If you only go thru light snow and mud, stay with 2WD. I have a 2WD Highlander in Boston area and it goes well in several inches of snow.4WD also has extra maintenance requirements. Biggest advantage I see in 4WD is climbing hills with passengers in back seat when the weight shifts from front to back wheels.
The 4WD video is pretty disappointing. They even picked the hill, it was a controlled environment. I guess they proved the opposite of what they were intending.
Major faux-pas, reminds me of Mercedes when their radar cruise control failed and the two cars crashed in to each other at that press event.
You might consider resale as well. Most SUVs in our area (Midwest) are 4x4 even though we don't really need it (just a few snows/year). When we tried to trade-in a 2WD (purchased in Texas) here, a few dealers weren't interested b/c it would be "too hard to sell" and we ended up getting a lower value for the trade-in. Not that you should base your decision on resale, but it's something I consider now.
I am thinking of buying the wife a 2006 RAV4 Limited (over a 2006 Honda CR-V) but I keep hearing bad things about wind noise, whining engine and rough ride....
We have always driven small sedans (eg Honda Accord) but she likes the look of the small SUV
We live in Dallas so it would be normal city/highway driving.
Any input will be greatly, greatly appreciated!!! This is a huge investment for us.
My wife's new RAV4 Limited is quieter and rides as well as the 1999 Accord EX it replaced. In addition, the turning circle is much tighter so it is easier to get around in parking lots. I don't think you will be disappointed.
I purchased a V6 limited for my wife. Well it was really her decision. We are both very happy with the car especially the handling and the ride. It is a very nimble SUV. With the V6 it is a rocket. I drove a 2006 RAV 4 cylinder and felt the car was underpowered so took order on a V6. The interior is very quiet at highway speeds so one does notice some wind noise around the lower windshield but it not obtrusive and after awhile you don't even notice it. My wife wanted another Subaru Outback (but a six) but after driving the RAV it was no contest and the RAV was considerably less expensive. Jump in and you won't be disappointed-a well thought out design and a good bang for your buck. By the way we are keeping our 1996 Outback for it has been a great car.
Does anyone know the Canadian invoice price for the 2006 RAV4 V4 base and limited models (obtained from APA or CARCOST CANADA)? Also, for people that have bought a 2006 RAV4 V4 in/near Ottawa, where did you get the best deal and for how much?
The last new Toyota I purchased was a 2003 Matrix. At the time, every Ottawa dealer seemed to be pricing their vehicles similarly (very little competition). Ended up buying in Cornwall. My buddy said he got his best deal in Renfrew when purchasing his Highlander and Solara. Good Luck.
I currently drive a 2002 CRV (same model as the '06 I think) and have ordered a 2006 RAV4. The road noise on the Honda is very noticeable, but on my test drives of both the 4 cylinder and the V6 base and limited, they seemed much quieter and a smoother ride. Also, the driver's side seat in the CRV became very uncomfortable after a few years. I've heard that Honda is coming out w/ a new model for the '07 CRV; I was planning to wait to compare the new models head to head, but I loved the RAV4 V6 so much that I ordered it.
does anybody know some source of service information a little more descriptive and detailed than drivers handbook for 2006 RAV4 6 cylinder. I am looking for fuse identification and electrical schematic. The objective is to get the power to rear power outlet without the ignition key. Any idea ? Thanks.
I regularly drive a 1998 Ford Contour V6 (with low noise tires) and a 2000 Toyota Sienna, sometimes on 600 mile days.
I test drove the RAV4 Base 4I and the RAV4 Sport V6. Both times, I was surprised by the road and wind noise, compared to the Contour and the Sienna. Not enough noise to take it off my "to-consider" list but enough to make me hesitate."
I keep an eye on the www.fitzmall.com site for v6 and prices. I notice the Chambersburgh locaton has one red Limited for $300 over invoice. Also several others, some at $600 over. The Gaithesburg location has raised prices to $1000 over invoice which is higher than usual. If your in the NJ, PA or MD area it may be worth a look.
