2006 Toyota RAV4

treads1

Hello from Canada !

Thanks for all the input on the 17 vs. 18 inch rim/tire debate. I still haven't made up my mind yet. But, I think I am leaning towards the base V6. The extra features on the Sport appear to be more cosmetic and sporty then practical.

Not having driven the V6 Base or Sport I can only assume that since the base V6 and base V4 have the same tires they will handle in a similar manner (other then the extra horses under the hood). My fear is that the sport will be way too stiff due to the tires and tuned suspension. Also, as mentioned earlier the replacement cost for tires would be much higher as well. Also, winter driving WILL be affected by lower profile and wider tires.
The delivery date might sway me a bit. The sport should be in Canada by Feb. 20 and the Base V6 END OF APRIL ?!

Anyway thanks for the input.

hit_the_road

My fear is that the sport will be way too stiff due to the tires and tuned suspension

I own a sport but test drove a base also. I agree 100% with
Jim. The sport handles better for sure. If you do go over a bump, you might feel it slightly more, but there's less bouncing afterward. So, it's sort of a trade off in that respect.

kdhspyder

wrong forum.. Santa Fe forum thata way ---> many of these posters are alrady owners and trading actual experiences. Nice try tho..

wwest

The RX300 has ~50,000 miles with only about 30 of that with snow chains.

But I guess the real answer is that I bought the AWD RX for the same reason military pilots always have parachutes available.

Just in case.

wwest

Compared to any FWD or front torque biased AWD, yes, I will choose the rear (30/70 f/r) torque biased Aerostar every time. Keep in mind that on the really slippery stuff the number of driven wheels isn't nearly as important as having good traction, that's why my choice is snowchains, always.

And in the mud and snow circumstances you are crowing about for the Subbie I could probably do just as well with walnut tires on my 1963 T-bird were it still around.

kendfw

How do you know the date format is in dd/mm/yy and not mm/dd/yy?

joyce5

Hi: I am a newbie and could sure use some help. I am driving myself crazy researching. I drove a RAV4 4X4 today and was impressed. However, I really wanted a V6 rather than the 4cyl. I saw on Toyota website they have the V6. The salesman told me the V6's were not available in 2006 but maybe in 2007. Is this true? He also told me the 2006 RAV4 has the same engine as the reliable Camry. Is that true? I have researched the Xterra but not driven it. Does anyone have any thoughts on Xterra versus RAV4?
Any and all help would be appreciated.

kdhspyder

He ws not 'correct' let's say about the V6's. Now at his store he/they may not know when they are coming in but in most areas it will be sometime in 1st qtr. What does seem sure is that the quantity should be limited. I wouldnt be surprised if it's 10/1 in favor of the 4c models. The availability of the V6's seems to be very regional. Where in the US do you live?

The 4c is the same size engine, 2.4L, as in the Camry. The RAV seems to have more ooomph tho. The Xterra is a worthy option but it's more designed for offroading IMO than the RAV. If this is your option you might want to confuse yourself even more and investigate the FJ Cruiser due here at the end of March.

This is the 'normal' competitor to the Xterra.

jimd4

Well yes and no. Space is really not that usable and resale/residual value has been very bad. They do not lease one of their SUVs, not sure which, because it has no residual value. My neighbor had bought a Hyndaui (sic?)for one of his kids and 3 years later it was worth about $1500. Not sure if that is still true. It does no good to save $5000 going in and loose $10,000 4 years later on resale. I have never owned a Toyota but resale values seem to be very high after 4-5 years.

jimd4

Well the 2007 for v6 is baloney as far as I can see. They are more likely to be here around the end of Feb. One guy here claims he drove one. If you go to www.fitzmall.com or toyota site and enter zip code like 34423 in build and price, you will see they are coming in this month.

jimd4

By the way, we will know the true soon. My local dealer has shown me paper work that says he has two V6s around 2/20/06. Also said that v6 sport will only be 7% of deliveries in the NE region this year. We shall see.

kdhspyder

The lady above got me to thinking about the V6's and what is their purpose. From all reports, Edmunds here for example, the performance of this engine should be outrageously good. I still cant imagine the Avalon/Lexus V6 in a RAV.... and I sell them. The Avalon engine in unbelievably quiet, powerful and smooth.

I'm guessing that when they do finally arrive it will be like the Sienna XLE Limited. One out of 10, maybe 2, will be V6's and they will demand all the money. FitzMall if it continues to discount will have a 6 month waiting list.

