to go out of state to save $1,400 off MSRP, they immediately caved and offered her the same discount. Unbelievable.
So tonight we will pick it up: 4WD Limited, that beautiful metallic-grayish-green Everglade color with taupe interior, side curtain airbags, no moonroof (fine with me, I'm tall)Japanese tires - Yoko-something. $23,995 plus $100 doc fee, 5 percent tax, license. That seems very reasonable for all that you get.
We also popped for the $950 extended warrantee to 6 yrs/60,000 miles, and the $350 Simoniz exterior and interior treatment. Seemed worth it, a guarantee against stains inside, my kids are fairly messy.
"Tell your friends," they said. So I am.

richard in boston

kdhspyder

Hardly..sounds like good value for a brand new model.

ateixeira

Remember, though, Europe gets the smaller short-wheelbase model, so it's probably lighter and more fuel efficient. I wonder if the diesel could move the heavier US model with much authority.

-juice

edgor

Does that also include the destination charge?

Sporin

Any thoughts or numbers predicted for V6 MPG? They are talking about 16/19 in the FJ Crusier forums. Granted that truck is a bit heavier, but it's the same power train.

At least the FJ comes with a manual transmission, that might push MPG's into the low 20's if driven gingerly.

4cyl.'s starting to show up on dealer lots. Saw a dark blue one and a silver one so far. Both with autos, nicely equipped and stickers around 22k.

ateixeira

These are very different animals.

Isn't the V6 in the FJ a 4.0l, plus it's probably tuned for truck duty?

I think the RAV4 will win the fuel efficiency battle, no contest. Isn't the Cd of drag just 0.33?

-juice

andrelaplume

I think $950 for a 6/60 warranty was a bit steep. Hope it was genuine Totota Platinum with zero deductible. We still have not seen any availability here in eastern PA. Hopefully they will get them in by the 100s and sell them under MSRP. Otherwise they will lose my sale. They have been stringing us along since mid December...so far no cars around here....I can't wait forever and I'm not paying MSRP. Last time I checked it WAS 2006. I wonder if they delay is because they area backlog of 05s around here. If so, no one is going to grab them up with a lousy $500 rebate.

Sporin

My mistake, I thought they were both getting the 3.5L V6.

From Edmunds:

2006 RAV4

Base Number of Cylinders: 6 Base Engine Size: 3.5 liters
Base Engine Type: V6 Horsepower: 269 hp
Max Horsepower: 6200 rpm Torque: 246 ft-lbs.
Max Torque: 4700 rpm Maximum Payload: 1043 lbs.
Maximum Towing Capacity: 3500 lbs. Drive Type: 4WD
Fuel Tank Capacity: 15.9 gal.
EPA Mileage Estimates: (City/Highway)
Automatic: : 20 mpg / 27 mpg
Range in Miles: (City/Highway)
Automatic: 318 mi. / 429.3 mi.

2007 FJ Cruiser

Transmission Type: Five-speed auto
Displacement (liters): 4.0
Engine Type: V6
Horsepower (hp @ rpm): 239 @ 5,200
Torque (ft-lbs @ rpm): 278 @ 3,700
Curb Weight (lbs): 4295
Recommended Fuel: 91-octane unleaded
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal): 19
EPA Fuel Economy (mpg): 17 City 21 Highway
Edmunds Observed (mpg): 15.7

thecat

A local dealer has 2 LTD's in stock. I drove one last night and it's quite a different animal from the base model. Very comfortable .. heated seats, dual climate control. The only disappointment was the leather. It's not as soft as I thought it might be. It seemed more like vinyl. The Ltd. seemed a little more quiet than the base model I drove but that may be a psyologoical reaction to the eye candy. The JBL stereo is very nice.

Still think I'm going to wait for the 6 cyl w/ 5 speed auto.

dc_driver

To those of you who have either test driven, or purchased the 06 4cyl Rav, how quick is it compated to, say, the Honda CRV? The V6 is posting low 7's for 0-60, so I am guessing the 4cyl is more like 9sec or so?

I currently own (and am happy with) a 6cyl Mazda Tribute, but I have to admit I am intrigued by the new Rav. It addressed almost all of the issues that I had with the previous Rav (except the mounted spare tire on the back, as well as the swinging back door).

I would love the 6cyl, but they are going to run pretty pricy with all the options that I want...

Any feedback with regards to acceleration and passing power for the 06 4cyl Rav would be appreciated.

jimd4

There are no V6s to drive tilll late Feb or March.

jimd4

I think your seeing what we all will see in 3 months after the RAV4 2006 hysteria phase ends! Dealers will have cars and discounts off MSRP will be common. Good luck with your RAV4. Post some gas milage info after a few tanks.

Jim D

dc_driver

Yeah, I know I am looking for feedback on the performance of the 4 cylinder..