If you have a RAV4 with a Toyota hitch I see there is a service bulletin. No info is shown though. The Edmuns maintenance site lists those and service/maintenance costs.
All, My employer offers PerksCard.com membership. Through the program I got quotes for both the 6 & 4cyls limited models. 6 Cly. Model # 4453A Factory Installed Access: FE GY HD LA RL SR TO Dealership: $89 Mud Guards $90 4 PC. All weather Mats $27,854 Delivered
4 Cly. Model #4452A Same options $25,921 delivered (includes title + doc fees)
I'm buying the 4 Cyl.
I'm still waiting for the ETA. I expect 12-16 weeks. I hate that!
Just curious. My replacement a few weeks ago. No problems. I did notice display seemed easier to read, and seemed to produce more power/sound thru speakers. Maybe something i smoked back in the 60's was playing tricks with my brain matter, but seemed that way. At least alot sharper now than the time display, ventilation system readouts etc.
I've owned a 2001 Sienna and out 120k on it. Just bought a V6 base model RAV4. It is MUCH quieter than my Sienna was.
On the minus side, the interior is a big step down. Cushion in rear seats is a joke. Toyota seems to be putting the money in the engine & electronics and less in creature comforts.
Thank you for taking the time to post this message! I am happy to hear that. It will make me look more carefully since the RAV4 seems to be the right size and format for my needs. Relatively short test drives can mislead.
I think this is a good assessment. If one wanted there could be a case made for the new RAV being the 'sport' model Highlander. Quicker, smaller, more nimble but not as cushy.
Has anyone seen/purchased a 4cyl Limited with moonroof and side airbags? In the northeast it seems the Limiteds truley are. Lots of base, sport and some V6 Limiteds. Waiting for dealer to let me know when one comes in. It's been 2 weeks.
I just leased a 4 cy. Limited with moonroof..it is loaded with extras..side air bags.dealer installed leather seats. Power and heated driver seat. Metallic red color. I went to dealer a couple weeks ago to cgeck out the new RAVs. They only had 3 including this one. I have had 3 RAVs before this one. You just can't knock them. Only had 29000 on the one that this one replaced. I had not intended to trade til summer, but a friend needed to replace a Saturn that she had. I went over in case she needed a ride. She bought the new Corolla and I came home with the new RAV. A good foot of additional space in rear as I had a rug folded to fit the other one..I had to re-fold it to fit the larger space. The added HP is definitely noticeable. A nice car..it's a Toyota!!
Has anyone test driven both the limited and sport versions of the RAV4? just how much sportier is the Sport model? I'm debating on which model to buy -- I want a sporty ride but at the same time it seems the Sport model gives up a lot of standard luxury features to the Limited and doesn't offer many options to compensate.
Many posts about Sport and Limited here, some of which I have put up. Go back and read posts for the last month or two.. Sport ride is just a little firmer than Limited. 18" wheels, fender flares and tuned suspension are major Sport items. If you don't like firm ride, Limited may be better for you. There is not a lot of ride difference though.
Drive both before you buy! There are plenty out there. Enjoy!
Theres a lot more features in the limited that cannot be had in the sport. * automatic ac system with hepa filter and dual temperature settings * power driver seat with power lumbar support. (REAL nice) * engine immobolizer with chip built into the key so that its harder to steal * locking spare tire cover * leather wheel and shifter * footwell lighting inside * 6 disc cd player w/ steering wheel comtrols standard in limited
Vince doesn't tell the whole storey in this case...
The euro version is a shorter wheelbase. Look at the rear door, it's shorter, and the overall length is a lot shorter, too.
The US gets a stretch model. They needed to leave room for the 3rd row to fold, hence the spare is mounted outside. The euro model doesn't offer a 3rd row option (it would not fit since it's smaller) so they can squeeze a donut under the cargo floor.
Now, that means perhaps they could hide the spare in models without the 3rd row option.
I am trying to clarify something....does the 2006 RAV4 V6 Limited with B package come with 7 seats or not (for Canada). Brochure says that with B package delete 3rd row...why. Any ideas...
