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I realize many of you are anxious about the dash rattle; I too have that from time to time. However, may I again ask for input on HOT CDs...on yesterdays road trip, the first and only CD was hot to the touch, so I went back to the radio...my theory is that the hot air circulated through the heat and defrost is somehow gaining access to the player....any similar problems out there?
And, about two pages back, a driver inquired about rear end damage and the possible role a hitch would play in a rear end collision. For experienced and new RAV4 owners, I think this issue could bear a little more discussion. My dealer explained in detail that though there is no bumper visible to the naked eye, the rear bumper area IS a dynamic crush crumple zone specially designed to act as a traditional bumper would. The tire cover material has been changed since 01 to be much less rigid in a crash, thus diminishing the damage the cover previously did to the rear window. Another RAV4 owner here has installed a T bar in the tow slot which projects beyond the spare's dimensions so that IT would be the first thing to contact someone elses bumper or a telephone pole or whatever. Obviously if we take proper care in backing we minimize damage WE may do, but what about the other guy hitting us in the butt?
Your input on these two issues is appreciated.
Safe driving.
http://www.hldi.org/vehicle_ratings/low_speed_smsuv.htm
"The Toyota RAV4, like a number of other sport utility vehicles, has the spare tire mounted on the tailgate. This design, which is predominately for styling reasons, guarantees excessive damage in a whole range of rear collisions," said Brian O'Neill, president of the institute.
http://www.cnn.com/2001/US/04/09/collision.tests/
I hope the 2004 model can do better.
http://www.waag.com/product-layout.php
1davao
It actually involved three cars. My car was the first, a jeep grand cherokee was the second, and a '90 something sedan was the third and the one who caused the whole accident. The traffic was rather abrupt - stop and go, and the third car just didn't put on their brakes. Sadly the jeep decided the best way to try and prevent an accident was to get as close to my car as possible..
The third car was in horrible shape - hood crunched, the whole deal. The jeep was almost in perfect shape.. the trailer hitch had just shattered and there were a few scratches and paint flakes.
As for my rav4.. the tire crunched down. No damage to the windshield. HOWEVER.. the entire back still had to be completely replaced. Everything was cracked, I guess. It cost around $1900.. (I believe $1899.02 was the exact cost) and took two weeks to get repaired even with my cousin knowing the mechanics.
.. and it's not even completely fixed. I'm missing my spare tire and hard cover. Apparently there's a second cover underneath the hard cover and that's very difficult to find.. I take small comfort in the fact if anyone rear ends me again, they'll have to deal with the four bolts sticking out from where the spare tire usually sits.
Just in case anyone was curious about the actual expenses/experience of a rear collision.
I believe that the bumper-area is a crumple zone, but I strongly doubt that it offers any protection like a traditional bumper would.
Occupants are given some protection by sacrificing the sheet metal, IMO.
The third car did pay for everything. Not having my car for those two weeks and having to be shuttled by my mother to classes did suck, however.
I'm finding random pieces of plastic in my rav4 as well.. I'm not quite certain where they've broken off from.
As for actual rav4 owning experience.. I really do like mine. Of course, my last car was a '90 4runner and compared to that, anything new is pretty nice. I went between the cr-v and the rav4.. in the end, went with the rav4 since they got out their 2004 models before honda did and my cousin knew the toyota dealers and was able to get us a good deal. I like the exterior of the cr-v better than the rav4.. but the interior of the rav4 is better than the cr-v imho.
The other question is pricing. MSRP is $22.7 and the dealer is only willing to take $500 off the price. His reasoning is that he's giving me full bluebook on the Chrysler that I am trading. Think this is a fair deal? The MSRP is standard for the area (Richmond, VA). and Yes, I have the time to check out the other 4 dealers in the area. Except...this is the only one that has the color I want (green). The other option is I can sell the car and then go haggle but I am not sure I want to hassle with selling the car.
Thanks for the feedback.
Thanks to 1 Davao for the bumper link...I like the looks of it, but I wonder if it will do much good if whatever contacts it contacts the tire as well, since I think the tire extends out further.
Silversyren, take a look at the bumper link, and tell us if you think it would have done much good in your accident.
If we find someone that actually has the bumper, then maybe the thing to do it put the silly tire sans cover in the cargo area, dress up the 4 bolts with some cosmetics(we could get a pretty good contest going on that) and be safer all the way around.
Is anybody experienced with Toyotas own bumpers/ Grill Guards and how they work in action! I know they look good, but at the end of the day it won't save my car or my wallet.
My question is has anyone with a Rav4 tried carry a bike upright in the back (presumably with the seats folder forward). I can easily remove the bike's front wheel and, if necessary, the seat/seatpost. I realize that the bike can be easily carried flat or on a roof rack, but I'm curious about inside space. I need the bike to be upright to give my 2 dogs and other luggage space. Is there an easy way to lash the bike to the side with bungie cords (i.e. any tie-downs)? Thanks for any info.