It goes along with a pricing strategy proposed back in Nov/Dec;i.e. that the new V6 RAV is a price-prop for the V6 Highlander which is in it's final year. Now a V6 Highlander lists for $28-30K but there are rebates and discounts. How about instead of a discounted 'old' Highlander with only 225 hp - a beautiful new RAV with a screaming 268 hp V6 at $28-29K. The only problem is there arent very many of them.

kremerb

Just test drove (last evening) the V6 Sport 4WD. Very nice. Was trying to decide between it & the Murano SL with the test drive being the deciding factor. IMO, the Murano (with leather) has a much more luxurious interior, but driving the Rav4 was more like driving a sports car in comparison. Acceleration feels like it will outrun my wife's 2000 Celica GT-S. Convinced me to plop down $1K to secure an order 8 weeks out (dealer's V6s were sold before they hit the lot). Still don't like the idea of an automatic tranny, but unless you're willing to buy an Xterra or American, getting an SUV with a V6 manual ain't gonna happen this year.

jimd4

The northeast region does not seem to provide this info. If you got to SE region, try zip code 34423 in build and price at Toyota web site, you can get an idea of what is coming in there. No other region seems to provide this nice break out.

jimd4

Well if your correct it is stange. They would then not take any orders for 2007 RAV4 till 12/6/06 but start building in Aug 06.

pocono35

JimD4:

What are you talking about? Automotive Lease Guide ranks the Santa Fe as a 4-Star which is the best in this category and equaling the CR-V and bettering the RAV-4. Check out this link yourself to see the facts. http://www.alg.com/deprratings.aspx A 3 year old Santa Fe is still worth anywhere from $10,000 to $16,000 dollars. Common ignorance still causes many, who have no understanding of today's automotive market, to believe Hyundais have bad resale when in fact this is simply not the case anymore.

flyingn

maybe you should be at a Hyuandi forum instead of here????

tommyg12

DD/MM/YY is not specified. '07 Production is listed as "09/06". So "06/12/06" for '07 initial order is June 6, 2006. The '06 RAV is no different than the '05 Avalon which had about a 5-6 month run.

jimd4

Well it is your money so go buy it.
I looked at both and will buy a new RAV4. I do know they do not lease one model of SUV because I asked about it last fall when I looked at the Santa Fe. And the engine sound like a sad, noisy Chevy V6...whoops.

thecat

"crowing about for the Subbie I could probably do just as well with walnut tires on my 1963 T-bird were it still around"

I think you have just exposed yourself for what you are, if you believe that. Go to the off-road T-Bird site and sell that bunk.

llkc04

Hello I, like everyone else, want to compare the v4 to the v6. I live in TN and two dealers in my area have said that they expect to have a v6 for me to drive on feb 17 and feb 20. Does anyone really have an idea how much the mpg difference will be? One salesman told me 5 mpg less for the v6, does that sound right?

flyingn

you forgot that the rav has traction control which changes the whole way your 2001 Lexus vs the new Rav works.. Drive one.. then comment.. These trucks are EXCELLANT on ice and slippery conditions. I have one and drive it in 18" of snow and ice as we speak..

jimd4

Where are you located?

raydahs

Any of the new owners have lower back problems? If so, how are the seats? I think the Limited has the same electronics as my 05’ Camry, so it has plenty of flexibility for comfort.

flyingn

the limited has 8 way electric with adjustable (air bladder) lower lumbar support adjustment. VERY comfortable seats

thecat

I took a Ltd. for an extended test drive. Having had back surgery, I'm very sensitive to seat comfort. With the elec. seats and the lumbar support, I stayed quite comfortable. Having said that, the real test is 4 hours in the seat but I can usually tell pretty quickly if I'm going to have problems.

joyce5

I live in Arizona. The salesman at first told me Toyota doesn't make a V6 but when I told him I saw it on Toyota website he back tracked and said they won't be sending any to Arizona. This was the salesman from 'hell' in any case, and told me I was also 'foolish' for wanting to pay cash. The salesman also called me 'demanding' and 'hard around the edges' because I came equipped with Consumer Guide, computer print outs and know exactly what I want from a vehicle..and just haven't found the right one. So far, the RAV4 meets most all the criteria but I wouldn't buy a goldfish from that salesman. No, I don't 4 wheel often any more and I appreciate your comments about the Exterra being the one for a lot of off road. I just want the availability of 4WD since I live in a somewhat rural area.

kdhspyder

Thanks,

I also sell them but I attempt anyway not to 'tell' people what to do. Encouraging them or nudging them works just as well especially with well informed consumers. There are V6's being sold in limited numbers already but in our district on the EC, CAT, we have not received the first one yet.

The WC does often get Japanese-made vehicle before we do so it's not too shocking. From reports by new owners it seems that the RAV 4WD would be perfect for what you want. It's not a rock-climing offroader but it can hold it's own in mildly rough (?) terrain.

The problem is finding one. Again I wouldnt be surprised to find that in a large metro area with 5-8 stores, there might be a total of 5 available per month, whereas there might be 50-100 4c's available.

pocono35

I wouldn't compare 2006 Santa Fe with RAV 4 because it is a bit outdated just like the RAV 4 was last model year. But when the 07 Santa Fe comes out this summer it will compete much better. Its going to be loaded for $25k, 7 passenger, every safety feature and much nice looking than RAV IMO. I realize style is subjective tho.

http://www.hyundaiusa.com/vehicle/availablesoon/santafe.aspx

raydahs

Thanks, it sounds exactly like my Camry seat, so I’ll be able to get into a position that works. Do you use the lumbar bladder much? I use it occasionally, when I remember it’s there.