Good question, snake34, but that is the way it is: no 3rd row seating with the B package. We don't seem to have many options up here in Canada. I wonder what's involved with buying a RAV4 in the States and importing it.
Trade-offs with the new RAV4" 2006 Toyota RAV4 Base V6 4X4 03/26/2006 By: Timbo from Maine Owned: Less than 1 year Review ID: #488982 8.9 Overall Rating
Pros: Handling, performance, acceleration all as advertised. Mine is V6 Base 4X4. Had a 2001 Sienna and also own a 2006 Camry V6 SE. More power than either. Handling isn't as good as Camry but still very good, esp for SUV. I love driving it. Driver's & front passenger seats are comfy. Upsizing from previous RAV4 was a big improvement. Essentially, this is a driver's car. Don't get it as a "family truckster" (more on that below). It really is wonderful to drive.
Cons: Interior kind of chintzy overall, although the color scheme (black-and-tan, inside my black exterior) is pretty good. Faux stainless is pretty cheesy. Formed fiber/cloth door panels are, too. Second row seats are a major disappointment...more of what you expect with a much cheaper car - just indefensably cheap, board-like, and uncomfortable. My biggest negative by far with the vehicle. The comfort of the Limited was no better, although the cloth was nicer. Third row seat is an utter waste of money...no room for any human I know to sit in there (no leg room).
Overall Review: Bottom line, I would buy it again (without the third row), but my feedback to Toyota is to put a bit more attention into the rear seats (my Camry's back seats are much more comfortable, and the Sienna is light years ahead in comfort). I'm certain I would have paid another 500 bucks for better creature comforts. Overall, two thumbs up because of the pleasure of driving it, but be aware of what you sacrifice.
I guess Toyota is either trying to be cheap here or they do not plan to sell many V6 Limited's. The other thing is that it may lure (confuse) a lot of the Highlander buyers. So till the time the redesigned 2007 Highlander comes out...don't offer Limited V6 (with B package and 7 seats!). I am not a huge leather fan, but the extra airbags are only offered with the B package.
Hi, I was in an accident now about 6 weeks ago and my rav was finally repaired. It tok a long time to get the new rear door parts in and apparently some of the parts were already changed by toyota. I do not know the details but the dealer at one point had a part coming but is was recalled from the factory and another replacement was sent with a new part number. Anyway, to my point. For a period of time I was driving without the rear wheel on or the mounting brackets. It looks pretty silly without it. I had considered just taking the wheel off (because I don't like the external spare) and keeping a can of fix-a-flat in the car. But,...when I was at pepboys, the can said do not use on vehicles with a tire pressure monitoring system, that it could dammage the system. Does anyone know how this rav system works and if you can safely use a can product on tire pressure checked tire? Also, though it does look silly without the tire, it looked like it would be easy for toyota to sell a part which would snap into place and make the rear look normal if you wanted to do something else with the spare.
Well I do not know about Canada, but in the USA it seems the regional districts decide what options come on what models and make up what packages. If you look at the "build and price" section of the Toyota site and use different zip codes across the country you will see different regions have different packages. As I have mentioned before, in NY you cannot buy V6 Sport with curtain bags. In MD., a different district, they all come with curtain bags. Even in NY, very few Limiteds seem to have leather or 3rd seat.
Well I did not write that review, just noticed it on the net and posted here as another view of the RAV4. I am suprised by the RAV vs. Camray handling comments since I have driven the all versions of the 2006 RAV4 and found handling to be very good, especially the sport. I think the RAV$ V6 Sport with a set of performance tires would give lots of performance sedans a run. At .77g the 2006 Camry had the lowest roadholding numbers in the recent Road and Track tests. The RAV4 V6 had about .82g or so and this is in Audi A4/A6 range even though the RAV4 has basic SUV/truck tires. I am sure the XLE Camry ride and comfort are softer/better than the RAV4 which has a very basic interior as I see it. For me, the space, handling and V6 performance are the RAV4s big pluses along with price. The interior is not too much to write home about but functional.
