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Comments
-juice
But at about 40 fewer horses, I bet this V6 will do fine on regular. Maybe lose 4-5 horses if the ECU has to retard the ignition timing.
-juice
V6 Sport = 25,190
DJ-CD Player = 200
Daytime running lights = 40
Moonroof = 900
TO-Towing Prep = 160
That comes to $26,490 plus the cost of the floor mats.
The invoice price for the above would be $23,950
P.S Don't forget to deduct your sales tax for the RAV4 in your Federal Income tax. I think this is the last year.
I called toyota company, and obtained above info.
I believe the idea that the Highlander will become a Hybrid-only model and the newly designed RAV4 will be there to fulfill the needs of the 4-cylinder and V6 gas-only crowd.
I am not really sure why some are looking at the 2006 Rav4 4-cylinder as a 1st year model.
Is it the new chassis that is the major concern?
I would be (and am a little) more concerned about the V6 - since they do not have any history on this engine in this vehicle (old chassis or new).
The only thing to help confort is the engine's history in the Avalon.
I would not dismiss a rattly dash and squeeky brakes, as those can be among the most annoying problems you could have. I guess they won't leave you stranded somewhere, but it's still a concern. At least they provided solutions for both.
Does Toyota actually publish different mileage numbers than the EPA does? Can they do that? I would think they would publish EPA estimates, since that is industry standard.
-juice
Toyota is a crazy place. In NY you cannot get a Sport with airbag option. In FL, you cannot get V6 with tow prep package.
-juice
Things can change if enough want or dislike something strongly. Example, the new body 4Runner originally came out with the black/grey rubber clad overfenders. Women took one look and said 'uggggly' or 'Jeep/Avaalanche' and walked their partners in another direction. The market spoke and 4 months later all the new 4Runners had the painted overfenders and sales skyrocketed. It took us 10 months to blow outthe last of the 'rubber' overfenders. This was a national reaction. Regionally you will just have to make your preferences known to the local store, or the regional office directly, and see how many others have the same reaction.
It is a simple democracy in this regard. If most people like the status quo, it remains. If most people want a change or two, it will be done.
Why would people in NY not want side bags and people in MD want them? I guess they do not have bad accidents in NY and do not want to tow boats with a V6 in Florida.
It is not democracy when someone else decides what you can buy with your money.
However the reality is that the regions will order the option packages that they believe will be the best sellers in their marketplaces.
It is very difficult to get an exact build to order vehicle (unless you are willing to wait and the dealer is willing to order it for you).
The dealers are reluctant to "inventory" odd or customized vehicles since it may be more difficult for them to quickly turn their inventory.
They rely on the fact they they will be able to "sell-up" to a higher option (or in some cases, sell-down).
Someone on this thread said it best a few weeks ago, all vehicles will require you to compromise...and I add, that there is no silver bullet.
Oh well never mind...
I'm from NY originally, Upstate, then NYC then No.Jersey. I only started working for Toyota when I came down here. Working here I have found that the local differences are significant even within one region.
One of the key factors in putting unsold expensive product on the market is how fast will it sell. If the NY region has determined, and I'm only guessing, that the buyers are let's say 'frugal' and dont want anything extra on their vehicles. That's what sells the quickest. Then most of the incoming unsold inventory will be spec'd this way.
The region is responsible for lets say 100+ stores and each one is going to get 4-5 units every 15 days. If they spec them wrong, see 4Runner example, then these sit while all the other regions blow out every vehicle that comes in. In Toyota's system each store/region that doesnt move it's allocation each period loses vehicles in the next allocation. If they spec out unsold items with too many features that the local population doesnt want then they risk having excess inventory.
Vote with your feet, CAT, or make your opinion known locally. If enough do so then things do change.
Should they call the V6 model the RAV6??
-juice
Word-of-mouth and universally favorable reviews seem to be spreading the word on the new RAV. We just sold out after having 8 on the lot for two weeks.. suddenly gone..
In your opinion which is a better value.
IMO this is exactly the result they wanted in offering the RAV with a V6. It takes the price pressure off the Base Highlander, also reduces volume but this is the last year of it's life in this model.
If you need the room and a slightly more sedate ride the Highlander is perfect. The V6 RAV will be a blast!!!!
Frank
I also got the official 2006 Rav4 color brochure and it states that the V6 is available early February (slightly different than the late January press release date)
What was the color and what were the options on the one you test drove in Naperville?
Is this where they were asking for $300 over invoice?
I am certain that, all else being equal, the trade in of a 2006 V6 Highlander will be better than that of a 2006 V6 Rav once the "new model premium" ends.
Imagine trying to sell an RX330 with a lot less power than the RAV4 at the Toyota dealer down the road...for $10 grand extra.
-juice
I had a first year Highlander, and the second year received updated interior items as well as more standard features. Same with the second year Matrix (better instrumentation) and Solara convertible (updated weatherstripping).
Again, not always problems, but it appears that Toyota does listen to it's buying public. I wouldn't be suprised to see side air-bags become standard, versus optional.
Then by simple math, if Toyota arbitarily raised the MSRP of the NEW 2006 Rav4 by $5,000 and had the dealers discount it by $5,000 - which would be the better "deal" the Highlander or the Rav4?
It is a marketers dream to have people believe that one vehicle is better than the other just by simple product positioning within a product line and arbitrary pricing to reinforce and justify that positioning.