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I really like the new RAV4 (I have a 1997 right now) and the V6 looks really nice. But I have a couple of kids and use the 3rd row fairly often so it's really a concern for me. When I priced the RAV4 V6 with 3rd row, it's around 29K and I cannot get a few options that are standard on the Pilot. No doubt it handles better than the Pilot and is better on the gas. But I really need the space so I am looking at a pretty-well loaded Pilot EXL for around 30K. The space and features vs. cost is in the Pilot's favor.
If I only had one kid, I might go for the RAV4 as it's a nice package of utility/sportiness. I briefly looked at the Highlander Hybrid, but it seems like you are paying around 10K for the hybrid and since the RAV4 is almost equal size and gets decent mileage it does not seem worth it.
Just a thought.
Now if we could just convince my child of the depression Mother of that. :P
Steve, Host
Frank
I get a kick out of the comments here... "your getting a Toyota for a Lexus price." Tell me what Lexus SUV you can buy for $26550? (Price of loaded V6 Sport) And it can do 0-60 in less than 7 to 9 seconds depending the RAV engine you buy!
Now the question----we have one ordered that the dealer is holding for us---its a V6 limited, with third row seat, moonroof, side-airbags, towing package, roof-rack, auto-dimming mirror, upgraded stereo, bumper guard, wheel locks, etc (nearly all options expcept no leather and no DVD system)--MSRP is $28,848 and we are getting it for $27,352---or $1500 below MSRP. From what I have read, this seems to be a pretty good deal at this time---any thoughts?
One other question----does Toyota offer Leather at all if you get the third row seat. Their site is a little confusing. Its difficult to tell whether you cannot get the leather on just the third row seat itself or whether you cannot get leather on any of the seats if you have the third row?
Also how difficult is it to care for?
I didn't install it on our 3-row Highlander, just the first two rows. How much will you use the 3rd row? Will it be exposed all the time? Children/drinks/food?
The price depends on whether it's two or three rows. On two rows I'd estimate $1200 +/- on 3 rows maybe $1600 +/-
We own a Coleman Pop-up camper that has a total trailer weight of approximately 1500 lbs (approximately 1800 when loaded and ready to go camping). I know the V6 should pul this total weight fairly well--however, I don't know about the total tongue weight. It seems the frame on the Rav would not be as strong/sturdy as my truck that I have been pulling my trailer with.
Also, does anyone have any input on getting a two hitch on it. Should I go with factory installed (they are charging approximately $800, or can I go with aftermarket (they will charge about $270 installed)?
EPA HWY tests are done at an average speed of 48 mph on flat terrain in 75 degree weather..after 10 min of warmup.
If you match this criteria in your driving you too will attain EPA test results. The EPA test results are the only ones by law that an auto maker can state in any press or advertisement. No matter how out dated!!!
As you mention in your post, speed kills!! Another well known fact to auto engineers and aerodynamic engineers is the effect of drag and speed. Correct me please if I misstate this. The amount of power needed to increase speed is the square of the increase in velocity.
While 45-50 is the sweet spot for HWY driving increasing your speed by 60% to 80 mph requires an increase in power of 150% or it almost triples your fuel usage ( cuts your FE by two thirds ).
Essentially driving over 65 is bad for FE but driving over 75 mph on a regular basis kills all hope of any FE.
The drag force varies with the square of the speed so the power required to maintain a given speed varies as the cube of the speed (i.e. proportional to force times distance per unit time).
tidester, host
Is there a quick reference? I used to be a physics major back in the dark ages, but I never used it. It still interests me. tho.
Tks
When I looked into doing that with a CR-V, I was told doing that was a no-no. Something to do with tampering with a safety system that aftermarket upholsterers didn't want to risk.
Or do I have a choice as to which type of fuel to use?
Also, if I choose to use regular and then fill up on premium, will that adversely affect my vehicle?
One example is here: http://search.cartserver.com/search/search.cgi?cartid=a-9041&bool=AND&category=c- - 34_receiv-01&maxhits=1&keywords=gl0692&GO=GO%21
Now driving to the beach for some time off is a different story. Don't need to haul butt as much.
I mean what if I have some regular in the tank and then I want to top it off with premium. Is that bad for the engine or does it really matter?
I think, I may want to fill up on premium for longer trips and just use regular for everyday driving. What do you think?
tidester, host
If you mix 5 gal. of 93 octane and 5 gal. of 89 octane you effectively end up with 91. I researched this prior to starting this practice. It all sounded logical but I wanted to make sure before I had a problem.
We bought our 02 Rav4 used, but got the original window sticker. The previous owner(s) had aftermarket leather installed before delivery in the front/back seats, which includes the inserts around the 4 door handles. The price penciled in on the window sticker was $1300. I think the company is called classic car or something like that and it's the same company Lexus uses in Tulsa.
Personally, I wouldn't spend the money if buying new simply because I find them much harder to keep clean and they require conditioning to reduce wear and cracking. I also live in a hot climate and even with dark window tinting all around they get hotter to the touch than any cloth seats. I will grant you that they smell nice, but doubt that you'd ever recover the added expense at resale because how many people expect to find leather on a Rav4? Now if it was a luxury or sports car where it would be expected I could see springing for it. Like KDH we tend to drive are cars until they turn to dust so I'll be interested to see how well they hold up. We don't have kids, but we do have dogs and thatshould play a part in one's decision as well.
Of course, in the end, it's a personal choice.
Gogiboy
Frank
Add the hitch will be very easy. There is a tie down bracket that I guess is used to tie the truck down in shipping and this has two bolts to remove it. There are two holes on each side of the frame with sturdy welded nuts inside the frame to pick up the four hitch bolts. My guess it is a half hour job to install it as everything is very accessable. Certainly would not pay $750 for a Toyota hitch when you can get get a nice one online for $130 and put it on in short order or pay a shop $75 to do it. This does not inlude the time to connect up the trailer light connector to the truck wiring at the rear.