With a long New England commute of approx 112 miles round trip I was wondering what you folks are getting with your new 2004 AWD and auto trans RAV's? Current ride is a Frontier Crew cab and although I love the truck and it's been reliable as all get out, I need something better on gas. Max mpg I think was about 18. Currently considering the Subie family, Outback Sport and Forester along with the boost HP from Mitsu Outlander. I decided to give Honda rest. Current 99 ODY Van has had a good deal of problems and I don't care for the CRV style. With the new HP gains in the RAV4, it's worth a look. Also what are you averaging for cost with no extra's other then auto on the base model.
Thanks!
1. RAV4 has more standard safety features (4-disc ABS, EBD brakes, VSC+traction control, tire pressure monitoring, audio controls on steerling wheel, and side air bags option)
2. RAV4 is made in Japan
3. RAV4 looks better
4. RAV4 is quieter and has a smoother ride
5. RAV4's supply is better, so that I could buy one at invoice.
In about one minute, I removed both the back seats from my '01 RAV, and have hauled a love seat (60"long) and a few of those you-assemble boxed furniture pieces from Lowes, Target, etc.
I really like the "sedan delivery" aspect of the RAV. Pretty good utility for an econo-mobile.
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Share your vehicle reviews
I agree with many in this forum, the CR-V is a bit bland looking when compared to a Rav4 or an Escape. And the standard flat black skirting on the CR-V is not very appealing. Unless you buy the high-end model with the matching paint. Until I saw some CR-V's up close, I thought they looked pretty nice.
Well, after checking with various dealers in my area (Chicago far North burbs) the Ford dealers really want my business, I might be able to get a good deal on an Escape. I test drove an 04 Escape XLT and it has the best ride and power IMO.
Any advice or opinions would be greatly appreciated. BTW - I haven't ruled out the CR-V, because we all know it is the cheapest to operate and maintain, but looks and features appeal to me.
Interesting... the CR-V just isn't very appealing anymore IMO. The insurance cost for one year isn't that much more, say for a Rav4. $60 is not much for an entire year.
I liked the looks of the Rav4 inside and out. And the salesman new alot about the car, in fact had owns one. He wasn't just blowing smoke either. He took me out an showed me his. He has a 2004 Rav4 EX AWD.
Anyway, I guess what I need to do is list the pros and cons, then make an educated decision. But right now, whoever gives me the best deal on a Rav4 or an Escape would seal it for me.
I like the roominess, the quiet ride and the power of the Escape.
The Rav4 is fun to drive, gets excellent mileage and has a fair amount of space.
My only complaints:
The rear door opens the 'wrong' way for people who drive on the right hand side of the road. It is difficult to load something from a sidewalk into the rear area.
Getting to the battery is a little difficult.
I don't like the original tires (bridgestone). Whe they wear out, I will get good quality Michelins.
But, when it comes done to the brass tax I may end up buy a CR-V or Rav4. Because a V6 Escape is just out of my price range, even after the rebates. And they don't even want to give me wholesale for my low mileage trade-in. I went to another Honda Dealership yesterday and the guy said he would let me take one out for an afternoon. That might be what gets me into a CR-V. I want to drive all 3 for a few hours, not just a few minutes with the friggin dealer sitting in there with ya, giving his/her sales pitch.
1. It's to big for me, my family consists of myself and my 13 year old son.
2. Mileage has always been a concern for me and both the CR-V and the Rav4 do pretty darn good on gas. I've owned mostly small cars all my life and I don't think I will like going to the pump 2 - 3 times a week.
3. Like rbleland said "Reliability" - the CR-V and the Rav4 have the best reliability ratings.
Anyway, Ford (IMO) is having problems selling vehicles, at least here in Chicago. Rebates left and right, plus dealer incentives. Even after Ford gives me the rebate and the incentives the Escape still costs more. I'm still tempted to test drive a 2005 Escape with the 4 cylinder engine.
Oh, and they (the Ford dealership) don't want may trade-in and it's a 1999 Ford Contour. Well they do but the won't even give me wholesale for it. They probably do that so if I walk they'll give me $500 more for my car. It will not work, but we shall see. I'm having fun searching for my next vehicle.
I flat out complained to the sales manager. They promptly apologized and told me they weren't trying to play games or tricks. I figured they were so use to using those sales tactics that it was the norm for them. And they my have felt they did nothing wrong.
Anyway, seeing how Ford is having a hard time selling their vehicles, maybe I'll get a good deal on an Escape, but it will have to be a sweet deal. Because I'm favoring the CR-V right now.
I just wanted to say HI those in the RAV4 group. I am the current owner of a Subaru Outback and have had some recent issues with it. Friends of mine have the RAV4 and NO ONE has every complained of anything going wrong.
I have a 120 mile commute to work each day in NH and wanted to get anyone's opinion on highway driving and putting on high-miles (30k / year) on these trucks.
OK, so I am a 30 year old male interested in the RAV..but it looks great now with the monotone!
I have had 2 Subarus previously - a '97 OB and an '02 Impreza TS. Both had "issues" and thus I drive a Toyota now over the Forester which I considered when I got the RAV. Our other Toyota is a '99 Solara and it has been trouble-free for 5 years.
If any of you have read my posts it would appear that I've changed my mind about 10 times. However, I'm favoring the CR-V with the Escape a VERY close 2nd.
Follow-Up Test: 2004 Toyota RAV4
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