I'm curious....how many new Rav owners are experiencing the patented Rav "windshield/dashboard rattle"? I had to trade in a new 2003 Rav a over a year ago (for a 2005 Highlander, which I love) because all the squeaks and rattles coming from the front windshield and dashboard area drove me nuts, particularly in the cold weather. Nothing could fix the problem.
I've been doing a lot of research on this new model and loved the looks of it, but was going to base a future puchase decision (most likely in the next year or two, when I look to replace a 1997 Corolla) to a great deal on whether or not Toyota finally got a handle on this problem that plagued the prior generation. After reading several posts over at Rav4world.com, it appears that many are having this problem with the new generation as well. This is disappointing to say the least. Why can't this problem be fixed once and for all?
Well I am a two time Audi A6 owner and Audi fan! I have looked at and driven the A4 2.0T sedan and Avant with Tiptronic. And nothing is better than Audi Quattro! Both are wonderful cars in my opionion. I know there are a lot of negative Audi reliability comments here on the net but I have had two 2.7T V6 twin turbo Audis with no problems. The biggest funtional difference is that the RAV4 gives you alot more "high volume" in the rear with the 2nd seats down and it is wider inside at the rear. The Audi can take a 6 foot step ladder etc but if you want to haul bigger things (big model airplanes for me it is) the RAV4 is better. The performance/handling of the RAV4 Sport with V6 is very good. You can find the A4 2.0T test and the RAV4 V6 test in Car and Driver in the past 6 months or so and compare the performance numbers for yourself. They are similar numbers which is why the RAV4 caught my attention. As far as creature comforts, the RAV4 is much more basic but still funtional. The Audi A4 2.0T Tiptronic with leather and sunroof but not loaded will cost you $35k. The RAV4 V6 Sport with sunroof and stuff but cloth will cost $26.5K so there is a big difference. The A4 V6 will cost you about 4-5K more than the 2.0T They are really two different vehicles that both have good performance and are fun to drive.
The other downside to the Audi is it is very expensive to repair if you keep it beyond the 4yr./48K warranty and a service contract is probably not a bad idea if you keep it over the warranty. My experience is good but a blown turbo can be a $5K problem I think. The RAV4 should be much cheaper to maintain if you keep it beyond the warranty and extended service contracts are much cheaper than the Audi. But they are so nice!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The A6 Avant is beautiful but $50k MSRP equipped!
Hey drive them both and then check your piggy bank and think it over.
I know I should post this under prices paid post. But I am here now. So I post it here
Is $24,208 a good price for Limited RAV4 (4cyl) with side and curtain air bags and Daytime running lights. In PA after tax and title out of door price is 25833.43.
Well the invoice would be about 23130 with the advertising charge of $400 or so in there. So your paying $1100 over invoice and the dealer still gets the holdback $425 back so that price is not the best. You should be able to get it for at least another $500 or so less. But the market is crazy, shop around, unless your desperate for a car. See www.fitzmall.com for an idea on good prices. They sell 4cyl for $500 so over invoice. Good luck
We recently purchased a new RAV but have discovered a problem & are wondering if anybody else has the same issue.
If you have the front windows (doesn’t matter either one) a little bit down (say 1 to 4 inches), we noticed that there is a small rattle. I believe the problem is due to that when the window is down that the front part of the glass is vibrating against the small piece of triangular plastic near the front of the window. This piece of plastic seems to be made of a cheaper material than in other cars. If the window is further down (say half-way), the glass will be clear of the plastic and the noise is gone.
We have taken the car back to the dealer, but they have not, as yet, resolved the problem & that is why I was curious if anyone else has noticed this.
For the ones who live in South Florida, I bough a Limited I4 with the following options: - Daytime Running Lights - Side curtains airbags - Upgraded CD player - Carpet mats The out of the door price was $ 25,168. This price included the Southeast Florida dealer fee ($650 :mad: ), but I had to pay since I bough it from here. I ordered with leather but it came without and the dealer said that they will install it for me - I preferred to take it without.