raydahs

Thanks, it appears I’m going to have back surgery soon as well, so I’ll need to get my Ducks in a row before then. I have a 05’ SE Camry with a rare “5 speed manual” and I’m concerned that the low entry/seating position is going to be an issue after the surgery as well as the shifting. Do you find yourself staying away from the lower entry vehicles? The possibly of giving up the Camry just kills me! 16 months old, 30 mpg and paid off……

thecat

Actually, I think it looks very similar to the RAV. Obviously you want one ... go buy it when it comes out. I wouldn't buy a Hyundai but that's my choice. Why are you trying to stir things up here on the RAV forum?

thecat

Low entry is not an issue it's just erogonomics. I drive an 02 WRX which was very comfortable prior to the surgery. No so anymore. The seat hits me in the wrong spot and after about 2 hrs. I need a break. My wife's Forester is still very comfortable. Concerned about this issue, I took a long ride in the RAV before placing my order. Having said all of that, what feels good to me may not work for you but the seat positioning is very flexable.

hit_the_road

I'm sure the '07 Santa Fe's are fine, but they're a bit closer in size to the Highlander from what I've heard. So, it's a
case of what your lookin' fer. It's probably 6 cyl. & less mpg than the Rav4.
Speaking of size....I parked next to a Lexus RX 300 today. Is it my imagination, or are they the same size as my Rav4? Even similar body styling. Different window and light shapes, but same overall appearance. Ah...maybe I'm seeing things.

prash1

I was kidding .

hopeitsfriday

The RX330 is 5 inches longer, 1 inch wider and 500 pounds heavier than the RAV4.

smith22

My head doesn't touch either, but her head hits it. Tried all positions of seat, headrest, etc., but it is a problem. Could be her height - 5'3".

petl

I think he was comparing it to the previous model Lexus "RX300". It probably is very close to the original RX. Perfect size for me.

kdhspyder

Here is a trick.. take the headrest out and reverse it. It might fit her torso size better.

flyingn

I thought the same thing Hit.. The lexus 300 is on a Camry platform..

flyingn

nope. My wife is 5' and she has no issues at all.

wwest

My 2001 AWD RX300 has VSC, Trac, ba, ebd, and HID.

18" of snow at the right temperature and conditions will not be any more challenging than beach sand.

prash1

Is the seat fabric same for Base and Limited ?

Limited has dual climate control, heated mirrors, fog lamp and power driver seat.

Is the $2000 difference between them worth to you ?

hopeitsfriday

The limited has upgrade fabric. The standard options differences between the base and the limited are, as you mentioned already, dual climate control, heated mirrors, fog lamp and power driver seat. The limited also comes with roof rack, leather wrap steering wheel and shift knob, chrome grill, alloy wheels, upgarde stereo with 6 CD changer, hard shell spare cover, audio control on steering wheel, engine immoiblizer, color keyed door handles and side mirrors and Tonneau cover. Not a bad deal for $2000 bucks.

flyingn

you also get 17" amuminum wheels, hard lockable spare tire cover, leather wheel and shifter, chrome grill, heated outside mirrors, hepa filter in the ac system, 6 disk cd player with mp3 playback, footwell interior lighting, engine emoblizer security system with the Limited over the base so YES I'd say its worth the price difference:)

Frank

jimd4

Lots of comments here about how many RAVs will be V6s. If you go to SE Toyota web site (zip 34423) you will see they now list 1018 RAVs in stock or mostly coming in. This is up from 382 yesterday. Of those 1018, 163 are V6s or 16%. This includes both 2wd and AWD. 24 are V6 Sports or 2%. Almost none are in stock but many show as coming in the next 1-3 weeks.
The fitzmall site shows 4 V6s coming in out of about 38 total. So we can see how they fast they sell over the next month or so. By the way, the Fitzmall site has some 4cyl RAVs that have not moved in a month at $600-$700 over invoice. Hey they have Passats at $200 under invoice so there are other choices!

snagiel

Regarding the air filtration system (in the limited only, I believe), is the air actually filtered only when you explicitly click the filter button on the dash? That seems a little strange; I thought these systems usually automatically filter all fresh (outside) air, and it seems like a pain having to do it every time you get in.

jrogg

Ok, PLEASE fill me in. I know the mp3 player option is in the center console but it is a plug like a headphone plug. How do you plug your ipod into this? Don't you need some sort of adapter to convert from mp3 to ipod?

jimd4

Got this in email from my local dealer today:

THE V6 RAV4 HAS ARRIVED!!

I know a lot of you have been waiting for it, and Atlantic Toyota Scion is proud to make this announcement. The V6 RAV4 has begun arriving. One has already hit and more are coming in soon. Now is the time to set your appointment and be among the first to drive and own one of this seasons hottest cars. Call me or email for details and available times.

Sincerely,

Atlantic Toyota
__________________________________________

Amityville, NY 11701

yodlls

Anyone know what's up with a 2WD Limited? The RAV4 brochure I have lists one in its long table (listed as #4450), but does not list options for one or otherwise speak to its existence. When I try to build one at Toyota.com, it's not even an option. I have no need for the 4WD, and don't want to pay for it or take the MPG hit.

Looking to buy in Oregon. TIA for any info.