If it is quick as a CRV, then it makes the Rav even more interesting...

snagiel

I've driven the CRV, and just recently bought a (4-cyl) RAV4. I'd say the acceleration is comparable (there might be some minor advantage to one or the other, but nothing remarkable). Power is, of course, a relative term. What might be enough for one is not for another. If you're going to be doing any towing, driving around four big adults regularly, or drive on Telegraph Hill all day long, the V6 might make sense. But I think the four-banger is more than acceptable for this type of vehicle (and my last car was a 280hp Infiniti G35 6-speed, which was probably faster than any SUV, aside from the Cayenne Turbo).

ateixeira

Interesting how it sacrifices HP for more torque. Makes sense for each intended purpose.

So not much love for the leather, eh? That's OK, some times the tougher stuff actually is longer lasting than the soft stuff.

-juice

raydahs

So tonight we will pick it up: 4WD Limited, that beautiful metallic-grayish-green Everglade color with taupe interior Awsome choice, this is my dream package as well....good for you!

We also popped for the $950 extended warrantee to 6 yrs/60,000 miles

I'm not sure if people are aware of this, but you can purchase the extended Warranty anytime before the 3/36 Mfg. expires! If you're interested, Their is a Toyota dealer in Virginia that sells "Factory Toyota Platinum" warranty over the internet that would save @$200. I can't give phone #'s or names here, so if you make your e-mail open in your profile, I can shoot you the link. Don't post your e-mail here, you'll get SPAM! The only drawback is you pay all up front, instead of financing it, which would be better anyway IMO.

jimd4

I have driven the base and Sport AWC with 4cyl. I thought 4 was adequate for any level country driving if not hauling stuff. No numbers but it seem pretty quick to 65 or so. I am comparing to present Audi A6 2.7T.

But am waiting to drive RAV4 6 cyl and am guessing it will be lots of fun for the money.
Jim D

dc_driver

Thanks for the feedback.. I will have to drive the 6cyl too, but I don't see gas prices dropping anytime soon, and a 4cyl is looking better everyday....

gogiboy

"Have you ever had the issue at airports, loading luggage?

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."

No, I'm really lucky in that I fly out of Tulsa, which has got to be one of the smallest "big city" airports around. I can easily park in short-term parking and ST parking is only about 75-100 ft. from the terminal entrance. Not to rub it in, but the first 30 minutes of parking is free so if you are picking up someone whose flight is on time it won't cost a cent. LT parking is $8/day I think.

Gogiboy

gogiboy

I think someone mentioned that the 06 RAV doesn't have the removable seat option. can anyone verify this? For me that would reduce the utility considerably since it's one of my favorite aspects of the 01-05 model.

I'm always removing them to easily haul a bike, dogs, suitcases, etc for our cross-country trips. Perhaps the greater cargo hold compensates, however.

Gogiboy

jimd4

Best as I can tell you do not have to remove the seats as they fold into the floor. I know the 2nd rows does easily. If you don't get the 3rd row then this steat storage well area becomes a coverd storage area. Looks neat to me. The Toyota web side has a video piece that shows this stuff in action.

pmulira

Guess what I was present at Watertown Toyota yesterday looking over the vehicle, which obviously is yours now,when your wife negoitated the purchase.Good luck but I will wait for the V6.

agnosto

I am speaking to Toyota corporate right now and they tell me the 2nd row seats do not come off the 2006 RAV4 vehicle. I know for sure they go back and forth and fold flat.

rsaltus1

Yes, it's geniune Toyota Platinum, but I know nothing about shopping around for extended warranties. I suppose I could have bargained with them, I dunno.
rs

njawdriver

I'm not sure if people are aware of this, but you can purchase the extended Warranty anytime before the 3/36 Mfg. expires! If you're interested, Their is a Toyota dealer in Virginia that sells "Factory Toyota Platinum" warranty over the internet that would save $200.

I'm pretty sure you CAN say the name of the dealer - just not give a phone number.

Many of us would probably be interested!

Thanks!

kdhspyder

It's the same 2.4L that was in the '04 and '05 models. It is very quick and torquey on acceleration. The new one is nearly as quick but I found the electronic transmission .. different.

If you stomp on the pedal at start up it will ............. then take off. If you smoothly accelerate and continue to push it, it is very impressive all the way up to 'ticket' speeds. Has anyone else found this?

kdhspyder

the folding 2nd row seats is one of the slickest new features in the new RAV. It's a snap and its just as useful, and worlds easier, than the previous models with the removeable seats.

raydahs

I'm pretty sure you CAN say the name of the dealer - just not give a phone number

Yes you're correct, I'm home sick with a head cold, brain is working on fumes :sick: sorry.

Okay, call the finance department of McGeorge Toyota in Virginia. They'll sell "any model" Toyota Warranty for something like $25 over cost. However, the overall cost will vary from model to model; the 7/100 seems to be the best deal.