Very satisfied about the dealer - Lipton Toyota - good price and services comparing with other offers. I hope they will be good on car maintenance too.
I did some MPG calculations: first 200 miles 21.3MPG, next 200 miles 21.5MPG; for a I4 seems to be pretty much, doesn't it?
How many miles do you have on it right now (I'm guessing about 900-1000)?
Does anyone know at what mileage we can expect the fuel economy numbers to more-or-less stabilize?
Thanks,
Martin (V6 "Sport", :confuse: currently getting about 19 mpg (U.S. gal.) on 75% highway - 25% "lead-foot" city driving with about 600 miles on the odo)
Comments
The 4WD video is pretty disappointing. They even picked the hill, it was a controlled environment. I guess they proved the opposite of what they were intending.
Major faux-pas, reminds me of Mercedes when their radar cruise control failed and the two cars crashed in to each other at that press event.
-juice
We have always driven small sedans (eg Honda Accord) but she likes the look of the small SUV
We live in Dallas so it would be normal city/highway driving.
Any input will be greatly, greatly appreciated!!! This is a huge investment for us.
Raul
I am looking for fuse identification and electrical schematic. The objective is to get the power to rear power outlet without the ignition key. Any idea ? Thanks.
I test drove the RAV4 Base 4I and the RAV4 Sport V6. Both times, I was surprised by the road and wind noise, compared to the Contour and the Sienna. Not enough noise to take it off my "to-consider" list but enough to make me hesitate."
My employer offers PerksCard.com membership. Through the program I got quotes for both the 6 & 4cyls limited models.
6 Cly.
Model # 4453A
Factory Installed Access: FE GY HD LA RL SR TO
Dealership: $89 Mud Guards
$90 4 PC. All weather Mats
$27,854 Delivered
4 Cly.
Model #4452A
Same options
$25,921 delivered (includes title + doc fees)
I'm buying the 4 Cyl.
I'm still waiting for the ETA. I expect 12-16 weeks.
I hate that!
On the minus side, the interior is a big step down. Cushion in rear seats is a joke. Toyota seems to be putting the money in the engine & electronics and less in creature comforts.
You choose your preference.
Drive both before you buy! There are plenty out there.
Enjoy!
but Limited's got that CHROME grill plus more
do-dad's for the interior.
------------
* automatic ac system with hepa filter and dual temperature settings
* power driver seat with power lumbar support. (REAL nice)
* engine immobolizer with chip built into the key so that its harder to steal
* locking spare tire cover
* leather wheel and shifter
* footwell lighting inside
* 6 disc cd player w/ steering wheel comtrols standard in limited
The euro version is a shorter wheelbase. Look at the rear door, it's shorter, and the overall length is a lot shorter, too.
The US gets a stretch model. They needed to leave room for the 3rd row to fold, hence the spare is mounted outside. The euro model doesn't offer a 3rd row option (it would not fit since it's smaller) so they can squeeze a donut under the cargo floor.
Now, that means perhaps they could hide the spare in models without the 3rd row option.
-juice
2006 Toyota RAV4 Base V6 4X4
03/26/2006
By: Timbo from Maine
Owned: Less than 1 year
Review ID: #488982
8.9 Overall Rating
8 Styling
10 Performance
7 Interior
10 Quality
9 Recommendation
Pros:
Handling, performance, acceleration all as advertised. Mine is V6 Base 4X4. Had a 2001 Sienna and also own a 2006 Camry V6 SE. More power than either. Handling isn't as good as Camry but still very good, esp for SUV. I love driving it. Driver's & front passenger seats are comfy. Upsizing from previous RAV4 was a big improvement. Essentially, this is a driver's car. Don't get it as a "family truckster" (more on that below). It really is wonderful to drive.
Cons:
Interior kind of chintzy overall, although the color scheme (black-and-tan, inside my black exterior) is pretty good. Faux stainless is pretty cheesy. Formed fiber/cloth door panels are, too. Second row seats are a major disappointment...more of what you expect with a much cheaper car - just indefensably cheap, board-like, and uncomfortable. My biggest negative by far with the vehicle. The comfort of the Limited was no better, although the cloth was nicer. Third row seat is an utter waste of money...no room for any human I know to sit in there (no leg room).
Overall Review:
Bottom line, I would buy it again (without the third row), but my feedback to Toyota is to put a bit more attention into the rear seats (my Camry's back seats are much more comfortable, and the Sienna is light years ahead in comfort). I'm certain I would have paid another 500 bucks for better creature comforts. Overall, two thumbs up because of the pleasure of driving it, but be aware of what you sacrifice.
Did you mean the ride is not as smooth as the Camry? Camrys aren't exactly known for sporty handling.
-juice
For me, the space, handling and V6 performance are the RAV4s big pluses along with price. The interior is not too much to write home about but functional.
-juice
If so, how do they compare? I realize the Audi is way more costly...is/was it worth the extra bucks?
The only AUDI "hatch" close to the RAVE4 in price is the A3, but it offers AWD only as feel-every-bump sport version.
Do you want a practical, roomy sport/cute, or a more luxurious sporty wagon?
-juice
I've been doing a lot of research on this new model and loved the looks of it, but was going to base a future puchase decision (most likely in the next year or two, when I look to replace a 1997 Corolla) to a great deal on whether or not Toyota finally got a handle on this problem that plagued the prior generation. After reading several posts over at Rav4world.com, it appears that many are having this problem with the new generation as well. This is disappointing to say the least. Why can't this problem be fixed once and for all?
The other downside to the Audi is it is very expensive to repair if you keep it beyond the 4yr./48K warranty and a service contract is probably not a bad idea if you keep it over the warranty. My experience is good but a blown turbo can be a $5K problem I think. The RAV4 should be much cheaper to maintain if you keep it beyond the warranty and extended service contracts are much cheaper than the Audi. But they are so nice!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The A6 Avant is beautiful but $50k MSRP equipped!
Hey drive them both and then check your piggy bank and think it over.
Is $24,208 a good price for Limited RAV4 (4cyl) with side and curtain air bags and Daytime running lights. In PA after tax and title out of door price is 25833.43.
If not what would be a good price to ask for.
Thanks.
1st Tank: 20.2 MPG (all stop and go city driving--I believe the true MPG would be higher because I don't think teh dealer really gave me a full tank.
2nd Tank: 21.4 MPG (all city driving)
3rd Tank: 22.7 MPG (all city driving)
So far, pretty good for a V6 with a lot of ponies in it!
See www.fitzmall.com for an idea on good prices. They sell 4cyl for $500 so over invoice.
Good luck
We recently purchased a new RAV but have discovered a problem & are wondering if anybody else has the same issue.
If you have the front windows (doesn’t matter either one) a little bit down (say 1 to 4 inches), we noticed that there is a small rattle. I believe the problem is due to that when the window is down that the front part of the glass is vibrating against the small piece of triangular plastic near the front of the window. This piece of plastic seems to be made of a cheaper material than in other cars. If the window is further down (say half-way), the glass will be clear of the plastic and the noise is gone.
We have taken the car back to the dealer, but they have not, as yet, resolved the problem & that is why I was curious if anyone else has noticed this.
Thanks
- Daytime Running Lights
- Side curtains airbags
- Upgraded CD player
- Carpet mats
The out of the door price was $ 25,168. This price included the Southeast Florida dealer fee ($650 :mad: ), but I had to pay since I bough it from here. I ordered with leather but it came without and the dealer said that they will install it for me - I preferred to take it without.
Very satisfied about the dealer - Lipton Toyota - good price and services comparing with other offers. I hope they will be good on car maintenance too.
I did some MPG calculations: first 200 miles 21.3MPG, next 200 miles 21.5MPG; for a I4 seems to be pretty much, doesn't it?
Does anyone know at what mileage we can expect the fuel economy numbers to more-or-less stabilize?
Thanks,
Martin (V6 "Sport", :confuse: currently getting about 19 mpg (U.S. gal.) on 75% highway - 25% "lead-foot" city driving with about 600 miles on the odo)