A friend of mine bought a Tacoma in San Diego along with the 7/100 warranty for $1700 at the time of purchase. I told him about the dealer in discussion, he got his $$ back from the San Diego dealer, then called over there and got the same one for $700!

Hope this helps y'all

stever

If you've already purchased a factory warranty, you may not be able to cancel it and buy another offered by Toyota. So check the fine print to make sure it'll work out like it did for Raydah's friend before you cancel.

Steve, Host

raydahs

Good point Steve, I think in my friends case the paperwork was still in finance, yet to make it into the system. Sometimes, depending on how many vehicles are sold that weekend, the finance paperwork can take up to a week to get into the database. I believe the whole warranty process is related to the V.I.N.

Good catch, sorry for leaving that out.

Future buyers should also keep in mind, you don't have to buy the extended warranty at the time of purchase. You can buy it right before the 3/36 expires!

diegodoode

I was totally looking foward to the v6, but unfortunately because of conflicting time schedules with the family, we need a second car. Any words of comfort for someone having to settle down for a I4 rather than the 6. The only things I can think of is that I'll get better gas milage and that I won't "always" be taking advantage of the power. But the thought of ripping through the road gives me this chill through my body. I'll keep you guys updated on the pricing and real deal mpg.

jarek

I was looking for the same data and found a review on www.4x4review.com. It says that the same engine is used in the Scion tC. Matched with manual transmission it delivers 8.7s to 60. I hope that Rav4 will do at least the same good.

jerr

hit_the_road

Click here for the full review.

thecat

That review may be old and based upon an early version still in development. It makes reference to "spring" (seasonal not suspension) test. It's also replete with errors.
- hutch

larnes

Does anyone know if the RAV 4 is available in other countries in a diesel version and what the mileage would be? This would be a great car with a diesel getting about 45mpg.

Probably not. However, check out the Mercury web site for the Meta One concept. It's a v6 twin-turbo diesel. I've gotten two conflicting e-mails from Ford. The Mercury marketing dept said it may be out in the spring. Maybe fall of this year. Ford says no plans on marketing this vehicle.

I was told that it would depend on consumer interest. My suggestion to anyone, interested or not, to bombard Ford and Mercury sites with positive e-mails about this vehicle. It looks to me like a complete winner. Pass it on!

Larry

picky9

Bought 06 rav4 today.Drove it home has resonating noise coming from jack storage area.checked jack it was'nt loose.also makes noise from same area when you shut the front passenger door.Might want to check this out if you by one.HAVE ONLY OWNED FOR 3HOURS and i have to bring it in to the service center,not to happy.Has anyone else had any similar problems?

hit_the_road

Yeah, the 4x4.com review may be a bit dated.
There's a more recent one at Edmunds
Inside Line. There's also a video of the review.

sean20202020

I picked one up today 3 HOURS ago.
Yes, I can hear something like muffler noise from back somewhere when I drove. I thought that's because of 4 banger.
Please inform us when you come back from service center.

jimd4

Well the one I saw, the 3rd seat folded down into a well at the rear. The Toyota website has a video that shows this I think

petl

It could be a heat sheild. If it is, it's a simple adjustment.

hit_the_road

Hard to believe this is the best they could come up with! :mad:
90% of the commercial shows cardboard boxes and 10% of it shows brief glances of the Rav4.
I guess it's supposed to emphasize the cargo room.

rsaltus1

After a weekend of owning our Limited, my wife and I are thrilled; none of the above rattling problems, everthing is tight and works as advertised (though why does the A/C light come on everytime we hit "Auto" on the climate control system? This is winter, last I checked...) The tires are Yokohamas, no Bridgestones, nice of Toyota. Handling and cornering are great. On a typical Boston rutted and potholed road, though, you really feel the pavement - a little more than I expected. Power is fine.
Now I have to unload my 1993 Jeep Grand Cherokee, which cost a king's ransom to keep healthy and filled with gas, but is otherwise one great vehicle, even after 12 years. Sigh.
richard

jimd4

The Toyota web site under RAV4 has lots of info. They have put on new pictures recently and video shows rear seats etc.

jimd4

Well luck with it. Post some MPG numbers after you burn a few tanks. Have fun. Also,rough 0-60 time

hhartze

Hi all. I am looking into purchasing a new 2006 RAV. What do you find to be the difference b/w the Sport vs. Limited. I know that the Sport only has the black cloth interior option but what is the difference in regards to the ride, etc? thanks!

thecat

Sport has - fender flares, blackout trim headlights, different suspension, 18" wheels, and different fabric. Ltd - 17" wheels, chrome grille, dual zone climate control, and a power seat. Ride is likely to be a little more firm in the sport. Different ginger-bread ... same vehicle.

joecarnut

Congratulations on your new ride!

How is the noise factor in your Rav4?

Also how is the shifting?

Thanks